Frequently Asked Questions

General Admission

Online - $25.00 + Sales Tax and Processing Fees (processing fees for all ticket types are $1 +  5% of the sub total)

At Gate - $30.00 (Sales Tax and Processing Fees are Included in the price)

Fast Pass

Online - $45.00 + Sales Tax and Processing Fees

At Gate - $55.00 (Sales Tax and Processing Fees are Included in the price)

VIP

Online - $60.00 + Sales Tax and Processing Fees

At Gate - $70.00 (Sales Tax and Processing Fees are Included in the price)

 

ALL Tickets online, and in person are $5 additional cost on the following nights: 

Friday 10/20 & Saturday 10/21

Friday 10/27 & Saturday 10/28

  • No Smoking, Anywhere. If you must smoke, we will ask you to return to your car with a re-admission stamp at the merch counter.
  • Do not touch the staff, actors, props, scenes etc. and they will not touch you. 
  • Do NOT use your phone while in the attractions. To include flashlights, taking calls, texting, taking photos, video, or any other use of your device inside of the attractions. Failure to follow this rule will result in ejection from the attraction.
  • No running. Unless you want to be monster food?
  • Follow all instructions of Cast, Security, and Staff. Especially in the event of an emergency.
  • If you see something, say something. All security staff are wearing gear with the company logo and the word Security on their clothing, please bring your concerns to their attention.
  • No fighting. Anyone found to be interrupting other attendees fun night out with us will be asked to leave.
  • No bags, backpacks, large purses etc. Attendees will be asked to return their bags to their vehicle. We reserve the right to inspect any bag which needs to be brought onto the property (medically necessary).
  • No weapons. You will be asked to return any knifes, firearms, etc. to your vehicle.
  • No recording of any type inside the attractions, photos and videos are allowed and encouraged everywhere outside of the attractions!
  • No outside food or beverages. Food and beverages must be consumed in the courtyard area or in queue lines. You may not bring food items into any of the attractions.

We are open from

8 PM - 10 PM on Thursdays

8 PM - Midnight on Fridays

7 PM - Midnight on Saturdays

7 PM - 10 PM on Sundays

Other notes:

  • online ticket sales will end 30 minutes prior to closing
  • in-person tickets sales will end 30 minutes prior to closing
  • the ticket booth will open 30 minutes prior to opening

We are located at The Linn County Fairgrounds, 201 Central City Rd, Central City, IA 52402. Parking is free and located on the infield of the grandstands track. From the front gate follow the signs down Wapicadia Trail to enter at Gate 4 (AKA the pit entrance) of the Linn. Co Fairgrounds.

Driving directions using Google Maps Here

Yes! But we really like it when you buy in  advance here

Tickets are more expensive on-site vs. online

We accept all major forms of payment on-site. Checks are not accepted unless previously arranged.

A fast pass is sold as a combo general admission ticket which includes access to our VIP/Fast Pass Lines for each of our three attractions. It is good for ONE admission to each of our three haunts. A pass should be purchased for each person in your party. The Fast Pass/VIP queue lines average a 5-10 minute wait.

A Fast Pass can be added to your general admission ticket on-site if you decide to add it on when you arrive.

We suggest the fast pass if you:

  • Want to lord your fast pass over our other victims/patrons still waiting in line
  • Did not/probably wont dress for the weather
  • Don't like lines
  • Want to attend multiple haunted houses in the area in one night
  • Want to impress your date
  • We DO NOT suggest fast passes be purchased online in the first two weekends, as the lines are generally shorter

A VIP Ticket is a lot like the Fast Pass, with one big caveat: unlimited re-entry.

That's right, you will be able to skip the lines, and go through our three haunted attractions as many times as you can handle. We do cut off re-entries at 11:30pm.

VIP's get treated like VIP's at CoA too some added perks:

  • Exclusive access to our themed VIP Lounge with seats and 3 fire pit tables
  • Convenient access to Merch, Concessions, & Restroom
  • Discounted Merch
  • Free Cocoa or Soft-Drink (excludes energy drinks and alcoholic beverages)
  • Free Snack (excludes hot food)
  • Free keepsake silicon wristband

Our attractions contain both indoor and outdoor elements, so please dress for the weather and wear shoes that are appropriate! 

While our topsoil is very sandy and rarely muddy, it can be a bit soft after heavy rains.  Wear footwear that covers your foot (open toed shoes are not recommended).  Wear clothing that will protect you from the environment - we make our best efforts to ensure the outdoor paths are clear of obstacles and vegetation, but we are in a forest, so nature is always present.

Our typical response to this question is: "It depends how fast you run."  In all honesty, this is a terribly difficult question to answer. Since all of our attractions are self-guided walk through mazes, you're in control of how long it really takes!  If you have purchased a general admission ticket, plan on going through all three attractions, and come on a busy late-season night, expect your time with us to be on the order of HOURS, not minutes. If you have places to be and other things to do on the night you attend, you can minimize your time with us by attending during an during the first two weeks or on a Thursday or Sunday, or by purchasing a VIP/FAST PASS, and ensuring you arrive before we open our doors.

With all that said, we advise an average of 10-15 minutes inside of each of our three attractions in addition to queue-line wait times. Most attendees spend between 1 & 2 hours with us.

Circle of Ash aims to deliver a show that is appropriate for PG-13 audiences. 

We ask that parents/guardians do not leave minors under the age of 16 unattended on the grounds. Any young children found to be unattended/unsupervised will be asked to leave.

Kids younger than 13 MUST have an adult with them while going into each attraction.

It is allowable for minors 16 and over to attend without a parent or guardian.

We allow groups up to 6 persons to enter each attraction together; however, exceptions and changes to this rule at the discretion of the queue line attendants.

If you have a group larger than 15, we strongly encourage you to pre-register with [email protected] 

Groups of 20 or more people qualify for group rates which is 15% off GA, Fast Pass, or VIP, The invoice will include sales tax and credit card processing fees.

To register please contact us at [email protected], include your name, number, the date and time which your group plans to attend, and if you are a tax exempt group please attach a sales tax exemption from. You may pay in advance via invoice (we use Square for processing), or mail personal or business checks 10 days in advance of your attendance.

Corporate rate tickets are also available if you'd like to treat your employees to a great Halloween tradition, if you are looking for tickets for your employees, please reach out at the previously mentioned email for assistance.

YES! Yes they absolutely do. Especially on our busiest nights which are the last two Fridays and Saturdays of October. 

If you are planning to attend on any of those 4 nights, especially between Open and 11 PM, plan to buy online in advance. We regularly reach capacity and close down on-site sales until 10:30 or sometimes later on our busiest nights.

Sorry, we cannot stop the show and look for your lost item.  Our actors are always on the lookout for lost items, and when found they will be brought to the ticket booth.  You may return the next operating night to claim your items.  We will also ship your items to you, but you will be responsible for shipping and handling charges.

 

YES!  In fact, coming during the rain or snow might just be one of the best times to visit our attraction.  Sure, you may get a little bit wet, but you are likely to have to wait less.  Bring an umbrella and wear appropriate shoes, though, as our attraction is built outdoors.  We will shutter the event for inclement weather - for example when lightning or a tornado is present, and this decision is made by management as soon as we are notified by NOAA of dangerous conditions.  If the weather passes during our normal operating hours, we will inspect the attraction and reopen once our safety requirements are passed.  Occasional flooding events may cause us to have to close an attraction, and in that event this website will be updated on the main page with that information and we will offer a discounted admission rate. 

Our attraction uses strobe lights, fog and other atmospheric effects, 9vt shocking devices, loud sounds, scents and smells, lasers, projections, black lights, and dark areas. We also have areas of uneven floors, ramps, and extruded flooring surfaces. 

We pride ourselves in building attractions that are accessible to everyone, but please be aware of the following:  We've made every effort to ensure that our attraction is accessible to everyone, we do not have any stairs or areas which must be navigated in a method other than walking/using a wheel chair. The haunts are constructed to allow for this accessibility as we aim to follow ADA guidelines whenever possible. With that being said, some elements of the attractions can be EXTREMELY DIFFICULT to navigate without assistance, and since most of it is outdoors, expect some uneven ground and a lot of work!  We offer assistance to those wanting it during your visit, please alert the queue line attendant if you'd like assistance.

Media inquiries can be sent to [email protected].  Please note that the vast majority of our advertising decisions are made a full year in advance, however in-kind trades or sponsorships are considered year-round.  Special appearances or requests to use our sets and scenes should be made with at least 10 business days of notice. 

Yes! We offer:

  • Water/Soda/Energy Drinks ($1-5)
  • Hot Chocolate, Hot Cider, ($3)
  • Popcorn ($3)
  • Candy/Pre-Packaged Snacks ($2)
  • Soft Pretzels with Cheese ($5)
  • Warm Fresh Baked Cookies ($3)

Generally speaking, bags are not allowed on the premises. Exceptions can be made if the individual has a medical condition. Security will send you back to your car to safely store your bag until the end of your time with us. We reserve the right to inspect any bag brought into our premises.

NO! And if we ask you return the favor. We do not touch customers and we ask that customers refrain from touching us or our props. We understand that accidents do happen, obvious violations of this rule may result in being removed from the attraction or even the end of your evening with us.

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