Pumpkin patch szn—A sidequest for you

In need of a break from schoolwork? Explore Citrouilleville’s upcoming festivities!

Fringe ArtsIanna Zita — Published October 16, 2026 0 minutes

The winds of the new season have begun as autumn officially hits Montreal. That means midterm stress is building up fast on campus and the lines at the downtown Tim Hortons are getting ridiculously long. The green landscapes are fading. The leaves are changing colours. Plants are beginning to wither. Nature is slowly decaying. Honestly, everything is decaying. But there is a distinct beauty in that process. 

The brisk Quebec air brings a whole new aesthetic. It is the perfect excuse for a weekend escape. Students can soon swap their textbooks for a field of pumpkins. A highly anticipated destination awaits just outside the city. After 10 months of intensive field preparations, Citrouilleville's gates have opened for an eight-week stretch.

Upon entering the working family farm, guests step into a specialized village entirely made of pumpkins. These gourds range across different shapes, sizes and vibrant colours. Visitors can take their pick from red, green, white and classic orange. 

The structures are completely immersive. The architectural design lets people walk through a pumpkin schoolhouse and explore a rustic pumpkin saloon. The village also features a pumpkin church and a florist shop.

Parked wagons are available for rent at the entrance for a $5 fee. These wagons help guests carry their chosen pumpkins to the checkout. Visitors can then purchase their harvest and take it home. 

Stéphanie Vernier, co-owner of Citrouilleville and a former Concordia University John Molson School of Business (JMSB) student, proudly launched this passion project with her brother, who is a massive Halloween enthusiast. This shared venture blends business strategy with creative seasonal art. Their family farm grows sweetcorn and pumpkins, and they plan to grow strawberries and other crops to continue to support Quebec communities.

Vernier’s business philosophy is rooted in practical, real-world application. Though she fundamentally believes in the power of a university degree, Vernier values hands-on experience just as much. Education provides a strong career framework. Still, true learning happens out in the real world. 

“You learn in the field. You won’t have your 10 years of experience if you don’t start. It’s hands-on experience,” Vernier said when asked what advice could be provided for students looking to get into business.

The co-owners prioritize the guest experience above everything else. Vernier and her brother frequently walk around the site during operating hours, chat with visitors and make sure everyone enjoys their time on the farm.

The farm hires local students to staff the weekend shifts. The staff is lovely, and the overall ambiance is warm and supportive.

Between the pumpkin houses and the entrance to the giant corn maze, unique theatrical entertainment awaits. Citrouilleville is not just an agricultural site. It is a live performance hub. 

The farm features interactive animators wearing elaborate custom costumes. These harvest characters are entirely royalty-themed. They are designed to educate visitors about agriculture through festive storytelling.

Future attendees can look forward to meeting an eccentric cast of characters. King Corn and King Strawberries roam the fields. You can also spot King Pumpkins, Professor Potiron, Princess Pédoncule, Professor Chrysomele and Lady Citrouille.

These colourful figures guide families through the farm's daily weekend festivities. In addition to the roaming animators, the site hosts scheduled live theatrical shows. The co-owners' close friends perform the plays alongside professional actors. 

The farm opens its stage to students coming from local acting schools. It serves as a memorable, low-stakes environment for young artists to start their careers.

The hype for the upcoming season is spreading quickly. Friends, families and even employees are locking in their weekend plans. 

Christine Durocher, a cashier stationed at one of the two souvenir shops, helped sell a wide array of items, from pumpkin-themed mugs to tumblers, patches, tote bags and baseball caps.

Durocher noted that she looks forward to coming into work because of her clients, her coworkers and the farm’s atmosphere.

“It’s just so motivating for me,” Durocher said. 

Even on her days off, she plans to take her mother and daughter to visit the farm. 

“[I'd] certainly would bring my cat if I could!” Durocher exclaimed.

Elodi Therrien and Lory Seguin looked forward to taking pictures and capturing all Citrouilleville’s colours. While it is Therrien’s first time visiting the themed village, Seguin is eager to show her around. 

“It’s my first time coming, but I like the maze, and there’s like so many pumpkins and colours,” Therrien said.

Seguin noted that Citrouilleville stands out because it is livelier than the pumpkin patches in her own area. 

“I’ve been here before, like last year. Not a tradition, just a fun thing to do,” Seguin said.

A proper autumn excursion requires excellent comfort food. Citrouilleville features a central food hub which keeps visitors energized. Eager foodies can look forward to a delicious menu selection. Food trucks serve hearty barbecue chicken bowls from El Pollo, and guests can also enjoy warm, creamy mac n' cheese. Classic, steaming hot Quebec poutine will also be available on site.

The business continues to evolve. It is actively trying to build a distinct, recognizable regional brand. When asked to describe Citrouilleville in just four words, Vernier chose pumpkin, family and memorable environment.

She added that her team works hard to create smooth transitions for people when they walk on site. 

“I hear a lot of people saying that they like coming here:'It was a good day. We had so much fun. There are so many things to do!'" Vernier said. "You come here, and you’re immediately absorbed." 

Citrouilleville is a perfect formula for an autumn weekend getaway. The farm beautifully blends entertainment, student employment and local food literacy. It stands as a brilliant example of how a JMSB alumna can turn a lifelong passion project into an autumn phenomenon. Plan your drive, grab a wagon and experience the beauty of seasonal decay firsthand. 

In need of a break from schoolwork? Overstimulated by the downtown area? Need inspiration? Start here.

“You have to start somewhere,” Vernier said.

This agrotourism farm is just a 50-minute drive from Concordia's Sir George Williams campus. The festival runs from Sept. 12 to Nov. 1. You can catch the festivities every Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with theatre performances running from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.