Provided by ARTfactory
ARTfactory’s four-story haunted attraction returns with an all-new immersive experience this October
This October, a mysterious outbreak takes over four floors of the ARTfactory as Factory of Fear returns with an entirely new immersive experience.
For 2026, ARTfactory’s annual haunted attraction transforms its historic Manassas building into a world overtaken by infection, quarantine and chaos. Guests will make their way through four floors of immersive environments, live scare actors, special effects and unexpected encounters. Each level takes visitors deeper into the unfolding outbreak, with new sets, characters and scares created specifically for this years’ experience.
Factory of Fear has become one of ARTfactory’s most anticipated annual events and one of the organization’s most successful fundraisers. Proceeds from the event support ARTfactory and its mission to provide accessible arts programming to the community.
Following the success of last year’s event, the Factory of Fear team has expanded the experience for 2026, creating an entirely new storyline and environment built around Outbreak. With a city overrun and containment failing, guests won’t simply witness what happened—they’ll step directly into the aftermath.
The transformation is made possible by a team of dedicated community volunteers who spend months designing and building the attraction and who staff and perform throughout the event. Together, they transform ARTfactory’s century-old building—already the subject of its own ghost stories—into four floors of fear.
Patient Zero: An Exhibition
The Factory of Fear experience extends into the Caton Merchant Family Gallery with Patient Zero: An Exhibition, a Factory of Fear group art exhibit curated by Gallery Director Jordan Exum.
Featuring work from more than 50 artists throughout the DMV region, the exhibit explores this year’s Outbreak theme through the perspectives of local and regional artists. The exhibition runs Oct. 3 to 31, with regular gallery viewing unavailable Oct. 11 to 24 during the transformation and operation of Factory of Fear.
A free opening reception will be held Saturday, Oct. 3 from 6 to 8 p.m. and will feature Factory of Fear costumed actors, bringing an added dose of the eerie atmosphere to the evening.
Event Details – Factory of Fear: Outbreak
ARTfactory, 9419 Battle St., Manassas
- Thursday Nights: Oct. 15 and 22 from 7 to 9 p.m.
- Friday & Saturday Nights: Oct. 16, 17, 23, 24 from 7 to 10:45 p.m.
- Tickets: $25 per person
- Guests attending on Thursday, Oct. 15 or 22 can receive $3 off admission with promo code THURSDAYSCARIES.
Tickets are sold in timed entry slots, and advance purchase is recommended. Groups of 10 or more purchasing tickets together receive a 10% group discount.
Factory of Fear is an indoor, four-floor walkthrough attraction with access by stairs only. The elevator is not accessible during Factory of Fear, and the attraction is not wheelchair accessible. No strollers are permitted.
About ARTfactory
ARTfactory is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) creative arts organization located in Historic Downtown Manassas, Virginia. ARTfactory provides opportunities for community members of all ages to engage with the visual and performing arts through classes, camps, theatre productions, gallery exhibitions, special events and community programming.
The attraction is not recommended for children under 14. Guests under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Factory of Fear includes strobe lights, loud sounds, periods of darkness, low visibility, compressed air effects and other intense sensory elements.
Tickets and additional information are available through the Factory of Fear webpage at virginiaartfactory.org or by calling ARTfactory at 703-330-2787.
Factory of Fear: Outbreak
One building. Four floors. Zero chance of escape.
