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
Returning October 2024
Presented in partnership with Quixotic, Powell Gardens ushers in fall with an immersive, multimedia walk-through experience in the woods. Learn more about the 2024 event here as details become available!
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 rugged terrain is uneven. Natural terrain includes mulch, gravel, and hills. There are areas of low lighting visibility and inclines. The mulched trail is not suitable for strollers/wagons, walkers, or wheelchairs due to the trail terrain. No pets allowed, with the exception of registered service animals.
Use handrails when available. User discretion is advised.
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!