With the arrival of cooler weather, Downtown is offering plenty of creepy, boo-worthy amusements to help you usher in the Halloween season. Scare up some good times with these upcoming events sure to spook and delight you Downtown!
1. Catch Frightening Flicks at Riverviews Artspace
Jump-start the fearful season and your inner film critic with a viewing of “Dawn of the Dead” on October 18; doors open at 7 p.m. for this unique event where Ken Faraoni leads discussions about the cultural and historical influences in classic movies. Be sure to return on October 28 for a screening of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” complete with live cast. Come dressed as your favorite character and keep this Riverviews’ tradition alive while enjoying refreshments, prop bags and prizes.
More information on the Riverviews Artspace website.
2. Break a Scary Sweat
Don your best cycle-friendly costume and join the 2nd Annual Halloween Ride and after party at Bikes Unlimited. The official costume ride starts at 5:30 on October 20 and goes for a few leisurely miles along the Black Water Creek Trail before going back to Bikes Unlimited for music, beer, and food. Kids and adults welcome! Bring your most creative costume for a chance to win a prize!
More information on the 2nd Annual Halloween Ride event page.
3. Go Zombie for a Good Cause
If you can’t get enough of “The Walking Dead,” then this is the event for you when the undead will takeover Main Street once again for the 7th Annual Zombie Walk on October 21. Try your hand at creating the best and most authentic gory disguise for a chance to win one of the top prizes, awarded to both kids and adults! Bring a canned food item to benefit the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank or a cash donation for the Lynchburg Dog Park.
More information on the 7th Annual Zombie Walk Facebook page.
4) Dash with the Monsters
Grab your kids and your best costumes for the Monster Mash Dash on the Percival’s Island trail this Saturday, October 21. With both a one mile fun run and a traditional 5k, everyone has a reason to come out. Be one of the first 50 registrants to nab a free pumpkin from the Downtown YMCA!
More information on the Monster Mash Dash website.
5) Scare Up Some Ghosts
Few things evoke the eeriness of Halloween like a tried-and-true Ghost Walk. Join an evening tour on October 26, 27, or 28 and walk the storied streets of the Diamond Hill Historic District. With a knowledgeable guide from the Lynchburg Historical Foundation, you’ll be able to envision the lives and stories of those who called these streets home in days gone by. Start your adventure at the Lewis & Clark duplex (416-418 Washington Street) at 6 p.m. sharp—tickets are first come, first served!
More information on The Ghosts of Historic Lynchburg event page.
6) Dance Your Fears Away
Dance the night away at the 17th Annual Ugly Bug Ball, one of the most enjoyable ways to celebrate Halloween and support a great cause at Amazement Square’s largest fundraiser. This year’s theme is all about childhood dreams—dubbed “When I Grow Up”—so choose the best costume that represents the imaginary adventures of your younger self. Held on October 27, this one-of-a-kind event includes dinner and dancing with a live band plus a live and silent auction.
More information about the Ugly Bug Ball on the website.
7) Party at the waterfront
How strong is your costume game? Because this year’s party at The Water Dog offers prizes for Best Couple or Group costume, Most Creative, and Scariest costume plus “rad swag” for participating. Whether or not you win, the night still promises “to probably break the internet,” so be sure you don’t miss the 2nd Annual Apocalyptic Halloween Bash on October 28.
More party details can be found on the event page.
8) Kick It Back for an 80s Concert
Kickoff the Warehouse Concert Series with a “Back to the 80s” themed costume party on October 31. Enjoy a night of listening to Love Canon—an 80s bluegrass cover band—complete with themed drinks and costume prizes. Tickets are $15 in advance; doors open at 7 p.m., and the music starts at 8.
More information on the Academy’s event page.
