When: Friday, October 16–Saturday, October 17, 2026
Where: The Arboretum at Penn State
Celebrate the season with us at Pumpkin Fest 2026!
This annual family-friendly event is filled with autumn magic, dazzling jack-o’-lantern displays, contests, and live music. Savor seasonal bites from local food truck favorites and explore a variety of crafts and activities designed for all ages. It’s a perfect way to welcome fall with the whole family!
Jack-o’-Lantern Contest
The jack-o’-lantern contest is a fan-favorite at Pumpkin Fest! The Arboretum gives away pumpkins to community members for participation in the contest. Returned jack-o’-lanterns are displayed during Pumpkin Fest and awards are given for various themes and age groups.
To participate in the contest, follow these rules and pre-festival activities:
Pumpkin Fest Schedule of Events
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 4:00–8:00 p.m. | The 21+ Pumpkin Patch ($10 to enter) Available for individuals at least 21 years old, The 21+ Pumpkin Patch will feature beverages for sale from Boal City Brewing and University Wine Company. |
| 5:00–7:00 p.m. | Pumpkin Decorating ($10 per pumpkin) Reserve a spot at 5:00 or 5:45 p.m. or join the walk-up session at 6:30 p.m. (first come, first served, while supplies last) |
| 5:00–8:00 p.m. | Music by 91 Stitches |
| 5:00–9:00 p.m. | Food Trucks and Food Vendors on the North Lawn
|
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 10:00–11:00 a.m. | Story Time Settle in for story time at 10:00 a.m. or 10:30 a.m.! Join a member of the Schlow Centre Region Library Children’s Team as we share stories, songs, rhymes, and movement centered around fun fall themes. Recommended for ages 2-6. |
| 10:00 a.m.–noon | Quiet Hours and Daylight Strolling This is an ideal time for visitors with young children or those with sensory issues to enjoy the jack-o’-lantern displays without all the festival noise and crowds. |
| 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. | Chestnut Husking with The American Chestnut Foundation This activity will take place by the Bee Observation Hive. |
| 11:00 a.m.–noon | Puppet Show with Adam Swartz Puppets |
| Noon | Contest Winners Announced |
| Noon–9:00 p.m. | Food Trucks and Food Vendors on the North Lawn
|
| 1:00–5:00 p.m. | Roving Magic and Jokes with Charlie the Jester |
| 2:00–3:00 p.m. | Puppet Show with Adam Swartz Puppets |
| 2:00–6:00 p.m. |
Vendors Family friendly exhibits by local program partners on the Esplanade. (List of vendors coming soon!) |
| 4:00–7:00 p.m. | Children’s Activities Activities will be held in the Childhood’s Gate Children’s Garden, Poplar Court, Pollinator and Bird Garden, and the Event Lawn.
|
| 4:00–8:00 p.m. | Live Pumpkin Carving by The Pittsburgh Pumpkin Guy
The 21+ Pumpkin Patch ($10 to enter) |
| 5:00–8:00 p.m. |
Music by Astral Shakedown |
Post-Festival
There is no festival programming on Sunday. Jack-o’-lantern contest participants can pick up their carved pumpkins.
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. | Jack-o’-Lantern Pick Up Pick up your carved jack-o’-lanterns. Unclaimed pumpkins will be composted starting at 2:05 p.m. |
