Pumpkins After Dark 2024 begins

By the end of October, when Pumpkins After Dark begins, the Northlands neighborhood will be home to approximately 10,000 additional residents.

The month-long Halloween festival, featuring thousands of jack-o’-lanterns, kicked off at Borden Park on Thursday for the third time.

Co-creator Mike Sheppard told CTV News Edmonton the artists behind the hand-carved creations have been in the works for a year.

“All art is new every year. So every exhibition you see has been carved and you didn’t see it last year. It’s completely new.”

In addition to pumpkin displays, this year’s version of Pumpkins After Dark includes a 3D maze, performers and food trucks.

On average, visitors spend between 45 minutes and two hours wandering through the event.

“There’s nothing scary about it. It’s all about art. It’s a wonderful walk. Now it’s becoming a family Halloween tradition,” Sheppard said.

The event will last until October 31.

Single ticket prices vary, but start at $17.49 for youth and $21.62 for adults. Tickets must be purchased online in advance.

With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Sean McClune