2026 Question and Answer With Factory of Fear

What does Factory of Fear have in store for the 2026 Halloween season? Lissa Unrue is here to tell you!

What's new at Factory of Fear for 2026? Do you have any new rides, attractions, or special features that Haunt Seekers should know about?

Factory of Fear returns in 2026 with an all-new immersive theme, Outbreak, transforming all four floors of the ARTfactory into a terrifying world of infection, quarantine, and survival. Guests will encounter brand-new sets, characters, special effects, and scares as they navigate deeper into the heart of a mysterious catastrophe. Each floor reveals a different stage of the outbreak, creating a larger, more immersive experience than ever before. Whether you're a returning fan or a first-time visitor, you'll discover an entirely new nightmare waiting behind every door.

What differentiates Factory of Fear from other local haunts in Virginia?

Factory of Fear combines the thrills of a haunted attraction with the creativity of live theatre. Set across four floors of the historic ARTfactory, the experience features immersive storytelling, detailed sets, professional performers, and a new theme each year. As a nonprofit fundraiser, every scream also supports arts programming throughout the community.

How long has Factory of Fear been in business? Can you tell us a bit more about Factory of Fear's history?

Factory of Fear began in 2024 as the ARTfactory's first large-scale haunted attraction, transforming our historic four-story building into an immersive Halloween experience. What started as a new way to engage the community during the spooky season quickly became a favorite annual event, drawing visitors from across the region. In 2025, the haunt expanded with The Horror Hotel, inspired by the building's history as the former Brenton Hotel, and earned recognition as a 2024 Haunt of the Year nominee. Today, Factory of Fear continues to grow each year with new themes, larger productions, and the creativity of the ARTfactory's artists, actors, volunteers, and designers.

What's your favorite experience since opening Factory of Fear?

Our favorite experience is opening night each year. After months of planning, building sets, creating costumes, and rehearsing scares, the doors finally open and the building comes alive. The first screams, the nervous laughter, and the excitement from both guests and performers remind us why we do it. It's a unique blend of theatre, art, and Halloween fun that creates memories for everyone involved.

How long is a typical haunt experience at Factory of Fear from start to finish?

A typical journey through Factory of Fear takes approximately 20 minutes, depending on crowd flow and how quickly guests move through the attraction. The experience spans all four floors of the historic ARTfactory building, with each level featuring its own environments, characters, and scares. Visitors are encouraged to take in the details as they make their way through the story, creating an immersive experience that is much more than a simple walk-through haunt.

On a scale from 1 to 10, how scary would you say Factory of Fear is? Why?

We'd call it an 8 out of 10—though some guests would probably argue it's a 12. Factory of Fear combines classic jump scares with immersive storytelling, eerie environments, and talented performers who know exactly how to keep visitors guessing. The result is an experience that's intense enough for haunt enthusiasts while still being fun and entertaining for most Halloween fans.

Does Factory of Fear's property have any real haunted history? Do you have a spooky encounter you'd like to share?

The ARTfactory's historic building has long been associated with reports of paranormal activity dating back to its days as the Brenton Hotel. Over the years, paranormal investigators have toured the building and identified several locations believed to have significant spiritual activity, including the theatre, makeup room, elevator, and even the women's restroom. Investigators and staff have reported encounters with a spirit known as "Joel," believed to reside in the theatre and makeup room, as well as sightings of a mysterious "Lady in Black" near the elevator and the back right corner of the theatre. Many visitors and staff have also described a particularly strong energy in the women's bathroom. Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, these stories have become part of the ARTfactory's rich history and add an extra layer of mystery to Factory of Fear.

What inspired you to open up a haunted attraction? What's your favorite part of the business?

Factory of Fear grew out of the ARTfactory's mission to bring creative experiences to the community in new and engaging ways. We saw an opportunity to transform our historic building into something completely unexpected—a large-scale immersive attraction that combines theatrical storytelling, set design, performance, and visual arts. Halloween provided the perfect canvas to showcase the talents of our artists, actors, designers, and volunteers while creating a unique fundraising event that supports the ARTfactory's programs year-round. What makes Factory of Fear especially meaningful is that it brings together so many different forms of art. From scenic construction and lighting design to acting and storytelling, the haunt showcases the creativity that exists throughout the ARTfactory while creating a fun experience that the community looks forward to each fall.

Can Factory of Fear accommodate large groups? How many people can experience Factory of Fear together as a group?

We usually accommodate up to 12 per group.

Does Factory of Fear offer any special deals, discounts, or coupons?

Group discounts available.

Anything else you'd like to let us know about Factory of Fear?

Factory of Fear is a haunt built by artists, for thrill-seekers. With a new theme every year, four floors of immersive scares, and a mission-driven purpose, it offers a Halloween experience that's both entertaining and impactful. We're thrilled to bring Outbreak to life in 2026 and can't wait to see who survives.