Zombies Will Dance Down King Street Saturday—and Help Rescue Animals Find Homes

ALEXANDRIA, VA — The zombies are coming to King Street. And this time, their mission is to help rescue animals find a second chance.

On Saturday, October 17, Old Town will become the setting for a “Thriller” zombie flash mob, with a performance scheduled for 5 p.m. at King and Union streets. Organized by Coldwell Banker Realty agents Barb Scheeler and Rachel Knapp, the event benefits Lucky Dog Animal Rescue.

Think Halloween costumes, Michael Jackson’s familiar dance moves and neighbors gathering for a cause that gives all that spooky fun a very warm heart.

From a New York inspiration to an Old Town gathering

In an October 12 interview with ALXnow, Scheeler and Knapp said roughly 100 dancers had signed up. Scheeler explained that seeing a similar event bring people together in New York inspired her to create one in Alexandria.

“It’s really going to bring an awareness of how fun Old Town is,” Scheeler said in that interview.

Knapp described the costumed participants heading into Old Town afterward, saying “it’ll be like a kind of a zombie crawl.”

The same report explains the fundraising arrangement: participant fees cover dance-instructor and advertising expenses, with the remaining proceeds benefiting Lucky Dog Animal Rescue. It does not give a fundraising total or goal.

Two ways to join the undead

You do not have to be a polished dancer to participate. The organizers offer both dancing and walking-zombie roles, with the latter called “shamblers.” People who would rather shuffle along than master the choreography can still be part of the scene.

The event website says rehearsals teach the routine in sections and accommodate different ability levels. Participants who cannot attend in person can receive a routine video by email after signing up.

There is still a rehearsal on the posted schedule: Wednesday, October 14, from 6 to 7 p.m. at 310 King Street. A Friday, October 16, walk-through and dry run is also listed, with its time to be determined. The organizers note that rehearsal dates are tentative and subject to change, so check before heading out.

Makeup first, then King Street

Saturday’s preparations begin at 3 p.m., with makeup and artists available to help participants get into character. The event listing gives 310 King Street as the gathering address; the street performance follows at 5 p.m. at King and Union.

That distinction matters if you are planning your afternoon: the calendar’s 3–6 p.m. event window includes preparations, rather than three hours of dancing in the street.

The organizers recommend clothing that is comfortable for movement and that participants do not mind getting dirty or torn. Their website also says light food and drinks will be available before the event.

According to the event announcement, the dance will be followed by a “haunt” around Old Town, with participating local restaurants offering zombie-themed food and drinks for participants.

A Halloween outing with a purpose

The fundraiser supports Lucky Dog Animal Rescue. The organizers describe the cause as helping provide foster care, medical treatment and transport for dogs and cats coming from high-risk shelters.

For Alexandria, it is an invitation to turn a familiar Halloween song into something shared: learn a few steps, put on a costume and help animals along the way.

The organizers’ website identifies participation as 21 and older. Some syndicated calendar listings contain different age guidance, so anyone considering bringing a younger participant should contact the organizers directly.

Check the current cost and availability with the organizers before signing up. If bad weather intervenes, the website says a rain date will be communicated.

Event information comes from the organizers’ Dance for the Dogs website and the syndicated event announcement.