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. – 6 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. Gourdy Gooligan and his Carefree Hooligans are back in Town, leaving an even greater trail of pumpkin (and mouse!) havoc in their wake!
Colossal Pumpkin Photo Opportunities
We are proud to partner this year with the Arizona Giant Pumpkin Growers Association for the Enchanted Giant Pumpkin Weigh-off on Saturday, Oct. 19 at 11 a.m., just outside of Historic Spanish Village! This last-chance weigh-off event is FREE to attend (entry to the Gardens and the Haunted Happenings attractions will still require weekend admission.)
Ray and his team of carvers tackle the carving duties of this year’s monstrous gourds from the weigh-off throughout the rest of the week!
Jack O’ Lantern Beer Garden
Stop by the Jack O’ Lantern Beer Garden featuring local and popular brews both weekends, Friday–Sunday.
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 and culinary creations will be on hand to satisfy every craving!
Live Music Fridays & Saturdays
The Walkens Band
Friday, October 18th
7:00 – 9:30 p.m.
Playing country, Southern rock and more, the Walkens are one of the most sought after bands in Phoenix and the Southwest!
Wade Cota
Saturday, October 19th
7:00 – 9:30 p.m.
American Idol Season 17 Top 5 finalist and Phoenix native Wade Cota performs for the first time in Carefree!!!
Rock Lobster
Friday, October 25th
7:00 – 9:30 p.m.
Rock Lobster is a Phoenix-based cover band that plays the biggest music hits of the ’80s, ’90s and beyond. Top caliber musicianship and an electrifying stage show have made Rock Lobster one of the most popular cover bands in Arizona!
Pompatus of Love featuring Greg Douglass
Saturday, October 26th
7:00 – 9:30 p.m.
POMPATUS OF LOVE is the ULTIMATE Steve Miller Band tribute featuring original SMB Hall of Fame guitarist Greg Douglass, James East on bass, Mark Knoll on keyboards, Hector Toro on drums and vocalist Jesus Guillermoprieto!
The Community Stage, located next to Historic Spanish Village, will feature a variety of local bands and performers: Friday, Oct. 18 and 25 from 3–6 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 19 from 1–6 p.m. and Oct. 26 from 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; and Sunday, Oct. 20 and 27 from 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Stay and Play
Turn your magical trip to the Enchanted Pumpkin Garden into a staycation with an overnight at our hotel partner CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa!
Use promo code ENCHANTED at check out to enjoy a special 20% discount off of your stay.
Event FAQs
Are tickets required to attend the event?
Admission is $15 Friday–Sunday, $10 Monday–Thursday. Children two and under are FREE.
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!
Where will I be able to park?
Parking is available in multiple areas of the Town unless otherwise designated. Please avoid parking in and around the Post Office building at 100 Easy Street, as well as any areas posted or marked “Private Parking”.
Handicap Parking is designated and available all around Carefree and the Desert Gardens. The most adjacent drop-off for handicap visitors is at the Carefree Sundial, just across from Town Hall at 8 Sundial Circle.
May I come earlier than the listed events?
The Gardens will be open daily at 10 a.m. Due to safety concerns, advance entry is not permitted.
Can I meet Ray Villafane?
Ray will be live-carving and attending the pumpkins in the Carefree Desert Gardens throughout our 10 day event. He may be spotted during the weekdays working in the Gardens, 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. Please not climb on or 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 a variety of food trucks and vendors, craft beer and wine, along with a variety of autumnal treats.
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.
Town of Carefree’s
Enchanted Pumpkin Garden
101 Easy St.
Carefree, AZ 85377
480.488.3686
Contact Us
VisitCarefree.com
Site: Annie Hazama