The Colossal Carve is returning to the Calgary Farmers’ Market this October, bringing enormous locally grown pumpkins, live carvings, and a weekend packed with family activities. So if you’ve ever wondered what happens when a professional carver gets their hands on a pumpkin that weighs hundreds of pounds, this is your chance to find out.
Here’s a look at everything you can expect to find throughout the weekend.
What to expect at The Colossal Carve?
What can I do while I’m there?
During the Colossal Carve, you can watch champion carver Yann Blanchard work his magic as he transforms enormous pumpkins into intricate works of art right in front of you.
If you’re feeling confident, you can also guess the weight of one of the massive pumpkins during the Great Gourd Guess for a chance to win a curated Thanksgiving Market Basket.
For younger visitors, there will be a complimentary Little Gourd Studio with decorating stations, plus a Golden Gourd Hunt that will send kids around the market searching for prizes.
And since you’re already at the market, there’s no better time to grab something to eat and check out the local vendors that make up the space.
When can I see the giant pumpkins?
You don’t have to wait until the Colossal Carve to see the giant gourds. The pumpkins and harvest displays will arrive at the Calgary Farmers’ Market on Friday, Sept. 25, so you can check them out before the live carving.
When is the Colossal Carve?
The live carving will take place over two days, but the event will be at a different Calgary Farmers’ Market location each day.
On Saturday, Oct. 3, the Colossal Carve will take place at Calgary Farmers’ Market West and on Sunday, Oct. 4, the event will move to Calgary Farmers’ Market South.
Family activities will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on both days, while the markets themselves are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the event.
Is the event free to attend?
The Colossal Carve is free to attend, and the family activities are complimentary. Free parking is also available at both locations.
If you’ve never seen a massive pumpkin get carved before, this is the year to change that. So, pick your day, head to the market and see what these giant gourds transform into.
When: Calgary Farmers’ Market West: Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026; Calgary Farmers’ Market South: Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Calgary Farmers’ Market West — 25 Greenbriar Dr. NW, Calgary, Alta.; Calgary Farmers’ Market South — 510 77th Ave. SE, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Free
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Kaiya Williams
Kaiya is a Calgary-based writer and content creator with a background in marketing and digital storytelling. She has a passion for community-driven stories and covering local experiences that connect people.
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