Credit: Jess MacAleese
Whether you’re a master carver, love pumpkins just because, or want to WOW your family and friends, attending Pumpkins After Dark is likely one of the most impressive visual feasts you will experience all year. Or perhaps in your life.
With over 10,000 carved pumpkins on display at Burnaby’s Swangard Stadium/Central Park, even the not-so-easily-impressed will be gobsmacked at the creative artistry and sheer magnitude of this award-winning event.
Best of all is that it is a family-friendly event! Literally, anyone can go. The sizeable displays include superheroes and Disney characters. There are a few displays of classic horror monsters and zombies, but your kiddos definitely won’t see any blood or gore and nothing will jump out at them or be even remotely scary.
The event invites a leisurely stroll through the extensive display, so when you do come, bundle up the kids and leave plenty of time to explore.
This is truly a “take-your-time, let-your-spirit-guide-you” kind of event. Just follow the pathway of lit pumpkin sculptures and displays. Your journey will be accompanied by music, sounds and special effects, all in Halloween-esque theme. You’ll encounter Halloween characters, dinosaurs and dragons, as well as movie and pop culture icons.
Credit: Jess MacAleese
What’s different from last year?
For those who have attended Pumpkins After Dark in the past, get ready to be blown away by this year’s edition. The organizers have taken the event to new heights, raising the bar even higher. With a commitment to continually surpassing expectations, they’ve pulled out all the stops to make 2023’s Pumpkins After Dark the best one yet.
One of the most exciting aspects of this year’s Pumpkins After Dark is the introduction of entirely new displays. While classic jack-o’-lanterns will always have a special place, this year’s event promises fresh and innovative designs that will ignite your imagination. Whether you’re a fan of traditional Halloween motifs or prefer more contemporary and abstract art, there’s something for everyone among the brand-new displays.
Beyond the Pumpkins: Entertainment, Carving, Photos, and Cuisine at Pumpkins After Dark
As you plan your visit to Pumpkins After Dark, prepare to be enchanted by more than just pumpkins. This event goes beyond the spectacular displays with a range of offerings that add to the magical experience. Throughout the night, you’ll be serenaded by live entertainment, creating a festive atmosphere that will keep you engaged and entertained. Witness the artistry firsthand with live pumpkin carving demonstrations, where talented carvers bring these orange gourds to life in ways you never imagined. Don’t forget to capture the magic with photo opportunities scattered throughout the event, ensuring you can relive the enchanting moments. And when it’s time to refuel, indulge in a culinary adventure at the on-site concession area featuring a tempting selection of food trucks. All of these elements are an integral part of the Pumpkins After Dark experience, making it an unforgettable outing for the whole family.
Whether you’re strolling through the illuminated displays, enjoying live entertainment, admiring the live pumpkin carving, capturing memories with photos, or savoring delicious treats from the concession area, every aspect of Pumpkins After Dark is designed to make your visit truly special. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary event that’s become a highlight of Burnaby’s Halloween season.
Credit: Jess MacAleese
When and where?
The Pumpkins After Dark event is part of the Burnaby Halloween Festival, featuring a multitude of events happening all month long. Pumpkins After Dark is happening nightly from October 6, with the final show on October 31.
Because the event has become so popular and word is spreading fast, if you are going to go, make sure you don’t leave it too long. Tickets can be purchased online here, Adults cost $22.95 to attend, youth are $19.95 and children under three are free. A family pack is $80.80.
Getting there
Parking is limited at Swangard Station, where the event entrance is. The best plan is to take public transport, and if you take SkyTrain, get off at Patterson Station. Consult the TransLink Trip Planner to learn what your best route might be.