Make a Weekend of the Magic: Queen City Mischief & Magic Returns to Staunton
Every September, something a little unusual happens in Staunton.
Wands appear along Beverley Street. Costumed characters wander between historic storefronts. Potions are poured, magical creatures emerge, and thousands of visitors arrive ready to spend a weekend embracing a little mischief.
Queen City Mischief & Magic returns to Downtown Staunton September 26–27, 2026, bringing one of the city’s most anticipated weekends of the year back to the Queen City. And this year, the magic won’t stop when you leave downtown.
At The Blackburn Inn & Conference Center, we’re getting in on the mischief, too.
What Is Queen City Mischief & Magic?
If you’ve never experienced QCMM, this isn’t your typical fall festival.
The homegrown celebration takes over Staunton’s historic downtown with characters, performances, themed food and drinks, interactive activities, shopping, demonstrations and plenty of surprises along the way. The festival celebrates magic in all its forms, welcoming longtime fantasy fans, families, curious first-timers and anyone willing to suspend reality for a weekend.
Part of what makes QCMM so uniquely Staunton is the setting itself. Historic architecture, winding streets, locally owned shops and tucked-away corners give downtown an atmosphere that feels ready-made for a little magic.
And with much of the festival free to attend, you can wander, explore and build your day around whatever catches your eye.
Mischief, Magic & Murder at The Blackburn
The weekend begins a little early at The Blackburn with a mystery that needs solving.
Mischief, Magic & Murder comes to The Blackburn on Friday, September 25 and Saturday, September 26, inviting guests into an immersive evening of secrets, suspects and wizarding intrigue.
The story begins with Professor Morris Slumpthorn, a renowned professor of arcane studies at the fictional Olde Staunton University of Witchcraft & Wizardry. He is preparing to reveal a major discovery—but, naturally, not everything goes according to plan.
Guests will begin the evening with a Potions Half Hour, followed by a three-course buffet dinner as the mystery unfolds around them. Watch closely, follow the clues and see if you can determine who can—and definitely cannot—be trusted.
Performances are scheduled for:
- Friday, September 25: 8:00 PM
- Saturday, September 26: 4:30 PM
- Saturday, September 26: 8:00 PM
Costumes are welcome, the experience is family-friendly, and tickets are limited. Previous performances have sold out, so aspiring detectives may want to secure their seats before they mysteriously disappear.
Get Tickets to Mischief, Magic & Murder
Make The Blackburn Your Home Base
QCMM is a weekend best experienced on foot—and The Blackburn puts you close to the action while giving you somewhere decidedly quieter to return to afterward.
Spend the day exploring downtown, then trade the crowds for the expansive grounds and historic surroundings of The Blackburn. Settle into your room, grab a bite at Second Draft Bistro, or add a little downtime at The Spa before heading back out for the next adventure.
It’s the best kind of festival weekend: plenty to discover when you want to be in the middle of everything, with room to slow down when you don’t.
And considering how many visitors make their way to Staunton for QCMM each year, planning ahead is highly encouraged.
A Little Magic Looks Good on Staunton
There are plenty of beautiful weekends to visit the Shenandoah Valley, but there’s really nothing else quite like this one.
Queen City Mischief & Magic captures so much of what makes Staunton special in the first place: imagination, history, independent businesses, creativity and a community willing to transform its downtown simply for the fun of it.
Come for the characters. Stay for the mystery. Explore a side of Staunton that only appears once a year—and make The Blackburn part of the story.
Queen City Mischief & Magic
September 26–27, 2026
Downtown Staunton, Virginia
Mischief, Magic & Murder at The Blackburn
September 25–26, 2026