The Akron Art Museum is swapping its quiet galleries for a 21-and-older Halloween dance floor on Friday, Oct. 30, 2026, running from 7:30 to 11 p.m. The event, called Circa ‘Thriller’ II, mixes DJ-driven dance music with art-making activities and trick-or-treating stations tucked among the museum's exhibits, and costumes are heavily encouraged even though they're not required.
According to Cleveland.com, the night will feature a flash mob performance set to the dance from Michael Jackson's 1982 hit “Thriller,” alongside a costume contest for anyone bold enough to show off their look. DJ Rybar is set to handle the music, spinning dance tracks and Halloween favorites to keep the crowd moving, per the Akron Art Museum's event listing.
What's Included Beyond the Dance Floor
Guests can expect more than just music. The night includes trick-or-treating in the museum's galleries, screen printing and other take-home art activities, and a photo booth for capturing costumes before the night gets going, the museum's listing notes. It's the kind of lineup that plays into Circa's reputation as a downtown Akron night out built around music, hands-on art, and a cash bar, according to the museum's own description of the recurring series.
Circa itself isn't a one-off. Eventbrite describes it as a quarterly dance party at the museum, with each installment carrying its own theme, past examples including disco and the 1920s. The museum also cautions that these nights tend to move fast, advising guests to grab tickets as soon as they go on sale rather than wait.
Ticket Tiers and What They Buy
General admission runs $15 for museum members and $30 for nonmembers, the museum's event page states. Guests looking for extra perks can opt for a $75 VIP ticket, which bundles an open bar, event merchandise, access to a VIP lounge and free parking — a notable add-on given the museum's usual parking setup.
Costumes are welcome, but the museum has drawn some clear lines. Full-face masks, heavy face paint, glitter, weapon-like props and excessively oversized costumes are not permitted, and every outfit is subject to security screening at the door. The museum reserves the right to deny entry to anyone whose attire doesn't meet those requirements, so elaborate getups may want a backup plan.
Getting There and Parking Options
The Akron Art Museum sits at 1 S. High St. in downtown Akron. Its own parking lot is located at 29S S. Broadway St., also accessible from South Summit Street, and uses Honk Mobile parking at $5 per day. Guests who'd rather park in a deck can head to the High and Market Parking Deck at 40 S. High St., just steps from the museum entrance.
