Halloween in Richmond and Ashland: Family Events, Music and Nightlife | Oct. 30–31
Halloween falls on Saturday this year, giving Richmond and Ashland two nights for costumes, movies, music and dancing. For October 30–31, 2026, the choices range from an afternoon laser show and a family orchestra concert to late-night DJ parties.
Plan around the age rules: Main Line Brewery welcomes all ages only until 6 p.m. Saturday, then switches to 18 and older. The Henry Clay Inn, Southern Railway Taphouse and Ember Music Hall advertise adult events. Read the individual details before buying tickets.
Organizer information checked October 28, 2026. All times are local. Listed prices may exclude checkout fees; ticket links do not guarantee remaining inventory.
Family activities
Halloween laser shows at the Science Museum of Virginia
Saturday, October 31: 11 a.m., noon, 2, 3 and 4 p.m. | 2500 W. Broad St., Richmond | All ages
The Dome pairs Halloween music with lasers in a 30-minute program. Admission is $5 in addition to museum admission, or $9 for the show alone; members may use a Dome pass. Each performance seats 250. No late admission or re-entry is allowed, and tickets are nonrefundable. Family-friendly costumes are welcome, but full-face coverings are prohibited.
Show details and official tickets. For accommodations, call Guest Services at 804-864-1400 and review the museum’s accessibility information. Consider the light effects and the requirement to remain seated throughout when choosing a show.
Hocus Pocus at Ashland Theatre
Saturday, October 31, noon | 205 England St., Ashland | Rated PG
The 1993 film brings the Sanderson sisters back to the screen for a Halloween matinee. The theatre’s published standard matinee rate is $9, with a $2 historic preservation fee on box-office tickets; confirm the final online total before paying. The official ticket page lists the October 31 showing with a purchase option.
Event details | Official tickets. The lobby, concessions and main auditorium are wheelchair accessible, with limited wheelchair seating. Call 804-401-7007 ahead to reserve space; accessible parking is behind the theatre on Robinson Street.
RVA Halloween Block Party at Main Line Brewery
Saturday, October 31, noon–10 p.m. | 1603 Ownby Lane, Richmond | All ages noon–6 p.m.; 18+ beginning at 6 p.m.
The indoor-and-outdoor celebration combines live bands, DJs, food, games and costume contests. Children must remain with a parent or guardian during the daytime portion. At 6 p.m., admission changes to 18 and older, with government-issued photo ID required. Alcohol is for guests 21 and older.
The organizer’s ticket listing advertises $10 advance or $15 at the door, no refunds and free parking. Prices may rise as allotments sell. The venue advertises a free Pilates activity, but that does not make the block party free. Step-free routes and accessible restrooms are not detailed on the event page; call 804-387-9670 about the event layout.
Venue details and age policy | Official tickets. The brewery’s specific 6 p.m. restriction is the rule to follow even where ticket-platform labels say “all ages.”
Live performances
Black Cat Market and The Royal We at Main Line Brewery
Friday, October 30, 5–10 p.m.; music 7–10 p.m. | 1603 Ownby Lane, Richmond | Free admission
Start the weekend with a costume party, more than 30 vendors, food trucks and a live set from The Royal We. Pets are welcome. Food, drinks and shopping cost extra. The organizer does not publish an event-specific minimum age or accessibility layout; families and guests needing accommodations should confirm with the brewery at 804-387-9670.
Official market and performance details. This is Friday’s free event; Saturday’s ticketed block party has separate admission and age rules.
Richmond Symphony’s Halloween Spooktacular and Boo-Fest
Saturday, October 31: Boo-Fest at 1:30 p.m.; concert at 3 p.m. | Carpenter Theatre, Dominion Energy Center, Sixth and Grace streets, Richmond | Family concert
Jessica Altarriba conducts a program mixing orchestral Halloween favorites with movie and television music. Arrive for Boo-Fest’s crafts, games, face painting and instrument petting zoo. Boo-Fest is included with a concert ticket. Children 2 and younger do not need a ticket when seated in an adult’s lap.
The venue lists tickets on sale; check Etix or the box office for the current price and available seats. An exact checkout price could not be confirmed. Accessible seating can be requested at 804-592-3400. The venue provides an accessible entrance at Sixth and Grace, elevators, assisted listening and sensory bags.
Official program | Official tickets | Accessibility details.
Adult nightlife and a Friday horror screening
Halloween (1978) at Ashland Theatre
Friday, October 30, 7 p.m. | 205 England St., Ashland
John Carpenter’s original horror film offers a Friday-night alternative to a dance floor. This is a horror screening, so families should review suitability and the theatre’s admission rules before booking. The theatre’s standard evening movie rates are $12 for adults and $10 for seniors 65+, children 12 and under, students with ID and active military with ID. Box-office purchases include a $2 historic preservation fee; verify the final total and any screening-specific conditions.
Screening details | Official ticket link. For limited wheelchair seating and admission questions, call 804-401-7007. The theatre’s FAQ explains access, parking and movie-ticket policies.
Halloween Costume Party at The Henry Clay Inn
Saturday, October 31, 7–10 p.m. | 114 N. Railroad Ave., Ashland | 21+
The inn’s costume evening includes a signature cocktail and passed appetizers for $35 per guest. Additional cocktails and small plates are sold separately. The organizer advertises limited tickets and a costume prize.
Official details | Official tickets. Remaining inventory, refund terms and event-specific physical-access arrangements were not visible in the pages checked. Call 804-798-3100 before purchasing if you need an accessible entrance, seating or other accommodations.
Haunted Dollhouse at Southern Railway Taphouse
Saturday, October 31, 8 p.m.–2 a.m. Sunday | 100 S. 14th St., Richmond | 21+
DJ Bryan One supplies the music for a costume party with haunted décor and a costume contest. The organizer advertises $10 advance tickets and no refunds; confirm the available tier and fees before buying. Event-specific accessibility and parking details are not supplied in the listing.
Official event details, tickets and organizer contact. Ask the organizer about step-free entry, accessible restrooms and seating if needed.
Drop It Like It’s Halloween at Ember Music Hall
Saturday, October 31 | 309 E. Broad St., Richmond | Venue header and ticket listing: 21+
The current organizer listing calls this a 1990s-and-2000s hip-hop and R&B party, replacing the earlier “Hip-Hop vs Reggae” title. Confirm arrival time before traveling: Eventbrite lists 9 p.m.–2 a.m., while Ember’s website lists a 10 p.m. show. The venue advertises tickets from $10. Promotional text describes a “27+ crowd,” although both admission headers say 21+; guests younger than 27 should confirm the door policy.
Current venue listing | Official tickets. Ember describes the facility as accessible and general admission as standing room; ask about specific seating needs at info@embermusichall.com or 804-404-2327. Its FAQ requires accepted photo ID and says ticket sales are final.
Before you head out
Check your chosen organizer’s page again for weather changes, ticket availability and costume or bag rules. A listed event is not a promise of admission. For Saturday’s late parties, the advertised closing time falls on Sunday, November 1; ask the venue how it will handle the overnight clock change if you plan to stay until closing.
For more plans, visit TCC’s events calendar and This Week in RVA: October 26–November 1.
