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    Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Reveals Plans for ALL-NEW Wild Oasis Realm

    Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Reveals Plans for ALL-NEW Wild Oasis Realm: North America’s Most Immersive Kid-Friendly Adventure Realm Featuring Captivating Attractions, Engaging Animal Exhibits and Other Interactive Elements - Opening Spring 2025
     
    2025 Annual Passes are now available with the best benefits ever and for a limited time, get an upgrade to the next pass tier level free
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    TAMPA, Fla. (Sept. 17, 2024) – Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has unveiled its next game-changing attraction, the ALL-NEW Wild Oasis realm, which will be North America’s most engaging and interactive adventure realm when it opens in Spring 2025. Located within the Jungala area of the park, the all-new Wild Oasis is designed to ignite the imagination and engage all the senses, promising non-stop excitement for every member of the family. Prepare to be captivated by the sights and sounds of the rainforest, the rush of a newly reimagined drop tower featuring state-of-the-art digital and sound effects, an interactive water-play wonderland, and a multi-level climbing canopy. Plus, discover an all-new, multi-species animal habitat for up-close encounters with some of the world's most fascinating animals.
     
    “It’s been five years since guests last stepped foot in the tucked away realm of Treetop Trails in the Jungala area of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and we are thrilled to breathe new life into this corner of the park with the development of this realm,” says Stewart Clark, President of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. “The all-new Wild Oasis truly offers something for everyone – whether you love the thrill of the ride or learning about animals, getting wet or climbing high, or just cooling off under the shade of the rainforest canopy.”
     
    Guests who want to be the first to explore the all-new Wild Oasis can purchase a 2025 Busch Gardens Annual Pass, which includes exclusive access to the attraction before it opens to the public, plus the opportunity to enjoy the best benefits ever, including free parking, free guest tickets, exciting monthly rewards, in-park discounts, and exclusive experiences. For a limited time, guests who purchase a 2025 annual pass will also receive an upgrade to the next pass tier level for free.
     
    With the launch of this engaging space, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay continues to innovate and expand its lineup of world-class attractions, solidifying its status as a premier destination for thrill-seekers and families alike. The 2025 calendar is packed with the ultimate lineup of world-class festivities and entertainment, featuring heart-pounding attractions, up-close encounters with animals, live shows, and immersive experiences. Plus, guests can enjoy Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s newest coaster, Phoenix Rising, North America’s tallest and longest inverted family coaster. Phoenix Rising joins guest favorite roller coasters and attractions like Serengeti Flyer and Iron Gwazi.
     
    Be Among the First to Explore the All-New Wild Oasis Realm with a Busch Gardens Annual Pass
    Guests can experience the best of Busch Gardens with a 2025 annual pass, including unbeatable benefits, unlimited visits, and the opportunity to be the first to experience the all-new Wild Oasis realm before it opens to the public. Annual passes for 2025 are on sale now starting as low as $15.75 per month with no down payment. Membership includes unlimited admission, access to vibrant seasonal events and exclusive Pass Member benefits like FREE guest tickets, FREE parking, and special savings on merchandise as well as food and beverage. Plus, Pass Members receive special monthly rewards throughout the year such as exclusive Pass Member merchandise, behind-the-scenes animal experiences, festival-exclusive food & beverage deals and discounts on admission to separately ticketed events like Howl-O-Scream. The Busch Gardens Annual Pass program features the bronze, silver, gold, and platinum annual pass options. The platinum pass grants access to all 11 parks in the U.S. that are in the United Parks & Resorts portfolio, including three SeaWorld parks, two Busch Gardens parks, two Sesame Place parks and several award-winning water parks. Annual Pass Members also get exclusive discounts at Discovery Cove in Orlando. The Annual Pass program is structured in a guest-friendly way that allows visitors to choose the pass, the benefits and the parks that best fit their needs. Restrictions apply.
     
    Guests can learn more about all the events, future announcements, and the unbeatable benefits of being an Annual Pass Member by visiting BuschGardensTampa.com. To be the first to know about park updates, guests can follow Busch Gardens Tampa Bay on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and TikTok.
     
    About Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
    Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay is the ultimate family adventure, offering 300 acres of fascinating attractions based on exotic explorations around the world. Busch Gardens is a unique blend of thrilling rides, an AZA accredited zoo with over 16,000 animals representing more than 200 species, and exciting seasonal events all year providing unrivaled experiences for guests of every age. For more information, visit BuschGardensTampa.com. Busch Gardens is owned by United Parks & Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: PRKS), a leading theme park and entertainment company providing experiences that matter and inspiring guests to protect animals and the wild wonders of our world.
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    Castle Dark Returns to Castle Park in Riverside Beginning September 20th

    CASTLE DARK PROMISES TO SCARE THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS OF THOSE WHO DARE TO EXPERIENCE THE ALL-NEW MAZES, SHOWS AND SCARE ZONE
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    Castle Park in Riverside’s Annual Haunt Event returns September 20 through October 27
    ​RIVERSIDE, CALIF. (July 29, 2024) – Castle Park in Riverside is revealing an all-new haunt fest experience as it sets to transform into Castle Dark this fall. Starting September 20, visitors who dare to test their bravery by traversing through the Castle Dark gates will be met with four all-new maze experiences, three new theatrical shows and two new scare zones. So, beware and enter at your own risk.
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    The annual Halloween event is celebrating 16 years of screams as the family-friendly amusement park is transformed and taken over by ghosts, goblins, monsters and more– with one goal – to scare the living daylights out of each and every visitor.

    This year’s event, which takes place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through October X, features the following new experiences:

    Four All-new Mazes:
    • Funhouse of the Demented – A prison overrun by clowns – yikes – chaos is unleashed from the moment dare devils enter and try to escape the funhouse.
    • Seance – Entering a séance at a local historic museum that transports visitors to another worldly experience deep in the woods of a forest, tread carefully because the forest hides some deep secrets that only emerge once park-goers are on their journey.
    • Labyrinth – The haunting depths of the Labyrinth of Lost Souls await. The dearly departed are waiting in the wings as guests venture through the maze’s winding corridors and endless pathways, as each twist and turn is shrouded in mystery.
    • Sinister Inn – Traverse to a new realm as you take on this new 5-D virtual reality maze experience that will leave your heart-pounding as you walk through the haunted hallways of the Inn of your nightmares. You will surely regret not packing your bags and leaving the Inn when you had the chance.
    Three All-new Theatrical Shows:
    • Countess Elura - Prepare for the triumphant return of Countess Elura with an all-new spectacle! After all, she is the new Queen and must be celebrated as such.
    • Sliders of the Kingdom – Gather round, one and all and behold the mesmerizing sliders of the kingdom. See their scary-good tricks and skills near Saw Mill Plunge.
    • Lady Lou Teatime – Drop by for a tete-a-tete with Lady Lou, where the tea is simply to die for!
    Two All-new Scare Zones:
    • Midway Breakout – As darkness descends, prepare to meet with the delightfully twisted clowns of Castle Dark. Step right up and brace yourself for an unforgettable showdown as you laugh your way from the Park Entrance all the through Midway.
    • Dark Lands – Explore the Castle secrets that lurk within the fog and prepare to meet Lord Amethyst and Sir Sardonyx as they roam the area alongside their loyal knights. Creep through the darkness starting at Plaza Cafe all the way through to the Castle.

    For the guests seeking more treats than tricks, Castle Park’s family-friendly, daytime Dia de Los Muertos event invites families to join in the fun every Saturday and Sunday, from 12 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. beginning September 21 through November 2 to celebrate Mexican and Latin American fall traditions. The lively event celebration boasts beautiful decorations and themed traditional entertainment, plus activities for kids including pumpkin painting and trick-or-treating.

    The Castle Dark gates creak open at 7 p.m. every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening, September 20 through October 27 and require a separate admission ticket. Discounted tickets are now on sale for a limited time and available for purchase at: https://www.castlepark.com/things-to-do/experiences/castle-dark.
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    Castle Dark is not recommended for children under 13 or the faint of heart. For more information about Castle Park, visit: https://www.castlepark.com/ About Castle Park Castle Park is Riverside’s favorite destination for family fun. The Park features over 25 family-friendly rides and attractions, four championship miniature golf courses, a vast selection of carnival midway games, a water playground, and a video arcade.
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    The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular Comes To Sesame Place San Diego

    Experience Silly, Not-Too-Spooky Halloween Fun Starting this Weekend at
    The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular at Sesame Place San Diego
    Kids Go Free to Sesame Place with a Paying Adult through November 2
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    SAN DIEGO, CA, (September 11, 2024) – The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular officially returns to Sesame Place San Diego this fall. Guests can join the Halloween fun with Sesame Street friends at a whimsical costume parade, a fun Sesame Scarecrow Scavenger Hunt and enjoy trick-or-treating around the park. Experience a not-too-spooky Halloween adventure filled with exciting rides, water slides, and festive photo opportunities. This family-friendly event takes place on weekends from September 14 through November 3.

    For a limited time, kids ages 3-9, can go free to the park with a paid adult ticket, plus Season Passes can be purchased for up to 25% off. For families looking for year-round fun, a Season Pass offers unlimited visits all season long! Season Passes offer the best benefits and unbeatable savings – including free parking, discounts on food and merchandise, exclusive rewards, and more.

    Embrace the Magic of Fall with Family-Friendly Halloween Fun
    The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular offers a season full of festivities for the whole family. Guests of all ages can enjoy enchanting shows, not-too-spooky dance parties, and vibrant parades creating lasting memories with Sesame Street friends. Event offerings include:
    • Trick-or-Treating – Trick-or-Treat around the park and gather special Halloween treats! Treats will be available at Photos with Elmo and Friends, Halloween Storytime, Countdown to Halloween at the Sesame Street Theater, and other select locations around the park. Reusable tote bags must be purchased to participate in trick-or-treating and will be available for purchase at Hooper’s Store, Sesame Souvenirs, and select merchandise carts.
    • Halloween Costume Parade – Kids and families can show off their Halloween costumes daily at Abby's Garden and take a fun stroll through the Sesame Street Neighborhood. Each participant will receive a special participation gift.
    • Sesame Scarecrow Scavenger Hunt – Guests can pick up a complimentary scavenger hunt sheet at Guest Services and enjoy finding scarecrows throughout the park. Complete the scavenger hunt to claim a Halloween prize!
    • Countdown to Halloween – Watch Count von Count and his friends Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Zoe, and Telly embark on a quest for friendship in daily shows at the Sesame Street Theater.
    • Spot-the-Ghost Scavenger Hunt – Participate in this exciting hunt by purchasing a map to find friendly ghosts and win a Halloween prize.
    • Furry Friends Halloween Dance Party – Dance with Sesame Street Friends to fun tunes!
    • Halloween Storytime – Enjoy a reading of “Pumpkin Patch Party” with a Sesame Street friend.
    • Sesame Street Halloween Cavalcade – Guests won’t want to miss this exciting parade with vibrant floats decked out for the season, fun music, and exciting performances.
    • Halloween Costume Contest – Show off your costumes on October 26 and 27, with prizes for top entries for family and kid categories.
    • Photo Opportunities – Make memories with your favorite furry friends all dressed in their Halloween costumes! Photo opportunities can be found at Photos with Elmo & Friends and in the Sesame Street Neighborhood.

    Halloween Costume Policy
    All guests are welcome to dress up in Halloween costumes. Guests who are ages 13 and older may not wear full face coverings, costume masks, or hoods, and all costumes are subject to the normal dress code for the park. Face painting is not permitted on any guests unless it is done by park face painting artists.

    Rides and Attractions for the Whole Family
    During the fall season, Sesame Place invites guests to enjoy a full day of excitement with water attractions open through October 27. Splash around in the family-friendly wave pool, float down the lazy river, and let the little ones zoom down slides made just for them. On cooler days, guests can enjoy the heated Big Bird’s Beach wave pool and Big Bird’s Rambling River. In addition to splishy splashy water fun, the park offers dry rides and attractions for all ages, from a child’s first roller coaster and a colorful carousel to an Elmo-themed rocket ship adventure. Plus, don’t miss the interactive Sesame Street Neighborhood, featuring the iconic 123 Stoop, Big Bird’s Nest, and Oscar’s trashcan, where Sesame Street truly comes to life!

    Sesame Place San Diego is located at 2052 Entertainment Circle in Chula Vista and is open on the weekends for fall. For more information and to purchase tickets and Season Passes, visit SesamePlaceSanDiego.com. For the most recent updates, fans can follow Sesame Place San Diego on Facebook and @SesamePlaceCa on Instagram.

    About Sesame Place San Diego
    Sesame Place San Diego is the only theme park on the West Coast based entirely on the award-winning show, Sesame Street. Conveniently located just 20 minutes from San Diego and 2.5 hours from Los Angeles, this 17-acre theme park is perfect for families with kids of all ages and has been designated as a Certified Autism Center. The new theme park features 18 Sesame Street-themed rides and exciting water attractions, a family-friendly rollercoaster and a 500,000-gallon wave pool – one of the largest in Southern California. The park also features an engaging musical play area, an interactive Sesame Street Neighborhood complete with the iconic 123 Stoop, daily live character shows, an award-winning parade, one-of-a-kind photo opportunities and of course, everyone’s favorite furry friends. Celebrate family-friendly events all year long at Sesame Place, including Elmo’s Furry Fun Fest, Elmo’s Eggstravaganza, Elmo’s Springtacular, Sesame Summer Splash, The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular, and A Very Furry Christmas.
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    Halloween 2024 Event Reviews and Information

    13th Floor Entertainment Dark Harbor Halloween LA Haunted Hayride Queen Mary Zombie Joes
    Looking for a review or information for a 2024 Halloween event? Well look no further. Below you will find reviews of Halloween events we have attended or are planning on attending and a list of all of the other events (scary and fun) that we've received information for. 

    ​We will be updating this as we receive information about additional events. 

    If you would like us to share information about your Halloween event, send us an email!

    Below are the dates you will find us at different Halloween Events!! As always, feel free to say hi!! Updates will be posted after these dates as quickly as we can get them done. ​
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    ​Event Reviews and Updates

    Click links to see updates after they are posted
    • September 5 - Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood Opening Night
    • September 13 - Six Flags Magic Mountain Fright Fest Extreme
    • September 14 - Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood
    • September 19 and 20 - Knott's Scary Farm
    • September 26 - Zombie Joe's Urban Death Tour of Terror
    • September 27 - LA Haunted Hayride
    • ​September 29 - Oogie Boogie Bash at Disney California Adventure
    • September 29 - Dark Harbor at The Queen Mary 
    • October 4 - Six Flags Magic Mountain Fright Fest Extreme
    • October 5 - Knott's Scary Farm
    • October 9 - Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood
    • October 11 - Santa Clarita Haunts and Fright Fest Extreme
    • October 12 - Orange County Haunts and Knott's Scary Farm
    • October 16 - Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood
    • October 23 and 24 - Halloween Horror Nights Orlando
    • October 25 and 26 - Walt Disney World
    • October 31 - Knott's Scary Farm
    • November 1 - Six Flags Magic Mountain Fright Fest Extreme
    • November 2 - Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood

    Event Information

    Click Links to see event information
    Related Videos
    ​​If you enjoyed this update please share with your friends and make sure you "like" us on Facebook and "follow" us on Twitter, Instagram, Threads and YouTube.
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    Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group’s Magic of the Jack O’ Lanterns Returns to Whittier Narrows Park This Fall

    The Perfect Family-Friendly Halloween Destination For All Ages
    LOS ANGELES, AUGUST 21, 2024 – Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group, the world’s largest Halloween-themed entertainment company, today announced the return of their family-friendly event, Magic of the Jack O'Lanterns, to Los Angeles this fall with some enchanting additions for 2024. From September 20th through November 2nd, on select nights, Whittier Narrows Park will be transformed into an immersive pumpkin experience featuring a glowing array of thousands of hand-carved jack o'lanterns, mesmerizing light displays, and a variety of activities for all ages. 

    Follow the illuminated trail and check out the newly added pumpkin scenes, inflatables, and bouncy pads. You’ll find magic around every corner! From pirate ships to dinosaurs and dragons, guests will also be entertained by the all-new pumpkin light show programmed to music across the entire event every 30 minutes. These pumpkin masterpieces bring to life various spooky and whimsical characters, from classic ghouls and goblins to beloved pop culture icons.

    Tickets start at $29.99 for adults at $24.99 (including fees) for kids on select nights and go on sale Wednesday, August 28th at 12 pm PST. Visit www.magicofthejackolanterns.com to secure your tickets while supplies last. You can view the 2024 trailer here. 

    “We are thrilled to introduce some exciting new elements to Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns this year and do something that’s never been done before at our event,” Said Greg Salyers, Vice President of Operations at Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group. “We know you’re going to love it!”

    In addition to the breathtaking visual spectacle, Magic of the Jack O'Lanterns offers many activities for attendees of all ages. Visitors can Indulge in various delicious food and beverages on-site as they explore the glowing pumpkin wonderland.
    2024 Add-Ons will include:
    • 3-D Jack O’Lantern Glasses: Experience the enchantment of "Magic of the Jack O'Lanterns" like never before with our 3-D glasses! These holographic lenses effortlessly turn light into magical pumpkin images, giving you an optical experience like never before!
    • S’mores Package:  New This Year! Indulge in the ultimate autumn experience with our exclusive S'mores Package at Magic of the Jack O'Lanterns! With this golden ticket in hand, you're granted the delightful opportunity to craft your own mouth-watering s'mores surrounded by a twinkling pumpkin-lit night.
    • Preferred Parking: Sold online only. Located at Whittier Narrows Area D Parking Lot. Follow directions to Magic of the Jack O’ Lanterns, and our team will direct you to the correct lot. Be sure to have your parking ticket ready to be scanned as soon as you enter the park. Free parking is available nearby but will require a longer walk to the event.

    For additional information, including event specifics, ticket pricing, and more, please visit www.magicofthejackolanterns.com or connect with us on Instagram.

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    Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group
    Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group (“13FEG”) is the world’s largest producer and operator of theme park-quality live events, location-based entertainment, and immersive installations. 13FEG currently operates 32 attractions, including haunted houses, Halloween festivals, location-based entertainment venues, and an immersive art exhibit. 13FEG continues to set the bar for live themed entertainment, operating in 17 cities across the United States. Thirteenth Floor is headquartered in Denver, CO with offices in Austin, TX and Los Angeles CA. Learn more at Thirteenthfloor.com.

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    Los Angeles Haunted Hayride Returns to Griffith Park for its 16th Year

    The Spirit of Halloween Comes to Life This Fall! 
    LOS ANGELES, AUGUST 21, 2024 – This fall Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group returns to Griffith Park with the beloved Los Angeles Haunted Hayride, featuring an assortment of new attractions and experiences. Running from September 20th until November 2nd, tickets start at $36.99 (including fees) on select nights and go on sale Wednesday, August 28th. Secure your ticket to the Hayride now at losangeleshauntedhayride.com. 

    Step through the gates of Midnight Falls and beyond the pumpkin tunnel, where every year, the leaves wither away and the veil between the dead and living is at its thinnest. Visitors are encouraged to soak in the atmosFEAR but are advised to keep a watchful eye out for any of the afflicted Towns Folk lurking within the shadows. 

    Make your way through three haunted mazes or hop aboard the Hayride. Wander into the country backwoods and uncover Hellbilly Halloween, where a rumored cannibalistic family has invited you onto their twisted property. Knock on the doors of Trick-or-Treat, driven by the spirit of Halloween you'll find the ghoulish residents have far more tricks in mind than treats. Party with Halloween icon Janelle Monáe as she returns with another legendary party ar the eerie Monáe Manor, where it's Halloween every night, the walls whisper, the music blares, and ghostly encounters—including one from Monáe herself—are all part of the twisted soiree
    “The Los Angeles Haunted Hayride is celebrating sixteen years of fear, and we want to celebrate by bringing this event to the next level,” said Chris Stafford, CEO & Founding Partner of Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group. “With a new maze, new add-on experiences, and a few more surprises in store, this is sure to be the Hayride’s biggest season yet”

    In addition to the Hayride and mazes, guests can immerse themselves in the cursed community of Midnight Falls, head to the general store for some wicked merch, enjoy a variety of Halloween-themed activities, attractions, concessions, grab-and-go drink stations, and a full-service concessionaire on-site

    This year’s Los Angeles Haunted Hayride will feature the following 2024 add-ons:
    • Mini Escape Games: New This Year! Fully interactive and unlike anything you have ever done before! Race the clock: Your group enters a room and has only 5 minutes to use clues and riddles hidden throughout the room that provide the tools necessary to meet the objective. $5 per game (onsite or online purchase)
    • Madame Aurora’s Seance Show: New This Year! Drawn to the thin veil between the living and the dead, the world famous Madame Aurora brings her talents to Midnight Falls. Witness as she conjures up spirits before your very eyes, but stay alert, not all are benign.
    • Scary-Go-Round: Revived for 2024! The iconic Scary-Go-Round has reawakened. Choose your skeleton steed and ride off into your nightmares; just be careful not to get stuck in the eternal loop of this haunting melody.
    • The Monte Revolta Show: Get ready for the ultimate Theatrical Macabre Experience from beyond the grave. It’s Monte Revolta… the undead irreverent lounge singer who is bringing the dead back to Rock. Join Monte, Rotly & Ms. Muerte as they exhume an ultra shocking musical, comedy revue.
    • Midnight Falls Axe Throwing: With the curse of the witch plaguing the city of Midnight Falls, learn to protect yourself from the less-than-friendly ghouls. The Axeperts at Midnight Falls will train you up and you can try your hand at hitting the bullseye 5 times.
    • Zombie Splat - A GellyBall Experience: Keep the army of the undead at bay and protect Midnight Falls! Gellyball is completely safe, as it’s much smaller than a traditional paintball and uses a colored water balloon, allowing for a much lighter impact and no permanent mess. Guests will be required to wear protective eyewear, provided at no extra charge, and will be aiming at live actor zombies in a zombie apocalypse simulator. The experience will last approximately 5 minutes, where you will receive one hopper with 700 rounds of GellyBalls.


    For more information, visit losangeleshauntedhayride.com and follow LA Haunted Hayride on Facebook and Instagram. The Los Angeles Haunted Hayride is located at Griffith Park - 4730 Crystal Springs Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90027. 

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    Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group
    Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group (“13FEG”) is the world’s largest producer and operator of theme park-quality live events, location-based entertainment, and immersive installations. 13FEG currently operates 32 attractions, including haunted houses, Halloween festivals, location-based entertainment venues, and an immersive art exhibit. 13FEG continues to set the bar for live themed entertainment, operating in 17 cities across the United States. Thirteenth Floor is headquartered in Denver, CO with offices in Austin, TX and Los Angeles CA. Learn more at Thirteenthfloor.com.

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