RICH LOPEZ | Staff Writer
Rich@DallasVoice.com
Queer Christmas season — or what most people call Halloween — is here. The weather wants to get a little more autumnal but seems to be making up its mind still. But a walk through the forest at night will always serve up spooky vibes — especially this month in Southeast Dallas.
The world premiere of Forest of Shadows invites guests to stroll down “a dark path of mystery and fright.” They aren’t kidding.
This immersive experience mixes light, sound and special effects into a surrealistic and scary reality all set within the Trinity Forest Adventure Park. Created by Moment Factory, the international entertainment studio, this experience succeeds in providing a thrilling experience without the usual jump scares and haunted house claustrophobia.
Forest of Shadows has a story to tell where a dark force inhabits the wooded area and works to snatch your soul. The narrative sets the framework for each stop where a different scene or chapter of the tale unfolds. At the same time, losing track of the story doesn’t hinder the effectiveness of each vignette.
So many things work well for this experience.
The spacious outdoor trail covered by trees allows for a true escape. The nighttime air and — if you’re lucky — a visible moon add a natural eeriness. The meandering trail is just the right length at a mile-ish long in an hour’s time, depending how long you linger.
With a perfect setting, Moment Factory levels it all up with its spectacular light installations, soundscapes and projections. Light effects are stunning displays that manage to convey unearthly horrors and exquisite designs. Mix that with sharp sounds or sinister mannequins and props and the fear factor grows exponentially throughout the trail. The perpetual sounds of voices, growls and steps succeed in keeping visitors on edge the entire time without relying on gotcha moments for scares – save for a couple here and there.
The trail is self-led so grab your squad or your honey and take a walk down mystery lane.
Bonus tip: Time it when other parties have either moved on or not caught up yet. The trail’s sounds and far-off lights make it far more hair-raising when you’re all alone.
Forest of Shadows runs through Oct. 31. For tickets, visit FeverUp.com.
Scarborough’s Hollow Fall Fantasy Festival opens for its inaugural season
The producers of Scarborough Renaissance Festival will open their new seasonal festival on Saturday. Oct. 11, oiffering a festival that feature live entertainment, an artisan village and seasonal attractions — all with a spooky touch. Scarborough’s Hollow will take place on Saturdays through Nov. 15 as well as on Halloween Night.
Live entertainment will be showcased across the Hollow’s five stages with performances by Cirque de Sewer, Smee the Singing Executioner and others.
Add-on attractions range from hayrides, a fun house and Morwyn’s Manor Haunted House, all ticketed attractions beyond the entrance fee that are expected to sell out often. All-age attractions include the Fairy Sisters’ Meet & Greet, Daily Character Parade, Hollow Pumpkin Patch and the synchronized light tunnel The Tricksters Trail of Leaping Lights.
Get your Tarot cards read or your face painted and then have a treat at the S’Mores Station.
Plus, there are games of skill, face painting, the Little Lantern Petting Zoo and other food and beverage options.
The Hollow invites guests to explore more than 35 “shoppes” in the Artisan Village filled with handcrafted items, period and fantasy costuming, seasonal-themed products, fairy portals, jewelry, pottery, fiber art, and more.
Guests are encouraged to don their seasonal apparel, just nothing too gory or frightful.
See full information on the festival and its offerings at SRFestival.com/hollow.