Goth Prom Brings Costumes, Dancing, and a Carnival of Souls to Halloween Night
At a Glance
What: Goth Prom 2026: Carnival of Souls — Spark Makerspace’s annual Halloween fundraiser, dance party, and costume contest
When: Saturday, October 31, 2026, 8 p.m.–midnight
Location: The Social Bar + Kitchen, 208 Bank Street, New London, CT 06320
Admission: $10
Activities: Halloween dancing, costume competition, carnival-inspired festivities, and fundraising for Spark Makerspace
Costume Contest Categories: Saddest Clown, Horror Under the Big Top, and Carnival Couture
Special Recognition: Audience Choice winner crowned Goth Prom Royalty
Fundraiser: Proceeds support Spark Makerspace’s affordable access to tools, education, creative space, and community programs
Raffle: Additional raffle tickets available at the door; event admission does not include raffle tickets
Event Contact: Spark Makerspace, (860) 629-8477
Registration: Available through the event listing
Event Description
Goth Prom 2026: Carnival of Souls transforms Halloween night into a wonderfully wicked celebration of dark carnival style, creative costumes, dancing, and community spirit at The Social Bar + Kitchen in downtown New London.
Presented by Spark Makerspace, the annual Halloween fundraiser returns Saturday, October 31, from 8 p.m. to midnight, inviting guests to step into a world of eerie circus characters, macabre fashion, and carnival-inspired imagination.
This isn’t an ordinary Halloween party. It’s a goth prom with a big-top twist, where the stranger the costume, the better.
Step Right Up to the Carnival of Souls
This year’s theme draws inspiration from the darker side of the circus, where sinister clowns, mysterious performers, and theatrical costumes take center stage.
Guests are encouraged to dress for the occasion, whether that means elaborate gothic formalwear, haunting carnival characters, or imaginative creations that combine elegance with horror.
The evening brings together dancing, costumes, and the offbeat atmosphere that has become part of Spark Makerspace’s annual Halloween celebration.
With The Social Bar + Kitchen providing the downtown setting, the party offers an opportunity to celebrate Halloween among fellow lovers of creative expression and unconventional style.
Three Costume Categories, One Goth Prom Royalty
The costume contest is one of the evening’s featured attractions, with three categories designed around the Carnival of Souls theme.
Saddest Clown celebrates the most tragic, melancholy, and beautifully miserable clown creations.
Horror Under the Big Top invites guests to imagine the circus transformed into a nightmare, rewarding costumes that bring a sinister edge to the carnival.
Carnival Couture recognizes the most spectacular costume, blending showmanship, theatrical flair, and creative design into a memorable look.
And there’s an additional honor awaiting one participant: the Audience Choice winner will be crowned Goth Prom Royalty.
Whether you’re creating something elaborate from scratch or putting a dark spin on a familiar carnival character, the contest offers plenty of room for imagination.
A Halloween Party With a Purpose
Beyond the costumes and dancing, Goth Prom is an annual fundraiser supporting Spark Makerspace, the New London nonprofit dedicated to making creative tools, education, and workspace more accessible to the community.
Spark Makerspace provides opportunities for people to learn new skills, explore creative interests, and work on projects in a collaborative environment.
Proceeds from Goth Prom help support that mission, making the Halloween celebration an opportunity to enjoy an evening out while contributing to a local organization.
The event also includes a raffle, with additional tickets available for purchase at the door. Raffle tickets are not included in the $10 admission price.
Spark Makerspace thanks its sponsor, Charter Oak Federal Credit Union, for helping make the event possible.
Dance Beneath the Big Top
Goth Prom 2026 takes place at The Social Bar + Kitchen on Bank Street in downtown New London, beginning at 8 p.m. and continuing until midnight.
For anyone who prefers their Halloween celebrations a little darker, more theatrical, and less conventional, the Carnival of Souls offers a chance to dress up, dance, compete for costume honors, and support a local creative community.
Come dressed to disturb, embrace the strange, and celebrate Halloween beneath the imaginary big top.
Featured image is an artistic representation inspired by the event and may not depict the actual people, location, or activities shown.y