Friday, October 6, 2023 and Saturday, October 7, 2023
6:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M. (last admission at 8:15 p.m. nightly)
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
Heroes and Villains invade Wellfield! Presented in partnership with the Hall of Heroes Superhero Museum, this Halloween-themed event combines the natural beauty of Wellfield with your favorite superheroes and villains and the fun of trick-or-treating.
You’ll walk our main promenade and enjoy live performances from all your favorites, including: Groot, Poison Ivy, Joker, Catwoman, Harley Quinn, Riddler, Batman, Spider-Man, Bride of Frankenstein, and Loki. The Hall of Heroes Museum will have many of their special statues on display, as well. Take a photo with your favorites! We’ll also have local front line heroes here sharing safety tips and answering your questions about what they do for our community.
Our Event Plaza will come alive with exhibits and treats – we’ll have HotDogEddy’s and Vanilla Bean Creamery selling food and ice cream, and Navarre Catering will have a full bar selling adult treats. So that we can support our local vendors, food and drink may not be brought in to the Gardens; bags subject to search.
We’ll have the Hell Cycle Ghost Rider bike here for photo ops (additional charges apply), and Andy Manoloff will be onsite doing pumpkin carving demonstrations through the evening.
We’ve got a scavenger hunt planned, and if you complete the entire hunt, you’ll receive a free admission pass to the Hall of Heroes (good for 30 days)! Here’s a sneak peek at the scavenger hunt – Can you find them all??
We encourage all to dress in costume, or come as you are! This is a family-friendly event, with something for everyone.
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
Ticketing:
Discounted Advance purchase pricing is available until Thursday, October 5th:
$12 for Adults 13 and up ($15 at the gate)
$8 for kids 3-12 ($10 at the gate)
Kids under 3 are free!
Guests of this event who complete our scavenger hunt will receive a voucher good for free admission to the Hall of Heroes Superhero Museum (must be used within 30 days).
– Parking is plentiful at the NE corner of Main/Simonton. From there, it’s a short walk to our admission tent just north of our Visitors Cottage.
– Gates open at 6 p.m.; you can visit any time between then and when the gates close at 8:15 p.m. All guests must exit by 9 p.m.
Have questions about the event? We’ve got answers!
When are you open?
Gates open at 6:00 p.m. each night of the show, and we close at 9:00 p.m. The last admission is at 8:15 p.m. You can visit anytime during that window.
Can I get tickets at the gate, or do I have to purchase in advance?
Tickets are plentiful at the gate. Credit cards are preferred, but cash is good, too.
Will you sell out of tickets?
No! We do not have capacity restrictions.
Can we wear costumes?
Absolutely! We encourage you to dress up as your favorite character, whether that’s a superhero a villain, or just your favorite Halloween costume. No costume? Don’t worry – we won’t judge. Just come out and have fun!
Please keep in mind, this event is 100% outdoors, and you’ll be walking in darkness. Plan your costume accordingly, so you are comfy and able to see and walk the Gardens safely.
Will there be trick or treating?
Sort of. This event is about a lot more than trick-or-treating! We will have some treats available during your journey, so please bring a bag to collect them. The real “treat” is being able to see all your favorite heroes and villains in a beautiful setting. We hope they don’t “trick” you! We will also have food & drink treats available for purchase.
Is it scary?
NO – This is a Halloween-themed event, but as far as we know, none of the Villains are haunted, and they’ve all been instructed not to scare little monsters. Older kids and adults, beware!
Do we need to be there right at 6:00 p.m.?
NO. You can enter the Gardens any time while we’re open, from 6:00 – 9:00 nightly. Admission gates close at 8:15 p.m. nightly. All guests must exit the Gardens by 9:00 p.m., no exceptions!
Do I need to bring my printed/paper ticket?
NO – while we appreciate you bringing a paper ticket or showing us your ticket(s) on your phone, we’ll be using a checklist at admissions, so we’ll need your name if you pre-paid, or the name of the person who purchased the tickets if you got them from someone else.
Where should I park?
Wellfield’s main lot will be reserved exclusively for handicap placard-displaying vehicles and drop-off ONLY. General Parking for Garden of Villains is available at the northeast corner of the Main Street and Simonton Street intersection. From there, it’s a short walk to Wellfield’s main entrance. Please be careful crossing the street using the crosswalk and follow signs to the entrance.
How long does it take to see the Garden of Villains? Do we only go around once?
Our main Promenade pathway is approximately 1/2-mile around; the event will take place completely on that path. You can walk as quickly or slowly as you’d like (no running, please). Please try to be considerate of other people and don’t block pathways. Our path will be one way around the Gardens, and you’re welcome to take another lap, if you missed one of your favorite characters or need another selfie. Most people will be able to see the show in about 45-60 minutes; your mileage may vary. All guests must exit the Garden of Villains by 9 p.m.
Will the show go on, rain or (star)shine?
Yes! Please dress for the weather – this event takes place completely outdoors.
If weather conditions are unsafe (think: lightning), we reserve the right to close.
Please check on this page, on our Facebook page, or call us at 574-266-2006, ext 105 if weather is severe (not just if it is supposed to rain – the show will go on!)
Can I take a golf cart tour of the Garden of Villains?
No. While there will be a golf cart onsite for emergencies, we cannot have a cart on the route for safety reasons (darkness, families with small children, narrow pathways, and golf carts don’t mix).
Are strollers or wagons allowed? What about bikes?
You are welcome to bring a stroller or wagon to help carry your monsters. Any other wheeled or riding toy is not permitted in the Gardens.
Do you have wheelchairs available?
Two loaner wheelchairs are available in the Visitors Cottage and are available on a first-come, first served basis (must remain on the path). Other personal power-driven mobility devices (personal electric “scooters”) are permitted.
Are dogs or other pets allowed at Garden of Villains?
No. Due to congestion, darkness, and leash trip hazards, pets are not permitted at special/ticketed events at Wellfield. No exceptions.
Will the Children’s Garden be open during Garden of Villains?
No. Due to darkness, several of our themed Gardens, including our Children’s Garden, Island Garden and English Cottage Garden will be closed during our Garden of Villains shows. We ask that you remain on our main promenade paths at all times.
Are there restroom facilities in the Gardens?
Yes, there are public restrooms available at the Event Plaza in our Garden Restroom Building.
Will food and drink be available in the Gardens?
Yes! We will have food and beverages available for purchase on our Event Plaza-more details coming soon! Soft drinks and snacks are available for purchase in our Visitors Cottage as well.
I have a complimentary admission pass to the Gardens, can I use it to get in to Garden of Villains?
NO. Our admission passes can be used on any day we are open, but are NOT valid for special/ticketed events such as Garden of Villains.
I’m a member of another botanic garden and use that membership to visit Wellfield. Will my AHS reciprocal privileges allow me admission to the Garden of Villains event?
No. As Garden of Villains is a special, ticketed event, AHS reciprocal does not apply.
If I buy tickets and cannot attend on the night I planned, what do I do?
Tickets are transferable, so you can gift them to a friend-just email them your receipt, and they can check in using your name. Unused tickets will be graciously accepted as a donation to Wellfield Botanic Gardens and the Hall of Heroes Museum. NO REFUNDS given, for any reason.