Presented in partnership with Quixotic, Dark Forest is an immersive, multimedia walk-through experience in Powell Gardens’ woods. There are light shows, performers, and music along a 1-mile mulched path.
Dark Forest
October 13-15, 20-22, and 26-29
Presented in partnership with Quixotic, Powell Gardens ushers in fall with an immersive, multimedia walk-through experience in the woods. As the dark lush veils of nightfall sweep solemnly across an eerie Midwest sky, Dark Forest invites you to journey through a magical and mysterious wooded landscape where the channels of nature’s mortal realms are fiercely pierced by unexplainable paranormal forces and spellbinding supernatural beings.
Buy Tickets
VIP Fast Pass Ticket
Fast Pass holders are invited to visit Dark Forest any time on the date selected and move to the front of the line. VIP Fast Pass includes two drink tickets, VIP parking, and a limited-edition t-shirt. VIP Fast Pass holders will have access to a private seating area and bar along the Dark Forest trail.
This exclusive experience is limited to a few guests each night and must be purchased in advance.
Horticulture Highlights
Garden Galleries
Garden Galleries feature an all-new spooky fall display—Plants You Might Not Know Are Poisonous. Steer clear of the Curator, a spooky scarecrow who frequents this space!
Poison Apple
The Apple Court features garden ghosts surrounding a giant red poison apple perfect for a selfie.
Mystic Faire
Located near the Missouri Barn and Silo, the Mystic Faire brings together an entertaining market of food, specialty drinks, and treasures of other worlds for all to enjoy. Make sure to stop at the Cabinet of Coffee & Curiosities for event souvenirs.
Food, Beverage, and Shopping at Dark Forest
Missouri Barn
6-11 p.m.
Guests can enjoy a snack or dinner at the Missouri Barn concessions, Cabinet of Coffee & Curiosities, and the Mystic Faire. Selections will include a menu of hot food, coffee & cider, signature cocktails, local brews, and more.
Cabinet of Coffee & Curiosities
6-11 p.m.
Coffee lovers can enjoy a cup of local roasted coffee, cider or other hot beverages along with a selection bakery items and gifts.
Silo Bar+Bites
6-11 p.m.
Hand-crafted cocktails with local spirits will be available along with snacks.
Mystic Lake Bar
8-11 p.m.
Grab another round of drinks halfway through the Dark Forest experience at Mystic Lake.
Dark Forest FAQs
Find the answers to frequently asked Dark Forest questions below.
The Dark Forest experience takes place along Powell Gardens’ 1-mile Family Discovery Loop. Visitors should prepare to walk the 1-mile trail, plus additional walking to and from the parking lot and entrance path.
Natural outdoor trails are not paved, and terrain is uneven. There are areas of low lighting visibility and slight inclines. Use handrails when available. User discretion is advised.
Strollers are best left at home due to the challenges of navigating crowds and trail terrain. No pets allowed, with the exception of registered service animals.
Most guests complete the Dark Forest experience in about one hour. If you have time before or after your ticketed trail time, visit the Mystic Fair and Silo Bar + Bites for food, beverages, and shopping.
Visitors should stay on the marked Dark Forest path. Do not wander the woods. Strobe lights, music, and fog are in use along the trail.
Do not touch the performers.
Think of Dark Forest as PG-13. There are no jump scares or gore, but the 1-mile path is full of eerie performers and scenes that may not be suitable for all audiences. Use your best judgement when purchasing tickets for children.
Natural outdoor trails are not paved, and terrain is uneven. There are areas of low lighting visibility and slight inclines. Use handrails when available. User discretion is advised.
A VIP Fast Pass includes two drink tickets, an event t-shirt, VIP parking, a VIP bar on the Dark Forest trail, and the ability to jump to the head of the Dark Forest line.
Dark Forest tickets are sold by the time of entry to the 1-mile experience. (If you purchased 9:30 p.m. tickets, you should be in line to enter the woods at 9:30 p.m.) Plan to arrive 30-45 minutes ahead of the time on your ticket to allow time for parking, checking out the poisonous plant display in Garden Galleries, and grabbing a drink from the Missouri Barn area.
Dark Forest is held rain or shine, with the exception of severe or dangerous weather conditions. Keeping visitors, staff, performers, and our trail safe is a primary concern!
If severe weather moves into the area, our staff will monitor it throughout the day. If a decision is made to cancel or make changes to the evening’s event, an announcement will be made on social media and ticket holders will be notified via email. (Make sure you check your junk, spam, and promotions folders!) We will share additional details, including rainout dates, with ticket holders as needed.
Dark Forest is the perfect time to capture photos and videos! Dark Forest draws a crowd, especially early in the evening. If you stop to take photos or videos during the experience, please be considerate of others. Keep moving forward to keep the path clear and flowing. If you’d like to stay longer at a particular moment, please move to the side of the path to avoid hindering the flow of traffic.
If you choose to share your captured content to social media, tag @powellgardens, @quixoticfusion, or @darkforestkc and use the hashtag #darkforestkc.
In case of emergency, call 911 and notify a staff member or performer.
Plan your visit to Powell Gardens today.
Once your tickets are purchased online, you will receive confirmation via email. We’re looking forward to seeing you soon!