Wordplay Wednesday: Goth(ic Lit) Night

Spend an evening exploring the darker, more atmospheric side of literature at Planet Word. Inspired by Edgar Allan Poe, the Brontë sisters, Mary Shelley, and other Gothic writers, this Wordplay Wednesday program examines the language, stories, and memorable characters of the genre through reading, creative activities, and literary games.

Guests can settle into a Gothic literature reading nook, make illustrated scenes using Gothic and macabre coloring pages, and experiment with the genre’s especially dramatic language. Victorian-inspired details and décor, complimentary treats, and drinks available for purchase add to the atmosphere.

When: Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Showtimes: 5:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.

Tickets: Pay what you can, from $5 to $25

Venue: Planet Word Museum, 925 13th St. NW, with entrance on K Street

Activities: Gothic literature reading nook, Gothic and macabre coloring pages, literary games, and other genre-themed activities

Membership: Planet Word members receive free admission for two people to Wordplay Wednesday events.

Add-on: Visitors can also choose Lexicon Lane, an immersive third-floor puzzle experience in which participants decipher clues hidden among shops and landmarks to solve a mystery before time runs out.

Accessibility: For accessibility questions or concerns, contact [email protected].