Each October, pumpkins set sail across the Bond Park Lake at twilight accompanied by local music, snacks, and Halloween activities!

Pumpkin Drop-Off

Flotilla participants bring a carved pumpkin and drop it off at Bond Park Boathouse between 4 and 6 p.m. the day before the event. We have limited floats and they will assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional pumpkins or those that do not meet the guidelines are used to decorate the waterfront.

Pumpkin Flotilla Guidelines

• Get a pumpkin: Bring a pumpkin, approximately the size of a soccer ball, that weighs about eight pounds after it’s carved. Mini or extra-large pumpkins cannot be accepted for the flotilla.
• Get creative: Pumpkins are attached through the base. All pumpkins must come with tops (lids) and be gutted and carved at home. Jack-o’-lanterns with artificial decorations, such as paint, glitter, marker, food dye, paper, plastic, light bulbs, candles, or floats cannot be accepted for the flotilla. A light and floating device are provided for your jack-o’-lantern at the event. 

The Flotilla 

Find a spot along the edge of the lake and watch as the jack-o’-lanterns float by in Cary's only pumpkin flotilla!

While we wait for the sun to set there will be live music, food trucks, and boats available for rent. Boat rentals will run from 4 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. Last boat goes out at 5:45 p.m.

Flotilla route and viewing areas

Second Lighting

Not able to attend the main event or want to see the pumpkins again? The pumpkins are typically left floating on the lake and relit the next night. Viewing will be from the waterfront at Bond Park Boathouse. This is a stationary display.

Please note: Pumpkins in our flotilla cannot be returned. Thank you for your contribution to our event!