Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Rockford Mystery Dinners

Wondering what a mystery dinner is? Find answers to our most frequently asked questions here.

What is a mystery dinner?

In short, Rockford mystery dinners are fully immersive game in which the audience members themselves play character roles - in themed costumes.

Am I required to wear a costume?

While not required, it is highly suggested. Plus, dressing up makes it much more fun! There are also prizes for the best costume.

How long does the event last?

The event will span 3 hours, from 6:30 - 9:30pm. This will include time to interact with other suspects, have beverages, eat your meal and an overview at the conclusion of the evening.

What does my ticket include?

Your admission ticket includes your meal, soft drinks, taxes, wait staff gratuities, gameplay and opportunity to win prizes including best dressed and best actor. Cash bar is available for beer, wine and cocktails.

What is the meal?

The meal includes Lino's special salad, bread & butter, a variety of pastas, 2 meatballs, soft drinks and spumoni.

Menu is subject to change. If different locations are used for upcoming events, the event location and menu will be included in that specific event.

What if I don't want to be an actor?

When purchasing your tickets, you will have the opportunity to choose how much of a role you would like to play. If you do not want to play an active role, please choose 1.

Can I choose who I am seated with?

While we will make every attempt to fulfill seating requests, we cannot guarantee the seating arrangements. Up to 6 people on the same booking would receive priority to be sat together, based on your purchase date.

Are there actors/a play?

We operate differently than other dinner theater mysteries, in that the actors are those who purchased tickets. We do not have any additional actors or skits.

How does it work?

Each participant will receive a character card by email prior to the event. This card will contain information that you can choose to share as you wish. While you can choose to deflect conversation, YOU MAY NOT BLATENTLY LIE. You will have multiple opportunities to converse with the other suspects and review the evidence provided. Depending on the event, there may be a Q&A session with the primary suspects. At the conclusion of the evening all guests will be given a slip in which they will vote who they think the murderer (or criminal) is, who they thought the best actor was and who had the costume. Once all slips are collected, the actual solution and voting results will be revealed.

Can I go to multiple events of the same theme??

While we will change the murderer (or criminal) for each show of the same theme, the characters and storylines and other formation will remain mostly the same. We will rotate different themes and suggest you try another one of our themes before attending the same theme a 2nd time.