In British Columbia this Halloween season, you can find many events and activities to do. One such event that stands out is Pumpkins After Dark, located in Burnaby, BC. Gather your family and friends!This is a family friendly activity, perfect for all ages, but especially so for the young children. Pumpkins After Dark offers a different experience, not the scary Halloween, but rather a wholesome friendly one. There is much to explore in the night!
As the days grow shorter and a crispness enters the air, there’s a certain magic that descends upon Burnaby. The vibrant greens of summer begin to give way to fiery reds and golden yellows, and with this autumnal transformation comes a beloved tradition that truly shines when the sun goes down: Pumpkins After Dark.
Imagine stepping into a world where thousands of hand-carved pumpkins glow with an ethereal light, transforming familiar landscapes into a whimsical wonderland. That’s exactly what awaits visitors to Burnaby’s Swangard Stadium and Central Park each October.
Get Ready to Light up at Dark!
Pumpkins After Dark starts when the sun sets, welcoming the night. This event relies on the darkness, in order to stand out. Upon arrival, there is ample free parking. The line ups are long, but move fast. Tickets are typically sold online, and it is suggested to buy in advance to make checking in run smoothly.
The event runs rain or shine; dress warmly and prepare for possible rain, as October in British Columbia can get chilly, and even wet due the fact that it rains quite a lot in this part of Canada. The event location is held at a park, so expect to be walking around on a trail or grass at times. Boots or comfortable walking shoes are a must. Since it is a Halloween event, costumes are allowed, as well as glow sticks. Glow sticks, glowing or light-up wands and swords are available for purchase at Pumpkins After Dark as well. Before the main attraction, there is a set up for photo ops with Halloween themes. Such as giant pumpkins, ghastly ghosts, and so much more. Food trucks are a’ plenty, as well as a pumpkin tent where you can purchase a pumpkin, or watch as the artists carve their artwork into the pumpkin.
More Than Just Jack-o’-Lanterns
While you might expect a charming display of classic jack-o’-lanterns, Pumpkins After Dark takes artistry to an entirely new level. This isn’t just about carving a spooky face; it’s about crafting intricate scenes, beloved characters, and awe-inspiring installations, all brought to life by the humble pumpkin. From colossal dinosaurs towering over pathways to enchanting fairytale castles, and even highly detailed celebrity portraits, the sheer creativity on display is breathtaking.
Each year, a dedicated team of talented artists and carvers meticulously crafts these glowing masterpieces. It’s a true labour of love, requiring incredible precision and imagination to transform a simple gourd into a work of illuminated art. The scale of the event is impressive, with new themes and displays often introduced, ensuring a fresh and exciting experience even for returning visitors.
Ready to be Dazzled
Upon entering the park, in the darkest of nights, you will encounter amazing sights! Dazzling, glowing displays, all carved onto pumpkins will be in full view. Set against the night time darkness, these pumpkins come to life. The pumpkins are propped on a black canvas, arranged in varying positions. On all of these pumpkins are intricate carvings, showing stories, beloved characters from movies and TV shows, as well as books. These larger than life pumpkin carvings attract quite the crowd. Everyone stands in awe, admiring the countless hours that it took to craft the pumpkins. A crowd favourite pumpkin was the Wednesday Addams carving. There were three pumpkin displays of Wednesday, with lights going off, to make it seem like she was doing her famous dance from the hit Netflix show “Wednesday”. It was absolutely mesmerizing. Other displays showcased Starwars scenes, Angry Birds being launched, as well as anime characters such as Goku from Dragonball Z. This is an event for anyone and everyone. Whether you are an anime lover, or into Halloween lore, or even just someone who wants amazing instagram pictures, Pumpkins After Dark caters to every niche.
An Experience for All Ages
Pumpkins After Dark is a fantastic outing for everyone. Families with young children will delight in spotting their favorite cartoon characters or marveling at the friendly monsters. Couples can enjoy a romantic stroll hand-in-hand through the softly lit pathways, soaking in the magical ambiance. Even those simply looking for a unique autumn experience will find themselves captivated by the glowing artistry.
Beyond the visual spectacle, the atmosphere itself is part of the charm. The gentle hum of excited chatter, the crisp autumn air, and perhaps the scent of spiced treats (often available from on-site vendors) all contribute to a truly immersive and memorable evening. It’s an opportunity to slow down, embrace the season, and witness a community come together to celebrate creativity and the joy of fall.
Planning Your Visit
Located at Swangard Stadium and Central Park, Pumpkins After Dark is easily accessible for Burnaby residents and those coming from further afield. While specific dates and times can vary slightly each year, it generally runs throughout October, leading up to Halloween.
- Book Tickets in Advance: This event is incredibly popular, and tickets often sell out, especially on weekends. It’s always a good idea to purchase your tickets online beforehand to secure your preferred time slot.
- Dress Warm: Even if the day is mild, evenings in October can get chilly, especially when you’re outside for an extended period. Layers are your friend!
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be doing a fair amount of walking, so comfortable footwear is a must.
Bring Your Camera: With so many incredible photo opportunities, you’ll want to capture the magic!
As the days dwindle and Halloween approaches, make sure to add Pumpkins After Dark to your autumnal bucket list. It’s a truly enchanting experience that illuminates the spirit of the season and showcases the incredible artistry that can be found when creativity meets the humble pumpkin. Don’t miss the chance to see Burnaby come alive with this captivating glow!
