Babcock Ranch will bring home the magic, mystery, marvels \u2013 and the screams \u2013 of Halloween this fall with the monthlong Halloween Nights through Oct. 31. <\/p>\n
Hosted at Curry Commerce Center, Halloween Nights offers entertainment, interactive displays and a Family Fun Zone. <\/p>\n
Visitors will also enjoy seasonal beverages, themed cuisine and the Lantern Lounge, a full bar serving specialty sips and light snacks.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe wanted to create something unique for our residents and Southwest Florida families,\u201d said Syd Kitson, chairman and CEO of developer Kitson & Partners in a prepared statement. \u201cWe challenged the team to think beyond traditional celebrations and design an immersive experience that captures the imagination, brings neighbors together and creates lasting memories. Events like Halloween Nights are how vibrant communities come alive.\u201d<\/p>\n
At the heart of the event lies an original local folklore crafted exclusively for Babcock Ranch: The legend of the Preserve Rider. Tale has it that an old ranch hand vanished into the surrounding preserve alongside his horse, never to be seen again. Yet, on cool fall evenings, his lone glowing lantern reportedly still glides between the trees as he silently watches over the land.<\/p>\n
Visitors encounter this ghostly guide inside an indoor haunted attraction, accompanied by atmospheric fog, chilling sounds, flickering and strobe lights and unsettling surprises.<\/p>\n
\u201cGuests will discover lanterns woven into the experience as a symbol of the Preserve Rider\u2019s presence,\u201d said Ally Bessette, director of events and community engagement for the Babcock Ranch Residential Association. \u201cWe\u2019ve built our storytelling around that mystery to create an experience that feels unique to Babcock Ranch rather than a traditional haunted attraction.\u201d<\/p>\n
Beyond the chills, Halloween Nights is designed for everyone to enjoy at their own pace. Guests can enjoy lighted displays and interactive attractions, browse the themed gift shop and wander along festive areas such as the Lantern Lounge, Family Fun Zone, Graveyard Cinema and photo opportunities abound.<\/p>\n
The experience evolves each week with specialty events throughout the month.<\/p>\n
Babcock Ranch residents will receive discounted admission and exclusive experiences during the Oct. 21 Resident-Only Night. <\/p>\n
The town will host Sensory-Friendly Night on Oct. 26, eliminating fog, strobe lighting and loud sound effects and increasing ambient lighting and trained volunteers.<\/p>\n
Additional themed nights include discounts and promotions for students Oct. 15 and Trick-or-Treat Nights Oct. 23-24. The celebrations conclude with Glow Night on Oct. 30.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhether you\u2019re seeking spooky scares, festive fun or a unique night out with family and friends, Babcock Ranch Halloween Nights offers something for everyone,\u201d said Bessette. \u201cOur goal is to create an annual can\u2019t-miss tradition and destination for our residents and Southwest Florida.\u201d<\/p>\n
Presented by Statement Lighting in partnership with Kitson & Partners, Babcock Ranch Halloween Nights is hosted Thursday through Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 5 to 8 p.m. Tickets cost $5 for children ages 2 and under and $30 for general admission and are available at babcockranchliving.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n