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Pumpkins After Dark, a Halloween-themed travelling experience, is coming to the Alameda County Fairgrounds this October. (Photo courtesy of Kami Van Halst) 
The event features illuminated pumpkin displays and other attractions for the entire family. (Photo courtesy of Kami Van Halst) 
A photo shows the entrance for a 2021 installment of Pumpkins After Dark. (Photo by Ryan Visima) 
A photo shows one of the previous Pirates of Emerson displays. (Photo courtesy of the Alameda County Fairgrounds) 
The 626 Night Market is coming back to the Alameda Fairgrounds from Oct. 9 to Oct. 11. (Photo courtesy of the Alameda County Fairgrounds)
Summer is officially over and the spooky season is now in full swing as two Halloween-themed events take over the Alameda County Fairgrounds for a month-long run, beginning this weekend.
One of the events is Pumpkins After Dark, a unique Halloween experience that will transform a portion of the Pleasanton fairgrounds into a glowing spectacle featuring “thousands of hand-carved pumpkins, larger-than-life displays, live pumpkin carving and plenty of photo opportunities.”
“We’re incredibly excited to bring Pumpkins After Dark to Pleasanton for the first time,” Kami Van Halst, marketing representative for Pumpkins After Dark, said in a press release.
“There’s always something special about introducing the experience to a brand-new community,” Van Halst added. “The Alameda County Fairgrounds is a fantastic setting for it, and we can’t wait for people throughout the Tri-Valley and Bay Area to experience it.”
According to the press release, the “outdoor walk-through experience” is set to run from this Friday (Oct. 2) until Oct. 31. The fairgrounds website states that after this opening weekend, the event will take place every Thursday to Sunday for the rest of the month.
“It’s spooky and atmospheric without being a traditional haunted house, so it’s something families, couples and groups of friends can all enjoy,” Van Halst added in the press release.
The county fairgrounds will also be hosting the Pirates of Emerson haunted house experience starting this Friday.
Now in its 36th year, the popular Halloween event, which runs every weekend until Nov. 1, will continue its tradition of scaring visitors with its four themed haunted houses. According to the fairgrounds, this event is not recommended for young children due to the ” intensity of the attraction.”
For those who don’t care much for Halloween, fear not for the fairgrounds has plenty of other non-spooky events coming up.
In addition to the two Halloween events this weekend, the Alameda Home Show will be returning to the fairgrounds. From Friday to Sunday, attendees will be able to connect with home improvement and renovation professionals, according to the fairgrounds website.
The following weekend, one of California’s largest traveling night markets — 626 Night Market — will be returning to the Pleasanton fairgrounds. Foodies will be able to enjoy a wide variety of food and drinks from over 200 vendors, along with live entertainment. According to the fairgrounds, the 626 Night Market will take place from Oct. 9 to Oct. 11.
Then, on Oct. 17, the Diwali Festival of Lights and Fireworks will also return to the fairgrounds with “Bollywood dance performances, cultural entertainment, food vendors, shopping and a fireworks display celebrating the holiday.”
For a full list of all upcoming events at the Alameda County Fairgrounds, as well as pricing information and links to show tickets, visit alamedacountyfair.com.
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