A musical trail, cemetery play & 2 Enchanted Forests: 6 Halloween events for KC families
The Kansas City area’s haunted houses and pumpkin patches have been going strong for several weeks. Now it’s time for other Halloween activities to kick into gear.
Six outdoor events for the whole family will take place or open for business over the two weeks before Halloween. Highlighting them are the Coterie Theatre’s popular “Electric Poe” performance at Union Cemetery and the spooky Dark Forest event featuring the performance group Quixotic at Powell Gardens.
Here’s a rundown of the six upcoming events.
Coterie Theatre’s ‘Electric Poe’
When and where will it be held?
Showtimes are 6:30 p.m. Oct. 17-20, 23-27 and Oct. 30-Nov. 2, plus 5:30 p.m. Nov. 3 at Union Cemetery, just south of Crown Center at 227 E. 28th Terrace.
What will the show be like?
Actor R.H. Wilhoit looks at Edgar Allen Poe through the eyes of Poe’s rival writer, Rufus Griswold. Wilhoit will tell stories including “The Raven” and “William Wilson.”
How much does it cost?
Tickets are $26, or $19 for 18-and-under and 60-and-over ($27.75 and $20.75 including fees).
Where can I park?
Parking is not allowed in the cemetery; you can park in spots outside of the gates and walk in.
Other things to know
▪ The production is held in front of the “Holding Vault,” built in 1857 in Kansas City’s oldest public cemetery.
▪ Blanket seating will be in the front half of the audience area, with chair seating in the back half. Standing-room tickets will be released if the other tickets sell out.
▪ There is a paved path to the check-in table, but the terrain is uneven in the cemetery where the performance takes place.
▪ Cemetery tours (if purchased as add-ons) will begin at 5 p.m. and last about an hour.
Where can I get more information?
Enchanted Forest in Independence
When and where will it be held?
Activities will take place 7-9 p.m. Oct. 18-19 and 25-26 at George Owens Nature Park, 1601 Speck Road, Independence.
What will there be to do?
Families can stroll through pumpkin-lit trails, watch skits and take hayrides. Concessions will be available.
How much does it cost?
Tickets are $4 (under 2 free). Call 816-325-7115 for more information about tickets.
Where can I park?
Parking is available just inside the park’s entrance off Speck Road.
One thing to know
▪ The event is a partnership between the Powerhouse Theatre Foundation and the City of Independence Parks, Recreation and Tourism.
Where can I get more information?
Dark Forest at Powell Gardens
When and where will it be held?
Reserved entry times will run 7-10 p.m. Oct. 18-19, 24-26, 31 and Nov. 1-2 at Powell Gardens, about 20 miles east of Lee’s Summit at 1609 NW U.S. 50.
What will there be to do?
Attendees will hike Powell Gardens’ Family Discovery Loop, a 1-mile patch through the woods lined with performances by Quixotic, musicians and others, as well as art installations.
How much does it cost?
Admission is $38, with the add-on Fire Feast dinner $58 and the VIP Fast Pass $98. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Where can I park?
On-site parking costs $10 per car and is required.
Other things to know
▪ The Powell Gardens website says Dark Forest should be considered a PG-13 experience. It will include fog, strobe lights, flashing lights and intense sounds but no jump scares or gore.
▪ The path includes steep inclines and declines, as well as uneven terrain.
▪ Powell Gardens members must buy tickets but do not have to purchase parking.
▪ Strollers, wagons and similar items are not allowed on the trail.
Where can I get more information?
Night of the Living Farm in Overland Park
When and where will it be held?
The event will run 5:30-9 p.m. the weekends of Oct. 18-19 and 25-26 at Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, 13800 Switzer Road, Overland Park.
What will there be to do?
Activities will include the Stone Lion Puppets, hayrides, spooky experiments, a scarecrow maze and more.
How much does it cost?
Tickets are $15; children 2 and under are free.
Where can I park?
There is plenty of free parking at the venue.
Other things to know
▪ Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead is home to more than 250 animals and birds, as well as a Kanza Indian encampment display, one-room schoolhouse, Main Street and fishing pond.
▪ The venue also plays host to Pumpkin Hollow, which runs each day through Oct. 31.
Where can I get more information?
Enchanted Forest in Lenexa
When and where will it be held?
The one-night event will take place 4-8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 24, at Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park, 8801 Greenway Lane, Lenexa.
What will there be to do?
Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park will be filled with Halloween-themed fun for children, including hayrides, pumpkin-decorating and a puppet show, with appearances by Dino O’Dell, KC Wolf and Sluggerrr as well as a fire eater, stilt walkers and princesses.
How much does it cost?
The Enchanted Forest is free.
Where can I park?
Limited on-site parking will be available at the park and Foundry Church. Parking will not be permitted on some of the streets in the neighborhood.
Other things to know
▪ Organizers emphasize that Enchanted Forest is primarily an entertainment event, not a trick-or-treating event.
▪ Costumes are optional.
Where can I get more information?
Sports Spooktacular in Lee’s Summit
When and where will it be held?
Activities will run 5-9 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 25, at the Paragon Star Complex, 1401 NW River Road, Lee’s Summit. It is just north of Interstate 470 at the View High Drive exit.
What will there be to do?
Trick-or-treating is the main attraction. There also will be sports-themed activities, costume contests, a bungee jump and a free movie.
How much does it cost?
Sports Spooktacular is free.
Where can I park?
The complex includes three free parking lots.
Other things to know
▪ Trick-or-treating stations will be set up on paved areas throughout the complex.
▪ The Ghostbusters car will be on display for photo opportunities.
Where can I get more information?
