Some stories are written in ink… others are written in BLOOD…
Volumes of the Vein invites you into an evening of Southern Gothic decadence at the historic Robert Mills Carriage House & Gardens, where candlelight, old stories, and a thirst for something darker come together after sunset.
Gather for themed mocktails, atmospheric bites, bookish details, and an immersive vampire social inspired by the romance and darkness of the old South.
But this time, we’re not just talking about blood.
In partnership with The Blood Connection, guests will have the opportunity to roll up their sleeves and donate. Because if we’re gathering around blood, we might as well bleed together. 🩸
And in the interest of keeping the blood pure, this gathering will be entirely alcohol-free. Our bar will instead be pouring handcrafted, vampire-inspired mocktails throughout the evening.
An exclusive donation prize awaits those who are willing to bleed for it 🩸
Step into an evening steeped in Southern Gothic decadence, where old stories, dark indulgence, and a thirst for something more come together after sunset.
Step Into The Story
Enter a Southern Gothic world of candlelight, dark florals, old books, and vampiric decadence. Every detail is designed to make you feel as though you’ve slipped into another century after dark.
Bleed For A Cause
In partnership with The Blood Connection, guests will have the opportunity to donate blood during the evening. Give a little of your own and help turn our fascination with blood into something that can actually save a life.
A Taste of the Vein
Enjoy handcrafted, vampire-inspired mocktails and atmospheric bites throughout the evening. And in the interest of keeping the blood pure, this gathering is entirely alcohol-free.
Dress For The Occassion
Come dressed as though you’ve stepped straight from the pages of a Southern Gothic tale. Romantic, dark, dramatic, period-inspired, or subtly vampiric—the interpretation is yours. Costumes aren’t required, but dressing for the atmosphere is highly encouraged.
Enter The World
Curious what Volumes of the Vein looks like in our heads? We’ve gathered the inspiration behind the evening—from Southern Gothic romance and historic decadence to candlelit tables, dark florals, and a touch of the immortal.
View the mood board here
The Setting
Location
Robert Mills Carriage House & Gardens Columbia, SC
Date & Time
Friday, October 23, 2026 6:00pm - 8:00 pm
An immersive Southern Gothic vampire experience
Handcrafted vampire-inspired mocktails
Light bites & decadent treats
Candlelit, atmospheric surroundings
Bookish details woven throughout
Blood donation with The Blood Connection
Special perks for those who bleed 🩸
Photo-worthy moments & more
What awaits you
How the evening unfolds
Come curious. Leave a little lighter. 🩸
5:00 pm
Blood Donations Begin
Doors Open
5:50 pm
Bites, Sips & Socializing
6:00 pm
8:00 pm
Doors Close
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQs below or reach out to us via email: hello@litescape.events. If you’re feeling ready, go ahead and reserve your spot!
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Admission includes the immersive social experience, themed mocktails, light bites, bookish details, and access to the evening’s activities. Donors will also receive special donor perks.
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Volumes of the Vein takes place at Robert Mills Carriage House & Gardens in Columbia, South Carolina.
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Absolutely. Lit Escape events are designed for connection, and plenty of guests arrive solo. You don’t need to bring someone to have someone to talk to.
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No. In the interest of keeping the blood pure, Volumes of the Vein is an entirely alcohol-free experience. Handcrafted, vampire-inspired mocktails will be served throughout the social.
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Yes. Volumes of the Vein is an 18+ experience. While the evening is entirely alcohol-free, the event is designed specifically for an adult audience.
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Nope! Anyone 18 or older is welcome at Volumes Of The Vein
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Come dressed as though you’ve stepped from the pages of a Southern Gothic tale. Dark, romantic, dramatic, period-inspired, or subtly vampiric attire is encouraged, but costumes are not required. Check out our mood board here for inspiration.
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Not at all! Blood donation is completely optional. You’re welcome to join us for the full experience whether you donate or not.
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You can still attend! Donating blood is just one part of Volumes of the Vein and is not required to participate in the social.
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Pre-scheduled blood donations begin at 5 PM and are available by appointment only. Once appointment times open, registered attendees will receive information to reserve a time slot.Walk-up donations may also be made available throughout the event as availability allows, but we strongly recommend scheduling ahead of time if you know you’d like to bleed with us. 🩸
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Appointment slots will be released to registered attendees before the event. Ticket holders will receive instructions as soon as scheduling opens.
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Blood donation eligibility is determined by The Blood Connection. We recommend reviewing their current donor requirements before scheduling your appointment.
The invitation has been extended. Will you answer?
Step into Volumes of the Vein for a night of Southern Gothic decadence, dark stories, and a gathering with something deeper running through its veins.
Come for the story. Stay for the gathering. Bleed for something that matters. 🩸
Brought to you by Lit Escape Events
Curators of sold-out reader experiences across the Carolinas