I went to “Pumpkins After Dark” for the first time this weekend since living in Calgary. Accompanied by Calvin and some of his coworkers, we embarked on an evening that, despite the chill in the air, turned out to be a delightful experience!
We went through the check-in process and received two physical tickets, the purpose of which got away from us at the time, but we trusted there was a reason behind it (spoiler alert: we still have no idea. They went into a recycling bin before the walk and they didn’t even check them). Before immersing ourselves in the world of illuminated pumpkins, we entered an open area with a spooky, carnival-like atmosphere! Food stalls, photo opportunities, a monster maze, and talented pumpkin carvers that you were able to walk up and talk to. Depending on your pace, I’d say the entire exhibit takes around half an hour to an hour to explore – a refreshing stroll, in my opinion!
We thoroughly enjoyed the sensory journey, with most installations featuring sound effects and music to complete the experience. It wasn’t only a creative display for your eyes, but your ears too! We soon came across the iconic pumpkin tunnel, a sight I’d seen in photos from the previous year. Regrettably, I’d missed out on it then, so this time, Calvin and I made sure to snap a picture before moving on!
We thoroughly enjoyed the sensory journey, with most installations featuring sound effects and music to complete the experience. It wasn’t only a creative display for your eyes, but your ears too! We soon came across the iconic pumpkin tunnel, a sight I’d seen in photos from the previous year. Regrettably, I’d missed out on it then, so this time, Calvin and I made sure to snap a picture before moving on!
As we ventured further, we encountered pumpkins adorned as pandas, and representing the Chinese zodiac, as well as Tim Burton characters, fantasy creatures, skeletons, Shrek, and even some beloved Pokémon! The Day of the Dead mariachi band and eerie skeleton playing cards were impressively crafted. The long dragon that followed sparked our curiosity, and we couldn’t help but guess how many pumpkins were used – My guess was around 30! We also crossed paths with jungle creatures, and classic Halloween monsters, you know, the iconic ones. Speaking of iconic, sled dogs and an Inuksuk followed, which felt like essential Canadian additions! The detailed fur on the mama bear, her cubs, and the wolves next to them definitely caught our attention.
Afterwards, a skeletal rock band entertained us and dancing skeletons moved gracefully with alternating lights! Mermaids, a groovy ’70s theme, mythical creatures, and samurai warriors were among the next captivating displays. Our last highlights included the headless horseman and a nod to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” before we circled back to the carnival area. Of course, there were many other astounding displays, but these were undoubtedly my personal favorites!
Before we wrapped up our visit, we indulged in some delicious kettle corn, measured my height (just below “Vampire”), and engaged in conversations with some of the talented carvers. As we exited, we found a selection of pumpkins of all sizes available for purchase, and one last pumpkin art exhibit, with each pumpkin being incredibly detailed. My favorite was the set of four depicting pirates and sirens!
The evening spent with Calvin and his friends was truly beautiful, and I wholeheartedly recommend Pumpkins After Dark. I’m looking forward to discovering what their imaginations bring us next year!