ONE OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA’S SCARIEST HAUNTED TRAILS OPENS THIS WEEKEND AT WORKHOUSE ARTS CENTER
Written by: Carla Welborn
Haunt: Dark Encounters Returns October 3, Taking Guests Deep Into the Woods for a Terrifying New Experience
LORTON, VA (September 29, 2026) — The wait is almost over. One of Northern Virginia’s scariest haunted trails opens this weekend as Haunt: Dark Encounters returns to the Workhouse Arts Center on Saturday, October 3, launching another season of screams, suspense and unexpected encounters in the dark.
Now in its 13th year, the Workhouse Haunt has become a fall tradition for thrill-seekers throughout Northern Virginia and the Washington, D.C. region. But this year, guests should prepare for something darker.
Haunt: Dark Encounters takes visitors out of the traditional haunted-house setting and sends them deep into the woods, where darkness, isolation and the unknown become part of the experience.
This year’s story begins with a mystery that has remained unsolved for 30 years.
This year’s story begins with a mystery that has remained unsolved for 30 years.
In 1996, five friends disappeared without a trace. Now, a newly discovered camcorder may hold clues to what happened to them—and guests will follow their trail into the woods to uncover the truth.
But once you enter, every sound matters. Every shadow could be hiding something. And what happened to those five friends may not be the only thing waiting in the dark.
MEDIA/TV OPPORTUNITY:
Haunt characters, Creative Directors and the Workhouse Events Manager are available for in-person and virtual interviews leading up to and
throughout opening weekend. Media can also arrange opportunities to capture the trail, scare actors, sets and other highly visual elements of the attraction.
OPENING THIS WEEKEND
Opening Night: Saturday, October 3, 2026 Location: Workhouse Arts Center 9518 Workhouse Way Lorton, VA 22079
2026 Run: October 3–30 Fridays, Saturdays and select Sundays
Tickets: $25–$35 Recommended Ages: 13+
The experience continues after guests make it out of the woods. The Rizer Pavilion will feature a DJ, themed cocktails and bites, giving visitors a place to recover, compare scares and continue their night at the Workhouse.
SENSORY-FRIENDLY NIGHT
The Workhouse Arts Center will also offer a special Sensory-Friendly Night on Saturday, October 17, from 6–7 p.m. for youth with sensory sensitivities and guests who may require additional accommodations.
Families interested in participating may contact workhousehaunt@workhousearts.org to reserve a spot.
MEDIA AVAILABILITY
Members of the media are invited to experience Haunt: Dark Encounters and capture one of the region’s most visual Halloween attractions. Media interviews and visits can be coordinated in advance.
Opportunities include:
· Interviews with Haunt characters and the creative team
· Behind-the-scenes access
· Professional scare actors in costume
· Haunt trail and woodland visuals
· B-roll and photography opportunities
· Interviews with Workhouse representatives
· Firsthand experience of the 2026 trail
Sponsorship/Partnership Opportunities: Katie Hoesch | katiehoesch@workhousearts.org
Vendor Opportunities: Skylar Shane | skylarshane@workhousearts.org
For more information, visit workhousearts.org/HAUNT | social media @workhousearts
About the Workhouse Arts Center:
The Workhouse Arts Center is a nonprofit cultural destination in Lorton, Virginia, located on the historic grounds of the former Lorton Prison. Welcoming more than 225,000 visitors annually, the Workhouse offers artist studios, gallery exhibitions, live performances, arts education programs, and community events that expand access to the arts and drive positive social impact for visitors of all ages. For more information visit: www.workhousearts.org