Saunders Farm is well known as the place to go during the fall season – an iconic and memorable destination. In 2026, Saunders Farm is celebrating 50 years of growing memories, traditions and community. The evening screams are returning with another eerie milestone. The Farm’s 35th Haunting Season – with PumpkinFest and FrightFest – are returning September 26th and filled with longtime favourites, brand-new experiences and plenty of surprises.
For generations of Ottawa-area families, fall has meant a trip to Saunders Farm. This year, that tradition takes on added meaning as the Farm celebrates five decades in the community while continuing to evolve the experiences that have brought families, friends and thrill-seekers back year after year.
“This is a really special year for our family and for everyone who has been part of Saunders Farm over the last 50 years,” said Mark Saunders, Director of Fun. “Haunting Season has become such an important part of that story. We have guests who first came here as kids and are now bringing their own children – and the same is true of our team. Some people get their first job here, come back year after year, and eventually return as adults. That sense of tradition is what makes this place so special.”
35 years of scares – and something new to discover
FrightFest returns with seven immersive haunted attractions, along with scare zones, roaming monsters, live entertainment, food and Saunders Cider. Among this year’s biggest changes is a completely rebuilt Shambles, a classic Saunders Farm haunt redesigned with brand-new sets and characters to give even longtime FrightFest guests an entirely new experience.
Guests can also take FrightFest to new heights aboard the Farm’s brand-new Ferris wheel, while returning favourites include The Coven, Circus Macabre, The Sawmill, the Haunted Hayride, Barn of Terror, the Cemetery Scare Zone, street theatre, live shows and the 600-foot zipline.
During the day, PumpkinFest brings a different kind of fall magic, with Ottawa-grown pumpkins, hayrides, world-famous hedge mazes, daytime haunts, live entertainment, food and family attractions.
“Whether you’ve been coming to Saunders Farm for decades or this is your first visit, we want this fall to feel like a celebration,” said Saunders. “Fifty years is an incredible milestone, but we’re just as excited about what comes next – the family memories made here that lead to life-long traditions”.
The people behind the scares
This fall, approximately 400 staff members will help bring Saunders Farm to life, including nearly 100 actors dedicated to delivering the screams at FrightFest. The team is a mix of familiar faces and newcomers: 40 per cent of employees are new this season and 60 per cent are returning, with the same split among FrightFest actors.
Approximately 220 team members are under the age of 25, while some employees have been part of FrightFest for more than 15 years. As one of the region’s largest employers of youth, Saunders Farm has been a first job for generations of young people – many of whom return season after season and even come back years later as adults.
“Behind every scare, every hayride and every family memory is an incredible team,” said Saunders. “Seeing someone starting their very first job working alongside people who have been with us for 10 or 15 years is a pretty remarkable way to celebrate our 50th anniversary.”
Haunting Season opens September 26 at Saunders Farm, 7893 Bleeks Road in Munster. FrightFest runs Friday and Saturday nights, plus Halloweek, while PumpkinFest runs Saturdays and Sundays during the day, plus Thanksgiving Monday. For more information, tickets and the full Haunting Season schedule, visit SaundersFarm.com.
About Saunders Farm
Founded 50 years ago, Saunders Farm is a family-run agri-tourism destination in Ottawa, Ontario. Known for its award-winning FrightFest, PumpkinFest, A Country Christmas, Saunders Cider, and seasonal attractions, the Farm welcomes tens of thousands of guests annually. With a strong commitment to community, youth employment, and unforgettable experiences, Saunders Farm has become a beloved tradition in the region.
