Art After Dark: Drip & Dagger

This Halloween, desire is the deadliest sin! Lose yourself in an evening of seductive performances, cinematic nods to vampire lore, and unexpected twists lurking around every corner. Come dressed to kill as you step into our neon-soaked underworld.

The party kicks off with Newark’s own Justis Pitts and DJ Shell Spin as they take us on a time-traveling musical journey, as guests explore a Sinners-inspired escape room and a spooky after-dark tour of The Ballantine House. Later, enjoy a raw, powerful performance by Preacher Boy (Jamaal ) & Pearle (Sophia’s Daughter). Dance, vibe, and show off your best Halloween looks in our costume contest. The winner takes home a prize! We will also have a special Pop-Up Shop by designer Renee Renelle @rnernl & a free 360 Photo Booth with LitPix.

Go VIP & sink your teeth into the delectable extras!

Treat yourself to a fully immersive Art After Dark like no other with a VIP ticket—designed to give you exclusive perks and next-level access all night long.

Here’s what VIP guests will enjoy:

💫 Skip the Line: VIP-only access to priority service lines at the bar—because you deserve more time to party and less time waiting.

🪩 VIP Seating Area: Enjoy the night in our reserved VIP seating area. The only area where you’re guaranteed seating the entire night as a VIP Guest.

🎁 Exclusive Swag Bag: All VIPs receive a special gift bag packed with museum merch and other curated goodies from our amazing partner organizations.

🍸 Complimentary Drinks: Enjoy two free bloody sangrias—just stop by the front desk when you arrive to pick up your drink tickets.

🛍️ Designer Pop-Up Shop Discount Powered By Renee Renelle : All VIP Guest will receive a %25 percent discount coupon to shop the exclusive @RNERNL Collection.

Art After Dark is supported in part by Prudential Financial.

Content warning: This Art After Dark will feature a Blade-inspired blood-drenched performance opening.

Food and drinks available for purchase with Ash Bar & Lounge & PJs Cafe.

The Main entrance of the Museum is still open during construction. Please use the Main doors to enter this event.

Enjoy an evening inspired by Ryan Coogler’s Sinners & the cult classic film Blade.

POP-UP Shop By Designer Renee Renelle

We’ve partnered with nearby garages to provide convenient options for your visit.

• Hahne & Co Garage (25 New Street) | Mon-Sun: up to $25 | Hours: 6am-9pm daily | Discounted rate of $13 if pre-booked online.
• Edison Park Fast (42 Central Ave) | Mon-Fri: up to $18 | 7am-7pm | Closed weekends
• Edison Park Fast (14 Central Ave) | Mon-Fri: up to $18 | 7am-7pm | Closed weekends
• 494 Broad Street Garage | Mon-Fri: up to $15 | 8am-6pm | Closed weekends
• Atlantic Parking Garage (6-32 Atlantic St) | Mon-Sun: $6/hour | Full Day: $18 | Open 24 hours
• Street Parking | Mon-Sat: $1/hour | 9am-6pm | For additional parking, metered street spaces are available near the Museum. You can pay using the ParkMobile app or with quarters, at a rate of $0.25 per 15 minutes. Each space allows a maximum of 2 hours of parking. On Sundays and after 6pm Mon - Sat, street parking is free.