PLEASANTON, CALIFORNIA – Pleasanton is about to get a lot brighter after sunset–and a good deal spookier!
Pumpkins After Dark opens today, Friday, October 2, at the Alameda County Fairgrounds, bringing a walking trail lined with more than 10,000 hand-carved, illuminated pumpkins. The event is making its debut at the fairgrounds and will run on select evenings through Halloween.
Opening-night entry begins at 7:15 p.m., according to the event’s official ticket listing.
Thousands of pumpkins, plus live carving
The attraction centers on a nighttime walk through glowing pumpkin displays, with themed photo opportunities, live pumpkin carving demonstrations and roaming performers along the way.
Visitors can also purchase seasonal treats and sweets. Organizers describe the experience as family-friendly and say there are no jump scares — a useful detail for parents planning an outing with younger children.
That combination makes this an option for families who want Halloween atmosphere without signing up for a haunted-house experience. Couples and groups of friends are also among the audiences the organizers are inviting.
What to know before going
Pumpkins After Dark runs October 2-4, October 8-11, October 15-18, October 22-25 and October 29-31. Opening times move earlier as the month progresses, from 7:15 p.m. this weekend to 6:30 p.m. later in October.
The official ticket page says the last entry is at 10 p.m., with the event closing at 11 p.m. General admission tickets require visitors to select a date and entry time.
Showpass currently displays a ticket range of $27.24-$35.49, with pricing varying by the date selected. Check the selected session for current pricing before purchasing.
The fairgrounds lists children ages 3 and younger as free. Parking costs an additional $15, payable by credit card, debit card or mobile tap-to-pay.
One detail to keep in mind: the event entrance is at Gate 8, off Valley Avenue, with the address listed as 2005 Valley Avenue, Pleasanton. The fairgrounds specifically says visitors cannot access the attraction through the Pleasanton Avenue gate.
Tickets and additional information are available on the official Pumpkins After Dark Pleasanton website.
