AREA15 is hitting a major milestone this weekend so it’s time to celebrate!

Five years and 15 million visitors is a big feat and it’s time to party! Opening in 2020, AREA15 was a single 200,000-square-foot venue, but now five years later, it’s expanded into a 40-acres playground filled with immersive art, nightlife, entertainment, and more.

The “AREA-versary” festivities kick off on Friday, Sept. 12 with “Cleared for Takeoff,” a free community block party beneath Zone 2’s newly revealed Boeing 747, followed by the “Galactic Zoo Massive” on Saturday, Sept. 13, featuring performances by Laszewo, Telykast, and Bodies & Beats.

It’s Time For A Grand Celebration At AREA15

AREA15 launched on September 17,  2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Even through the challenges of the global shutdown and strict occupancy limits, the visionaries behind AREA15 pushed forward to create an experience unlike anything else.

Their efforts paid off because by 2022 and 2023, AREA15 had earned the title of the most-visited attraction in the U.S., according to location analytics company Placer.ai.

“AREA15 was always meant to be disruptive. Opening in the middle of a global shutdown only strengthened our resolve to deliver something the world hadn’t seen before,” said Winston Fisher, chief executive officer, AREA15. “Five years later, we’ve surpassed 15 million visitors, welcomed some of the biggest brands in entertainment and set the stage for a future filled with even more boundary-breaking experiences.”

And now, present day, AREA15 averages more than 500 ticketed events per year, as well as 500 private bookings each year across seven event venues. In it’s five years open, the immersive arts and entertainment district has created more than 1,500 jobs, has welcomed a wide variety of high-profile visitors, and has become a place to visit for locals and vacationers alike.

Zone 2: The Terminals Recently Launched

Last month, AREA15 launched its expansion – Zone 2: The Terminal, with the first experience to open being Universal Horror Unleashed. And now, there are 23 immersive attractions and 11 eateries and bars open, as well as more than 60 sculptures and 30 murals.

Into 2026, AREA15 will continue to unveil new experiences in Zone 2. Some of the new attractions will include Felix & Paul Studios’ Interstellar Arc, a fully reimagined Boeing 747 multi-use venue, The Escape Game, iFLY Indoor Skydiving, Dolls Kill’s flagship store, and the largest-ever Museum of Ice Cream.

There will also be more food and drink options to enjoy, including Chilango’s Tacos, Nacho Daddy, Saint Honore Doughnuts & Beignets, and more.

5 Year ‘AREA-Versary’ Fun Happening This Month

In addition to the everyday fun found at AREA15, there will also be some “AREA-versary’ excitement taking place throughout the month of September.

On Friday, Sept. 12, “Cleared for Takeoff: Five Years of AREA15” is happening in Zone 2: The Terminals underneath the Boeing 747 from 6 to 10 p.m. This free event marks the attraction’s fifth “AREA-versary” under the wings of the new Boeing 747 with live music, DJ sets, AREA15 costume parade, food trucks, giveaways, and more.

Enter an otherworldly wonderland at a celestial celebration on Saturday, Sept. 13, during Galactic Zoo Massive throughout AREA15, including A-Lot and The Wall. This is an 18 and older event. General admission tickets start at $42.46 per person. VIP and open bar packages available. Doors open at 8 p.m.

Maybe a family friendly event is more your speed. On Sunday, Sept. 14, there’s a Family Rave in The Portal with doors opening at 1 p.m. This daytime disco is where the whole family can party together with music, lights, and fun activities. General admission tickets are $19.62. Family packs of four tickets are also available for $16.35 per person.

There’s also a Bigger Block Party Experience on Saturday, Sept. 20, Zombie Rumble on Sunday, Sept. 28, and Oddyssey Noir: A Carnivale Noir Warehouse Rave on Saturday, Sept. 13, Saturday, Sept. 20, and Saturday, Sept. 27.

For more information about AREA15, visit their website.