Hold onto your pumpkins! This weekend, Toronto’s annual Pumpkin Parades are coming back on November 1, giving your carefully crafted jack-o’-lanterns a dazzling second life instead of tossing them straight into the compost bin.
What began in 2004 as a humble gathering of just 100 gourds organized by the Friends of Sorauren Park has blossomed into an iconic, made-in-Toronto phenomenon. Born from the very same community spirit that saved the Roncesvalles park space from becoming a municipal depot in the 1980s, the event now draws upwards of 3,000 carved creations to Sorauren Park alone and has inspired sister celebrations in over 45 local parks, as well as major cities like Montreal and New York.
From detailed pop-culture portraits and intricate artistic designs to classic, goofy grins, you’ll get to wander through pathways illuminated by thousands of flickering masterpieces, admire your neighbours’ incredible craftsmanship, and celebrate the end of spooky season.
Stroll along the glowing trails, marvel at the sheer creativity on display, or bring your own carved gourd down to join the lineup for one final evening of magic. At the end of the night, the City of Toronto will collect all the pumpkins and turn them into nutrient-dense compost for local greenspaces.
The Pumpkin Parades will take place at parks citywide, including Sorauren Park, Trinity Bellwoods, and Riverdale Park East, on Sunday, November 1, starting at dusk around 6 p.m. and running until 9 p.m.
You can find out more details and check out the full list of participating parks here on the City of Toronto website.
