When the autumn chill rolls off the Elizabeth River and crisp leaves scatter across the ballast stone streets of Freemason, Norfolk transforms into the ultimate destination for thrills and chills. Whether you are hunting for family-friendly trick-or-treating at the Virginia Zoo, seeking out spine-tingling history in our centuries-old neighborhoods, or gearing up for wicked waterfront block parties at Waterside District, our coastal city goes all out for spooky season. Here are a few of our favorite upcoming Halloween-themed events.
Have an event you’d like to see added here? Email us.
Haunted Norfolk Tours
When: Through Oct. 31, 2026
Where: Battleship Wisconsin/Nauticus
The Haunted Norfolk Tour will walk you through some of Downtown’s otherworldly-histories; from ghost stories and real life tragedies, to experiments from another dimension. Crawl the depths of Norfolk and explore all the spooky charm it has to offer. Duration: 1.5 Hours. Tickets cost $25 for adults and $20 for children, available to purchase on our website: https://www.toursofnorfolk.com/haunted-norfolk-tour
Nevermore: An Evening of Edgar Allan Poe
When: Oct. 10, 2026
Where: Hunter House Victorian Museum
An immersive theatrical event, 12 of Poe’s stories and poems are adapted and performed throughout the museum bringing Poe’s elegant prose and old world feel to Norfolk with a modern day perspective. This production will be provided by New York’s Half Light Theatre. Tickets and reservations will be made by Half Light Theatre Productions. Space is limited so reserve your spot today!
ZooBoo
When: Oct. 17-18
Where: Virginia Zoo
Halloween goes WILD at the Virginia Zoo’s ZooBoo! Join us on October 17 & 18 from 9am – 4pm for a family-friendly celebration packed with animal experiences, hands-on activities, and fang-tastic fun. Carve out time to watch animals enjoy pumpkin enrichment and meet mystery Animal Ambassadors. Goblin up candy and other giveaway goodies, like an exclusive Virginia Zoo trading card, at trick-or-treat stations throughout the Zoo. Booooogie to a local DJ’s tunes, compete in costume contests, and shop a spooky market featuring local vendors. Kids can even bounce in themed bounce houses, explore sensory-friendly activities like Touch-a-Truck, and meet special character guests.
Special Topics Tour: Angels and Demons
When: Oct. 18, 2026
Where: Chrysler Museum of Art
Special Topic Tours unpack big ideas! Led by expert docents, these engaging tours offer insightful discussions and interesting stories to deepen engagement with our stunningly dynamic and diverse collection.
Norfolk Flea After Dark- Halloween
Edition
When: Oct. 23, 2026
Where: COVA Brewing Co.
Join COVA Brewing Company for a special Halloween Edition of Norfolk Flea After Dark on Friday, October 23rd from 5PM–10PM. COVA is bringing together a killer lineup of local makers, vintage finds, artists, oddities, handmade goods, and one-of-a-kind treasures all with a little Halloween flavor mixed in. Grab a beer, shop under the lights, hang with friends, and spend your Friday night digging through some of the coolest local vendors in Hampton Roads. Costumes are encouraged. Good drinks are basically required.
Masquerade in Ghent 2026
When: Oct. 23, 2026
Where: Colley Ave.
Join the fun on Friday, Oct. 23 from 6-10pm on Colley Avenue for the Ghent Business Association’s Annual Halloween street party and costume contest. Prizes for the best costumes in each category, live music by Wonderland, kids activities, adult beverages and food.
Cabaret Dinner Theater: Party of the
Dead Edition!
When: Oct. 24, 2026
Where: 37th and Zen
Cabaret dinner theater, with a twist! The Feral Showgirls present a menagerie of performances from the exotically beautiful to the outright absurd, by performers that are nothing less than fabulous. Burlesque, belly dance, cabaret, vocals, and more! You never know what you will experience. Dine and imbibe while the Feral Showgirls delight all of your senses.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show Live Shadowcast with Fishnet Ink
When: Oct. 30, 2026
Where: Maker’s Craft Brewery
October 30th Makers Craft Brewery will be hosting the show that features our favorite creatures of the night, Fishnet Ink, the oldest cast in Norfolk. This show will be for ages 18 and up. Beer will be available for purchase at the event room and tap room bars. Fishnet Ink will also have prop bags available for sale for you to follow along with. Plus classics such as the underwear run and paddling will also be joining us in our merriment.
Beats & Treats: A Halloween Block Party
When: Oct. 30, 2026
Where: Five Points Civic Plaza Park
A spooky-fun block party with house beats, games, and giveaways. Live Entertainment: DJ Amarosa of Music Theory Studios.
Howl-O-Ween: Dog Day at the Zoo
When: Oct. 30, 2026
Where: Virginia Zoo
Bring your favorite pup to the Zoo for a howling good time at Howl-o-ween: Dog Day at the Zoo! Dog lovers and their well-behaved canine companions are invited to explore the Zoo together and enjoy festive Halloween fun. Pups will be treated to new sights, smells, and sounds alongside their people while also providing enrichment to the Zoo’s animals. Guests are encouraged to dress their dogs in their best Halloween costumes and enter our dog costume contest for a chance to win prizes.
MasqueRAGE with SICKICK
When: Oct. 30, 2026
Where: Waterside District
Kick off Halloween weekend with one of electronic music’s most iconic DJs! SICKICK returns to Waterside District for MasqueRAGE, an immersive Halloween party on Friday, October 30. Expect an unforgettable night of booming production, hypnotic visuals, and the signature masked performance that has captivated millions around the world.
The Descent Halloween Experience at Waterside
When: Oct. 31, 2026
Where: Waterside District
Enter The Descent into the Dark Cathedral. Experience an immersive Halloween party + most epic costume contest for up to $10k in cash and prizes! Experience live performers by Visual Artistry Entertainment, a silent disco, karaoke, multiple DJs, multiple bars featuring themed drinks.
Monster Masquerade DJ Night at Grain
When: Oct. 31, 2026
Where: Grain
The Monster Masquerade takes over the rooftop on Saturday, October 31 from 9PM to 2AM with killer beats, cold drinks and the best view of the Norfolk skyline. Whether you’re coming as a creature of the night or hiding behind a mask, this is the Halloween party you don’t want to miss!
SOLD OUT: ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW AT THE NARO
When: Oct. 24 and 31, 2026
Where: NARO Expanded Cinema
Advance tickets are sold out, but some tickets will be available at the box office on the day of show for $20 each.
Day of the Dead Celebration at Benchtop Brewing
When: Nov. 1, 2026
Where: Benchtop Brewing
Day of the Dead celebration at Benchtop from noon to 8 p.m. featuring Release of Secret Skulls – Mexican Altbier, a vendor market from 1-5 p.m., live music with Nate Sacks from 3-6 p.m. and tacos from Taqueria El Patron.