DARK at Fort Edmonton Park has just released tickets for another year of spooks and scares. This October, you can anticipate scare zones, walk through a frightening new haunt, and even stay overnight on the haunted grounds yourself.
If you aren’t already familiar, Fort Edmonton Park hosts a huge scare event each year in the city with several haunts, roving entertainment, food and drink to enjoy, and a live DJ spinning tunes all evening. This year, four different haunt experiences will take over the park; three returning from past years, and one being an all-new nightmare. While these haunts have been confirmed, the exact names and themes haven’t been announced.
Tickets have already been released in anticipation of this exciting event, and we’ve got all the details to know before attending one of Edmonton’s best Halloween activities.
Everything to know about Fort Edmonton Park’s DARK
When is DARK?
DARK will be coming to Edmonton from Friday, Oct. 2, to Saturday, Oct. 31.
Where does the event take place?
This entire festival will take place at Fort Edmonton Park, located in the city’s river valley.
What’s the best way to get there?
It’s encouraged to carpool, rideshare, book the On-Demand transit, or use public transit, as there will not be any direct shuttles to the event.
Is there parking?
For those driving, there is limited parking in the main lot at Fort Edmonton Park. However, once again, it is highly recommended to use another form of transportation.
What if it rains or snows?
The event will continue rain, shine, or cold. There will be spaces available to warm up as some parts of the event are indoors, but the event itself asks folks to dress for the weather (keeping in mind it can be a few degrees cooler in the river valley).
Are costumes allowed?
Costumes, costume masks, graphic makeup, and face paint are not permitted due to safety concerns.
According to DARK, if visitors arrive at the event wearing a costume or face paint, “security will enforce this policy at bag checks and request that you remove the costume and face paint before entering the event.”
You can visit the Makeup and Costume policy on Fort Edmonton’s website for examples of what is permitted and what isn’t.
What other rules are good to know?
The main thing to know is that there’s no re-entry allowed for this event. This means if you leave during your stay, you will not be allowed back in.
While you’re in the park, you are allowed to take pictures in and around the site; you are not permitted to take photos within the haunts themselves.
Also, harassment of staff will result in immediate removal, and guests must not touch performers or staff.
There’s also a long list of prohibited items including reusable water bottles, coffee mugs or thermoses, professional-grade cameras, tripods, or selfie sticks, alcoholic beverages, and outside food (with exceptions possibly made for medical reasons). You’ll be able to find the full list of items on Fort Edmonton’s website.
Will there be food and drink on-site?
Food and beverages will be available in multiple locations on-site. The event is also licensed, meaning you’ll be able to bring your ID and purchase a spooky brew if you so desire.
How much are tickets?
General admission tickets to DARK cost $50 plus fees. For those wanting quicker access to haunts, you can purchase general admission with a fast pass for $80 plus fees.
Tickets are already available online, with a recommendation to book ahead of time.
What’s the hotel package?
You can stay on-site during this Halloween festival with Fort Edmonton’s exciting hotel package.
The DARK hotel package offers a one-night stay for two guests at Hotel Selkirk, located right in Fort Edmonton Park. During your stay at this 1920s-style spot, you’ll also get to experience a continental breakfast. This includes assorted pastries and danishes, a breakfast croissant sandwich, fresh fruit, and so much more.
Not only that, but with this package, you’ll get two bottles of water in the room, two pairs of exclusive DARK mittens, and two tickets with admission to DARK, including fast passes to skip the lines and maximize the scare.
These packages start at $499, and you can book for specific dates this October online.
When: Friday, Oct. 2, to Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026
Time: Gates open at 6:30 p.m.; Haunts open from 7 to 11 p.m.
Where: 7000 143rd St. NW, Edmonton, Alta.
Cost: $50+
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Alyssa Gallardo
Alyssa is a Staff Writer for Dished and Curiocity Edmonton. She’s a big fan of everything entertainment, and can always be seen running around the city going from concert to concert.
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