The leaves are changing colour, the air is crisp, and the nights are dark… Spooky Season is upon us! Pumpkins After Dark, the one-of-a-kind walk-through Halloween experience, is back at Wesley Clover Park. Last year’s event had 6,000 pumpkins. This fall-inspired event is even more bountiful with over 10,000 hand-carved pumpkins.
Pumpkin Path at Pumpkins After Dark. Photo: Hannah Manning
The pumpkins are artfully displayed in scenes accompanied by dramatic lighting and a thematic soundtrack. On the spooky scale, Pumpkins After Dark ranks as family-friendly, but perfect for a date night or group activity with friends. Expect to be blown away by the artistic design rather than jump scares.
Hand-carved pumpkin on display at Pumpkins After Dark. Photo: Hannah Manning
If you’re looking for tips for your pumpkins this year, don’t miss the live carving at the entrance to the event. You can even buy a pumpkin on your way out if inspiration strikes. New this year is a 3D maze: this short walkthrough features haunting designs and black lights for some added Halloween fun. There are a few food vendors so you can pick up a Beavertail or a hot drink before wandering along the pumpkin path. The loop is about 1km long and allows you to travel at your own pace. Dress for the weather as the pathway is a mix of gravel, dirt, and sidewalk.
We reached Francis Lalonde, Show Manager for Pumpkins After Dark Ottawa, to hear about this year’s event.
Apt613: Can you share a brief background of Pumpkins After Dark?
Francis Lalonde: Pumpkins After Dark is Canada’s award-winning outdoor Halloween event. Featuring over 10,000+ hand-carved pumpkins, this one-of-a-kind walk-through experience is the must-see event of the fall season. From October 10-31, Wesley Clover Parks will transform into a Halloween wonderland featuring an array of all-new pumpkin displays, an immersive 3D blacklight Monster Maze, captivating Halloween photo opportunities and more!
How early in the year do you start planning the themes for the event? How long does it take to carve 10,000 pumpkins? How big is the team?
It takes almost a year to prep the event, and therefore, our themes are picked roughly a year prior to the show being presented for the first time.
Cinderella’s Pumpkin Carriage at Pumpkins After Dark. Photo: Hannah Manning
Do you have a favourite scene?
I like the Star Wars exhibit most!
For anyone who has attended in the past, what’s new and exciting to look forward to this year?
New this year is a fresh collection of mesmerizing pumpkin creations, each crafted to captivate and delight. We also have a 3D Blacklight Monster Maze where people can navigate a spine-chilling (but still family-friendly!) 3D blacklight maze that adds an extra thrill to your Halloween adventure. We also have brand-new photo op areas where people can capture unforgettable moments—these are scattered throughout the venue. Lastly, the crowd favourite is the pumpkin tunnel—the Ottawa show has two!
Is there anything else Apt613 readers should know?
This year’s festival will have even more awe-inspiring scenes than ever before!
Pumpkins After Dark is open on select dates from October 10-31. Youth, adult and family pass tickets are available online, including “Thriller Thursday” discount tickets. The walk-through event takes place at Wesley Clover Parks (401 Corkstown Road). Portapotties, including at least one accessible toilet, are available on site. The event runs rain, snow, or shine and is primarily outdoors so be sure to dress for the weather.
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