Celebrate the Spirit of Fall at These 22 U.S. Pumpkin Festival Hotspots
As soon as the crisp fall air rolls in, there’s one thing on every autumn lover’s mind—pumpkin festivals.
From pumpkin patches to pumpkin carving contests, and even massive pumpkin weigh-offs, the U.S. is home to some of the best fall celebrations you’ll find.
Whether you’re looking for family-friendly activities, festive parades, or just want to savor all things pumpkin-flavored, these 22 U.S. regions offer the most exciting and vibrant pumpkin festivals around.
Let’s explore the ultimate destinations to embrace fall and celebrate pumpkin season.
1. New England (Massachusetts, Vermont, Maine)
New England is a fall lover’s paradise, and its pumpkin festivals are no exception.
The Topsfield Fair in Massachusetts hosts a giant pumpkin weigh-off, while Vermont’s Pumpkin Chuckin’ Festival adds a quirky twist.
New England’s stunning fall foliage only adds to the charm of these celebrations.
2. Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
Lancaster County’s Pumpkin Madness Festival is a must-see for fall enthusiasts.
This region’s festivals feature everything from pumpkin smashing contests to corn mazes.
Its farm-centric festivities offer a perfect blend of traditional harvest fun and modern entertainment.
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3. Hudson Valley, New York
The Hudson Valley’s Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze is a fall spectacle like no other.
Thousands of hand-carved pumpkins light up the night, creating a magical atmosphere.
With live pumpkin carving demonstrations and artistic pumpkin displays, this festival is a visual masterpiece.
4. Louisville, Kentucky
Louisville hosts the Jack O’Lantern Spectacular, where over 5,000 carved pumpkins create a glowing, nighttime wonderland.
The display winds through a forest, making it feel like a journey through autumn magic.
Live music and themed pumpkins add to the festive spirit.
5. Morton, Illinois (Pumpkin Capital of the World)
Morton, Illinois, is famously known as the Pumpkin Capital of the World, and its Pumpkin Festival is a big deal.
Expect parades, pie-eating contests, and pumpkin-flavored everything.
This small town goes all out to celebrate its love of pumpkins.
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6. Circleville, Ohio
Circleville Pumpkin Show is one of the oldest and largest pumpkin festivals in the U.S.
With giant pumpkin weigh-ins, pie baking contests, and parades, this event brings fall fun to life.
It’s a true celebration of all things pumpkin, complete with a family-friendly atmosphere.
7. Half Moon Bay, California
Half Moon Bay, known as the “World Pumpkin Capital,” hosts an annual Art & Pumpkin Festival.
Giant pumpkins take center stage, but you’ll also find an impressive array of pumpkin carvings, crafts, and live music.
It’s the perfect blend of West Coast charm and fall festivities.
8. Keene, New Hampshire
The Keene Pumpkin Festival is known for breaking world records with the number of lit jack-o’-lanterns on display.
The town transforms into a glowing sea of pumpkins, creating a magical fall experience.
With food, music, and games, Keene’s festival is a fall tradition worth experiencing.
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9. Dallas, Texas
Autumn at the Arboretum in Dallas showcases an incredible pumpkin village made entirely of gourds.
The Texas-sized displays are a visual feast, with thousands of pumpkins creating intricate designs and sculptures.
This festival also features seasonal flowers and family-friendly activities.
10. Cedarburg, Wisconsin
Cedarburg’s Pumpkin Walk is a quaint, small-town festival with big autumn energy.
Carved pumpkins line the streets, and the town comes alive with hayrides, pumpkin bowling, and seasonal treats.
It’s a charming way to experience Wisconsin’s fall season.
11. Shepherdstown, West Virginia
Shepherdstown’s BooFest blends pumpkin fun with spooky Halloween thrills.
From pumpkin decorating contests to ghost tours, this town offers a unique way to enjoy fall festivities.
It’s perfect for those looking to mix fall charm with a hint of eerie fun.
12. Snohomish, Washington
The Snohomish Pumpkin Hurl & Medieval Faire is a festival unlike any other.
Expect to see catapults launching pumpkins through the air, alongside medieval costumes and jousting events.
It’s a quirky, action-packed way to enjoy the fall season.
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13. Blairsville, Georgia
The Blairsville Sorghum Festival may focus on sorghum syrup, but pumpkins play a key role too.
Giant pumpkin carvings, fall foods, and local crafts make this a delightful Southern fall celebration.
The mountain backdrop only adds to the charm.
14. Floyd, Virginia
Floyd’s Pumpkin Festival is a laid-back fall event with plenty of pumpkin-themed activities.
From pumpkin carving contests to pie-baking competitions, this festival celebrates the harvest in style.
The small-town vibe makes it a relaxing, family-friendly experience.
15. Stowe, Vermont
Stowe’s Vermont Pumpkin Chuckin’ Festival is all about launching pumpkins as far as possible using homemade catapults.
It’s a fun, competitive way to celebrate fall while enjoying the stunning Vermont scenery.
The festival also includes pumpkin carving and plenty of local food.
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16. Damariscotta, Maine
Damariscotta’s Pumpkinfest & Regatta is one of the most unique fall events in the country.
Here, giant pumpkins are hollowed out and turned into boats for a thrilling pumpkin boat race.
With parades, pumpkin carving, and boat races, it’s a one-of-a-kind festival.
17. Woodstock, Illinois
Woodstock’s HarvestFest combines fall farm fun with a traditional pumpkin festival.
You’ll find hayrides, pumpkin patches, and scarecrow contests in this charming town.
Woodstock’s rich history adds to the allure of this festive fall celebration.
18. Birmingham, Alabama
Birmingham’s Great Pumpkin Patch Festival offers an autumn wonderland full of family activities.
From pumpkin picking to hayrides and seasonal games, this festival is a perfect fall escape in the South.
The festival’s farm setting provides a scenic backdrop for the festivities.
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19. Carbondale, Colorado
Carbondale’s Mountain Harvest Festival celebrates fall with a focus on pumpkins, local harvests, and live music.
The Pumpkin Patch Express is a highlight for families, offering a fun train ride to pick pumpkins.
This mountain town’s celebration is as picturesque as it is festive.
20. Clayton, North Carolina
Clayton’s Harvest Festival is a pumpkin-filled celebration of fall.
The festival features pumpkin carving, a tractor pull, and a family-friendly carnival.
It’s a delightful mix of classic fall activities in a welcoming Southern town.
21. Tulsa, Oklahoma
Tulsa’s Pumpkin Festival offers everything from corn mazes to hayrides, with plenty of pumpkins to go around.
This festival is ideal for families looking for a fun, festive fall day out.
The wide variety of activities makes it a perfect autumn destination.
22. Sykesville, Maryland
Sykesville’s Fall Festival offers a small-town celebration of pumpkins and all things fall.
From pumpkin painting to scarecrow making, this festival brings autumn traditions to life.
It’s a charming, local event perfect for a cozy fall experience.
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