Richmond Zombie Walk Celebrates Halloween and Awareness
RICHMOND, Va. — On Saturday, the vibrant streets of Carytown transformed into a gory spectacle as the Richmond Zombie Walk made its eagerly awaited return. This annual event not only provides a thrilling way to kick off the Halloween season but also promotes vital awareness about suicide prevention.
The Spine-Chilling Procession
Participants dressed in an array of costumes, from subtly eerie to outright terrifying, paraded down Cary Street, crossed over at Nansemond Street, and shambled back, culminating at the historic Byrd Theatre located at 2908 W. Cary St.
An onlooker captured the essence of the event, stating, “People dress up as different things and can sometimes jump scare you.” Another mentioned, “Some of them scare you, but some of them just walk.”
Event Purpose and Charitable Mission
The heart of the Richmond Zombie Walk lies in the sheer enjoyment it brings during this festive time of year. Event organizers Rodger Barr, Anthony Menez, and Josh Bishop emphasized the joy of the Halloween season. “So the ultimate goal is just really honestly to celebrate this time of year,” an organizer remarked.
As the event gained popularity, the organizers recognized an opportunity to weave a charitable effort into the festivities. “We love it. That’s why we wanted to do this. But decided it would be a good idea with this many people that are showing up. Let’s collect some donations for a good cause,” clarified Josh Bishop.
While a donation was not mandatory, participants were encouraged to contribute $5, promoting a collective effort for a worthy cause.
Focus on Mental Health
Rodger Barr ardently expressed the importance of the cause, stating, “So we’re raising money for suicide awareness and prevention, which is a topic very near and dear to my heart and many other people, so it really goes a long way and we’re just here to celebrate and raise some funds and have a good fun time.”
Fun Activities and Costume Contest
The celebration included a lively costume contest with prizes allocated for various categories, including Most Disgusting, Best Couple, Best Group, Best Pop Culture Theme, Best Zombie Kid, and the coveted title of 2026 Zombie of the Year for the top overall costume.
For those without costumes, the event encouraged attendees to explore the local shops in Carytown while awaiting the arrival of the zombie horde.
