Ariel-Foundation Park is ready ignite the thrills and chills this Halloween.

Our team caught up with the Mount Vernon Arts Consortium team ahead of their big Park After Dark Halloween Bash at Ariel-Foundation Park featuring Coop’s Nightmare, happening Saturday, October 26th. Embodying the theatricality and raw energy that define Alice Cooper's legacy, Coop’s Nightmare delivers an immersive and unforgettable concert experience, ensuring that the spirit of the original "Godfather of Shock Rock" lives on through their captivating performances.

KCCVB: Park After Dark!? What a fun concept! Is this the first year for this event?

MVAC: Yes, this is the first year that Ariel-Foundation Park (AFP) is hosting the "Park After Dark" event. It marks the beginning of what could become a new tradition at the park! It may not always occur around Halloween, but may become special events centered around something unique and special. 

KCCVB: Coop’s Nightmare looks like a fantastic stage show. Is this event considered family-friendly?

MVAC: While "Park After Dark" is not specifically a family-friendly event, it is ultimately up to parents' discretion whether to bring their child. The event is suggested to be appropriate for a PG-13 audience, so parents should consider the content before deciding.

KCCVB: Of course! This kind of raw energy is not for the faint of heart! We see this event encourages attendees to wear costumes and really lean into the rockin’ fun. What else can attendees expect?

MVAC: They are in for a fun night, thats for sure! Doors open at 6 p.m. Back and Forth: Foo Fighter's Tribute takes the stage at 7 p.m., with Coop's Nightmare taking the stage at 8 p.m. The Alcove Restaurant will be tending the bar and will accept cash or credit cards. Parking will be in the Schnormeier Event Center parking lot, with additional parking spots available at the Urton Clock House parking lot. Costumes are definitely encouraged, and a costume contest will be hosted by Coop's Nightmare with fun prizes.

KCCVB: Alright, you’ve convinced us, we need to get our tickets! Where can these rock fans snag their ticket(s) to one night of all-out nightmare-ish fun?

MVAC: Tickets can be purchased at MVAC.org or at the box office tent on the night of the event. Tickets are ONLY $28!

KCCVB: And if the rock show isn’t for you….what else can the community and visitors expect to see coming at Ariel-Foundation Park next year?

MVAC: While the 2024 Park season will be ending with our Park After Dark event, we have some great events planned for 2025 to celebrate Ariel-Foundation Park’s 10th Anniversary, including more sunset socials at the Knox County Foundation Pavilion, an amazing artist for the Summer Kickoff Concert, and a huge July 4th Celebration. We’ll be announcing our 2025 in February!

Well you heard it here, come and rock the night away at Ariel-Foundation Park or join in the fun next season as the park celebrates its 10 year anniversary. To stay in the know of all arts & entertainment hosted by Mount Vernon Arts Consortium, sign-up HERE for their newsletter.