Babcock Ranch debuts Halloween Nights, featuring immersive storytelling and haunting experiences
From family fun to the spooky legend of the Preserve Rider, monthlong celebration runs through Oct. 31
Babcock Ranch will bring home the magic, mystery, marvels – and the screams – of Halloween this fall with the monthlong Halloween Nights through Oct. 31.
Hosted at Curry Commerce Center, Halloween Nights offers entertainment, interactive displays and a Family Fun Zone.
Visitors will also enjoy seasonal beverages, themed cuisine and the Lantern Lounge, a full bar serving specialty sips and light snacks.
“We wanted to create something unique for our residents and Southwest Florida families,” said Syd Kitson, chairman and CEO of developer Kitson & Partners in a prepared statement. “We 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.”
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.
Visitors encounter this ghostly guide inside an indoor haunted attraction, accompanied by atmospheric fog, chilling sounds, flickering and strobe lights and unsettling surprises.
“Guests will discover lanterns woven into the experience as a symbol of the Preserve Rider’s presence,” said Ally Bessette, director of events and community engagement for the Babcock Ranch Residential Association. “We’ve built our storytelling around that mystery to create an experience that feels unique to Babcock Ranch rather than a traditional haunted attraction.”
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.
The experience evolves each week with specialty events throughout the month.
Babcock Ranch residents will receive discounted admission and exclusive experiences during the Oct. 21 Resident-Only Night.
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.
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.
“Whether you’re seeking spooky scares, festive fun or a unique night out with family and friends, Babcock Ranch Halloween Nights offers something for everyone,” said Bessette. “Our goal is to create an annual can’t-miss tradition and destination for our residents and Southwest Florida.”
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 https://www.babcockranchliving.com/665/Babcock-Ranch-Halloween-Nights-Presented
For questions or additional information, contact brhalloweennights@outlook.com.