NEWS RELEASE
HURONIA HISTORICAL PARKS
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Discovery Harbour invites you to unleash your Halloween spirit at this year’s Pumpkinferno, where the historic site transforms into a hauntingly beautiful celebration of glowing ‘fun-kins’ and spooky delights.
With four additional nights in 2024, running from Oct. 2 to Nov. 2, this fall’s bucket-list event promises an exhilarating mix of eerie entertainment and festive fun for all ages. New this year, we’re excited to announce extended hours on Saturdays. The event now opens at 5 p.m., giving our visitors even more time to immerse themselves in the spirit of the season.
“Discovery Harbour’s Pumpkinferno is a unique fall event that is a must-visit for all ages,” said Stan Cho, minister of tourism, culture and gaming. “With jaw-dropping displays, talented performers, and fun, spooky activities for the whole family, I encourage everyone to take a trip to Discovery Harbour. Enjoy the autumn beauty of the Penetanguishene area at an event you can only experience here in Ontario.”
Thursday to Sunday: immersive walk-through adventures
From Thursday through Sunday, from 6 to 10 p.m. (5 p.m. on Saturdays), the haunted grounds come alive with immersive experiences that transport visitors into a world of frightful fun. As dusk settles, venture through the chilling Scarecrow Alley, where eerie figures seem to whisper from the shadows. Feel a spine-tingling chill in Grim Reaper’s Grove, a dark and twisted forest that will test the courage of all who enter. Embrace the festive spirit in Pumpkin Square, a vibrant area adorned with glowing pumpkins and cheerful decorations. The Bubbling Cauldron Café is filled with spooky, family-friendly treats like glowing cotton candy and other Halloween-themed delights that add a touch of whimsy to the evening.
Additionally, on Saturday nights, the festivities begin an hour earlier, starting at 5 p.m. This earlier opening allows visitors to enjoy the haunted grounds with a bit more daylight, making it easier for families and those who prefer a less eerie atmosphere to explore. Arrive early to take advantage of the full experience, and dive into the evening’s attractions with a head start before the darkness fully sets in.
Macabre Manor offers a spine-tingling walk-through adventure filled with eerie special effects. Wits will be tested in the Bo’sun’s Brig: Escape Room, where teams race to solve puzzles and escape. For a faster thrill, visitors are encouraged to try Wristrained, a five-minute escape room packed with excitement. And the Coffin Ride is a cannot-miss ride-on journey for all ages.
As they explore, visitors can keep an eye out for roving entertainers like Lucy Loop and her dazzling hula hoop tricks, Zoe Stardust with her glow-in-the-dark circus arts and Spencer Scurr’s mesmerizing street performances. Don’t miss Giant Brian, the Stilt Scarecrow towering over the crowd, or Bella Magic’s spellbinding illusions. You’ll also be captivated by Bex in Motion’s high-energy juggling, Fire Guy’s fiery displays and Scarlette Black’s eerie theatrics. A complete list of performances and details are available on the Discovery Harbour website.
Wednesdays: accessibility drive-through evening
On Wednesday nights, the historic site is dedicated to guests or groups with limited mobility or sensory-processing considerations. Visitors can enjoy a magical 30-minute journey through a dazzling array of glowing ‘fun-kins’ displays while remaining comfortably in their vehicles. Tickets for this should be secured in advance via email to [email protected], as there are limited time slots and capacity.
“We’re thrilled to announce the return of Pumpkinferno this year, which promises to be an enchanting experience for all our visitors,” said Will Baird, general manager of Huronia Historical Parks. “The excitement surrounding the event is palpable, and we’re especially proud to offer accessibility nights on Wednesdays, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this magical celebration. Beyond the wonder it brings to our guests, Pumpkinferno also has a significant economic impact on our region, boosting local businesses and creating job opportunities. Our team has worked diligently to create an inclusive and memorable experience, and we can’t wait to welcome guests to this spectacular event.”
Tickets and more
Pumpkinferno tickets can be purchased online in advance at DiscoveryHarbour-Events.ca. Snack tickets and experience tickets can be purchased online in advance to ensure a seamless visit. Tickets can also be bought at the door upon arrival. Food donations for local food banks will be collected at the door. In addition, community group organizers can reach out to our booking co-ordinator, Nathalie Canto, at [email protected] to reserve their preferred dates and tickets.
For more information and to secure tickets, please visit DiscoveryHarbour-Events.ca.
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