Pumpkinferno Event Details
Join us this October at Pumpkinferno, where Discovery Harbour transforms into a glowing autumn wonderland featuring more than 5,000 artificial “fun‑kins,” dazzling lights, music, and interactive activities. Open Thursday through Sunday, this magical walk‑through experience invites the whole family to explore immersive displays and enjoy the spirit of the season. Along the way, roving buskers will surprise and delight visitors with fire performances, magic, and live entertainment. With themed nights, special add‑on experiences, and plenty to discover, the countdown to fall fun has officially begun!
Walk Thru Night Tickets
Open Thursday through Sunday, this immersive walk-through experience invites guests of all ages to step into the spirit of the season. As they explore the magical displays, visitors may be delighted by roving buskers presenting fire performances, magic, and other live entertainment on select nights throughout October.
Dates: Thursday – Sundays, October 1 to 31
Time: 6:00 – 10:00 pm
Admission: $15.00 per person, including tax
Drive Thru Night Tickets
On Wednesday nights, Pumpkinferno transforms into a special drive-thru event designed for accessibility and community groups — and later in the evening, it opens to the wider public. Experience the magic of the glowing displays from the comfort of your car.
Dates: Wednesdays, October 7, 14, 21, 28
Accessibility, community groups: contact for times
Public Tour Times: 8:00 and 8:30 p.m.
Admission: $13.00 per person, including tax
WHAT TO EXPECT WITH YOUR PUMPKINFERNO TICKET
October 1 to 31 | Thursdays – Sundays | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Step into a glowing wonderland of more than 5,000 hand-carved “fun-kins” lighting up Discovery Harbour’s historic grounds. Along the way, you’ll encounter:
- Towering displays of intricately carved “fun-kins” with themes ranging from whimsical to spooky.
- Live Entertainment throughout select areas of the site.
- 3 Busker shows per night: 6:30PM, 7:30PM, 8:30PM
- Shadowmire Park with eerie lights, swirling fog, and mysterious creatures.
- The scenic backdrop of Discovery Harbour transformed into a magical Halloween experience.
- Macabre Manor: Step inside a historic building transformed for a spooky Halloween experience.
- Photo opportunities: Step into our themed sets and glowing backdrops, perfect for capturing memorable fall snapshots with friends or family.
- Night Market: Indoor and Outdoor vendors, artisans and crafters located at the North end of the site.
- Food & Refreshments: Food trucks will be available on site, and snacks and beverages can be purchased at the Bubbling Cauldron, located at the north end of the grounds.
- Spooky Path: Venture off the main trail and discover eerie sights lurking in the woods.
Plan your visit
Plan ahead for a smooth visit:
- Weather: Event runs rain or shine — dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes.
- Pets: Service animals are welcome at Pumpkinferno. Pets are permitted only during Pup-inferno Nights on October 8 and 29. Pets are not allowed on any other event dates.
- Photos encouraged: Share your Pumpkinferno moments on social media and tag us @discoveryharbour
- Donations: Support the local food bank with non-perishable items.
Community Group Bookings
Would your Community Group, Bus Tour, Club, Scouts or Girl Guides like to join us on Walk thru Nights?
Reserve your spot today and be part of the magic! Contact us to learn more at: reservationsHHP@ontario.ca
Drive-Thru Experience
On Wednesday nights, Pumpkinferno transforms into a special drive-thru event designed for accessibility and community groups — and later in the evening, it opens to the wider public. Experience the magic of the glowing displays from the comfort of your car.
Wednesday information
- Wednesdays, October 7, 14, 21, 28.
- Accessibility, community groups: contact for times.
- Public Tour Times: 8:00 and 8:30 p.m.
- 30-minute driving tours.
- $13 per person tax included (free admission programs available).
- Limited spots! Reservations and prepayment required.
For Community & Accessibility Groups
- Early-evening time slots are set aside exclusively for community organizations and guests with accessibility needs.
- To request one of these reserved times, please connect with our Booking Coordinator.
Can we get out of our vehicles to take pictures?
You’ll have lots of chances to capture the magic! Since the drive-thru is a loop, you’ll experience the glowing displays both on the way in and on the way out — giving you two opportunities to snap photos right from your car. For safety reasons, all guests are asked to remain inside their vehicles during the drive-thru.
Available Add-ons
Add a little extra thrill to your evening with one—or indulge in them all with our exclusive add-on experiences. Enhance your night with unforgettable moments designed to elevate every detail. Advance booking is required to secure your spot.
Potion Craft
Step into the potion lab and craft a shimmering brew of your own. Mix mysterious ingredients and watch the liquid magically transform before your eyes. Bottle your creation and take your enchanted potion home.
$5 craft available during walk thru nights only (Thursdays-Sundays)
Coffin Ride
Dare to brave the Coffin Ride.
Step into a coffin for a one-person thrill — just $5 (tax included).
Not recommended for children under 13 or anyone with claustrophobia.
Available during walk thru nights only (Thursday-Sundays)
Secrets of Séance
Secrets of Séance is an immersive 1800s-inspired experience where guests witness the mysteries of a historic séance and uncover the theatrical tricks behind it.
Timeslots:
Thursdays 8:30PM
Fridays & Saturdays 6PM & 8:30PM | Sundays 8:30PM
Max People/ timeslot: 8
Price: $24.00/ person
Available during walk thru nights only (Thursday-Sundays)
Escape Room
For a thrilling challenge book our Escape Room. Work together to solve puzzles, crack codes, and uncover clues before time runs out. Do you have what it takes to escape?
Timeslots:
Thursdays 6:00PM
Fridays & Saturdays 6PM & 8:30PM | Sundays 6:00PM
Max People/ timeslot: 6
Price: $24.00/ person
Available during walk thru nights only (Thursday-Sundays)
Book in advance or at the door?
Add-ons like the Potion Craft and Coffin Ride can be booked online or upon arrival. Experiences like the Bo’sun’s Brig Escape Room and Secrets of Séance have very limited capacities, so we recommend you book those online, in advance.
Theme Nights
Artisan and Food Vendor Application:
Calling all curious creators, artisan makers, and food vendors! Huronia Historical Parks is seeking vendors offering unique, locally made goods and delicious food to be part of a lively, well‑promoted, family‑friendly event featuring indoor markets, running Thursday to Saturday from 6 to 10 p.m., October 1–31, 2026.
Vendors are invited to apply below using the online artisan application for full details on fees, table space, and insurance requirements.
While we love our furry friends, we are not able to accommodate pets at this special event (service dogs are welcomed of course). Thank you for your understanding.
- Please allow 15 to 30 minutes early to allow time for parking and entrance via admissions.
- Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours of time to enjoy Pumpkinferno
- Free parking is available on site.
- Check our social media accounts for up-to-date information about FREE shuttle bus details.
- Flashlights are permitted.
- Taking photos is encouraged.
- Smoking or vaping (including marijuana) is not permitted on Discovery Harbour property.
- Spooky snacks will be available for purchase at the Bubbling Cauldron Café (Garrison Hall), the Swamp Snack Shack. Food truck may also be on site, schedule may vary.
- Please note this event takes place mostly outdoors and visitors should plan to dress accordingly for weather and terrain.
Q-What is Pumpkinferno?
A-Join us for a spooky Halloween event held at Discovery Harbour. Favourite features include dozens of carved ‘fun-kin’ displays, the Coffin Ride and more!
Q-Is this event appropriate for kids?
A-The ‘fun-kin’ displays at Pumpkinferno are appropriate for all ages. This year we are also featuring on-site family-friendly roving busker and live entertainment each night, Thursday through Sunday!
Q-Are dogs allowed on site?
A-Only service dogs are allowed on site during Pumpkinferno. Pets must remain at home.
Q-Do you have food and retail services on site?
A- Snacks and drinks will be available at the Bubbling Cauldron Café (located at the North End of the event) and the Swamp Snack Shack. All forms of payments are accepted, except Amex. Additional food vendors may be in attendance – many food vendors only accept cash. There is no ATM located at Discovery Harbour.
A variety of Halloween goodies, trinkets and more are available for purchase at the Bubbling Cauldron Café.
93 Jury Drive, Penetanguishene, L9M 1G1
Parking info
Please park in the parking lot provided and make your way on foot through the black entrance gates to the boardwalk area and The Charthouse (Admissions building).
Need more info?
Please contact us at hhp@ontario.ca or (705) 549-8064 if you have any questions.
Discovery Harbour traces its roots back to the original British naval and military base in Penetanguishene, built to safeguard access to Upper Canada after the War of 1812.
“His Majesty’s Naval Establishment on Lake Huron”, (as it was first called) kept ships prepared to supply British posts to the northwest. By 1820, it was home to over 70 people, including sailors, officers, shipwrights, and soldiers. Five large ships, 15 smaller vessels, and numerous workshops and dwellings were built.
In 1828, a British garrison on Drummond Island was relocated to Penetanguishene. By 1834, Canada was defended exclusively by these forces. An impressive stone Officers’ Quarters was built in 1845. The military occupied the site until 1856.
Discovery Harbour is operated by Huronia Historical Parks, and is an Attraction of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming.
