La Cañada Flintridge, CA — Carved, the nighttime jack-o’-lantern and light installation at Descanso Gardens in the Los Angeles area, returns for its 2026 season from October 2 through November 1, running nightly from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Most of the event carries over from prior years. Two things are new for 2026: an installation of new sculptures by Helsinki-based artist Alexander Reichstein in the labyrinth (his first exhibition in the United States), and a repositioning of Bobolito’s Rhizome piece into the Oak Grove.
What is new for 2026
Alexander Reichstein sculptures in the labyrinth. The Finnish artist, known for immersive installations that treat visitors as active participants in sensory environments, is exhibiting in the United States for the first time. His new-for-Carved work is installed in the labyrinth. More on Reichstein’s practice is at reichstein.name.
Bobolito’s Rhizome moves to the Oak Grove. The returning sculpture piece has been repositioned into the Oak Grove for a more dramatic setting, per Descanso Gardens.
Anytime Tickets are available for the first time. New this year, guests can purchase Anytime Tickets that are valid on any night during the run rather than a specific dated entry. Anytime Tickets are $45 for Descanso members and $65 for non-members in July, rising to $65 for members and $85 for non-members from August 1 forward.
What Carved is
Carved is Descanso Gardens’ after-hours seasonal walk-through, running the paths of the gardens as an illuminated art installation. The core of the event is hundreds of glowing jack-o’-lanterns and dozens of giant hand-carved pumpkins, layered with an illuminated railroad display, wood-spirit sculptures, and multiple sensory art installations placed throughout the grounds.
The event is not a haunt in the scares sense. There are no scare actors, no mazes, and no jump scares. Carved is a family-friendly evening walk built for the whole age range, with the sensory installations doing most of the storytelling work.
Halloween night trick-or-treat
For the first time, Carved is running a Halloween-night trick-or-treat event on October 31 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., included with regular Carved admission for that date. The rest of the seasonal programming runs as normal that evening.
Ticket pricing
Descanso Gardens ties Carved pricing to the calendar week, with lower prices for weekday visits and higher prices for peak weekends. Descanso members save on every tier.
Early Bird Pricing (July 1 through July 31):
- Member Adults: $19 to $42
- Member Children: $9 to $27
- Non-Member Adults: $29 to $52
- Non-Member Children: $19 to $37
- Anytime Tickets (Members): $45
- Anytime Tickets (Non-Members): $65
Regular Pricing (August 1 onward):
- Member Adults: $22 to $45
- Member Children: $12 to $30
- Non-Member Adults: $29 to $52
- Non-Member Children: $19 to $37
- Anytime Tickets (Members): $65
- Anytime Tickets (Non-Members): $85
Children ages 2 and under are free. Tickets are non-refundable. Ways to save include buying in July, becoming a Descanso member ($10 off General Admission, $20 off Anytime), visiting on less busy dates, and choosing an Anytime Ticket.
Tickets are on sale at descansogardens.org/carved or by calling 818.949.4200. Descanso notes that popular nights sell out.
Planning notes
Descanso Gardens is a cashless venue. Card payment is required for tickets, food, and merchandise.
Parking is free and on a first-come, first-served basis in the Descanso lots. The property is at 1418 Descanso Drive in La Cañada Flintridge, roughly a 20-minute drive from downtown Los Angeles near the intersection of the 210 and 2 freeways.
Food and drink are available for purchase inside the gardens during Carved. Outside food is not allowed. Farmhouse, the on-site full-service restaurant, takes reservations at farmhousedg.org for a fuller dining option before or after the walk-through.
Rain or shine. Carved runs regardless of weather. Descanso recommends comfortable shoes, warm layers for after-dark temperatures, and an umbrella if rain is in the forecast.
Pet policy. Only ADA-designated service animals are allowed. No other pets, and no emotional support animals.
Photography. Personal cameras, monopods, and selfie sticks are welcome. Tripods and drones are not permitted.
Daytime versus nighttime. A Carved ticket covers evening
