This Halloween season, Navy Pier invites you to embark on an all-new, immersive theater experience like no other. Delve into the mysteries of a once-renowned genetic plant laboratory, now transformed by grief into the Garden of Decay.
In this captivating journey, guests will don headsets and be guided through each room by actors, immersing themselves in the gripping narrative of a grieving botanist fueled by an unrelenting desire for resurrection. The experience is meticulously crafted by five exceptionally talented local artists: New Moon, Daniella DeLuna, Kiam Junio, Penny Gac and Monica Paprocki. Each artist infuses their rooms with unique elements of artistry, storytelling, and innovation, promising a night of unparalleled wonder and intrigue.
After emerging from the Garden of Decay, visitors will find themselves immersed in the enchanting celebrations of the Garden of reCreation. Explore a world of interactive art, themed vendors offering unique treasures, tantalizing botanical cocktails, and late-night entertainment. Get ready to embark on a thrilling adventure with interactive activities including:
- Tarot card readings to glimpse into your future
- Live poetry and automatic writing capturing the spirit of the season
- The mesmerizing art of cigar rolling
- Entomology through bug pinning demonstrations
- The artistry of taxidermy displays
- Live dance performances adding to the eerie ambiance
- Haunting tunes spun by DJs that will keep you grooving on the dance floor
- Letters to loved ones, a wishing tree, and passport experiences await you as well.
- On select nights, you can even get live tattoos or teeth gemming. Dates to come.
For an elevated experience, consider VIP upgrades, including two drink tickets, a cherished commemorative keepsake, and a ticket for the botanical cloche DIY craft. More details about the VIP experience can be found on the event website. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit the event website.
Note*: All activities, times, and dates are subject to change. All food and drink purchases should be made separately during the event. The taxidermy displays and bug pinning demonstrations are led by trained professionals and ethically sourced.
ABOUT NAVY PIER
Located on Lake Michigan, Navy Pier is the top nonprofit tourism destination in the Midwest, stretching more than six city blocks and typically welcoming nearly 9 million annual guests. Originally opened in 1916 as a shipping and recreation facility, this Chicago landmark showcases more than 50 acres of parks, restaurants, attractions, retail shops, sightseeing and dining cruise boats, exposition facilities and more. The Pier celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2016 with the unveiling of the iconic Centennial Wheel, Polk Bros Park, Fifth Third Bank Family Pavilion and Peoples Energy Welcome Pavilion. In 2021, Navy Pier continued to usher in its second century with ongoing Pier-wide redevelopment efforts—including Sable, a 223-room Hilton hotel, new restaurants and partnerships, and thrilling additions to Pier Park. The Pier is also proud to continue providing free, year-round arts and cultural programming designed to inspire, educate and connect communities across the city and globe. Click here to donate to Navy Pier, a mission-driven 501(c)(3) organization, in support of the organization’s post-pandemic revival and free public programming. For more information, visit www.navypier.org.