Springfield Lights Up Forest Park Pumpkin Stroll

The second annual Pumpkin Stroll After Dark drew hundreds of families to the Aquatic Gardens at Forest Park.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Civic

Glowing carved pumpkins line a gravel path beside a dark pond at dusk, with bare autumn trees behind. — Hundreds of jack-o'-lanterns lit up the Aquatic Gardens at Forest Park as Mayor Domenic Sarno hosted the second annual Pumpkin Stroll After Dark in Springfield. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Springfield hosted the second annual Pumpkin Stroll After Dark at the Aquatic Gardens at Forest Park, where more than 400 jack-o'-lanterns lit the grounds. Hosted by Mayor Domenic Sarno, the event drew hundreds of families.

Why it matters

The event brought residents together for a seasonal community gathering in Springfield during the Halloween season. Its growth into a second annual edition reflects continued local interest in public holiday programming.

More than 400 jack-o'-lanterns lit the Aquatic Gardens at Forest Park for the event, which offered free cider and doughnuts. The source gives no exact attendance count or budget for the event.

The players

Domenic Sarno

Domenic Sarno is the mayor of Springfield, who hosted the Pumpkin Stroll After Dark event.

The details

Attendees walked leisurely around the pond at the Aquatic Gardens and pointed out their favorite jack-o'-lanterns. Pumpkins were carved by students from Central High School and Springfield Conservatory of the Arts, as well as residents of the Women's Correctional Center, and were left in the woods for local wildlife after the event.

Nights just before Halloween, 2026: second annual Pumpkin Stroll After Dark held at Forest Park

Civic Tradition

The second annual Pumpkin Stroll After Dark follows the inaugural event held at Forest Park, extending a community Halloween program in Springfield into a repeated civic tradition. Its return suggests the first year's turnout was sufficient to warrant a second edition.

Springfield residents can attend the Pumpkin Stroll After Dark at Forest Park's Aquatic Gardens, which offers free cider and doughnuts. Families who want to see the displays should plan to attend the nights just before Halloween.

The takeaway

Community events that repeat year over year, like Springfield's Pumpkin Stroll, often build a lasting local tradition. Residents interested in seasonal civic programming can check for future editions each fall.