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 Opportunity
Ray and his team of carvers tackle the carving duties of this year’s monstrous gourds!
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 will be on hand to satisfy every craving. We’ll be updating the site with more information in the coming weeks!
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!
TBA
Saturday, October 19th
7:00 – 9:30 p.m.
Artist announcement coming soon!
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.
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. 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.
Town of Carefree’s
Enchanted Pumpkin Garden
101 Easy St.
Carefree, AZ 85377
480.488.3686
Contact Us
VisitCarefree.com
Site: Annie Hazama