Set sail on a night of treasure, rum, and adventure at Richmond’s RIVER CITY PIRATE BALL (21+), hosted at the historic Hofheimer Building in the heart of Richmond, Virginia.
Richmond, once a favored stop for pirates navigating the James River, has long been known for its waterway history. Now, it’s your chance to immerse yourself in the swashbuckling world of piracy right here in the "River City"! If you've ever had interest in the historical pirate or just wanted to "party like a pirate" this is your opportunity!
WHAT TO EXPECT:
➡️ BEST-DRESSED PIRATE / WENCH CONTEST: Come dressed to impress in your finest pirate or wench attire—whether you're a fearsome captain, a swashbuckling mate, or a spirited wench, those best-dressed will both win treasure-filled prizes, so be sure to bring your A-game to this swashbuckling showdown!
➡️ SPECIAL GUESTS: You won't ever meet a more die-hard group of pirate's in your life than the Blackbeard's Crew! Hailing from Hampton and the infamous BLACKBEARD PIRATE FESTIVAL, they'll be hosting the "pre-party" SKALLYWAG HAPPY HOUR from 7:00-8:00pm in the venue's Lounge before we all move into the LOFT, the main room and where the Ball will be hosted and doors opened at 8:00pm. Don't arrive too late - come raise a toast (or three) with Blackbeard's Crew!
➡️ PIRATE-THEMED COCKTAIL SPECIALS: Raise a glass to the pirate life with signature cocktails and rum-infused concoctions served all night. Arrive early (at 7:00pm) to partake of our SKALLYWAG HAPPY HOUR, hosted by Blackbeard's Crew, hailing from Hampton's annual BLACKBEARD PIRATE FESTIVAL.
➡️SKALLYWAG HAPPY HOUR "pre-party" from 7:00-8:00pm in the venue's Lounge before main doors to the LOFT, where the Ball, will be opened at 8:00pm. Don't arrive too late - come raise a toast (or three) withBlackbeard's Crew, who'll be hosting this special Happy Hour until-8:00pm.
➡️ MUSIC: Tuned to the ear of a true pirate, our DJ will keep the ship rocking until the stars come out.
➡️ EVENT PHOTOS: Capture the memories of your swashbuckling adventure with pirate-themed photo ops - available online the week after the Ball.
➡️ CHARITY FOOD DRIVE with Prize Raffle: Give back to the community! Every 2 cans donated equals 1 raffle ticket. The more cans donated means more raffle tickets to win donated raffle prizes, benefitting FEED MORE of Richmond.
Blackbeard’s Crew is dedicated to preserving the rich maritime heritage of the 18th century. Their non-profit organization engages the community through various educational programs, events, and hands-on experiences that highlight the importance of nautical traditions. They believe in fostering a deep appreciation for history and culture, ensuring that these vital aspects of our past are not forgotten. Join them in our mission to keep the spirit of the sea alive and inspire future generations to cherish our maritime legacy. Many know the Blackbeard's Crew as being the backbone of the annual BLACKBEARD'S PIRATE FESTIVAL in Hampton, VA.
Richmond, known for its riverside charm and rich history, is the perfect setting for this one-of-a-kind pirate bash. So grab your compass, rally your crew, and join us for a night of rum, revelry, and pirate fun!
WHAT TO WEAR: We invite attendees to come in “period attire” for a Pirate Party - thankfully piecing together a basic pirate themed outfit is fairly easy (thank you Amazon and other costume resources). Other suggestions would be Ren Faire, colonial, victorian, etc. attire.
Also join us with our seaworthy friends: Blackbeard Pirate Festival (Hampton, VA) June 12-14, 2026 INFO: https://www.facebook.com/blackbeardfestival NOTE: Grand Pirate Bash - June 12, 2026
Get the date of Saturday, July 19th, 2025 on your high seas calendars and don't delay in securing an Adv. Ticket once they go online. We can't guarantee any will be left night of the event!
NOTE:The River City PIRATE BALL is 21+ and requires a valid I.D. and ticket for entry.
Founded in 2012, Markster Con Productions produces a wide variety of adult-aged (21+) alternative themed events around the Southeast. In addition to Richmond’s VAMPIRE BALL, GATSBY GALA and Dark Valentine’s FANTASY BALL & GALACTIC BASH, Markster Con also produces the infamous VAMPIRE BALL in Savannah which has sold out 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 while it’s VAMPIRE BALL event was nominated for “BEST EVENT IN SAVANNAH” in 2022. Outside of Virginia, Markster Con has produced events in Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, & Colorado. In 2024 Markster Con was awarded the “International Party Wizards Award” by AllEvents(international ticketing platform) for producing consistent top-rated immersive themed events of varying types.
DC Creators collaborates with local establishments offering one-of-a-kind visually captivating atmospheres, featuring unique face & body paint experiences such as their newest "Sip & Body Paint" (PG) events at Fallout RVA. Most recently DC Creators co-produced the sold out the Richmond VAMPIRE BALL, New Year's Eve GATSBY GALA, Dark Valentine's FANTASY BALL: Morbid Masquerade and the MAGIC BALL in Richmond.
