New Cosmic Carnival Comes to Seattle: What Families Can Expect

A new attraction just landed in Seattle, and it’s a galactic adventure you and your space cadets may not want to miss out on. Our family went to check out Cosmic Carnival this weekend, and it was an out-of-this-world experience.

Cosmic Carnival is only open for a limited time, so put on your spacesuits and initiate the launch sequence – it’s time to blast off. The galaxy needs saving. Are you up for the challenge?

An immersive experience for the whole family

Upon entering the large brick building located in the Stadium District where LIT Immersive has debuted its Cosmic Carnival, we were immediately ushered into a labyrinth of dramatic storytelling. Around every corner was an interactive and immersive task we needed to complete to help save a captured space traveler — or was it a princess? While the storyline could be a bit hard to follow at times, it was entertaining.

Throughout the venue’s various rooms and corridors, different attractions, akin to carnival games, awaited us. We walked through brightly lit tunnels, glowed under black lights, uncovered dark and hidden secrets, interacted with theatrical celestial beings, blasted away enemies and ultimately saved the day.

My children loved the space blasters room, where they got to fire small projectiles at targets. (Don’t worry, eye protection is provided!) The kids also really enjoyed interacting with the performers. The improvised scripts made each experience feel personalized.

A theatrical adventure just in time for Halloween

If you like theater, I think you’ll enjoy Cosmic Carnival. The actors bring you into the storyline — you’re not just a passive participant — so be prepared to take center stage. It’s a bit corny, but my kids had a lot of fun answering questions, playing along, and at times, really leaning into their roles as space rescuers. Costumes are encouraged, and my kids loved the opportunity to dress up ahead of Halloween.

It’s a short experience; plan to spend about an hour. It should be noted that there are strobing lights and fog machines, and it’s a bit dark in some places.

At the end of the meandering glow-in-the-dark maze, you will pop out at the carnival’s end where you can enjoy drinks and light snacks, face painting, crafts and more. You will have to make your way through the gift shop before you exit, so be prepared for your kiddos to beg to leave with a glowing trinket or two.

Cosmic Carnival was unlike the other Halloween attractions we’ve experienced around Seattle. There are no scary elements throughout the experience, which our family liked. We didn’t have to worry about the kids having nightmares or newfound frights to keep them up at night. All the extraterrestrials you will meet are very friendly.

After dark, Cosmic Carnival transforms into an experience for ages 21 and over. If you want to come back without the kids, I imagine the experience is similar glow-in-the-dark fun, but you get the added benefit of cosmic libations.

LIT Immersive and Seattle-area events

LIT Immersive is owned by Seattle locals. Their inspiration for bringing the carnival to life was being able to offer a unique and family-friendly activity to the community. You can feel good about supporting a locally owned business when you buy your tickets.

Occupying 18,000 square feet, spread over two floors of the historic Palmer Building in the Stadium District, the venue contains a bar, large event space and intimate spaces for smaller shows.

More experiences from LIT Immersive will be coming to the venue after Cosmic Carnival ends in November. Stay tuned for more details.