October 9-11, 16-18, 23-25, 2026
5-8 PM

Join us for our largest, most beloved event of the year and a tradition families return to again and again! Happily Haunted is the perfect blend of fall magic, glowing lights, and gentle Halloween fun designed for the young and young at heart.

As dusk settles in, stroll through the Gardens illuminated by over 100,000 twinkling lights and enchanting decor, transforming every pathway into a storybook scene. This not-so-spooky evening invites families to explore, play, and celebrate the season together.

Throughout the night, wander through uniquely decorated garden spaces, gather for Halloween-themed storytime, and search high and low during a playful game of I Spy for bats hidden throughout the Gardens.

Hungry? Dinner fare, munchies, and festive beverages will be available for purchase, including delicious hot dogs, warm chili, popcorn, sweet treats, and s’mores kits—perfect for fueling your fall fun. See the full menu here.

Best of all, every child receives a festive treat bag, so there’s no need to bring trick-or-treat buckets along!

A magical first Halloween experience. Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of Happily Haunted at Bookworm Gardens.

Please come within 15 minutes of your ticketed time. The gates opens at 5 p.m., and we close promptly at 8 p.m.

Tickets

Public Adult: $15
Public Child (3-17): $13
2 years and younger: Free
Bookworm Member Adult: $10
Bookworm Member Child: (3-17): $8

We highly recommend purchasing tickets ahead of time as nights are likely to sell out. Limited tickets will be available at the door and only for the next available time slot.

Saturday October 24: SOLD OUT - NO WALK INS AVAILABLE

purchase tickets

Please note: On Happily Haunted event days (Fridays–Sundays), Bookworm Gardens closes early at 4 p.m. to prepare for the evening’s activities.

Want to become a member? Visit here. Reciprocal and library garden memberships are not applicable during events.

Event admission is non-refundable and non-transferrable. AHS Reciprocal Memberships, Library Memberships/Passes, and Family Guest Passes are not applicable for this special event.

The Gardens are open rain or shine. In the case of unsafe or severe weather conditions, visit our website and follow us on social media for updates.

FAQ

Yes! We highly recommend purchasing tickets ahead of time as nights are likely to sell out.
Limited tickets will be available at the door and only for the next available timeslot.
No; tickets must be purchased in advance. Non-ticketholders for the sold out time slot will be turned away to the next available time slot.
Limited tickets will be sold at the gate.
Public Adult: $15
Public Child (3-17): $13
2 years and younger: Free
Bookworm Member Adult: $10
Bookworm Member Child: (3-17): $8
Members receive discounted of $5.00 off admission rates.
No. The Gardens is closed for safety reasons before and after the event.
Please come within 15 minutes of your ticketed time. The gates opens at 5p p.m., and we close promptly at 8 p.m.
Tickets are non-refundable and valid only for their specified time/date. If circumstances prevent you from using your tickets on the date and time planned, you can transfer your reservation to another available date/time for a $5 processing fee.
- Visitors can park in the Bookworm Gardens Lot or in the East UW Green Bay Lot.
  See map here.
- Follow the parking signage.
Yes, we will have a full concessions available for purchase.
Hot dogs, chili, chips, soda, cider, witches’ brew (themed cocktail), wine, water, juice boxes, popcorn, cake pops, smore kits and more. To see the full menu, click here.
No. Our activities: Not-so-spooky storytime, boogie bones dance party, I Spy bats, and halloween photo op available during the full event!
No need! Each child will receive a treat bag at the end of your visit.
Yes! We have candy free bags upon request.
Yes! Costumes are HIGHLY encouraged! Reminder, this is not-so-spooky event.
No, reciprocal memberships are not applicable during special events.
No, Experience Passes are not applicable during special events.