Categories: Things To Do

Over 10,000 hand-carved pumpkins will light up Calgary this fall

Photo Via Klaus Kaulitzki/Shutterstock

More than 10,000 hand-carved pumpkins will light up Calgary this fall as Pumpkins After Dark returns to the city with a massive collection of glowing pumpkin sculptures.

The walk-through experience will transform Canada Olympic Park into a Halloween display filled with larger-than-life creations, and plenty of spots to stop for a photo. You’ll also catch live pumpkin carving, roaming entertainment, and fall treats throughout.

From what you’ll see along the trail to how much tickets cost, here’s everything you need to know before you go.

What to expect at Pumpkins After Dark

What is Pumpkins After Dark?

According to organizers, Pumpkins After Dark is a Halloween walk-through experience where you follow a designated route through a series of pumpkin displays. Along the way, you’ll see elaborate carvings inspired by pop culture and classic Halloween characters, movie and TV favourites, and more.

The displays are paired with lights, music and special effects, creating a full sensory experience as you make your way through the trail. Alongside the displays, live carving demonstrations, entertainment, games, and seasonal food and treats are available throughout the space.

Are the pumpkins real?

According to organizers, the event uses a combination of synthetic and organic pumpkins throughout the experience. Canadian artists hand-carve every pumpkin using both 2D and 3D techniques. Because they won’t rot, these pumpkins let artists create bigger, more elaborate pieces that hold up throughout the season.

The Pumpkins After Dark creative team works year-round designing and building the pumpkin displays, and organizers say it takes about 11 months to create one show.

Is the experience scary?

Even though Pumpkins After Dark has a spooky Halloween atmosphere, it’s designed to be family-friendly rather than a traditional haunted attraction. So don’t worry, there are no jump scares or actors hiding in the displays.

How long does the experience take?

The pathway through Pumpkins After Dark is roughly one kilometre long, with most guests spending one to two hours at the event. Since the experience is self-paced, you can take your time walking through the displays and installations.

What else can I do at the event?

Along with the pumpkin displays, you can watch artists perform live pumpkin carving demonstrations, catch live entertainment roaming throughout the space, and stop for fall-themed sweets and treats from local food trucks.

For an additional cost, you can also take on the Blackthorne Prison Maze, where you have to navigate twists and turns while searching for 10 witches imprisoned inside.

What do I need to know about accessibility?

The event is stroller-friendly and wheelchair accessible, so you can bring a stroller or mobility device. Please note that there may be flashing lights and loud sounds, so keep this in mind if you or someone in your group is sensitive to them.

What happens if it rains?

Pumpkins After Dark is a rain-or-shine event, so the experience will go ahead even if it rains. Since the event takes place outdoors, check the weather forecast before heading out and dress accordingly.

In the case of severe weather, the event will be cancelled, and a new event date will be provided.

Is Pumpkins After Dark pet-friendly?

Only service animals are allowed at Pumpkins After Dark. Regular pets aren’t permitted at the event, so you’ll need to leave your furry friends at home.

When does Pumpkins After Dark open?

Pumpkins After Dark runs in Calgary from Sept. 25 through Oct. 31, 2026, but it isn’t open every day during that stretch. The event kicks off with a Friday-to-Sunday opening weekend, then moves to a Thursday-to-Sunday schedule for the remaining weeks.

The start time also gets earlier as October goes on, so here’s the full breakdown of when you can visit.

Sept. 25 to 27: 7:45 to 11 p.m.
Oct. 1 to 4: 7:30 to 11 p.m.
Oct. 8 to 11: 7:15 to 11 p.m.
Oct. 15 to 18: 7 to 11 p.m.
Oct. 22 to 25: 6:45 to 11 p.m.
Oct. 29 to 31: 6:30 to 11 p.m.

How much are tickets?

Ticket prices vary by date and entry time, so the cost depends on when you visit. The timed entry system means your ticket is for a specific arrival window, not open-ended admission for any time that evening.

You must purchase tickets online in advance through Showpass, and once you’ve selected your date and time, you can enter during that window and move through the experience at your own pace. Last entry is at 10 p.m., and the event will close an hour later at 11 p.m.

You can also pre-purchase event merchandise and popcorn with your ticket, so they’re ready for pickup when you arrive.

What’s included in a VIP ticket?

If you’re looking for a little more flexibility, a VIP ticket lets you arrive at any time during event hours on your selected date, rather than being tied to a specific entry time. Your ticket also includes one Maze pass and one merchandise item valued at up to $20.

Are there any group rates being offered?

Planning to visit with a larger group? You can save 10 per cent when purchasing 20 or more tickets. And group tickets will be available to purchase directly through Showpass.

Can I exchange my ticket for a different day or time?

If your plans change, you can exchange your ticket for a different date up to 24 hours before the date listed on your ticket. You can’t exchange missed dates, so make sure to change your ticket in advance if you know you can’t make it.

How early should I arrive?

You’ll want to arrive no earlier than 15 minutes before the time listed on your ticket. Since entry is time-slotted, arriving too early won’t get you in before your scheduled time.

If you’re running late, access isn’t guaranteed and missed dates aren’t eligible for a refund.

Where is the event located?

Pumpkins After Dark is taking place at Winsport in Canada Olympic Park. If you’re driving, free parking will be available, and you can check the event’s parking map ahead of time to see where the designated parking areas are before you arrive.