{"id":238332,"date":"2026-06-22T18:00:40","date_gmt":"2026-06-22T18:00:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/calendar\/?post_type=event&p=238332"},"modified":"2026-06-22T18:00:40","modified_gmt":"2026-06-22T18:00:40","slug":"the-long-dark-house-soft-launch","status":"publish","type":"event","link":"https:\/\/thelocalgirl.com\/calendar\/event\/the-long-dark-house-soft-launch\/","title":{"rendered":"The Long Dark House Soft Launch"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Come hang out and check out the cozy vibes at the soft launch of The Long Dark House – a up and coming DC area horror\/sci fi Bookstore!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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The Long Dark House “SummerWeen” Soft Launch Celebration<\/p>\n

\ud83d\uddd3\ufe0f Sunday, June 28, 2026
\n\u23f0 6:00 PM \u2013 9:00 PM<\/p>\n

Join us for the official soft launch celebration of The Long Dark House \u2014 a forthcoming indie bookstore and gathering space rooted in horror, sci-fi, and strange stories that stay with you long after the last page.<\/p>\n

This evening is designed as an introduction to the world we\u2019re building: a space for readers, writers, artists, and curious minds to gather, connect, and help shape a new community-centered literary space in the DMV.<\/p>\n

Guests are invited to spend the evening exploring a curated bookstore pop-up, meeting fellow book lovers, learn more about upcoming book clubs and future programming, enjoy light appetizers, and enjoying an intimate author reading and signing (author announcement coming soon).<\/p>\n

Throughout the evening, guests can also explore selections for sale from:
\n\ud83d\udd6f\ufe0f Hemlock & Hearth \u2014 Southern Gothic fragrance house
\n\ud83c\udf19 Eclipse Botanical \u2014 whimsigoth-inspired soaps & self-care goods<\/p>\n

Guests will also have the opportunity to enjoy tarot readings (fee applies), contribute to future book club and membership ideas, and help shape the future community surrounding The Long Dark House.<\/p>\n

Each ticket will include a custom commemorative votive candle or body oil from Hemlock & Hearth while supplies last, along with entry into a community raffle featuring curated books, candles, gifts, and other surprises throughout the evening.<\/p>\n

This event also serves as a fundraiser supporting the next chapter of The Long Dark House and helping us continue building toward future programming, pop-ups, and a permanent home.<\/p>\n

Thank you for supporting independent bookselling, local creatives, and the dream of building more meaningful third spaces for our community.<\/p>\n

\u2728 What to Expect<\/p>\n

    \n
  • Summerween vibes and curated reading lists!<\/li>\n
  • Blind date w\/ a horror book
    \n\u2022 Author reading & signing (TBA)
    \n\u2022 Tarot readings
    \n\u2022 Curated bookstore pop-up w\/Horror, sci-fi & strange fiction\/gifts
    \n\u2022 Information on future book clubs & membership\/community offerings
    \n\u2022 Candles, fragrance, soaps & gifts from local brands
    \n\u2022 Community raffle & giveaways
    \n\u2022 Small bites & treats
    \n\u2022 Cozy atmosphere, conversation, and community<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    We can\u2019t wait to welcome you into the first chapter of The Long Dark House.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Come hang out and check out the cozy vibes at the soft launch of The Long Dark House – a up and…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":447,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":"","submission_name":"The Long Dark House Bookstore","email_address":"","business_name":"Long Dark House Bookstore","event_location":"Elaine's\r\n208 Queen Street\r\nAlexandria, VA 22314","event_link":"https:\/\/www.eventbrite.com\/e\/the-long-dark-house-bookstore-soft-launch-tickets-1989270390287?aff=ebdssbdestsearch","event_price":"Starts at $15.18","featured_event":null,"event_total":"","event_coupon":"","event_start_date":"20260628","event_start_time":"18:00:00","event_start_timestamp":"1782669600","event_end_date":"20260628","event_end_time":"21:00:00","event_end_timestamp":"1782680400","event_duration":"","event_recurrence_end_timestamp":"1782680400","event_repeat_frequency":"","event_repeat_ends":"","event_repeat_date":"","event_repeat_occurrences":"","event_image":"","all_day_event":"0","venue_name":"Elaine's","admin_city":"Alexandria ","wp_last_modified_info":"June 22, 2026 @ 6:00 pm","event_import_post_id":"","source_guid":""},"categories":[55,60,32,22],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-238332","event","type-event","status-publish","hentry","category-bookish","category-creative","category-food-drink","category-the-fairfax-girl"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nThe Long Dark House Soft Launch - 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