Although season five of “Stranger Things” is still months away, people can return to Hawkins with a new haunted attraction at Fright Fest.
Fright Fest returns for select nights from Sept. 14 to Nov. 3 at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee. It’s the 33rd-annual event, said Rachel Kendziora, communications specialist at Six Flags Great America.
“This year, we are going to feature five haunted houses and nine scare zones,” she said. “Three of our haunted house experiences are going to be all-new, which is so exciting.”
To enter the haunted houses, guests will need to purchase a separate haunted attractions pass online, she said.
One of the new haunted houses is called “Stranger Things,” inspired by the Netflix series. Be prepared to experience the terror of the Upside Down.
“It’s cool to have such a recognizable brand inside our park. Not only are guests familiar with it from watching the series, but now it’s going to be so immersive,” she said. “It’s going to be really unique.”
Another new haunted house is inspired by 2022’s “Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” where guests are cast as visitors to the town with a deadly secret.
Guests can come face-to-face with the evil Jigsaw as they celebrate the “Saw” franchise’s 20th anniversary with an all-new haunted house experience, she said.
“We introduced the ‘Saw’ haunted house for the first time last year, and there are so many very avid horror fans and people who really are familiar with the ‘Saw’ franchise. We’re excited this year to bring back ‘Saw’ as an all-new, reimagined haunted house experience. I’m looking forward to seeing the guests’ reaction this year.”
Other haunted houses include The Estate at Wretched Meadows and Big Top Terror.
Fright Fest
When: Hours vary Sept. 14-Nov. 3
Where: Six Flags Great America, 1 Great America Parkway, Gurnee
Tickets: $59.99-$65; haunted house Fright Passes $35-$50. Admission and haunted house combo tickets, $85-$95. Parking $30.
Information: 847-249-4636; sixflags.com/greatamerica
The goal is to reinvent, refresh or reimagine Fright Fest each season, bringing fresh terror to the scare zones or haunted houses, Kendziora said.
“Every year, we try to find something a little bit different to change the experience for our guests,” she said.
Other events at Six Flags this season include Oktoberfest, taking place on the Yukon BBQ Pit Patio. It features craft and seasonal beers alongside a menu of German-inspired cuisine.
The 10th-annual Coaster Challenge is Sept. 14. Participants fundraise and ride the distance of a 5K up to a marathon on roller coasters, with money going to the Special Olympics.
On weekends and select weekdays, the Kids Boo Fest is in full effect.
“We have festive décor all around the park. It is your family-friendly, festive fall event,” she said. “There’s no scaring during the day.”
Boo Fest activities include a Boo-Yeah parade, Candy Corn Lane, Not-So-Scary Storytime and a new show called Skeleton Squad, an immersive show for families.
“There’s a lot of everybody. If you’re not into the scary, you have all day to come to the park and enjoy fall fun,” she said. “If you are into the scary, after 6 p.m. the park is for you.”
The scares begin right when guests walk in the gates, she said.
“We show no mercy after 6 p.m.,” she said. “We say we bring the boos by day before the frights by night.”
Hundreds of costumed, gore-ified actors will be out to chase and terrify the unsuspecting masses. You might find yourself riding a coaster with a monster next to you. Macabre decorations will abound. Some of the attractions take on a spooky theme – the Chuasco, a tea-cups attraction, gets a scary makeover with lighting and music to become Terror Twister 2, she said.
Additionally, several shows that are included with admission will help get guests into the Halloween spirit: like Love at First Fright, Pumpkin King and The Ringmaster’s Cabaret. And of course, there’s the Uprising Parade: Nightly Call of the Dead at 5:45 p.m. where guests witness the rise and shine of the undead ghouls, zombies and monsters.
“Fright Fest is really an immersive, horrifying experience for those that may not be looking for the family-friendly experience,” Kendziora said. “There’s something for everyone here at Six Flags Great America.”
Annie Alleman is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.
