Does reading about things that go bump in the night give you thrills instead of chills? Then grab a ticket to the inaugural Horror on the Rappahannock, a Horror Reader Weekend in Fredericksburg.
The three-day event is hosted by Christine Harrold at the Inn at the Old Silk Mill from May 2 to 4. The itinerary for the weekend will feature panels, signings, book talks and more from over 30 horror authors, including Erika T. Wurth, Lindy Ryan, and Viggy Parr Hampton.
This will be the first event hosted in Fredericksburg, but the second Horror Reader Weekend held by Harrold.
“I have attended other horror conventions, which are big single-day events that I find overwhelming,” Harrold says. “But I also learned that horror authors are some of the kindest people I have ever met. I had seen that there are smaller, more intimate reader retreats for readers of romantasy or literary fiction. I thought that maybe I could put together a weekend in a small inn, that includes delicious foods and beverages, fun horror book-based activities and real quality time between readers and writers of horror. And Horror Reader Weekend was born!”
Horror on the Rappahannock starts with a horror novella book talk and swap, a talk with Haunted Fredericksburg author Michelle L. Hamilton, and a dinner followed by mingling and bourbon cocktails.
Day two kicks off with a brunch, followed by the author events – which will also include a pop-up bookstore – and book talk. The night ends with a dinner with the authors and a celebration at Red Dragon Brewery.
On the final day, guests will enjoy one final brunch and a Haunting Walking Tour of Fredericksburg before packing up for the weekend.
The weekend event offers both three-day and day tickets. Those that want to participate in the Saturday festivities – which include the author events, dinner, and brewery outing – can purchase a day pass for $100. Tickets to attend only the author event from noon to 5 p.m. are free.
Those wanting to enjoy the full immersive experience will need a three-day ticket. Tickets for only the group meals and events are $699 per person. Tickets that include accommodations range from $999 to $1,299 per person, depending on the type of room booked. All three-day tickets come with all of the meals and events, plus guests will receive a special swag bag.
Harrold also hosts a Horror Reader Weekend in New York along with international trips to tour haunted destinations abroad. The next retreat will take place November 7 to 9. 1707 Princess Anne St., Fredericksburg
Feature image courtesy Christine Harrold
