This is Halloween in Pasadena
Carved Descanso Gardens
Explore Descanso Gardens like never before. Wander the winding paths of pumpkin patches, Halloween haunts, incredible installations, and fall fun.
What is Carved?
The Descanso Gardens is a 150-acre botanical garden in La Cañada Flintridge, just outside of Pasadena. The rolling landscape is home to a huge variety of flora and offers a stunningly manicured escape just minutes from our city. Typically bursting with colors and rich with flowers, the gardens are transformed during the fall season into a Halloween spectacular with decorations, installations, and light displays.
Throughout October every year, the gardens bring together artists from all over the globe to create Halloween-inspired art – from sculptures to jack-o’-lanterns – and design an immersive experience for garden goers.
When & Where is Carved?
When: October 2 - November 1, 2026 | 6 PM - 10 PM
Where: Descanso Gardens | 1418 Descanso Drive
Admission: Ticket pricing is dependent on your membership status and ticket type.
| Ticket Type | Non-Member Price | Member Price |
| Timed Entry, Adult Ticket | $29–$52 | $22–$45 |
| Timed Entry, Child (age 2-12) | $19–$37 | $12–$30 |
| Children Under 2 | Free | Free |
What Can I Expect From Carved?
Art Installations
Get ready to be lost in a world of Halloween. In the woods, stumble upon headless horsemen, skeletal friends, and jack-o’-lantern gardens. Walk among creative scenes of characters, bringing to life the spookiest of Halloween tales. Even the trees join in on the garden fun with carved creatures and faces. And don’t forget to check the waters of the gardens for lurking monsters.
Food Vendors
As you walk through the event and take in the awesome art, grab something to eat and drink at one of the vending spots throughout Descanso Gardens. For Carved, the snack stands will be open at the Rose Garden, Promenade, and Main Lawn.
In previous years, these snacks have included pretzels, pork sandwiches, churros, candy apples, and waffles. Or sip on a cup of hot chocolate or apple cider. For adults, cocktails, beers, and wine will also be available for purchase.
Farmhouse
Reserve a seat at Descanso’s Farmhouse, which will be open during Carved. Chef Rich Mead, the culinary mind behind the menu, prides himself on sustainability and local sourcing of ingredients.
As a result, the farm-to-table restaurant offers a curated menu with fresh tastes at the forefront of its flavors. This is ideal for those looking for a sit-down meal while experiencing Carved. The heartier dishes are a mix of flatbread, salads, starters, and entrees that have vegetarian options.
Trick or Treat
Only on October 31, 2026!
Get in your costumes, bring your pillowcases, and go trick-or-treating with the spooktacular backdrop of Carved. Of course, Descanso Gardens has added a little twist. Trick-or-treating is hosted in a scavenger hunt-inspired style, with staff members disguised as mushrooms in a garden patch for kiddos to find and win a prize or treat.
But Halloween at Descanso Gardens is more than just trick-or-treating. There will also be a mini pumpkin patch and arts and crafts for the kids participating in the Halloween festivities. To close out the night, a dance party will be held at the Oak Grove!
Who Designed Carved?
Carved is designed by artists who work together to create the Halloween experience.
Alexander Reichstein
Reichstein is a talented and storied artist who has a history of designing interactive and immersive works that bring visitors into the heart of his pieces. Having studied printed media design and illustration in Moscow before moving to Finland, where he crafted art exhibits and illustrated children’s books, Reichstein has a clear creative passion and a sharp educational background in the field of art and design.
For 2026 Carved, Reichstein created several wire figures illuminated by UV to appear as ghastly ghouls visiting the garden grounds throughout the month of October.
Chainsaw Jenna
Among the folds of Reichstein’s art, you’ll see carved tree trunks and sculptures with active scenes, expressive faces, and creatures that were made by the artist Chainsaw Jenna. The master woodworker has a unique skill of bringing to life whole characters from large cuts of wood.
Bobolito & Co.
At the Oak Grove in Descanso Gardens, catch a vibrant light show. Featuring a series of small lights that shine and reflect to create an intricate structure, Rhizome is a large-scale display crafted by Bobolito & Co.
Meant to symbolize the connections we share from human to human, the light installation is a massive piece that showcases overlapping and intersecting lines in a geometric style.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I’m a member, do I get a discounted ticket?
Yes! Descanso Gardens members are offered discounted tickets.
Does a Carved ticket include daytime admission to the gardens?
No. A Carved ticket gives guests access exclusively to the Halloween-inspired event.
Where do I park for Carved?
You’ll be able to park for free at the Descanso Gardens’ parking lots.
Will there be food at Carved?
There will be snacks and drinks available for purchase at the event.
Please note that Descanso Gardens does not permit outside food on its grounds.
Can I bring my pet to Carved?
Pets are not allowed at Descanso Gardens unless they are an ADA-designated service animal.
Is Carved at Descanso Gardens good for kids?
Yes! Bring the whole family to Descanso Gardens for an evening at Carved.
What should I wear to Carved Descanso Gardens?
Wear comfortable walking shoes and layers to accommodate the occasional evening breeze that comes with autumnal October.
What other seasonal events happen at Descanso Gardens?
In addition to Carved, Descanso Gardens transforms itself every late November and early December into a whimsical forest for their Enchanted event. Find out more about this event on our Enchanted Forest of Light page.
Pasadena is the perfect place to find unique events, off-the-beaten-path festivals, and one-of-a-kind happenings that are ready to welcome you for fun-filled days. Find out more about our annual happenings on our Events page.
