Fright Nights Returns to Panama City

Return of Fright Nights: Bay Arts Alliance Unveils Another Year of Terror On Downtown Panama City

PANAMA CITY, FL  – Prepare for another season of screams as Fright Nights: The GateKeepers, an immersive haunted experience, announces its third year. This highly anticipated event, presented by the Bay Arts Alliance and taking place at the iconic Panama City Center for the Arts in Historic Downtown Panama City, promises an intensified and spine-tingling encounter in the final appearance of the enigmatic Raven Queen.

For the past four years, the Raven Queen, created by Jayson Kretzer and brought to life by Misty Joy, has played an important role in the haunted experiences at the Center for the Arts. The character along with her giant spider minion, Iktomi, have captivated imaginations and weaved a web of suspense for the community. In this closing chapter of Fright Nights, the Raven Queen forges an alliance with the citizens of Panama City, revealing her humanity as she seeks to protect the world she once terrorized.

“This year’s story takes guests on a journey through time and space in search of keys to lock up ancient evils,” said Jayson Kretzer, Executive Director of Bay Arts Alliance. “We are so excited to share this last part of our  Raven Queen story and given what we learned last year, it’s going to be an even bigger and better experience this October.”

Key Features of Fright Nights 2024:

• More Opportunities & Shorter Wait Times: The haunt will be open for seven days this year starting on Friday, October 17, and will be doing presale time slots only. This will help ensure that guests don’t have long wait times. Tickets go on sale October 1.

• Enhanced Immersion: Building on the success of previous years, Fright Nights will heighten the immersive experience with cutting-edge special effects, captivating soundscapes, and stunning visuals that will blur the lines between reality and nightmare.

• Daytime Tours: For those that aren’t looking to scream, guests can purchase daytime passes. This experience is perfect for those with a higher sensitivity to jump scares, flashing lights, and loud noises.

• Character Interactions: Guests will engage with a cast of skilled performers who bring the Raven Queen’s story to life as they unravel the truth behind her rise to power.

• Party on the Lawn: Each night of the haunt will feature a variety of local vendors, musicians, and fall-themed fun on the lawn right outside the Center for the Arts.

“Seeing the Raven Queen’s story unfold over the past three years into this final chapter for her has been an amazing thing to be a part of,” said Jamie Haney, Marketing & Events Coordinator of Bay Arts Alliance. “And none of it would have been possible without our devoted Fright Nights team.”

This experience is recommended for audiences aged 12 & up. Under 12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Bay Arts Alliance suggests that parents take into account their children’s tolerance levels for jump scares, flashing lights, and loud noises.

Those interested in joining the team or how to get tickets can learn more by visiting FrightNightsPanamaCity.com.

About Fright Nights

Fright Nights is a captivating and immersive haunted experience created by the team at Bay Arts Alliance. With a commitment to delivering unparalleled creatively curated fear and excitement, Fright Nights invites attendees to step into the heart of horror and explore the chilling world of the Raven Queen, a story five years in the making. The Experience will be open Fridays and Saturdays starting October 17, 2024.

Bay Arts Alliance

Since 1978, Bay Arts Alliance has served as the state-recognized local arts agency for Bay County and seeks to promote, support, and develop the arts as essential to the revitalization of our community. Bay Arts Alliance has brought countless national touring performances to the area and provides many cultural opportunities for Bay County schools and non-profit organizations.

Panama City Center for the Arts

Panama City Center for the Arts in downtown Panama City is housed in the beautiful 1925 historic City Hall building. The Center for the Arts is managed by Bay Arts Alliance and provides visitors and the local community with creative enrichment through monthly art shows and exhibitions, films, concerts, educational art classes for all ages, and special focus classes for Bay County school trips. The facility and grounds are under the ownership of the City of Panama City.