9 Pumpkin Themed Festivals Worth Traveling For This Fall
As the leaves begin to change, pumpkin festivals start popping up everywhere, offering an exciting way to embrace the season. Whether you love the art of pumpkin carving or enjoy strolling through pumpkin-filled markets, these festivals are the perfect place to get into the autumn spirit. The atmosphere at these events is something you have to experience in person. You’ll find plenty of activities, food, and fun that make these festivals stand out.
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The Great Pumpkin Festival – California
The Great Pumpkin Festival has become a fall tradition since it first began in the early 1980s. Located in the heart of Northern California, this event brings together families and pumpkin enthusiasts for a day filled with fun. Visitors can enjoy everything from pumpkin carving contests to live music performances. The festival’s family-friendly activities and stunning pumpkin displays make it a must-visit during fall. Whether you’re exploring the pumpkin patch or sampling delicious seasonal treats, this festival promises an unforgettable autumn experience.
The festival’s popularity has grown over the years, drawing visitors from all across the state. You’ll find unique pumpkin-related attractions, including giant pumpkin weigh-ins and a marketplace filled with local artisan goods. The Great Pumpkin Festival is the perfect way to celebrate fall in a community-focused setting. It’s an ideal getaway for anyone looking to enjoy both the outdoors and the seasonal fun that comes with a pumpkin-themed festival. The festival has earned a reputation for its lively atmosphere and beautiful autumn setting.
Circleville Pumpkin Show – Ohio
Since 1903, the Circleville Pumpkin Show has been drawing crowds with its charm and small-town vibe. Held in Circleville, Ohio, it’s one of the longest-running pumpkin festivals in the country. This event is known for its elaborate pumpkin-themed displays and delicious pumpkin foods. The entire town participates in the festival, making it feel like a true community event. If you love pumpkin pie, pumpkin cookies, and pumpkin everything, you will find your paradise here.
The show also features pumpkin carving contests, rides, and a parade, making it an event for all ages. What sets Circleville apart is its massive pumpkin-growing competition, where the state’s largest pumpkins are proudly displayed. It’s a chance to see giant pumpkins, meet friendly locals, and enjoy a festive atmosphere. This event is perfect for those who want to experience an old-fashioned, community-driven festival. With over 300,000 visitors annually, it’s safe to say that this Ohio festival is a big deal.
The Great Jack-O’-Lantern Blaze – New York
Since its debut in 2005, The Great Jack-O’-Lantern Blaze has quickly become one of New York’s most anticipated fall events. Held at Van Cortlandt Manor in Sleepy Hollow, this festival showcases over 7,000 hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns arranged in impressive displays. As night falls, the jack-o’-lanterns light up the night, creating a magical scene. Visitors can stroll through the illuminated paths and admire the intricate carvings, including themed displays that change each year.
The festival draws visitors not only for its pumpkin artistry but also for its historical setting in Sleepy Hollow. With live music and spooky yet family-friendly vibes, it’s the perfect event for pumpkin lovers of all ages. The Great Jack-O’-Lantern Blaze combines Halloween spirit with autumn beauty in a unique way. You won’t find a more spectacular display of jack-o’-lanterns anywhere else. It’s an event that perfectly captures the essence of fall and all the magic it brings.
The National Pumpkin Festival – Illinois
The National Pumpkin Festival has been a staple of Illinois autumn since 1964. Held in the small town of Pumpkins, it’s one of the state’s premier fall festivals. Visitors can enjoy pumpkin-themed games, food, and activities while also learning about pumpkin-growing techniques. The festival is a celebration of all things pumpkin, with a strong focus on agriculture and the community’s love for the harvest season.
Known for its carnival atmosphere and pumpkin pie contests, the National Pumpkin Festival is perfect for families looking for a wholesome fall outing. The event also includes a pumpkin parade, where locals show off their beautifully decorated pumpkins. If you’re interested in pumpkin culture, this festival offers a fun, educational experience. With plenty of food stands, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities, this festival promises fun for everyone. It’s a great destination for those seeking a true autumn experience.
Pumpkinfest – New Hampshire
In the small town of Keene, New Hampshire, Pumpkinfest has been lighting up the fall season since 1991. This event holds the record for the largest number of jack-o’-lanterns ever displayed in one place. With over 25,000 pumpkins on display, it’s a spectacular sight that’s worth the trip. Visitors can wander through the streets, admiring the intricate carvings and festive atmosphere.
Pumpkinfest is not just about pumpkins, though. It features live entertainment, food vendors, and an iconic parade that showcases local talent. What makes this festival so unique is its commitment to community involvement, with volunteers contributing to the pumpkin displays. The festival creates an energetic atmosphere that truly captures the spirit of autumn. It’s an event that every pumpkin enthusiast should experience at least once in their lifetime.
Pumpkinville – Oklahoma
Pumpkinville, located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is a magical fall destination that attracts thousands of visitors each year. This festival offers a wide range of activities, including pumpkin carving, hayrides, and corn mazes. Since its inception in the early 2000s, it has grown into one of the state’s most beloved seasonal events. It’s perfect for families, with plenty of activities for children and adults alike to enjoy.
The atmosphere at Pumpkinville is filled with the scent of pumpkin pie and the sound of live country music. Visitors can pick their pumpkins straight from the patch or take part in pumpkin-themed games and crafts. Pumpkinville also hosts a pumpkin contest, where the largest pumpkins are displayed for all to admire. With its relaxed vibe and fun activities, this festival makes for a perfect autumn day out. If you’re in Oklahoma this fall, it’s definitely worth checking out.
The Pumpkin Festival at The Corn Maze – North Carolina
Since its launch in 2003, The Pumpkin Festival at The Corn Maze in North Carolina has become a must-visit event every fall. Set on a sprawling farm, this festival blends pumpkins with all things autumn, from corn mazes to hayrides. It’s a great place for families to enjoy an entire day of fun. Guests can explore pumpkin fields, enjoy pumpkin-inspired food, and take part in pumpkin decorating contests.
What makes this festival stand out is its mix of traditional pumpkin activities and unique experiences like pumpkin bowling. The farm’s corn maze is another highlight, offering visitors a chance to get lost in a fun and challenging maze. It’s a great destination for those looking to experience the outdoors and celebrate the harvest season. With so many activities on offer, The Pumpkin Festival at The Corn Maze is a great spot to enjoy fall with friends and family.
New England Pumpkin Festival – Vermont
The New England Pumpkin Festival has been a staple of Vermont’s fall season for over two decades. Held in the picturesque town of St. Albans, it celebrates all things pumpkin, from art to food. This festival is known for its incredible pumpkin displays and friendly atmosphere. Visitors can walk through rows of pumpkins carved into stunning designs and even vote for their favorites.
In addition to pumpkin displays, the festival features a pumpkin-themed marketplace, local artisans, and live performances. What sets this festival apart is its focus on sustainability, with many of the pumpkins being used for composting after the event. The town of St. Albans is known for its vibrant fall colors, which only enhance the charm of the pumpkin festival. It’s a perfect destination for those looking to combine stunning natural beauty with their pumpkin celebration. If you love Vermont’s charm, this festival is a must-see this fall.
Mount Vernon Pumpkin Festival – Virginia
The Mount Vernon Pumpkin Festival, held at George Washington’s historic estate, brings a unique twist to the pumpkin festival scene. First held in 2004, this event combines history with pumpkin-themed fun. Visitors can enjoy pumpkin decorating, face painting, and a tour of Washington’s beautiful estate. The setting makes this festival truly special, offering a chance to learn about history while enjoying fall festivities.
The festival also includes live entertainment, local food vendors, and a pumpkin patch for children to explore. What makes Mount Vernon’s festival stand out is its historical significance, as guests can wander through the same grounds that George Washington once did. This blend of history and harvest fun makes it a memorable experience for all who attend. It’s an event that offers both educational and festive opportunities for families. The Mount Vernon Pumpkin Festival is a fantastic fall event for history buffs and pumpkin lovers alike.
No matter where you are this fall, there is a pumpkin festival waiting to offer a memorable experience. From creative displays to family-friendly activities, these festivals bring communities together to celebrate the season.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.