This past weekend, excited groups of all ages didn't waste any time getting into the Halloween spirit after the sun set at Descanso Gardens. For its second year in a row, Rise of the Jack O'Lanterns has taken over the gardens in La Cañada Flintridge where guests experience a 1/3 of a mile walking trail lined with over 5,000 intricately hand-carved pumpkins that include themes such as Star Wars, Pixar, Marvel, and plenty more. On your way to the trail you can stop by the pumpkin carving station, meet celebrity pumpkin carvers, and learn how to turn that everyday jack o'lantern into something your friends will be jealous of.
Rise of the Jack O'Lanterns runs Thursdays through Sundays at Descanso Gardens from now until November 1st. The Rise proved so popular last year that a brand new location has been added for 2015 at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, which begins this weekend and runs Fridays through Sundays until November 1st. Advanced tickets must be purchased for both locations at www.therise.org. All photos by Jared Cowan. Follow him on Twitter at @JaredCowan1.