Vampires Danse Macabre: Live Podcast & Costume Ball at Dream Haus Cabaret in Richmond

Dream Haus Cabaret on East Franklin Street in Richmond, Virginia hosts the Vampires Danse Macabre, an evening-length event that folds live podcasting, author talks, music, and a costume contest into one nocturnal celebration. Located at 1700 E Franklin Street, the Cabaret occupies a vintage performance space with a proscenium stage, exposed brick walls, and a low-slung bar; it’s the kind of room where voices and whispers carry, and where authors and fans can gather close. Doors open at 7 p.m. for a four-hour program built around VAMP CHAT podcasters and national vampire authors Dan & Eva. The night’s centerpiece is an 8–9 p.m. live podcast taping on stage—interviews with vampire experts and literary critics—followed later by a 10 p.m. costume contest. Between sets, short presentations by scholars of vampire lore and Edgar Allan Poe (whose long ties to Richmond include formative years and public readings) add historical texture to the evening. A cash bar keeps the mood lit while music threads through the program. What makes this evening special is its collision of scholarship and social theater: you’re not just in an audience, you’re part of a scene. The Cabaret’s intimate layout puts listeners within arm’s reach of the stage and creates a charged atmosphere for Q&A, book signings, and impromptu readings. For Richmond visitors interested in literary subcultures, this event is a rare chance to meet authors during an East Coast book tour and to experience community-driven storytelling in a live, performative setting. Practical details matter: the event is 21+; the venue is wheelchair accessible; capacity is limited to about 50 people, so plan ahead. The program emphasizes conversation—expect interviews, brief lectures, music, and a theatrical costume finale rather than a conventional lecture format. This is a night for fans of gothic fiction, Poe aficionados, and anyone curious about modern vampire mythmaking. Pair the evening with a pre-show walk along nearby Church Hill’s brick streets or a late-night run to a James River overlook to decompress after the music. Whether you’re coming for the podcast taping, the chance to meet Dan & Eva, or simply to join a convivial, theatrical crowd, the Vampires Danse Macabre at Dream Haus Cabaret strikes a balance of cerebral curiosity and communal revelry—an offbeat, memorable stop on Richmond’s cultural map. Tickets are limited and the venue enforces a 24-hour cancellation policy; check the booking link for availability and ticket types. Arrive early for seating and bring valid photo ID—the show is strictly 21+. The Cabaret’s compact footprint rewards early arrival with better sightlines and faster access to the bar. If you plan to cosplay, keep costumes manageable in a crowded room and avoid open flames or large props; costume contest rules are announced on-site.