By Rebecca Barnes, Publisher, Prince William Living
If you’re looking for a reason to dust off your taffeta, tease your hair sky-high, and relive the glory days of 1980s prom nights—with a twist—Occoquan has you covered. On Friday, Oct. 24 at 7 p.m., River Mill Park transforms into a neon dream for Murder on Prom Night, part of the town’s Radical Prom Extravaganza.
Guests will enjoy dessert, drinks, laughter, and maybe even a little intrigue as this interactive murder mystery unfolds under the stars.
What makes the Radical Prom Extravaganza a must-attend event for anyone who loves 1980s nostalgia, mystery, and a great night out?
“Murder on Prom Night is just plain fun,” organizers shared. “As adults, how often do we get to dress up and have a bit of crazy fun in a gorgeous setting anymore? This is the third year we’ve held the murder mystery event—each with a different theme—and every year guests tell us they’ve made a new friend or laughed harder than they have in a long time. It’s entertaining, fun, and a great way to kick off the weekend!”
For guests who’ve never experienced an interactive show, what can they expect when the story and the drama unfold under the stars?
“What’s great about this show is you can get as involved (or not!) as you like,” the team explained. “If you want to be in the middle of the drama, jump right in—ask questions, interview characters, walk around. If you’d rather enjoy the show from your seat, that’s fine too. Either way, you’ll help solve the murder and have a great time.”
From themed cocktails to over-the-top prom fashion, what special touches will make this night unforgettable?
“We’re diving right into this year’s 80s theme,” they said. “From specialty cocktails at the bar—like the Ring Pop Spritz or Someone Spiked the Punch!—to the décor and photo booth, it’s a total 80s experience. Guests can even take home printed photo booth pictures and pose with rad props. And yes, the dessert is on-theme with an 80s-style cake served to everyone.”
How does an event like this bring the community together and support local businesses and sponsors in Occoquan?
“Occoquan really strives to have a variety of events for everyone,” they shared. “Friday night is Murder on Prom Night, geared toward adults. Saturday morning brings the Community Costume Parade & Contest for all ages, followed by trick-or-treating through town and the chance to vote on your favorite business décor and costumes. That evening, we’ll wrap up the weekend with a screening of the 90s classic Hocus Pocus in the park. There are so many ways for residents and visitors to connect and enjoy Occoquan.”
What’s your message to anyone thinking about grabbing their friends and heading to prom night, 80s style?
“Tease up that hair, grab a taffeta dress or ruffled tux, and come solve a silly murder with us!”
Tickets are $48 per person, which includes dessert, seating, shuttle service, and the interactive show. Exclusive VIP tables for eight are available for $550. The event runs for about two hours, with shuttle service beginning at 5 p.m. from the Route 123 Commuter Lot at Old Bridge Road.
Whether you come for the mystery, the music, or the memories, one thing’s for sure—you’ll leave laughing and talking about it all the way home.
Get your tickets now at VisitOccoquanVA.com/Murder.
Rebecca Barnes is the Publisher of Prince William Living magazine and Brides & Weddings magazine. She is a lifelong resident of Prince William and a volunteer with OWL VFD. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her blended family, being a Grandma, visiting Walt Disney World, reading, and sleeping.
