Something has awakened in the Garden this Halloween — and Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden invites brave souls to find out what. Garden of Shadows returns Friday and Saturday, October 23–24, from 7:00 to 10:30 PM, transforming the garden into an after-dark haunted trail straight out of a ghost story.
The legend begins years ago, when a garden caretaker documented strange occurrences after dark — notes that end with a chilling warning: “If the shadows return, follow the path I took. Do not leave the Garden until you know what followed me home.” This October, guests follow that same path along the Shadow Trail: six encounters reveal what the caretaker saw — voices near the Gatehouse, disappearances at the Shop, strange lights beneath the Vine Pergola, something unexplained in the water at Amazonia.
Watch for tarot readers, aerialists and movement in the dark as you walk the trail. Cocktail and mocktail flights pour at four of the six stops (sold separately), and when the trail ends, the party begins with live music. Come in costume: a nightly costume contest at 9:00 PM awards $250 for first place, $100 for second and $50 for third.
General admission is $35.95 (Fairchild members save $5). Please note the themes may not be suitable for children — this is a grown-up Halloween night in one of Miami’s most magical gardens. Details and tickets: fairchildgarden.org.
Photo: Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
