Where curiosity meets creativity and fear meets fun.
Born in a backyard in 2022, the Gainesville Fear Garden began as a pop‑up experiment mixing a beer and wine garden with an immersive haunted maze. With each passing year we’ve dared to dream bigger thanks to our amazing community. What started as a handful of tents has grown into a full‑scale seasonal attraction – but our heart remains the same: bring people together to experience joy and goosebumps side by side.
Our partners at Camp Makerie and the non‑profit Makerie Workshop are masters at fostering creativity in kids. During the summer they run Gainesville’s #1 day camp for ages 5–13, teaching everything from art and music to robotics and film. Year‑round the Workshop provides affordable after‑school programs, mentorship and maker spaces for youth and teens.
This year’s “Forbidden Planet of Ooze” is more than just a theme – it’s the culmination of months of brainstorming, prototyping and building by the teens in our after‑school program. They’ve designed props, creatures and puzzles, and even programmed the animatronics that will greet you. Every ticket you purchase helps sustain these classes and offers scholarships to families in need.
We believe that fear and fun can coexist – that the thrill of the unknown paired with the joy of creation sparks imagination. Our mission is to provide a space where both young makers and lifelong learners can explore that balance. We’re committed to inclusivity, accessibility and never taking ourselves too seriously. After all, where else can you build a slime monster, enjoy local brews, and support youth arts education all in one place?