Upcoming Event Circa Thriller! A Halloween Dance Party

It’s Halloween, and something scary’s lurking in the dark! This thrilling night out will feature a spooky dance floor perfect for dancing the night away.

• 🎧 DJ Rybar spinning Halloween dance classics

• 🕺 Dance lessons from instructor Jen Garlando + a Thriller flash mob

• 👻 Costume contest

• 🍬 Trick-or-treating in the galleries

• 🎨 Art-making activities

• 🔮 Tarot readings + spooky live entertainment

• 🍕 Cash bar + Totally Baked Pizza for sale

Costumes are heavily encouraged, but not required.

$15 for members / $30 for nonmembers, $75 for VIP tickets. VIP ticket-holders will enjoy an open bar, swag, VIP lounge, and free parking.

Learn the Michael Jackson Thriller Dance moves ahead of Circa Thriller at our Thriller Dance Lesson on Thursday, October 23^rd from 6:30-7:30pm at the Akron Art Museum with dance instructor Jen Garlando and DJ Rybar. It’s free, RSVP here.

Costume Contest Categories

• 🟠 Best Living Art – Inspired by artwork, mediums, or artistic techniques.
• ⚫️ Best Group / Couple – Gather your crew—duo, trio, or full posse!
• 🟠 Best DIY Costume – Blood, sweat, and hot glue guns earn this prize.
• ⚫️ Best Pop Culture – From memes to movies to Michael Jackson himself.
• 🟠 Wild Card Winner(s)! – Costumes that defy all categories.
• 🏆️Best Masterpiece (“Best in Show”) – One costume to rule them all.

Winners receive acclamation, a symbol of their victory, and will be featured on the Akron Art Museum’s social media.

The Costume Contest Judges: 

• 🎨  Janice Troutman – Director, Myers School of Art at the University of Akron
• 🍎 Patricia Sheahan — Artist, Professor & Consultant
• 📚️  Dr. Jeff Katzin — Senior Curator, Akron Art Museum
• ✏️ Kerry Clawson, Arts Writer for the Akron Beacon Journal
• 🎙️ Brady Marks, Morning Show Host for 107.3 Alternative Cleveland / Rubber City Radio
• 🎤 Carrie Danger, Afternoon Drive Host for 107.3 Alternative Cleveland / Rubber City Radio

Disclaimer: No full-face masks, heavy face paint, glitter, weapon-like props, or excessively oversized costumes are permitted. All outfits are subject to security screening. The Akron Art Museum may refuse entry to any visitor whose attire does not comply with these requirements.

Circa is 18+.