Nightmare on Main — 2025 Review

Nightmare on Main – 2025 Review

Date: 9/26/2025

Location: Pulaski, Virginia

Website: https://www.hauntedprisonnrv.com/nightmare-on-main-street

Overall Rating: 7.75/10

Nightmare on Main is a brand-new haunt located right in the heart of downtown Pulaski, VA. It’s proudly presented by New River Community Action, an organization dedicated to promoting and supporting the well-being and self-reliance of individuals, families, and communities. This community focus shines through not only in the haunt itself, but also in their partnership with the Pulaski Chamber of Commerce. Together, they’re launching the “Spooky After 7:00” initiative in October, designed to get the entire town involved in the Halloween spirit.

Our crew attended during the soft opening / friends & family night, so not every element was running at full capacity — and that makes their showing all the more impressive. With dark, dimly lit hallways that set an ominous tone and a clever mix of actor-driven scares and special effects, Nightmare on Main has already proven it’s bringing life back to Main Street… and “slaying it!”

Entertainment Value: 7/10

Outside of the haunt itself, Nightmare on Main benefits greatly from its downtown location. Visitors can enjoy the Purple Cactus Taqueria for tacos or head across the street to the wine garden before or after their walkthrough. They also offered photo ops and a couple of outdoor roaming spooks, which helped add to the experience. A smart perk: guests are texted when it’s their turn to enter, giving them time to enjoy food, drink, and shopping without losing their spot.

Costume & Makeup: 8/10

While no ultra-high-tech designs were seen, costumes and makeup were executed effectively and fit the dark, moody lighting. The overall look blended nicely with the atmosphere and made each character believable. From the morgue and barrel room characters to the eerie marionette doll character, actors were well-presented and visually unsettling in their environments.

Cast & Crew: 8.5/10

The cast was the highlight of this haunt! Every actor, even those in smaller roles, stayed fully in character and delivered strong scares. Standouts included the girl locked in the cages with her interactive skit, the snake-like character in the barrel room, and the kitchen duo asking if we were “Gordon Ramsey.” Energy and commitment were consistent throughout, and staff members outside the haunt were equally welcoming and friendly. Can’t forget to give kudos to Maxinne, the roaming prom queen, who kept things entertaining outside the attraction!

Set Design & Special Effects: 7.5/10

For a first-year build, there were several memorable rooms: the marionette scene with its life-sized dolls, a creepy red laser swamp with an unexpected scare, the blackout maze, and the morgue. Audio effects echoed through the old building beautifully, though some scenes could use additional sound volume and lighting to bring details forward. Certain areas, like the pallet room with buzzing effects, just begged for that extra “oomph.” Overall, the foundation is strong, and with added finish work, these sets could really shine.

Fright/Thrill Factor: 7.5/10

Startle scares were placed well, with hidden wall panels and unexpected bursts catching our group off guard. The blackout maze and pneumatic effects delivered fun frights, and some members of our group were definitely extra jumpy! Still, there were stretches where intensity dipped, and a bit more in-your-face energy could elevate the thrill factor. That said, stay alert as one scare caught us all off guard! 

Fright Night MVP:

The Marionette Puppeteer was a standout of the evening! With stellar makeup, uncanny doll-like mannerisms, and full commitment to the role, this performer brought the marionette room to life in the creepiest way possible. Their interaction and engagement with our crew elevated the scene from unsettling to unforgettable.

Sharpening the Scare:

• Boost audio immersion: Many of the existing effects are excellent; raising the volume in certain areas would make them resonate even more powerfully throughout the building.

• Clarify flow & exits: Adding signage or subtle guidance at the mid-way emergency exit could prevent groups from leaving early by mistake. 

• Fine-tune environmental effects: Experimenting with lighting tweaks would let guests appreciate more scene detail while still keeping the eerie darkness intact.

• Spotlight drop panels: A quick flash from a finger light or similar effect could highlight actors at just the right moment, amplifying their impact.

• Strengthen character presence: Continued actor training around wordplay and improvisation will give the cast more tools to engage guests and keep energy high from start to finish.

• Enhance first impressions: Subtle touches like black-lighting the exterior sign, adding lobby lighting, or incorporating a few more roaming characters could elevate the entry experience.

• Continue expanding community ties: Partnerships with neighboring businesses (such as Jackson Park Inn) and the addition of merchandise would strengthen the haunt’s identity and give guests more ways to connect beyond their visit.

Recap the Screams:

Nightmare on Main is a hauntingly solid debut for a first-year attraction. With a short build window, they’ve already crafted memorable scenes like the marionette dolls, snake in the barrel room, laser swamp, and cage girl. The cast delivered strong energy, and the location adds bonus appeal with food, wine, and shopping within steps of the haunt. With refinements to audio, lighting, and scene polish, this downtown haunt has incredible potential to become a staple of the New River Valley haunt circuit. Haunt fans should also check out Haunted Prison NRV, operated by the same team behind Nightmare on Main and located just 15–20 minutes away. Combo tickets are available, making it easy to experience both attractions in one night.