The Forbidden Forest Pumpkin Walk 2026
October 22, 2026 | 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Get ready for an evening of family fun at the annual Forbidden Forest Pumpkin Walk, just outside of Drayton Valley! This year, we’re teaming up with Aim for Success once again to bring you and your family a night of glowing pumpkins, spooky trails, live music, and more!
Event Highlights
- Live Band: Enjoy live music by Cronic Dawgs at an open-air style concert.
- Stuff the Nature Navigator Van: Help us support the local food bank by bringing non-perishable food items into our new ride, the Nature Navigator. Your donations make a big difference!
- Pumpkin Carving Contest: Show off your pumpkin carving skills! Enter your carved pumpkins into our contest for a chance to win first, second, or third place.
- Pumpkin Walk: Take a stroll through the trail lined with carved pumpkins.
- FREE Event Shuttle: Park at one of our two shuttle locations and ride right to the entrance!
- Food Trucks: Make a night of it and join us for supper before you hit the trail! MoJo’s Food Truck and The Amplified Kitchen will both be onsite serving up delicious food throughout the evening. Come early, grab supper, and then head into the Forbidden Forest!
Join us as the trails come alive with carved pumpkins, lantern-lit pathways, and seasonal activities perfect for kids, families, grandparents, photographers, and anyone who loves fall.
Whether you come for the atmosphere, the outdoor adventure, or simply to enjoy a beautiful evening in nature, the Pumpkin Walk is quickly becoming one of our favourite community traditions in Central Alberta.
This event is designed to be welcoming for all ages and a wonderful way to celebrate the fall season outdoors.
We recommend bringing:
Warm outdoor clothing
Comfortable walking shoes or boots
A flashlight or headlamp
October evenings can cool down quickly, so dressing in layers is encouraged.
Registration Information
No registration is required for this free event. Please note that there will be no public parking at the Nordic Centre during the event so vehicles must park along TWP Road 494. Free shuttle service is available from Frank Maddock High School and Brazeau Sports Park, and visitors are strongly encouraged to use it.
Getting There: Free Shuttle & Parking Information
The Forbidden Forest Pumpkin Walk continues to grow, and this year we’re making it easier to get to the fun!
Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, FREE shuttle service will be available throughout the event. We strongly encourage visitors to take advantage of the shuttle and leave the driving to us. Shuttles will take you directly to the entrance of the Pumpkin Walk, making it an easy and convenient way to arrive.
Free Shuttle Locations
Park your vehicle at either of our two shuttle locations:
Frank Maddock High School
4801 43 Street, Drayton Valley
Brazeau Sports Park
49318 Range Road 74A
From there, hop aboard the free shuttle for a ride directly to the entrance of the walk. Our FREE Pumpkin Walk shuttles will be able to accommodate folding wheelchairs, folded strollers and folding wagons, so families can bring along what they need to enjoy the evening.
Parking at the Nordic Centre
There will be NO public parking on the entrance road to the Nordic Centre or in the Nordic Centre parking area during the event. These areas must remain clear to allow our shuttle buses to safely travel in and out throughout the evening.
For those who choose to drive to the event area, public parking will be available along Township Road 494. Parking attendants will be onsite to help direct vehicles and keep traffic moving safely.
With hundreds of visitors expected throughout the evening, using the free shuttle is the easiest way to get to the Pumpkin Walk and will help us reduce congestion around the Nordic Centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Pumpkin Walk suitable for young children?
Yes! This is a family-focused event designed to be enjoyable for children of all ages.
Is the trail stroller friendly?
Some sections of the trail may be uneven due to natural terrain. We recommend sturdy strollers or wagons if bringing very young children.
Is the event scary?
No. The Pumpkin Walk is intended to be fun, cozy, and family-friendly rather than frightening.
Can I wear a costume?
Absolutely! Family-friendly costumes are encouraged.
Are pets allowed?
Leashed pets may be permitted depending on Alberta Parks regulations and trail conditions. Please check event updates closer to the date.
Will the event happen if it rains or snows?
This is an outdoor fall event, so please dress for the weather. In the case of severe weather conditions, updates will be posted on EPBR social media channels and the website.
Is there parking available?
Yes, but not at the Nordic Centre itself. Free parking and shuttle service will be available from Frank Maddock High School and Brazeau Sports Park. Public parking will also be available along Township Road 494, with attendants onsite to assist. The Nordic Centre entrance road and parking area will be reserved for shuttle access.
Will there be food and drinks?
Yes — and we hope you’ll come hungry!
MoJo’s Food Truck and The Amplified Kitchen will both be onsite during Pumpkin Walk. Skip making supper, grab something delicious, and then head out for your walk through the Forbidden Forest.
Is the event accessible?
We aim to make our events as accessible as possible. Please contact EPBR ahead of time if you have accessibility questions or specific needs.
Can I volunteer for the event?
Yes! Community volunteers are a huge part of making events like this possible. Watch EPBR social media and newsletters for volunteer opportunities.
Follow Along
Stay updated on:
- Event announcement
- Volunteer opportunities
- Seasonal programming
- Outdoor education event
- Partner clubs
- Family activities
Follow Eagle Point Blue Rapids Parks Council on Facebook and Instagram or subscribe to our newsletter for upcoming events and registration announcements.
