Glow in the Cove

duration: 3 hours
max_age: 101
group_size: 300
description: Get ready for two nights of lakeside Halloween fun at Saluda Lake Landing! On Saturday, enjoy live music, food & drink specials, a free Trunk or Treat, and our glowing Pumpkin Float at sunset. Then come back Sunday for our adorable Doggie Costume Party with prizes for the best-dressed pups! Both nights include the magical launch of floating jack-o’-lanterns across the cove, plus optional pumpkin carving and paddle rentals to float alongside them. With glowing pumpkins, festive vibes, and fun for the whole family (including your pets!), this is a Halloween celebration you don’t want to miss.
what_is_included: ✅ What’s Included

All attendees get:

Access to Glow in the Cove on either or both nights (Oct 25 & 26)

Entry to our lakeside Pumpkin Float viewing at dusk

Live entertainment and music

Access to food & drink specials at the café

Free Trunk or Treat on Saturday (Oct 25)

Doggie Costume Party on Sunday (Oct 26)

Family- and pet-friendly atmosphere

Option to rent kayaks or paddleboards to float alongside the pumpkins

Float-Only Pass ($8)

Float base for your carved pumpkin

LED light for glowing pumpkin effect

Participation in the pumpkin float at dusk

Carve & Float Package ($15)

One medium pumpkin

Access to our carving station

Float base + LED light

Participation in the pumpkin float

Premium Bundle ($18)

Everything in the Carve & Float Package

One hot chocolate from the café
what_is_not_included: ???? What’s Not Included

Cost of food and drink (unless included in the Premium Bundle)

Extra pumpkins beyond what’s included in your ticket

Personal carving tools (shared tools available at carving station only)

Costumes or candy for Trunk or Treat participation

Seating (please bring your own chairs or blankets if desired)

itinerary: ???? Itinerary – Two Nights of Halloween Fun
???? Saturday, October 25 – Trunk or Treat Night

3:30 PM – Trunk participants arrive and begin setup

4:00 PM – All trunks must be fully set up

4:45 PM – Pumpkin float check-in and carving station open

5:00 PM – Event begins

Trunk or Treat opens

Live entertainment begins

Food & drink specials available at the café

Kayak & paddleboard rentals available

6:30 PM – Last call for pumpkin drop-off

~7:00 PM (Dusk) – Glowing Pumpkin Float launches

8:00 PM – Event ends

???? Sunday, October 26 – Doggie Costume Party

4:45 PM – Pumpkin float check-in and carving station open

5:00 PM – Event begins

Doggie Costume Party on the patio kicks off

Food & drink specials available

Kayak & paddleboard rentals available

6:30 PM – Dog costume contest judging & prizes awarded

6:30 PM – Last call for pumpkin drop-off

~7:00 PM (Dusk) – Glowing Pumpkin Float launches

8:00 PM – Event ends

✨ Pro Tip: The café will be open all day—come early and grab dinner before the kids fill up on candy!
highlights: Glow in the Cove is where Halloween magic meets lakeside charm. This one-of-a-kind event brings families, friends, and even pets together to celebrate the season in a truly unforgettable way. Picture glowing jack-o’-lanterns drifting across the water at sunset while you sip a warm drink, listen to live music, and soak in the fall vibes.

Whether you’re trick-or-treating through a row of decked-out trunks or cheering on dogs in costume, there’s something for everyone. Saturday’s Trunk or Treat is full of candy, creativity, and community fun, while Sunday’s Doggie Costume Party brings the cuteness overload with costumed pups, prizes, and patio energy.

The best part? You don’t just watch the fun—you become part of it. Carve your pumpkin on-site, float it into the cove with a custom LED-lit base, or paddle out beside it in a kayak or paddleboard for a front-row view of the glowing spectacle.

From food and drink specials at the café to an atmosphere full of laughter and lights, Glow in the Cove is more than just an event—it’s a memory waiting to be made.
check_in_details: ✅ Check-In Details

Please check in at the café window when you arrive.

Pumpkin Float participants should check in by 4:45 PM to receive float materials or access the carving station.

Pumpkin drop-off and carving station will be open from 4:45 PM to 6:30 PM.

The pumpkin float begins at dusk (around 7:00 PM)—don’t miss it!

Trunk participants must arrive by 3:30 PM and be fully set up no later than 4:00 PM.

This is an outdoor event—please dress for the weather and bring chairs or blankets if you’d like to get comfy by the cove.
what_to_bring: ???? What to Bring

A carved pumpkin (if you purchased the Float-Only Pass)

Costumes for the kids—and grownups too!

A flashlight or glow sticks for after-dark safety

Chairs or picnic blankets for comfortable lakeside seating

Jacket or layers—temperatures may drop after sunset

Cash or card for food, drinks, and optional add-ons

A camera or phone to capture the glowing pumpkins

Candy (if you’re a trunk participant handing out treats)
special_requirements: ⚠️ Special Requirements

Children under 12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.

All pumpkin float participants must follow safety guidelines provided at check-in.

Pumpkins must be fully carved and hollowed before drop-off if you are bringing your own. No paint, glitter, candles, or glued-on decorations allowed.

Life jackets are required for all individuals who rent a boat to paddle alongside the pumpkins.

Pets must remain leashed and under control at all times.
restrictions: ???? Restrictions

The Trunk or Treat and pumpkin viewing areas are accessible and suitable for guests of all ages, including families with strollers and individuals with limited mobility.

The pumpkin float itself involves access to the shoreline and may not be suitable for those with impaired mobility without assistance.

Boat rentals are not recommended for guests with limited mobility, balance concerns, or those who are pregnant.

All boat participants must wear a life jacket and be able to enter/exit the watercraft independently.

This event is held outdoors on uneven ground—closed-toe shoes are recommended.
extras: ✨ Extras Available

Pumpkin Float Upgrade – Add a float base + LED light to your carved pumpkin for just $8

Carve & Float Package – Includes a medium pumpkin, carving station access, float base, and LED light for $15

Premium Bundle – Everything in the Carve & Float Package plus one hot chocolate from the café for $18

Boat Rentals – Paddle out and float alongside the glowing pumpkins! Available all evening (rental fees apply)

Hot food & drink specials – Burgers, nachos, hot dogs, sweet treats, and more available at the café
disclaimers: ⚠️ Disclaimers

Saluda Lake Landing is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen personal items.

All activities are subject to weather conditions and may be modified or canceled for safety reasons.

No refunds will be issued unless the event is canceled due to inclement weather.

Participants engaging in water activities or rentals do so at their own risk and must follow all safety guidelines.

Parents and guardians are fully responsible for supervising their children during the event.
faqs: ❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the event free to attend?
A: Yes! Entry to the event, Trunk or Treat, and live music are all free. If you'd like to participate in the pumpkin float, packages start at just $8.

Q: Do I need to bring my own pumpkin?
A: You can! If you select the Float-Only Pass, bring a fully carved, hollowed-out pumpkin (soccer ball size recommended). If you don’t have one, we offer packages that include a pumpkin and carving station access.

Q: What’s included in each package?
A:

$8 – Float-Only Pass: Float base + LED light (bring your own carved pumpkin)

$15 – Carve & Float Package: Pumpkin + carving station + float base + LED

$18 – Premium Bundle: Everything above, plus a hot chocolate

Q: Can I paddle on the lake during the event?
A: Yes! Rentals will be available if you’d like to float on the lake alongside the glowing pumpkins. Life jackets are required and included with your rental.

Q: What time should we arrive?
A: Pumpkin float check-in starts at 4:45 PM. We recommend arriving early to enjoy dinner from the café before the festivities begin. The float launches at dusk (~7 PM). Trunk setup begins at 3:30 PM.

Q: Is this event pet-friendly?
A: Yes! Well-behaved, leashed pets are welcome—especially if they’re in costume!

Q: What if it rains?
A: If weather forces us to cancel the event, you’ll receive a full refund for any pumpkin float package you purchased. Otherwise, all sales are final.