As the leaves begin to change color and the air turns crisp, the quaint town of Circleville, Ohio, prepares to welcome visitors from near and far to its annual celebration of all things pumpkin.
The Circleville Pumpkin Festival, held each year in October, is a four-day extravaganza that attracts over 400,000 people. This lively festival offers a wide variety of family-friendly activities, from pumpkin-themed contests and exhibits to live music and delicious food.
Whether you’re a seasoned pumpkin enthusiast or simply looking for a fun fall outing, the Circleville Pumpkin Festival is sure to deliver. Read on to discover what makes this festival so special and why it’s worth a visit in 2024.
Circleville Pumpkin Festival 2024
Autumn’s grandest celebration returns to Ohio.
- 400,000+ annual visitors
- 4-day extravaganza of pumpkin festivities
- Giant pumpkin weigh-in and contest
- Live music and entertainment
- Delicious pumpkin-inspired food and drinks
- Family-friendly activities and attractions
- Unique pumpkin-themed exhibits and displays
Don’t miss the Circleville Pumpkin Festival in 2024 โ it’s the perfect fall getaway for all ages!
400,000+ annual visitors
The Circleville Pumpkin Festival attracts over 400,000 visitors each year, making it one of the largest pumpkin festivals in the United States. This massive turnout is a testament to the festival’s popularity and its ability to offer something for everyone.
Visitors come from all over the country and even the world to experience the festival’s unique blend of pumpkin-themed activities and entertainment. Whether they’re interested in seeing the giant pumpkins, enjoying the live music, or simply indulging in delicious pumpkin-inspired food, festivalgoers are sure to have a memorable time.
The festival’s large attendance also contributes to the local economy. In 2022, the festival generated an estimated $20 million in economic impact for the Circleville area. This money helps to support local businesses and organizations, making the festival a valuable asset to the community.
If you’re planning to attend the Circleville Pumpkin Festival in 2024, be sure to book your accommodations and transportation in advance. The festival is extremely popular, and hotels and campgrounds fill up quickly.
With its massive crowds and festive atmosphere, the Circleville Pumpkin Festival is a must-see event for anyone who loves autumn and all things pumpkin.
4-day extravaganza of pumpkin festivities
The Circleville Pumpkin Festival is a four-day extravaganza of pumpkin-themed activities and entertainment. Here are some of the highlights:
- Giant pumpkin weigh-in and contest: See who grew the biggest pumpkin this year. The current record is a whopping 2,528 pounds!
- Live music and entertainment: Enjoy performances by local and national musicians, as well as a variety of family-friendly shows.
- Delicious pumpkin-inspired food and drinks: From pumpkin pie and pumpkin soup to pumpkin beer and pumpkin ice cream, there’s something for every taste.
- Family-friendly activities and attractions: Kids will love the petting zoo, the pumpkin bounce house, and the pumpkin decorating contest. There are also plenty of games and rides for all ages.
And that’s just a taste of what the Circleville Pumpkin Festival has to offer! With four days of fun and festivities, there’s something for everyone at this annual celebration of all things pumpkin.
Giant pumpkin weigh-in and contest
The giant pumpkin weigh-in and contest is one of the most popular events at the Circleville Pumpkin Festival. It’s a chance for growers from all over the region to show off their biggest and best pumpkins.
The weigh-in takes place on the festival’s opening day. Growers bring their pumpkins to the festival grounds, where they are weighed on a certified scale. The pumpkin with the heaviest weight is declared the winner.
The current record for the heaviest pumpkin grown in Circleville is 2,528 pounds. This massive pumpkin was grown by a local farmer named Ron Wallace in 2021. Wallace’s pumpkin was so big that it had to be loaded onto a flatbed truck to be transported to the festival.
In addition to the weigh-in, there is also a contest for the most beautiful pumpkin. Judges look for pumpkins that are symmetrical, have a smooth skin, and are free of blemishes. The winner of the beauty contest receives a prize, and their pumpkin is displayed in a special exhibit at the festival.
Whether you’re a pumpkin grower or just a fan of giant pumpkins, the weigh-in and contest is a must-see event at the Circleville Pumpkin Festival.
Live music and entertainment
The Circleville Pumpkin Festival features a wide variety of live music and entertainment, from local and national musicians to family-friendly shows. Here are some of the highlights:
- Main Stage: The main stage is the festival’s largest venue, and it hosts a variety of musical acts, including rock, country, and pop bands. Past performers include The Beach Boys, REO Speedwagon, and ZZ Top.
- Acoustic Stage: The acoustic stage is a more intimate venue that features singer-songwriters and folk musicians. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy some live music while you take a break from the festival crowds.
- Family Stage: The family stage is dedicated to family-friendly entertainment, such as magic shows, puppet shows, and children’s concerts. It’s a great place to take the kids for a fun and educational experience.
- Street Performers: In addition to the scheduled entertainment, there are also a number of street performers who roam the festival grounds. These performers include jugglers, stilt walkers, and musicians. They’re a great way to add some extra fun and excitement to your festival experience.
With so much live music and entertainment to choose from, there’s something for everyone at the Circleville Pumpkin Festival.
Delicious pumpkin-inspired food and drinks
The Circleville Pumpkin Festival is a foodie’s paradise, with a wide variety of pumpkin-inspired food and drinks to choose from. Here are some of the highlights:
- Pumpkin pie: No pumpkin festival would be complete without pumpkin pie. This classic dessert is made with a creamy pumpkin filling and a flaky crust. It’s the perfect way to end a meal or enjoy a sweet treat on the go.
- Pumpkin soup: Pumpkin soup is a hearty and flavorful soup that’s perfect for a fall day. It’s made with pumpkin puree, broth, and spices. It can be served with a variety of toppings, such as croutons, bacon, or sour cream.
- Pumpkin beer: Pumpkin beer is a seasonal beer that’s brewed with pumpkin puree and spices. It has a sweet and malty flavor with a hint of pumpkin spice. It’s the perfect drink to enjoy at a fall festival.
- Pumpkin ice cream: Pumpkin ice cream is a delicious and refreshing treat that’s perfect for a hot day. It’s made with pumpkin puree, milk, sugar, and spices. It can be served with a variety of toppings, such as whipped cream, caramel sauce, or nuts.
These are just a few of the many pumpkin-inspired food and drinks that you can find at the Circleville Pumpkin Festival. With so many delicious options to choose from, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your cravings.
Family-friendly activities and attractions
The Circleville Pumpkin Festival is a great place to bring the whole family. There are plenty of activities and attractions for kids of all ages, including:
- Petting zoo: The petting zoo is a popular attraction for kids, where they can get up close and personal with a variety of farm animals, such as goats, sheep, pigs, and chickens.
- Pumpkin bounce house: The pumpkin bounce house is a giant inflatable bounce house that’s shaped like a pumpkin. It’s a great place for kids to burn off some energy and have some fun.
- Pumpkin decorating contest: The pumpkin decorating contest is a fun and creative activity for kids of all ages. Kids can decorate their pumpkins however they want, and the best ones are awarded prizes.
- Games and rides: There are also a variety of games and rides for kids to enjoy, such as face painting, balloon animals, and pony rides.
With so many fun and exciting activities to choose from, kids of all ages are sure to have a blast at the Circleville Pumpkin Festival.
Unique pumpkin-themed exhibits and displays
The Circleville Pumpkin Festival is home to a variety of unique pumpkin-themed exhibits and displays, including:
- Giant pumpkin display: See some of the largest pumpkins in the world at the giant pumpkin display. These massive pumpkins weigh hundreds of pounds and are a sight to behold.
- Pumpkin carving contest: The pumpkin carving contest is a popular event where artists from all over the region compete to create the most creative and impressive pumpkin carvings.
- Pumpkin art exhibit: The pumpkin art exhibit features a variety of pumpkin-themed artwork, from paintings and sculptures to jewelry and clothing.
- Pumpkin history exhibit: The pumpkin history exhibit tells the story of the pumpkin, from its origins in the Americas to its role in modern culture.
These are just a few of the many unique pumpkin-themed exhibits and displays that you can find at the Circleville Pumpkin Festival. With so much to see and do, you’re sure to have a fun and educational experience.
FAQ
Have questions about the Circleville Pumpkin Festival 2024? Here are some frequently asked questions and answers:
Question 1: When and where is the festival held?
Answer 1: The Circleville Pumpkin Festival is held annually in Circleville, Ohio. The 2024 festival will take place from October 17th to October 20th.
Question 2: How much does it cost to attend the festival?
Answer 2: Admission to the festival is free. However, there is a charge for some activities and attractions, such as the petting zoo and the pumpkin bounce house.
Question 3: What are the festival hours?
Answer 3: The festival hours are 9am to 9pm on Thursday and Friday, and 9am to 6pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Question 4: What are some of the festival highlights?
Answer 4: Some of the festival highlights include the giant pumpkin weigh-in and contest, the live music and entertainment, the delicious pumpkin-inspired food and drinks, and the family-friendly activities and attractions.
Question 5: Where can I park?
Answer 5: There are several parking lots available near the festival grounds. Parking is free.
Question 6: Are pets allowed at the festival?
Answer 6: Pets are not allowed at the festival, with the exception of service animals.
Question 7: Can I bring my own food and drinks?
Answer 7: Outside food and drinks are not allowed at the festival. However, there are plenty of food and drink vendors on site.
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We hope this FAQ has answered your questions about the Circleville Pumpkin Festival 2024. If you have any other questions, please visit the festival’s official website or contact the festival organizers.
Now that you know all about the festival, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your visit:
Tips
Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your visit to the Circleville Pumpkin Festival 2024:
Tip 1: Arrive early. The festival gets crowded, especially on the weekends. If you want to avoid the crowds, arrive early in the day.
Tip 2: Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be doing a lot of walking at the festival, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
Tip 3: Bring cash. Some vendors at the festival only accept cash. It’s a good idea to bring some cash with you, just in case.
Tip 4: Stay hydrated. It’s important to stay hydrated, especially on a hot day. There are plenty of water fountains and vendors selling drinks at the festival.
Tip 5: Take breaks. If you start to feel overwhelmed, take a break and rest for a while. There are plenty of places to sit down and relax at the festival.
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By following these tips, you can make sure that you have a fun and enjoyable experience at the Circleville Pumpkin Festival 2024.
Now that you know all about the festival and how to make the most of your visit, it’s time to start planning your trip. We hope to see you at the Circleville Pumpkin Festival 2024!
Conclusion
The Circleville Pumpkin Festival 2024 is shaping up to be a memorable event. With its giant pumpkin weigh-in and contest, live music and entertainment, delicious pumpkin-inspired food and drinks, family-friendly activities and attractions, and unique pumpkin-themed exhibits and displays, there’s something for everyone at this annual celebration of all things pumpkin.
Whether you’re a pumpkin enthusiast or just looking for a fun fall outing, the Circleville Pumpkin Festival is sure to deliver. So mark your calendars for October 17th to 20th, 2024, and start planning your trip to Circleville, Ohio.
We hope to see you there!