Get Spooky with these Halloween Activities in Charlottesville

Poe's Room on UVA Grounds

Did you know Edgar Allan Poe once called Charlottesville home? The American writer and poet attended UVA for about 10 months in 1826. Self-guided tours of his room on UVA Grounds are available year-round, though foot traffic picks up around Halloween, thanks to Poe’s flair for gothic and supernatural writing. If you're looking for an extra spooky night out, join the UVA Club of Charlottesville on October 30th for an 'Evening with Count Dracula & Poe.' First, attendees will be whisked away for a tour of Poe's Room, led by members of the Raven Society (who will be garbed in full cloaks and accouterments of course). Then, guests will be treated to entertaining excerpts from Associate Professor Stanley J. Stepanic on the 'Top 10 things people should know about Dracula' and other terrifying topics.

Costumes are encouraged and space is limited, with 15 minute time slots available from 7PM until 10:30PM. Tickets are available online and include light finger foods and non-alcoholic beverages. Once it's full, this event will be closed and nevermore...until next year!

Hike Ragged Mountain Natural Area

After you visit Poe’s West Range digs, head out on the trail that inspired Poe’s only short story set in Charlottesville! A Tale of the Ragged Mountains captures the essence of the wilderness so close to town. Ragged Mountain Natural Area has great hiking trails that surround the reservoir. Plus, October-November is a prime time to see fall foliage, giving you all the more reason to head out on the trail.

Explore Unlocked History's "The Raven" Room

Located just a five minute drive from the Downtown Mall, Unlocked History Escape Rooms offers three different history-themed adventures — including "The Raven Room." Teams of three to seven players can take part in this mission which centers on the premise that Edgar Allan Poe, in his first year at UVA, has gone missing. The escape room takes about an hour to complete.

Enjoy Halloween-themed performances and shows at local venues this month. On October 27th, visit Potter's Craft Cider for a ghostly glow-up to their monthly Ceili with the Blue Ridge Irish Music School. Enjoy Irish music and dance at this family-friendly event. Costumes are encouraged and no experience is required!

On October 25th and 26th, the annual Mock Star's Ball returns to The Southern Cafe and Music Hall on the historic pedestrian Downtown Mall! Local bands will take the stage dressed up and playing covers of the artist of their choice. Come in costume and get ready to rock out.

Sunday, October 27th 1:30PM

Dog owners? Dog lovers? All are welcome at Keswick Vineyards annual Howl-O-Ween event! Dress your pup up in their finest spooky attire and bring them out for a puppy parade through the tasting room. A costume contest will follow at 2:30PM with prizes for the top three pups. This event will also have live music from Rachel Carpo until 4PM, food available for purchase onsite, and a miniature golf course (tickets required). RSVP here for what will be an undoubtedly fun family-friendly event!

Thursday, October 31, 5 - 7 pm

Pint-sized heroes, ghosts, and the like will descend on the University of Virginia for the annual “Trick-or-Treating on the Lawn” celebration! This longtime tradition established by students in the late 1980s is open to children and families from the local community. Co-sponsored by residents of the Lawn and West Range communities, the residents and members of student organizations will be stationed in each of the 54 Lawn rooms as well as the West Range to give out treats. All candy is donated and distributed by approximately 70 student groups and other organizations. Admission is free!