The fog is calling, and we have answered! Last night, we had the incredible opportunity to attend the Knott’s Scary Farm “Nightmares Revealed” event, where all the terrifying details for the 2025 season were unveiled. The air was thick with anticipation, and the energy from the crowd of fellow haunt fans was electric. Now, we’re here to give you a full recap of the night’s chilling announcements and our firsthand experience from beginning to end!
The Journey Into Fear
Our night began as we arrived around 6:00 PM. The check-in process was a breeze—a huge shout-out to the Knott’s PR team for running such a smooth and efficient operation. At 6:30 PM, the gates creaked open, and we were guided into the park. The official start at 7:00 PM was nothing short of spectacular. The iconic Scary Farm Conductor character appeared for a small gate-opening ceremony, his ominous voice setting the perfect tone.
But this was no ordinary walk to a stage. We were led to the railroad tracks near Calico, where a grim scene was unfolding: the public hanging of an alleged witch, Sarah Marshall. Just as the sheriff was about to seal her fate, the witch turned the tables, screaming a curse upon the town and unleashing a horde of monstrous creatures that burst into the crowd for a series of fantastic jump scares! It was the perfect, immersive start to a night dedicated to fear.
The Main Event: Monsters, Mazes, and More!
After that thrilling opening, we were led to the Calico Main Stage. The presentation kicked off with a high-energy dance number before the man himself, host Jeff Tucker, took the stage. But he wasn’t alone! In a huge surprise, he was joined by the iconic drag supermonsters, The Boulet Brothers, as co-hosts! Their chemistry, humor, and love for horror made the entire presentation an absolute blast. They then unveiled the full, terrifying lineup for 2025.
Two Brand-New Mazes:
- Mary – The Haunting of Worth Home: A vengeful spirit, murdered and buried alive, returns with her legion of creatures to exact revenge on anyone who enters her home.
- The Zoo: An abandoned zoo has become a lab for horrifying animal/human experiments, and the hybrid creatures have taken over.
Eight Returning Mazes (Two in their Final Year!):
- Eight Fingers Nine: The Boogeyman, Widows, Room 13, Cinema Slasher, The Chilling Chambers, Origins: The Curse of Calico, and for the final year, The Grimoire and Mesmer: Sideshow of the Mind.
Five Sinister Scare Zones:
- Ghost Town Streets, The Gore-ing ‘20s, CARNEVIL, Forsaken Lake, and The Gauntlet (with a promised “updated twist”!).
Three Hair-Raising Shows:
- The triumphant return of The Hanging in the Wagon Camp, plus Conjurers and Le Magnifique Carnaval du Grotesque.
An Exclusive Look: Inside the Fog
After the incredible stage presentation, we were escorted to the Forsaken Lake Media Lounge for an exclusive opportunity to speak with the masterminds behind the mayhem. The merchandise on display was outstanding. We saw the awesome new slider-focused design, but our jaws dropped when we saw a new shirt and hat featuring the fan-favorite popcorn bucket monster from the Cinema Slasher maze! The Food & Beverage display was a feast for the eyes, showcasing a ghoulish gallery of treats that we absolutely cannot wait to try.
The highlight, however, was speaking with Creative Designer Gus Krueger. He gave us a deeper dive into the two new mazes, but then he dropped a bombshell that connects the entire Scary Farm mythology: Mary, the vengeful spirit from Mary – The Haunting of Worth Home, is none other than Sarah Marshall’s sister! This stunning revelation links the brand-new maze directly to the lore of Origins: The Curse of Calico, creating a rich, interconnected universe of fear.
Masters of the Macabre: Makeup & Monsters
The night of exclusives didn’t stop there. We then witnessed the incredible artistry of the Scary Farm makeup team firsthand during a live demonstration. Watching them transform an actor into a gruesome creature right before our eyes was a true testament to the talent that brings these nightmares to life.
The entire event felt like a mini-Scary Farm night. Ghost Town was decked out in its usual spooky glory, and monsters were on hand, roaming the pathways and providing plenty of scares. It was a fantastic time and the perfect preview of the season to come.
The Final Verdict
From the immersive opening curse to the stunning lore reveals in the media lounge, the entire evening was a masterclass in building hype. Knott’s is coming in strong for 2025 with a lineup that is deep, creative, and full of terrifying fun.
Plan Your Demise: Event Dates & Ticket Information
Ready to face the fog? Here’s what you need to know – Knott’s Scary Farm returns for 28 terrifying nights from Sept. 18 through Nov. 1. The event runs on select Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Single night tickets start as low as $64 online. The Scary Farm Pass provides unlimited visits for just $159 ($155 for Season Passholders).
Upgrades:
- Fright & Fast Lane: Skip the maze lines and get priority boarding on rides. Starts at $139.
- Knott’s Scary Farm Boo-fet: Dine with the monsters and get early entry to four mazes, including the two new ones! Starts at $49.
It’s all happening at Knott’s Scary Farm. We are more excited than ever, and we’ll see you in the fog!
