Boston’s Must-See Pumpkin Displays
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Spider webs and skeletons drape storefront windows and pumpkins wait to be picked as Boston prepares for Halloween season. What better way to join in the spooky fun than by swinging by jack-o’-lantern displays?
The Rise of the Jack-O’-Lanterns
Nothing quite says Halloween like 5,000 jack-o’-lanterns.
Hand-carved pumpkins will take over the Boston Seaport and World Trade Center Oct. 27-30 for the first time as the Rise of the Jack-O’-Lanterns event debuts in Boston. Popular in New York and Los Angeles, the Rise features life-size creations of dinosaurs, dragons, and characters from your favorite movies including scenes from Star Wars, all made entirely out of pumpkins.
“We have a large staff that works every week of the year to make sure we have a successful event in October,” Tom Olton, Resident Master Carver for RISE, said in a statement. “This year, we will have over 150 artists working on both coasts.”
The artists spend between 10-15 hours hand carving each pumpkin on display. If you want to see how the magic works, check out the mini-carving factory that shows how so many pumpkins are churned out for each event.
This unique, family-friendly event does require tickets be purchased in advance. Tickets are $22-26, but enter your email address on their website and you can receive up to 50 percent off general admission.
Oct. 27-30, 2016, Boston Seaport and World Trade Center, 1 Seaport Ln., Boston, Massachusetts, therise.org
Boston Common Frog Pond Pumpkin Float 2016
Get those carving knives sharpened and pumpkins hallowed, it’s time for the annual Frog Pond Pumpkin Float. The Boston Parks and Recreation Department in partnership with the Skating Club of Boston will host this year’s event.
There will be drop-off areas all around the pond to have carved pumpkins illuminated and then sent off to float. Pumpkins must be 8” in diameter or smaller and hallowed out in order to float. Boston Natural Areas Network will compost pumpkins after the event.
Come for the pumpkin float, stay for the haunted zombie maze, the IKEA selfie booth, magic tricks and more. Don’t forget to wear your costume. There will be a parade for those dressed in the Halloween spirit.
Colleges, local businesses, teams, and organizations are all invited to carve a pumpkin to display at this year’s pumpkin float. If interested in participating, email Catherine.walton@scboston.org.
Oct. 23, 2016, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m., Boston Common Frog Pond, bostonfrogpond.com.
Neponset Pumpkin Float
The Department of Conservation and Recreation is at it again with their 15th annual Neponset Pumpkin Float. Bring your carved pumpkins and join the floating parade of jack-o’-lanterns down Davenport Creek. After all, it’s Neponset family tradition.
Candles and floats are provided. Just meet at the Hallet Street entrance to the park to turn your pumpkin into an illuminated masterpiece at check-in time. In order to float, pumpkins can be no larger than 8″ in diameter.
Costumes are encouraged and no registration is required.
Oct. 20, 2016, check-in 5:30 p.m. float 6:00 p.m., Pope John Paul II Park, Hallet St., Dorchester, MA
