SLPC’s Pumpkinferno, Fort Fright and Alight at Night Earn Ontario’s “Top 100 Festivals and Events” Honours

Provincial Recognition Showcases the Creativity, Quality, And Guest Satisfaction Behind SLPC’s Signature Seasonal Event

Morrisburg — The St. Lawrence Parks Commission (SLPC) is proud to announce that three of its premier seasonal events, Pumpkinferno and Alight at Night at Upper Canada Village, and Fort Fright at Fort Henry National Historic Site, have each been recognized as 2026 Top 100 Festivals & Events in Ontario by Festivals and Events Ontario (FEO).

This provincial recognition highlights the exceptional creativity, quality, and guest experience that define SLPC’s signature events, reinforcing the organization’s role as a leader in cultural tourism and event programming in Eastern Ontario.

Pumpkinferno features thousands of handcrafted pumpkins illuminated along an immersive outdoor path set against the historic backdrop of Upper Canada Village, drawing attendees from across Ontario, Quebec, and northern New York. Fort Fright transforms Fort Henry into a large‑scale, narrative‑driven horror experience, offering guests thrilling encounters within the National Historic Site. Alight at Night, one of Canada’s largest and longest‑running holiday light festivals, welcomes tens of thousands of guests of all ages annually to wander through the magical village lit by more than one million twinkling lights. These marquee events support community vibrancy and bolster year‑round tourism, key pillars of SLPC’s Strategic Plan, Strengthening Our Foundation for a Sustainable Future (2021–2026).

“SLPC is honoured to be recognized among Ontario’s best festivals and events,” said Geoff Waycik, Director of Historic Sites with St. Lawrence Parks Commission. “Pumpkinferno, Fort Fright, and Alight at Night are made possible by the passion and talent of our teams, partners, and sponsors. This recognition is a testament to their dedication to creating remarkable and memorable experiences for guests from across the province and around the world.”

SLPC’s award‑winning track record reflects a long-standing commitment to outstanding guest experiences. In addition to the FEO Top 100 honours, several SLPC attractions have consistently earned Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards, placing them among the top 10% of attractions worldwide based on visitor reviews.

SLPC’s seasonal events play a central role in supporting tourism and economic development across the region. Pumpkinferno, Fort Fright, and Alight at Night are major drivers of fall and early‑winter visitation, generating significant overnight stays and supporting local businesses in hospitality, retail, and food services. According to the Tourism Regional Economic Impact Model (TREIM), these three events generated an estimated $17.9 million in economic impact in 2025, demonstrating their vital role in extending the tourism season and supporting local businesses.

To learn more, visit www.parks.on.ca.