River City Pirate Ball (Richmond 2026)

On Nov. 6th, 2026 we’re celebrating the pirate spirit in a city with deep maritime roots. 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" with the return of Richmond's PIRATE BALL (21+) - presented by After Dark RVA!

WHAT TO EXPECT NOV. 6th:

➡️ 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!

➡️ PIRATE-THEMED COCKTAIL SPECIALS: Raise a glass to the pirate life with signature cocktails and rum-infused concoctions served all night.

➡️ SPECIAL GUESTS: Blackbeard's Crew: Hailing from Hampton and the infamous BLACKBEARD PIRATE FESTIVAL you won't ever meet a more die-hard group of pirate's in your life! Don't arrive too late - come raise a toast (or three) with Blackbeard's Crew!

➡️ MUSICAL GUEST: Death By Bellows – Armed with an accordion, kick drum, kazoo, and guitar, Christo plays sing-a-long shanties, pirate music, and songs of the sea. Also be prepared for Irish traditionals, Cypriot love songs, Tom Waits, and originals in the same vein.

➡️ PEASANT DANCE LESSONS: The Lady Sophia the Orange will be teaching three historic dances (8:30-9:00pm, FREE!) fit for a rowdy bunch of rebellious scallywags!

➡️ MUSIC: Tuned to the ear of a true pirate, the evenings music 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.

➡️ WENCH GO-GO-DANCERS: Provided by Dollz Entertainment.

➡️ 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.

Also join us with our seaworthy friends:
BLACKBEARD PIRATE FESTIVAL (2026)
Hampton, VA, June 12–14, 2026
INFO: Facebook.com/blackbeardfestival

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. However, costumes or "period attire" are not required (just suggested).

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 also 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 Richmond's infamous VAMPIRE BALL, Markster Con also produces the annual 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.

FB: Facebook.com/MarksterCon

INSTA: Instagram.com/MarksterCon

WEB: MarksterCon.com

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 and Dark Valentine's FANTASY BALL: Morbid Masquerade.

FB: Facebook.com/DCcreators.Network

INSTA: Instagram.com/dc_creators

WEB: DCCreators.com