Spooky season is here and we are PUMPED. Zombies and ghosts and scary movies abound in Downtown Lynchburg this year and we are ready to get scared! We know you are too, which is why we took the time to over a dozen of our favorite “frightening” events this October ranging from kid-friendly to 21-and-up. Find the right one (or two, or three) for you!
WEDNESDAYS IN OCTOBER - HAUNTED HISTORIC THEATRE TOURS
Academy Center of the Arts
In 1911, the Historic Academy of Music Theatre was partially destroyed by a mysterious fire in the basement. Since then, the building just hasn’t felt the same. Join our staff and in-house paranormal team as we investigate the unexplainable happenings, murmurs, and ghosts that lurk in the wings during the month of October. Be prepared for goosebumps, and remember: as long as you stay with the group, you’ll be just fine.
Price: $15
OCTOBER 11 - GLOW RIDE
Percival’s Island
Peddle under the light of the full moon! Bikers of all levels and ages are welcome to join us on this fun, safe group ride. Meet up at Percival's Island and ride 3 miles down the trail, 6 miles round trip. Wear bright colors and decorate your bike with glow sticks and lights. A prize will be awarded to the most festive bicycle. Riders can enjoy food and drinks downtown after the ride. Register three days in advance.
Price: FREE (Please register)
OCTOBER 19 - 9TH ANNUAL ZOMBIE WALK!
Lynchburg Community Market
Come be a part of Lynchburg's most bizarre and unique tradition! The Lynchburg Zombie Walk is now in it's 9th year and is a canned food drive with a twist! Prizes for best looking zombies adults and children. All participants are asked to bring a canned food donation to benefit the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank and/or make a cash donation to benefit the Lynchburg Dog Park. Tell a friend and bring a victim!
Price: FREE (Donations appreciated)
OCTOBER 20 - SPOOKY SILENTS
Academy Center of the Arts
The Peacherine Ragtime Society Orchestra, hailed as “the premier American ragtime ensemble”, will bring tears of laughter to your eyes as you laugh out loud to the masters of silent comedy in their Halloween themed movie classics: Charlie Chaplin in The Adventurer (1917), Buster Keaton in The Haunted House (1921) and Laurel & Hardy in Habeas Corpus (1928), all accompanied live with their original historic orchestral scores.
Price: $10-$40
OCTOBER 24-26 - GHOSTS OF HISTORIC LYNCHBURG WALKING TOUR
Daniel’s Hill Historic District (Downtown adjacent)
Feeling a little spooky this Halloween season? Come and tour Daniel’s Hill Historic District to hear tales of hauntings and sightings. Who knows, you may experience it yourself.
Ticket sales begin at 6:00 PM each evening at the “Y House,” 203 Cabell Street and can also be purchased at www.HillCityTIX.com. First come, first served with a number of walks each evening. Afterwards enjoy some Halloween cookies and apple cider.
Price: $5-$10
OCTOBER 25 - WICKED WAREHOUSE WITH THE DUNDIES
Academy Center of the Arts - Joy & Lynch Christian Warehouse
Who said Halloween was just for kids?! Grab your friends and celebrate the spookiest day of the year at the Academy! Party with the Dundies, grab a signature spooky drink with your friends, and compete in our costume contest to win Crowd Favorite, Band Choice, Best Couple/Group, or Most Original!
Price: $10
OCTOBER 26 - 4th Annual Apocalyptic Halloween Bash
The Water Dog
Strap on your spandex, grab your Rick & Morty costume and stretch those hammies - because the bash is back! Come wearing a sweet costume and The Water Dog will hook you up with some rad swag guaranteed to increase your party potential tenfold.
Price: FREE (No cover charge)
OCTOBER 26 - LIBERTY WAY 80S & 90S HALLOWEEN PARTY
Speakertree Records
Grab your leg warmers and best dayglow t-shirt for an 80s and 90s themed Halloween party including giveaways, dance contest, costume contest, music, drinks, food, and good vibes!
Price: $5
OCTOBER 27 - PAW-LOWEEN COSTUME CONTEST
Craddock Terry Hotel & Event Center
Bring your favorite four-legged furry friend to join Craddock Terry Hotel & Event Center's Annual Paw-loween Costume Contest! Registration begins at 1:30pm on the front patio of Shoemakers, and the contest will begin at 2pm. They'll be serving fall-themed snacks, hot apple cider and prizes for you and your pet!
Price: FREE
OCTOBER 27 - MONSTER BASH
The Virginian Hotel
Calling all ghouls, girls, and boys! Join The Virginian Hotel for their annual Monster Bash. Spend the day with family and friends as they celebrate the spookiest season of the year. Every ticket sold will help us giveback to the United Way of Central Virginia, as they will donate 10% of the total ticket sales!
Activities available: Pumpkin decorating, Costume contest, Haunted Tours, Gypsy Readings, Spooky Buffet & More!
Price: $10-$15
OCTOBER 31 - Adult halloween party
Waterstone Pizza
No tricks here...just treats. Begin the evening at 6pm with Bikes Unlimited for a Halloween pedal down Blackwater Creek Trail. Enjoy dinner at Waterstone with spooktacular food and cocktail features including a s'mores bar for dessert. Rendezvous - Lynchburg will be performing live in the Biergarten. Come dressed in your best, most creative or scariest costume and possibly leave a costume contest winner!
Price: FREE
NOVEMBER 1 - FREAKY FRIDAY
El Jefe Taqueria
Keep the party going! Bring your friends and be sure to show up in costume for a spooktacular night at El Jefe. It will be a night to remember filled with delicious tacos and awesome drink specials in celebration of Halloween.
Price: Free entry (drinks are on you)
NOVEMBER 2 - SUPERHERO RUN
Percival’s Island
Because every child needs a hero, but abused children need superheroes! All ages welcome for CASA's 5th Annual Superhero 5K and 1 Mile Children's Fun Run. All proceeds benefit Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Central Virginia.
Note - This is a not-so-frightening event but it DOES involve costumes!
Price: $15-$30
So, grab that cat-ear headband, draw one some whiskers with eyeliner, and dress in all black…it’s Halloween in Downtown Lynchburg!
Can’t handle being spooked? There are plenty of other events listed on our calendar.
