Valleyfair’s nighttime ValleyScare season opens Saturday, September 19, with a split operating day that requires guests to leave after the afternoon session and enter again with separate event admission or a qualifying season pass.
The park’s official calendar lists regular park hours from noon to 5:30 p.m. on opening day, followed by ValleyScare from 7 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. The waterpark portion of the property, Superior Shores, is closed for the season, so visitors should plan around the amusement park and Halloween programming rather than water attractions.
Valleyfair’s event procedures say all daytime guests will be instructed to exit when the park closes at 5:30 p.m. ValleyScare guests will then use a secondary entrance to the left of the front gate, before Steel Venom, and must present a separate ValleyScare ticket or an eligible pass. Route 76 is scheduled to remain open while the rest of the park completes the nighttime changeover.
The admission rules are especially important for families with teenagers. Every guest age 17 or younger must be accompanied by someone at least 21 years old to enter or remain during ValleyScare. One chaperone may accompany no more than five minors and must stay with the group for the full visit. The chaperone must show a government-issued photo ID; digital images of identification are not accepted.
Guests should also pack lightly. Valleyfair allows clear plastic bags smaller than 12 by 12 by 6 inches, plus non-clear wristlets or clutches no larger than 5 by 8 by 2 inches. All bags may be searched. ValleyScare also operates with no re-entry: anyone who leaves cannot return that night.
The 2026 event lineup includes five indoor mazes, four outdoor scare zones, live shows and selected rides after dark. Haunted mazes are included with ValleyScare admission. The park advises that the event may not suit younger guests and prohibits masks, face paint and costume attire during the nighttime event.
Families seeking a daytime alternative will need to wait one additional weekend. Valleyfair’s Tricks and Treats calendar begins Saturday, September 26, from noon to 5:30 p.m., followed by a Sunday session September 27 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Its family program includes trick-or-treat trails, crafts, friendly characters, shows and a costume contest.
Before traveling, visitors can check current Minnesota park conditions in TAQ’s live park guide and browse the Minnesota theme-park archive. Because hours and event offerings can change, the operator’s calendar should be rechecked on the day of the visit.
