What happens to all those carefully carved jack-o’-lanterns once Halloween ends? In Toronto, they don’t just go in the bin. Here, they get a second chance to shine in one of the city’s most magical and unique fall traditions: the Pumpkin Parade.
After the sun sets the day after Halloween, parks across the city are transformed into glowing outdoor art galleries. Every November 1st, people gather to stroll neighbourhood pathways illuminated by the collective glow of hundreds to sometimes thousands of pumpkins.
The beloved Pumpkin Parade is a true “made-in-Toronto” story. Its roots trace back to Sorauren Park in the Roncesvalles neighbourhood, a public space that residents had to fight for. In the 1980s, the community successfully rallied to stop a planned city depot from being built on the former industrial site, demanding a park instead.
Years later, on November 1, 2004, that same community spirit sparked a new idea. A few residents, organized by the Friends of Sorauren Park, brought their jack-o’-lanterns to the park pathways for one last display. That first humble parade featured about 100 pumpkins.
The idea caught fire. The next year, the number doubled, then grew exponentially. Today, the Sorauren Park parade features up to 3,000 gourds and has inspired more than 45 other parks across Toronto, as well as cities like Montreal and New York, to host their own “November Glow.”
The artistry you’ll find at these pumpkin parades is equally impressive, with carvings showcasing everything from pop-culture tributes to exquisitely detailed designs.
If you’d like to attend yourself this year, here’s what to know:
- When: The vast majority of parades take place on Saturday, November 1, 2025, typically starting around 6 p.m. as the sun sets.
- What to Bring: Your jack-o’-lantern! Also, bring a tea light or battery-operated LED candle to light it up. A flashlight for navigating darker paths is also a good idea.
- How it Works: These events are free, informal, and family-friendly. Just show up in the late afternoon or early evening. Find an empty spot on the designated path for your pumpkin, light it, and enjoy the stroll.
- Share the Glow: Don’t forget to take photos and share them using the city-wide hashtag #PumpkinParadesTO.
While dozens of parks participate, here are some of the most popular and anticipated parades for 2025:
- Sorauren Avenue Park (Roncesvalles): The original and largest parade. Expect massive crowds, thousands of pumpkins, and often live music. (Nov 1, 6 p.m.)
- Trinity Bellwoods Park (Queen West): A major downtown event. Volunteers begin the cleanup and composting at 9:15 PM, so don’t be late! (Nov 1, 6 – 9 p.m.)
- Berczy Park (Old Town Toronto): Perfect for those downtown, this parade displays pumpkins on the park’s central stage. (Nov 1, 6 – 7:30 p.m.)
- Riverdale Park West (Cabbagetown): Known as the Cabbagetown Pumpkin Walk, this is a major east-end destination. (Nov 1, 5 – 9 p.m.)
- East Lynn Park (Danforth): A beloved community event hosted by the Danforth East Community Association. (Nov 1, 6 – 8 p.m.)
- Wychwood Barns Park (Wychwood): A popular parade at a unique community hub. (Nov 1, 6:30 – 10 p.m.)
- Sandown Park (Scarborough Bluffs): A key event for the Scarborough Bluffs community. (Nov 1, 6:30 p.m. – 8:15 p.m.)
- Rita Cox Park (Parkdale): Note the special date! This parade is confirmed for Friday, October 31, giving you a Halloween night option. (Oct 31, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.)
To see the full list of participating parks, visit the City of Toronto website here.
One of the best parts of the Pumpkin Parade is its sustainability. The city supports local volunteers by providing free park permits and, most importantly, large organic disposal bins.
On November 2nd, volunteers and city staff gather the thousands of pumpkins, which are then collected, composted, and eventually used as nutrient-rich soil to nourish the very parks where the parades are held.