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. Experience the magic of the glowing displays from the comfort of your car or small van.
Dates: Wednesdays, October 7, 14, 21, 28
Times: 7:00 pm, 7:30 pm, 8 pm and 8:30 pm
Admission: $13.00 per person, including tax
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.
Parking and Shuttle Buses
Enjoy a free, convenient shuttle to Pumpkinferno — free to park, free to ride! Shuttles run on select evenings throughout the season, delivering guests directly to the heart of the glowing displays so you can step straight into the magic.
Dates: October 16, 17, 23, 24
Times: Shuttles will run from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
The shuttle bus will drop visitors off at the North entrance (Gate C). This entrance is open to shuttle bus riders only. Visitors who are not taking the shuttle bus will enter at the South entrance (93 Jury Drive).
Shuttle Parking
- Park at Waypoint Centre and hop on the free shuttle straight to the heart of the action.
Walkable Parking
- Thursday–Sunday: Main parking at 93 Jury Drive (first come, first served).
- Overflow at Huronia Park, 250 Fox Street, Penetanguishene → a 5–10 minute walk to Discovery Harbour.
(No shuttle service from this lot.)
Theme Nights
Pup-inferno
Thursday October 8 and Thursday October 29
Pup-Inferno, taking place on October 8 and 29, invites visitors to bring their dogs for a stroll through Pumpkinferno’s illuminated displays while collecting special treats along the way. The evenings will also feature dog-focused pop-up vendors, opportunities to support the Midland OSPCA, and plenty of tail-wagging fun for both pets and their owners.
Please note that regular admission rates apply to all human guests.
Mini-Monster Bash
Friday October 30th | 6:00pm – 10:00pm
Costume Contest: 7:30pm
On October 30, families are invited to attend the Mini-Monster Bash, where children can show off their Halloween costumes and enjoy trick-or-treating throughout the site. A Halloween costume contest will happen at 7:30pm with a spooktacular prize!
The evening will feature candy stations, a costume contest for children ages 12 and under, and a variety of family-friendly entertainment.
Pumpkinferno: Beyond the Veil
Friday October 16th | 6:00pm – 10:00pm
On October 16, purchase a Night with a Medium ticket and enjoy admission to Pumpkinferno as part of your Beyond the Veil experience, a special evening of mystery, magic, and Halloween atmosphere. Following your live medium reading, explore the illuminated pumpkin displays and historic site after dark while enjoying unique vendors. Designed for adults and older teens, this one-night event offers a unique way to experience Pumpkinferno.
Thursday October 8 and 29
Pup-Inferno at Discovery Harbour!
- Thursday, October 8 and 29 (6-10pm)
- Dogs must be kept on a short lead – 6ft or less (retractable leashes not allowed)
- Owners must pick up after their pets
- Please bring an un-opened dog food donation in support of the Midland OSPCA
- Pet food collected will be brought to local food banks to directly assist local families in need. “No one should have to choose between feeding themselves and feeding their pets.”
- Dog treats generously provided by The Pet Shoppe
- Admission rates apply to all humans
Night Market
- Bayshore Designs
- Calie Cake Pops
- Mad River Buzz Apiary & Supply
- Printo Centre
- Rolled Art
- Sweet Treats Factory
- The Rustic Tub
- This is the Chit Hot Sauce
- Take my Tart
Food Trucks
- Came to Fil Up
- Canadian and American inspired Filipino food including brisket, pulled pork, burgers, fried chicken and more!
Night Market
- Calie Cake Pops
- Keti’s Crochet
- Mad River Buzz Apiary & Supply
- PJ’s Meats
- Printo Centre
- Sweet Treats Factory
- The Pet Shoppe (Oct 8th only)
- The Rustic Tub
- Trinket Trinket Little Starr
Food Trucks
- Came to Fil Up
- Canadian and American inspired Filipino food including brisket, pulled pork, burgers, fried chicken and more!
- Beavertails Simcoe Muskoka Mobile
- The iconic Canadian pastry topped with a variety of sweet toppings!
Night Market
- Calie Cake Pops
- Mad River Buzz Apiary & Supply
- PJ’s Meats
- Rolled Art
- Sweet Treats Factory
- The Tiny Alchemist Co.
- Trinket Trinket Little Starr
Food Trucks
- Came to Fil Up
- Canadian and American inspired Filipino food including brisket, pulled pork, burgers, fried chicken and more!
- Beavertails Simcoe Muskoka Mobile
- The iconic Canadian pastry topped with a variety of sweet toppings!
- Chungchun Ricedog
- Korean-style hot dogs coated in a chewy rice flour batter and crispy toppings.
Night Market
- Calie Cake Pops
- Key to the Seasons
- King Smart Wood Shop
- Mad River Buzz Apiary & Supply
- PJ’s Meats
- Printo Centre
- Sweet Treats Factory
- The Happy Station & Co.
- The Rustic Tub
- Wickedly Hooked EM
- Wildly Good
Food Trucks
- Came to Fil Up
- Canadian and American inspired Filipino food including brisket, pulled pork, burgers, fried chicken and more!
- Beavertails Simcoe Muskoka Mobile
- The iconic Canadian pastry topped with a variety of sweet toppings!
- Chungchun Ricedog
- Korean-style hot dogs coated in a chewy rice flour batter and crispy toppings.
Night Market
- Calie Cake Pops
- Grateful Flora
- Key to the Seasons
- Mad River Buzz & Apiary
- Nancy Rawn
- Sunshine Wishes
- Sweet Treats Factory
- This is the Chit Hot Sauce
Food Trucks
- Came to Fil Up
- Canadian and American inspired Filipino food including brisket, pulled pork, burgers, fried chicken and more!
- Chungchun Ricedog
- Korean-style hot dogs coated in a chewy rice flour batter and crispy toppings.
Thanks to our sponsors!
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.
