Spirits in the Garden offers boozy Halloween experience
Missouri Botanical Garden's annual Halloween event is for adults only
The Missouri Botanical Garden will transform into a vibrant, spirited playground for adults, as it hosts its annual Spirits in the Garden event on Friday, Oct. 25. This 21+ Halloween celebration promises a night of fun and mischief for St. Louis locals looking to sample the finest drinks from regional wineries, breweries and distilleries, all while embracing the spooky season in their best costume.
Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a unique adult trick-or-treating experience, complete with a variety of drink samples from local vendors. Upon check-in, all attendees will receive a commemorative tasting glass to use throughout the night as they explore offerings from over 20 drink vendors, including tastings from Mead Hall, Blacksmith Distillery, Naked Spirits and more. 1220 Spirits will also be back with their exclusive botanical Violet Gin. As Jessika Eidson, public information officer for the Missouri Botanical Garden, notes, “If you didn’t get a chance to try it at Best of Missouri Market, you can definitely come out and try it during Spirits in the Garden.”
The fun doesn’t stop there — mocktails and coffee will be available throughout the night for those who prefer non-alcoholic options, courtesy of Forest & Meadow Herbal Shop and Clinic, Heirloom Bottling Co. and Teleo Coffee. While the spotlight is on spirits and beverages, guests can also indulge in flavorful bites. Sando Shack food truck will bring its popular Japanese-style dishes, while St. Louis Snow Cone will serve up classic treats like hot dogs, nachos and caramel apples.
Costume lovers will also have the chance to strut their stuff in the event’s costume contest. The contest will feature categories for single, group and couples costumes and will be judged by local journalists, social media influencers and Missouri Botanical Garden staff. Winners will be awarded tickets to top St. Louis attractions, such as the City Museum and the St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station, as well as an annual membership to the Missouri Botanical Garden itself.
The Spirits in the Garden event offers more than just drinks; it provides a complete Halloween experience. Guests can dance to the music from Rockstar DJs on the dedicated dance floor while enjoying thrilling performances from a fire artist and a stilt-walking Frankenstein’s monster. For those intrigued by the paranormal, Monster Paranormal will share insights into local hauntings, along with a Q&A session and a screening of their documentary. Attendees can also explore the haunted history of the Missouri Botanical Garden with a tour of Tower Grove House or seek a fortune reading from one of the evening’s fortune tellers.
The party runs from 6 to 8:30 p.m., and tickets are priced at $35, with a discount for Garden members at $30. As Eidson emphasizes, “I would highly encourage people to get their tickets this week…get them while you can, they will sell out.” Tickets are available for purchase now, and all attendees must be 21 or older.
