Event Schedule
October 19 – 28
The Enchanted Pumpkin Garden will be open daily October 19 – 28 from 10 a.m.–9 p.m. at the Carefree Desert Gardens in beautiful Carefree, AZ. FREE admission and FREE parking is available each day! Weekend events vary; additional fees for certain attractions and vendors apply.
Daily Schedule
Click day for details
Friday, October 19
10 a.m.–9 p.m.
– Haunted Happenings ($5 wristband), Autumnal Treats and Jack O’ Lantern Beer Garden
– Haunted House hours: Noon–9 p.m.
10 a.m.– 8 p.m.
– LIVE pumpkin carving in the Gardens with Villafane Studios’ world-renowned carvers
10 a.m.–7 p.m.
– Harvest Market
3–7 p.m.
– Local musicians and performances on the Tech4Life Community Stage
4–8 p.m.
– “Adopt a Pumpkin” Patch by the Kiwanis Splash Pad/Sponsored by Bashas’ & Desert Foothills YMCA
7–9 p.m.
– Main Event Band on the Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion Main Stage
Saturday, October 20
10 a.m.–9 p.m.
– Haunted Happenings ($5 wristband), Autumnal Treats and Jack O’ Lantern Beer Garden
– Haunted House hours: Noon–9 p.m.
– Petting Zoo/Pony Rides hours: Noon–6 p.m.
10 a.m.–9 p.m.
– Pumpkin Carving Contest drop-off/voting at the Carefree/Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce
10 a.m.– 8 p.m.
– LIVE pumpkin carving in the Gardens with Villafane Studios’ world-renowned carvers
10 a.m.–7 p.m.
– Harvest Market
10 a.m.–7 p.m.
– Local musicians and performances on the Tech4Life Community Stage
11 a.m–6 p.m.
– “Adopt a Pumpkin” Patch by the Kiwanis Splash Pad/Sponsored by Bashas’ & Desert Foothills YMCA
7–9 p.m.
– Joshua Stone Band on the Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion Main Stage
Sunday, October 21
10 a.m.–9 p.m.
– Haunted Happenings ($5 wristband), Autumnal Treats and Jack O’ Lantern Beer Garden
– Haunted House hours: Noon–9 p.m.
– Petting Zoo/Pony Rides hours: Noon–6 p.m.
10 a.m.– 8 p.m.
– LIVE pumpkin carving in the Gardens with Villafane Studios’ world-renowned carvers
10 a.m.–7 p.m.
– Local musicians and performances on the Tech4Life Community Stage
10 a.m.–6 p.m.
– Harvest Market
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
–Pumpkin Carving Contest drop-off (until noon)/voting at the Carefree/Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce
11 a.m–6 p.m.
– “Adopt a Pumpkin” Patch by the Kiwanis Splash Pad/Sponsored by Bashas’ & Desert Foothills YMCA
1–2 p.m.
– Pumpkin Pie Eating Competition (Kids 1 p.m./Adults 1:30 p.m.) at the Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion, Sponsored by Venues Cafe
4:30 p.m.
Pumpkin Carving Contest Winners Announced at the Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion Main Stage, Sponsored by the Carefree/Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce
Monday, October 22
10 a.m.–9 p.m.
– Stroll through four acres of beautiful desert garden, and enjoy the whimsical characters and carvings on display
10 a.m.–8 p.m.
– LIVE pumpkin carving in the Gardens with Villafane Studios’ world-renowned carvers
Tuesday, October 23
10 a.m.–9 p.m.
– Stroll through four acres of beautiful desert garden, and enjoy the whimsical characters and carvings on display
10 a.m.–8 p.m.
– LIVE pumpkin carving in the Gardens with Villafane Studios’ world-renowned carvers
Wednesday, October 24
10 a.m.–9 p.m.
– Stroll through four acres of beautiful desert garden, and enjoy the whimsical characters and carvings on display
10 a.m.–8 p.m.
– LIVE pumpkin carving in the Gardens with Villafane Studios’ world-renowned carvers
6 p.m.–8 p.m.
– Family Carving Night with Ray Villafane in the Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion, sponsored by Bashas’ and Desert Foothills YMCA (registration/fee required)
Thursday, October 25
10 a.m.–9 p.m.
– Stroll through four acres of beautiful desert garden, and enjoy the whimsical characters and carvings on display
10 a.m.–8 p.m.
– LIVE pumpkin carving in the Gardens with Villafane Studios’ world-renowned carvers
6 p.m.–8 p.m.
– Family Carving Night with Ray Villafane in the Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion, sponsored by Bashas’ and Desert Foothills YMCA (registration/fee required)
Friday, October 26
10 a.m.–9 p.m.
– Haunted Happenings ($5 wristband), Autumnal Treats and Jack O’ Lantern Beer Garden
– Haunted House hours: Noon–9 p.m.
10 a.m.– 8 p.m.
– LIVE pumpkin carving in the Gardens with Villafane Studios’ world-renowned carvers
10 a.m.–7 p.m.
– Harvest Market
4–8 p.m.
– “Adopt a Pumpkin” Patch by the Kiwanis Splash Pad/Sponsored by Bashas’ & Desert Foothills YMCA
3–7 p.m.
– Local musicians and performances on the Tech4Life Community Stage
7–9 p.m.
– Better Beat on the Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion Main Stage
Saturday, October 27
10 a.m.–9 p.m.
– Haunted Happenings ($5 wristband), Autumnal Treats and Jack O’ Lantern Beer Garden
– Haunted House hours: Noon–9 p.m.
– Petting Zoo/Pony Rides hours: Noon–6 p.m.
10 a.m.–9 p.m.
– Pumpkin Carving Contest drop-off/voting at the Carefree/Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce
10 a.m.– 8 p.m.
– LIVE pumpkin carving in the Gardens with Villafane Studios’ world-renowned carvers
10 a.m.–7 p.m.
– Harvest Market
10 a.m.–7 p.m.
– Local musicians and performances on the Tech4Life Community Stage
10 a.m.–1 p.m.
– Turkey Toss (Cornhole) Tournament at the Carefree Sundial, hosted by the Carefree/Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce
– Benefits Foothills Food Bank
11 a.m–6 p.m.
– “Adopt a Pumpkin” Patch by the Kiwanis Splash Pad/Sponsored by Bashas’ & Desert Foothills YMCA
2–5 p.m.
– Costume Contests on the Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion Main Stage
– Kids–2 p.m. / Family/Group–3 p.m. / Adults–4 p.m.
7–9 p.m.
– Smoke and Mirrors on the Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion Main Stage
Sunday, October 28
10 a.m.–9 p.m.
– Haunted Happenings ($5 wristband), Autumnal Treats and Jack O’ Lantern Beer Garden
– Haunted House hours: Noon–9 p.m.
– Petting Zoo/Pony Rides hours: Noon–6 p.m.
10 a.m.– 8 p.m.
– LIVE pumpkin carving in the Gardens with Villafane Studios’ world-renowned carvers
10 a.m.–7 p.m.
– Local musicians and performances on the Tech4Life Community Stage
10 a.m.–6 p.m.
– Harvest Market
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
– Pumpkin Carving Contest drop-off (until noon)/voting at the Carefree/Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce
11 a.m–6 p.m.
– “Adopt a Pumpkin” Patch by the Kiwanis Splash Pad/Sponsored by Bashas’ & Desert Foothills YMCA
1–2 p.m.
– Pumpkin Pie Eating Competition (Kids 1 p.m./Adults 1:30 p.m.) at the Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion, Sponsored by Venues Cafe
2 p.m.
– Pets Costume Contest at the Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion Main Stage, Sponsored by Carefree Pet Resort
3 p.m.
– Kick-Out Carving Contest at the Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion Main Stage featuring Ray Villafane and carvers
4:30 p.m.
– Pumpkin Carving Contest Winners Announced at the Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion Main Stage, Sponsored by the Carefree/Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce
Live Pumpkin Carving
Meet world-renowned carver and artist Ray Villafane and his team of professionals as they carve their whimsical characters and answer your questions about how they create these masterpieces!
Villafane Studios Team Carvers will appear daily from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
3D Pumpkin Carvings
Skillfully positioned throughout the gardens, Ray and his team have sculpted saguaro cacti displays designed to blend in with the desert environment.
Every 3D carving is “pickled” in a special solution to aid in the preservation process. Each carving looks like new for up to a year!
Pumpkin Vignettes
Stroll the four acres of gardens and revel in the humorous Carefree pumpkins frolicking in action and working in their Carefree Pumpkin Town. This year, Gourdy Gooligan and his Carefree Hooligans have moved to Town, leaving a trail of pumpkin havoc in their wake!
Colossal Pumpkin Photo Opportunity
Join us our second weekend, as Ray and his team of carvers tackle the carving duties of this year’s monstrous gourd!
Turkey Toss Tournament
Test your cornhole skills at the Turkey Toss Tournament, hosted by the Carefree/Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce. The event is Saturday, Oct. 27th from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the Carefree Sundial.
Bring a frozen turkey or ham, a $10 grocery gift card or $10 cash to enter. All proceeds benefit Foothills Food Bank.
Jack O’ Lantern Beer Garden
Stop by the Jack O’ Lantern Beer Garden featuring local and popular brews both weekends, Friday–Sunday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. Beer Garden volunteers are provided by Sonoran Arts League.
Not a beer drinker? We’ll also be offering a selection of red and white wine.
Autumnal Treats
In addition to Carefree’s local restaurant favorites, a variety of food trucks will be on hand to satisfy every craving, including Munch Box AZ (gourmet grilled cheese), Doughlicious (wood-fired pizza) and Tom’s BBQ Pig Rig (Chicago-style BBQ) both weekends; with Cousin’s Maine Lobster (gourmet Maine lobster creations) weekend two only.
Stay and Treat Yourself
After enjoying a day in the Enchanted Pumpkin Garden, plan a stay at CIVANA Carefree! CIVANA is grounded in the philosophy of wellness through oneness and believes in sustainable interconnection of the individual, community and natural environment.
Use promo code ENCHANTED to save 25% off their best available rate*.
For reservations, book now or call 480-653-9002.
*Rates do not include $25 Experience fee and taxes
Live Music Fridays & Saturdays
Main Event Band
Friday, October 19th
7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
This 9-member band plays horns and rhythm, with both male and female vocals, and plays music for all occasions. Genre: Standards, Rock, R&B, Swing and Pop.
Joshua Stone Band
Saturday, October 20th
7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
They have over a 40-year history here in the Phoenix metro area. With guitars, stand-up bass, banjo and mandolin, they play Bluegrass, Country, Blues and Rock. Genre: Americana
Better Beat Band
Friday, October 26th
7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Vibrant and professional musicians playing a wide range of songs from the 50’s through today. Genre: Rock and Pop.
Smoke and Mirrors
Saturday, October 27th
7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Based out of Prescott, AZ, these five professional, seasoned musicians cover many different genres of music. Genre: Southern Rock, Country, Blues, Rock and Country.
The Community Stage, located next to Historic Spanish Village, will feature a variety of local bands and performers: Friday, Oct. 19 and 26 from 3–7 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 20 and 27 from 10 a.m.–7 p.m.; and Sunday, Oct. 21 and 28 from 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
Event FAQs
Are tickets required to attend the event?
No. This is a FREE, exclusive fall exhibit sponsored by the Town of Carefree and other generous donors. We encourage you to please donate if you feel the exhibit has exceeded your expectations. Your support will keep the arts coming to Carefree. There are donation boxes throughout the Garden and the Town of Carefree thanks you in advanced for helping fund this one-of-a-kind event.
Can I attend multiple events?
Yes! We encourage visitors to return more than once during the 10-day event. We guarantee you will see more the second time around! The Carefree Desert Gardens are open to the public 24/7, 365 days a year.
Where will I be able to park?
Parking is available in multiple areas of the Town unless otherwise designated. Handicap Parking is designated and available all around Carefree and the Desert Gardens. The most adjacent drop-off for handicap visitors is along Easy street in front of the Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion at 101 Easy Street at the Carefree Desert Gardens.
May I come earlier than the listed events?
Why of course! The Carefree Desert Gardens are open to the public 24/7.
Can I meet Ray Villafane?
Yes. Ray will be tending the pumpkins in the Carefree Desert Gardens throughout our 10 day event. He may be spotted during the weekdays working in the Garden but we do not have specific times scheduled. Please call during the week at 480-488-3686 for detailed information.
Can I take pictures of the carved pumpkins?
Yes indeed! Capture the artistry and enchantment. Just be careful not to disturb any of the pumpkin exhibits throughout the Carefree Desert Gardens.
Will I be able to purchase a carved pumpkin?
Ray Villafane is hired exclusively by the Town of Carefree for the dates listed. If you would like to order a pumpkin during dates outside of this exhibit, please contact Ray directly at Villafane Studios 888.592.3337.
Will there be food vendors at the event?
The Town of Carefree has multiple restaurants to service visitors and can be found on the Town of Carefree website. Weekends will highlight craft beer, beer and wine along with autumnal treats. To learn more, click here.
Is this a family-friendly event?
Yes! This is an enchanted garden full of frolicking pumpkins building and cultivating their new home in the Carefree Desert Gardens. We encourage kids to count how many pumpkins are currently living in the Gardens and to spot the different pumpkins and Hubbard squashes working in this organic environment.
Are dogs allowed at the event?
Yes indeed! We welcome dogs up to 30 pounds. Larger dogs are not suitable for this event. All dogs must be on a leash and well-trained for safe interactions with adults, children and other dogs. The Carefree Desert Gardens provides a 4-acre walking path and dog/pet waste bags are available onsite.
Other Halloween Activities
Town of Carefree’s
Enchanted Pumpkin Garden
October 19 – October 28, 2018
101 Easy Street, Carefree AZ 85377
480.488.3686
info@carefreepumpkingarden.com
VisitCarefree.com
Site: Annie Hazama