DARK has officially wrapped up for the 2021 season! From spine-chilling experiences, immersive haunts and fantastic local vendors — thanks to all who participated and supported us this year.
Stay tuned for updates on DARK 2022!
DARK Haunts
Under the Big Top
All is not as it seems in the Big Top Tent on the Midway. What was supposed to be a magical night at the circus quickly turns into a nightmare. A killer clown and his sinister minions take control of the circus and find amusement in tearing their audience apart and then sewing the bodies back together. Will you be forced to run away and join this circus?
Core Industries
Two years ago, a fungal parasite outbreak occurred at Core Industries, gruesomely mutating and controlling the workers. The lab has been sealed shut ever since, locking those left behind inside to suffer an unimaginable fate. You are assigned to join a special operative team and head inside for the first time since the outbreak to assess the carnage and retrieve a sample of the fungus. We’re confident that enough time has gone by to curb the infection inside, but your instant dread tells you otherwise.
Blood Harvest
It’s Halloween night, and you’re driving home through an eerie countryside shortcut when your car breaks down. Luckily, you see a house with a light on at the end of the road decorated with scarecrows for Halloween. Unluckily for you, this family, after a desperately bleak farming year, made a deal with the devil to ensure their next harvest would be a success. In exchange for better crops, the demon took their souls, twisted them into bloodthirsty shadows of their former selves, and condemned them to harvest victims’ blood to water their crops. Something doesn’t seem quite right with those scarecrows, either...
DARK Merch
From cozy hoodies, to classic tees and toques show off your love for DARK this October! Scoop up your DARK merch by Elite Promo Marketing this season. Available on-site during DARK at Fort Edmonton Park.
*Please note, costumes, costumed masks and face paint are not permitted at the event.
DARK 2021 Sponsors
We would like to thank the following partners for their generous support of DARK 2021!
What is DARK?
DARK is Fort Edmonton Park’s Halloween scare event for older teens and adults. It consists of several haunts, roving entertainment and food and beverage service.
What is a haunt?
A haunt is an immersive scare experience. It is different from a haunted house in that it can take place indoors or outdoors and often a combination of the two.
Where is the event held?
The event takes place at Fort Edmonton Park (7000 143 St.) in Edmonton’s River Valley.
How much are the tickets?
Tickets are $45 (plus fees & tax) for access to the three haunts.
Is Dead Centre of Town running this year?
Dead Centre of Town XIII by Catch the Keys Productions was planned to run this year, however, they have recently made the difficult decision to postpone the event until 2022. We can’t wait to welcome back Edmonton’s only live-action thriller inspired by true history to possess the Capitol Theatre next year.
Is this event suitable for children?
While the event is for people 14 years and older, entrance is at the parent or guardian’s discretion. There is no discounted rate for children.
I came to DARK before. Are the haunts the same?
There is one brand new haunt and a continuation of the story on two previous haunts.
How long is each haunt?
Haunt times vary depending on the haunt and how quickly people move through. Each haunt averages around 8 minutes.
Will there be long line-ups?
We do our best to minimize line-ups; however, please expect some line-ups and be prepared for the weather.
Is there a family-friendly version?
This event is not suitable for young children. There are many child-friendly events in and around Edmonton, including Boo! At the Zoo.
Is the event wheelchair accessible?
Due to the historic nature of the facility, several buildings would be challenging for persons with limited mobility and impassable for wheelchairs.
What COVID-19 protocols will be in place?
We are participating in the Government of Alberta’s Restriction Exemption Program.
Starting on Monday, October 25, 2021, all guests will be required to show proof of double vaccination or a negative test result in order to enter our facility. Specifically, this means guests must have one of the following:
- Have proof of a double vaccination given more than two weeks prior to the visit date
- Have proof of a negative COVID-19 Health Canada approved rapid antigen, rapid PCR or lab-based PCR test completed within the previous 72 hours.
- Have documentation of a medical exemption.
Physical distancing and masking indoors will also be required.
How can I purchase a DARK ticket?
The easiest way to purchase your ticket is online.
What’s your refund policy?
This event is non-refundable.
Can I purchase my ticket at the door?
Depending on availability, there may be tickets at the door, but it's easiest to purchase your tickets online. Check thedark.ca to ensure the event isn’t sold out before coming down.
Is the hotel open?
Yes! The Hotel Selkirk is available on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays during DARK. Rooms start at $159 based on double occupancy. Included in your room are a pre-event DARK cocktail and a surprise escort to the event. DARK event tickets must be purchased separately online. To book or for more information contact hotelselkirk@fortedmontonpark.ca.
What time do I have to be there?
The event starts at 7 pm with gates opening at 6 pm. Entrance to each of the haunts will be first come, first served. It can take up to 3 hours to get the full experience. Gates close at 11 pm.
What if it rains, snows or is cold?
The event continues rain, shine or cold. Parts of the event will be indoors, and there will be spaces available to warm up; however, please dress for the weather. Remember, it can be a few degrees cooler in the river valley.
Is parking available?
Parking in the main lot is limited. Please carpool, use a taxi, Uber or get dropped off.
Can I wear a costume?
Costumes, costumed masks and face paint are not permitted.
Will there be food and beverages available?
Yes, there will be food and beverage items available in multiple locations. DARK is a licensed event, so please bring your ID if you wish to purchase alcoholic beverages. More information on menus from local food truck favourites coming soon. Food & beverage tickets are available for pre-purchase on the website.
DARK looks like fun, how can I get involved?
We use some volunteer positions to help with this event. Please visit our volunteer sign-up page.
- Weapons and dangerous devices of any type such as firearms, explosives, stun guns, handcuffs, clubs, batons, martial arts instruments, knives, tools, mace, pepper spray, bear spray; also included are replica firearms/weapons etc.
- Costumes
- Masks or face paint
- Alcoholic beverages and outside food (exceptions may be made for medical reasons)
- Cannabis
- Illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia
- Explosives, fireworks, incendiary devices, smoke bombs, aerosol cans, paints, flammable liquids
- Gang-affiliated clothing
- Offensive clothing and material
- Professional grade cameras, tripods
- Spiked clothing or jewellery
- Pets
- Air horns, megaphones, whistles and other mechanical noise makers
- Laser pointers/pens
- Remote control vehicles including unmanned aerial vehicles
- Sporting goods (Baseball bats, hockey sticks, golf clubs, bows and arrows etc)
- Unauthorized advertising
- Any other items deemed to be dangerous or inappropriate to guests and/or employees
Persons possessing any of these items will be required to surrender the items and may be denied entry or may be subject to removal. Persons denied entry or removed for any violation of facility rules will not be issued a refund.
Bag checks will be conducted at the event.