PumpkinFest Toronto Returns to Downsview Park for Thanksgiving Weekend With Rides, PAW Patrol and a Pumpkin Patch
Toronto families can squash one Thanksgiving-weekend planning question early. PumpkinFest Toronto is returning to Downsview Park from October 9 to 12, 2026, with four days of midway rides, inflatables, a pumpkin patch, live entertainment and fall photo stops geared toward families with kids.
The outdoor festival runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day at the Festival Terrace. This year’s lineup also brings back Chase and Skye from PAW Patrol for scheduled meet-and-greets, while food trucks, carnival games and pumpkins for purchase add a few pay-as-you-go extras around the grounds.
The quick details
| Dates | Friday, October 9 to Monday, October 12, 2026 |
| Hours | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily |
| Location | Downsview Park – Festival Terrace, 35 Carl Hall Road, Toronto |
| Advance tickets | Adults 13+: $14.99 + HST | Children 2-12: $29.99 + HST | Family Pass: $84.99 + HST |
| Festival-day tickets | Adults: $19.99 + HST | Children: $34.99 + HST | Family Pass: $99.99 + HST |
| Current promo | 20% off online tickets with code FALL20 through September 30 at 11:59 p.m., according to the event email |
One ticket covers most of the kid-focused attractions
PumpkinFest is built around an all-day admission model rather than paying for rides one at a time. The organizer says child admission includes unlimited midway rides and unlimited inflatables, including jumping castles, giant slides and obstacle courses. The site also lists a trackless train, an inflatable corn maze, live stage shows and fall-themed photo stops among the included activities. Height restrictions apply to some attractions, and the inflatables are designed for children 12 and under.
Adult tickets are lower in price and include festival entry plus unlimited midway rides. Food trucks are on site but are not part of admission, and carnival games with prizes may involve additional spending. Children 23 months and younger can enter free, although their complimentary admission does not include midway rides or inflatables.
Chase and Skye are back for PAW Patrol meet-and-greets
For families with PAW Patrol fans, Chase and Skye are scheduled to return for meet-and-greets included with festival admission. The organizer currently lists four 30-minute windows: 11-11:30 a.m., 12-12:30 p.m., 1-1:30 p.m. and 2-2:30 p.m. Check the event page before heading out in case character timing changes closer to the weekend.
The pumpkin patch is also a fall photo stop
Peter’s Pumpkin Patch gives families a seasonal break between rides. Visitors can walk through the patch, use the autumn-themed photo setups and choose a pumpkin to bring home for an extra charge. That makes the event easy to split between higher-energy attractions and a slower stretch for photos, snacks and a pumpkin run.
The FALL20 ticket deal ends September 30
A promotional email shared with Over Here Toronto offers 20% off online ticket purchases with code FALL20 through Wednesday, September 30 at 11:59 p.m. The offer is online only, and the email states that all ticket sales are final and non-refundable.
After that promotion closes, PumpkinFest’s public site still lists advance pricing through October 8 at 11:59 p.m. Advance admission is currently $14.99 plus HST for adults 13 and older, $29.99 plus HST for children ages 2 to 12, or $84.99 plus HST for a family pass covering two adults and two children. Prices rise once the festival begins on October 9, and at-the-door tickets are subject to availability.
A few practical notes before heading to Downsview Park
PumpkinFest is scheduled to run rain or shine, although individual attractions may pause if weather conditions require it. The organizer also notes that re-entry is not permitted after leaving the festival. Outside snacks and picnic food are allowed, but outside food deliveries are not.
For transit, Downsview Park says the park is accessible from Downsview Park GO/TTC Station as well as nearby TTC routes. Parking is managed by Downsview Park, and the festival says parking fees are set by the park. Families driving in should check current access and parking information before leaving home, especially on a long weekend.
Thanksgiving weekend, with more rides than leftovers
PumpkinFest Toronto gives families a full-day option for the Thanksgiving long weekend without requiring a trip far outside the city. The main draw is the amount bundled into admission: rides, inflatables, stage programming, photo stops and the pumpkin patch can fill several hours, with PAW Patrol adding another kid-focused stop to the schedule.
The festival runs October 9 to 12 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily at Downsview Park. Anyone planning to use the FALL20 promotion should purchase online before the September 30 deadline; otherwise, advance ticket pricing remains listed through October 8.
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