Pumpkins After Dark

Did you know that Kerry, Ireland is considered THE destination for Hallowe’en fun? Or did you know that Burnaby, BC modelled their new, family-friendly October attraction, “Pumpkins After Dark” on the Kerry example? Well, now you know. Let me be the one to show you what fun you can have with a 45-minute stroll through this exhibit that boasts some 10,000 carved pumpkins and lots of fun displays, lights, eerie music, ghouls and goblins. This is fast becoming our favourite thing to do in October!

A little history (very little since we all hate history), 2022 was the inaugural year for the City of Burnaby to celebrate Hallowe’en with a month-long roster of activities including a “zombie walk”, “eerie illusions” a horror film festival and even an “adults only” Haunted Hallowe’en adventure. This year, the event is back with even bigger displays and more activities. There is something fun to do every day in October leading up to All Hallows Eve!

Pumpkins After Dark is a display of all things scary, evil, and creepy. Most of your bad guys are represented here and from all cultures and lores – witches, dragons, goblins, zombies, mummies, as well as our favourite characters from horror movies and suspense tales – Dracula, Frankenstein and The Creature!

However, some of the displays were, well, unexplainable:

I suppose the 60’s were a bit scary. This display played “I Got You Babe” by Sonny & Cher (definitely scary)

This particular festival is a first in Canada. The event organizers hope to have 50 different events happening within the next 5 years. This year they even have life pumpkin carving demonstrations so you can try your hand at some new techniques when you carve your own pumpkin back home!

PUMPKINS AFTER DARK runs from October 6th to October 31st, 2023. Prices are up a bit this year at $19.95 (youth) to $22.95 (17 and over) with children 3 and younger free. (https://burnaby.pumpkinsafterdark.com/ )