Halloween Week in Richmond, VA

This week, Richmond's celebrating an ancient art and the spookiest day of the year.

Monday, Oct. 27

VCU Arts' Anderson Gallery welcomes a new exhibit cleverly entitled, "The Divas and Iron Chefs of Encaustic." Come see what artists Kristy Deetz, Peter Dykhuis, Lorraine Glessner, Cheryl Goldsleger, Reni Gower, Heather Harvey, Jeffrey S. Hirst and Timothy McDowell have done with encaustic paintings, an ancient art popular since the Dark Ages (when everyday was like Halloween!). These modern artists' paintings sport the beautiful and unique colors and textures achieved only by hot wax. For more information, call (804) 828-1524.

Tuesday, Oct. 28

Can't wait until Halloween to satisfy your sweet tooth? Don't worry - it's National Chocolate Day and Morton's The Steakhouse invites you to celebrate. Relish samples of their new Chocolate Velvet Mousse and their classic Morton's Legendary Chocolate Cake. Also enter to win a Wine & Dessert Tasting package for six. Best of all, it's all free! For more information, call (804) 648-1662.

Wednesday, Oct. 29

Celebrate Halloween the brainy way---with a creepy book discussion and signing at the Library of Virginia! Listen to author Jack El-Hai explain his new biography of revolutionary neurologist and psychiatrist Walter Freeman, featured in the PBS documentary "The Lobotomist." El-Hai's writing explores one of the darkest and most morbid periods of American medicine before the advent of modern psychiatric medication in the 1950s. For more information, call (804) 692-3592.

Thursday, Oct. 30

Now here's an excuse to start your Halloween a day early! Join Lakeside Youth Baseball at the Lakeside Youth Baseball Field for a ghoulish good time at their Fall Festival. If you dare, check out their chilling Field of Screams, play their carnival games, grab something good to eat, and Trick-or-Treat until your bag or bucket bursts. For more information, call (804) 240-5093.

Friday, Oct. 31

Need an answer to Halloween that will entertain both parents and kids? The Shops at Willow Lawn have the solution and, yes, it involves candy. In fact, children not only get to trick-or-treat but also can enjoy arts and crafts provided by Ben Franklin Crafts and Frames. Parents will undoubtedly love free giveaways, merchant specials, and more! All activities are free and open to the public. For more information, call (434) 977-0100.

Saturday, Nov. 1

Bid farewell to Halloween and your now obsolete Jack-o-Lanterns at Ashwood Gardens and Nursery! It's time to watch the pumpkins fly! Each participating team will "chunk" two pumpkins to see just how far they can launch them. So expect lots of smashing and pumpkin guts everywhere! Also expect hot dogs, face painting, hayrides and a massive corn maze to flesh out the family fun. This unique end to the Halloween season benefits Hanover ARC, a non-profit organization dedicating to helping adults and children with disabilities. Admission $5; team registration costs $150. For more information, call (804) 798-2400.

Sunday, Nov. 2

Officially end your Halloween weekend with a walking tour of bodies long dead. The Valentine Richmond History Center unveils Hollywood Cemetery's special history, unique landscape design, biographies of its residents and more. Snag a $9 ticket in advance or pay $10 the day of the tour. Meet your tour guide at the cemetery entrance at the corner of Albemarle and Cherry Streets. For more information, call (804) 649-0711 ext. 301.