Dark Valentine's FANTASY BALL: Morbid Masquerade (Richmond 2026)

Dare to venture into the shadows of Richmond’s Dark FANTASY BALL: A Morbid Masquerade (21+) on Friday the 13th – in February 2026!

This unconventional annual affair - presented by After Dark RVA – beckons the daring and the adventurous to embrace a darker, more mysterious side of Valentine's Day, be you single OR taken. Stepping away from the conventional, our event promises an unforgettable night filled with enchanting mystique with a heavy touch of the macabre. Doors at 8:00pm, hosted at the historic Hofheimer Building.

The previous DARK FANTASY BALLs in Richmond SOLD OUT in advance so don't delay in securing your Adv. Tickets!

➡️ Special Dark Valentine's themed cocktails

➡️ Face Paint Masks (by ) - free from 7-9:00pm!

➡️ Special Performances (TBA)

➡️ Morbid Vendors (online & in-person)

➡️ GLOOMY HOUR: 7:00-8:00pm in 2nd Floor Library, main doors at 8:00pm

➡️ Masked COSTUME CONTEST

➡️ Featured and Roaming Photographers

➡️ Music (Goth / Industrial / EBM / 80s / Electro / House)

➡️ Charity Canned Food Drive & Prize Raffle: (benefitting of Richmond, VA)

At the (dark) heart of the FANTASY BALL lies our captivating costume/cosplay showcase, where attendees are encouraged to unleash their creativity with all styles of masks— not just traditional masquerade masks. Whether it’s a gothic masterpiece, a whimsical creation, or a full-face mask reminiscent of Halloween’s chilling delights, your imagination is the only limit. Unleash your inner fantasy and immerse yourself in a world where mystery and allure converge.

NOTE: Masks are not required but they are HIGHLY encouraged. If attendees plan to enjoy dark adult libations the historic Hofheimer bar staff will offer up, they should consider a mask that doesn’t cover one’s mouth.

Not sure what MASK to wear ? Let paint one on you! This amazingly creative team is offering FREE Face Painted Masks from 7:00-8:00pm (during our "Gloomy Hour") in the Hofheimer Building's 2nd Floor Library / Lounge and then continuing in the Loft when doors open at 8:00 (until 9:00pm.)

GLOOMY HOUR: For those with a FANTASY BALL ticket, consider joining us a little early for a special "Gloomy Hour" in the Hofheimer's 2nd floor library from 7:00-8:00pm - before main doors at 8:00pm!

Elevate your outfit/costume/cosplay to new heights by incorporating your mask and plan to join our “Masked COSTUME CONTEST”. Whether you’ve meticulously matched your mask to your attire or ingeniously integrated it into a larger concept, we’d love to see you on stage! Let your mask be an extension of your dark fantasy persona and join the competition – may the most mesmerizing ensemble prevail!

NOTE: More info. on how to join the contest will be provided at Registration night-of event - limited spots available!

Prepare your taste buds for a journey into the extraordinary while at the Dark Valentine's FANTASY BALL. The Hofheimer's masterful mixologists will be conjuring up a variety of bloody awesome themed cocktails, each sip a revelation of dark elegance and tantalizing flavor. Their fully stocked bars will also cater to every palate with a selection of standard libations, alongside a generous offering of beer, wine, soda, and water.

This bewitching evening, offering a unique alternative to traditional, less creative Valentine’s themed events, the FANTASY BALL: A Morbid Masquerade will unfold within the walls of the historic in Richmond—a venue steeped in history and grandeur. Built in 1928, this architectural gem located at the edge of Scott’s Addition provides the perfect backdrop for our morbid masquerade, adding an extra layer of allure to an already enchanting affair.

Have a heart and embrace the spirit of giving by participating in our CHARITY CANNED FOOD DRIVE, directly benefiting Richmond's own For every two cans donated, attendees will receive one raffle ticket, making them eligible for a chance to win fantastic prizes (more cans donated equals more raffle tickets!). Let your goodwill shine as we come together to make a positive impact on our community.

DC Creators supports all artists that take the initiative to thrive. Together they offer unique pARTies that are one of a kind, with visually captivating atmospheres, face & body painting offerings, painted models, mood lighting, dance music, and more. DC Creators Body Art Collective produces "Live Body Art Shows," where the patrons watch or become part the creative process. DC Creators brings quite a unique experience to transform any event into a memorable one.

FB: Facebook.com/DCcreators.Network

INSTA: Instagram.com/dc_creators

WEB: DCCreators.com

Founded in 2012, Markster Con Productions produces a wide variety of adult-aged (18+, 21+) alternative themed events around the Southeast. Based out of Richmond, Markster Con has produced events in Atlanta, Athens, Savannah & Columbus, Georgia; Charleston, South Carolina; Miami & Daytona Beach, Florida; Birmingham, Alabama; Bristol, Tennessee/Virginia; & Denver, Colorado. In addition to co-producing Richmond's VAMPIRE BALL and KRAMPUS BALL, Markster Con also produces the infamous VAMPIRE BALL in Savannah annually. In 2019 and again in 2020 Markster Con was voted as having the "BEST PUB CRAWL IN SAVANNAH" by readers of Connect Savannah newspaper and the Vampire Ball was nominated for "Best Event In Savannah". In 2024 Markster Con was awarded the prestigious "International Party Wizards" award by the ticketing platform AllEvents for producing consistent themed events year-round.

FB: Facebook.com/MarksterCon

INSTA: Instagram.com/MarksterCon

WEB: www.MarksterCon.com

GENERAL INQUIRIES: [email protected]

MAIN WEBSITE: www.AfterDarkRVA.com

BECOME A SPONSOR: Contact us!

DISCLAIMER: This event is a rain or shine event.

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