Halloween costumes and holiday fun aren't just for kids. Not this year. Cape Fear Botanical Garden is giving adults a reason to dress up and celebrate Halloween while seeing the Garden in a different light. The Garden's first Boo Bop is a Halloween party for ages 21 and older and will take place on Friday, Oct. 30, from 8 p.m. to midnight. The evening will feature a '90s-themed dance party, costume contest, local vendors, food and specialty drinks, and plenty of opportunities to explore the Garden after dark.
For Madison Benoit, Event Coordinator at Cape Fear Botanical Garden, the idea grew out of a familiar Halloween celebration already happening at the Garden.
"Every year, our massive Bootanical festival brings tons of magic to the public, but it is geared toward kids," Benoit said. "We realized adults like us love the thrill of Halloween just as much!"
Boo Bop gives adults a celebration of their own complete with music, a night out with friends, and a chance to put together a memorable costume.
"We wanted to create an exclusive, high-energy space where grown-ups could fully embrace the holiday, giving them a reason to dress up, escape the everyday routine, grab a themed cocktail, and let loose," said Benoit.
Guests who love the Garden's daytime scenery will see it take on a moodier character for the evening. Lighting and Halloween decorations will help set the scene along the outdoor paths, while music draws partygoers into the Orangery.
"The moment you step through the gate, the familiar daytime Garden completely vanishes into a moody atmospheric wonderland," Benoit said.
Ward Productions will be in charge of providing the evening's soundtrack, mixing '90s club anthems, hip-hop classics and dance-pop favorites. The nostalgic music is sure to keep the dance floor busy and give guests another way to celebrate and connect with the evening's playful spirit.
Beyond the dance floor, the party will extend into the Grand Hall where guests can browse local vendors. Flamingo Holl'r will offer a custom hat bar, while Buzz Worthy Permanent Jewelry will provide unique jewelry pieces. Outside the Orangery, Savory Southern Cuisine and SweetTooth will serve drinks and sweets, giving dancers the chance to refuel in between songs.
A great Halloween party would not be complete without a costume contest. However, Benoit says it will not be a highly competitive one.
"We are keeping things fun, casual and completely stress-free! Our costume contest is highly informal, so there is no need to worry about rigid rules or intense judging panels."
When guests step away from the music, they will be delighted by the illuminated and decorated Garden paths. Benoit said the nighttime setting changes how visitors experience a place they may know and have visited primarily during the day. Preparing for a nighttime party meant the Garden needed to concentrate on lighting, vendor arrangements, and atmosphere within the Garden's existing event spaces.
Benoit said guests will be asked to respect the living plant collections and manicured grounds as they explore the Garden at night.
"When you visit during the day, the focus is on the bright sunlight and the individual plants," she said. "But after dark, the Garden completely transforms."
Signature cocktails include the Witches Brew, a basil-infused vodka, lemonade, and sparkling water, and the Blood Moon, featuring vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice, and sparkling water. Non-alcoholic versions of both will also be available.
As the Garden launches its first Boo Bop, Benoit's hopes visitors will enjoy themselves and want to return.
"If our community leaves with great memories and a desire to come back next year, then Boo Bop is an absolute win."
The Garden is located at 536 N. Eastern Boulevard. Admission for the Boo Bop event is $15 for Garden members and $20 for nonmembers. Each ticket includes access to Boo Bop, the Garden, and one specialty cocktail or mocktail. Tickets can be purchased on the Garden's website at https://capefearbg.org/event/boo-bop/.

(Photo courtesy of Cape Fear Botanical Garden's Facebook page)