UNIVERSITY PARK — As autumn settles across Happy Valley, hundreds of glowing jack-o’-lanterns will once again transform The Arboretum at Penn State into a celebration of creativity, community and the magic of the season during Pumpkin Fest .
The fun kicks off on Sunday, Oct. 11, when the Arboretum will give away nearly 1,000 pumpkins for community members to decorate and return for the festival’s signature jack-o’-lantern contest display.
Then, on Friday, Oct. 16, and Saturday, Oct. 17, Pumpkin Fest fills the Arboretum with two days of family-friendly activities, live music, seasonal food and crafts.
Now in its 15th year, the festival has grown into an annual tradition for the whole community to celebrate the autumn season, said Adrienne Eichenlaub, the Arboretum’s events and rentals manager.
“We love to be able to offer this family-friendly event, where families and friends come out year after year to explore the jack-o’-lantern display, grab a bite to eat at one of our local food vendors and make memories with loved ones,” Eichenlaub said. “It truly is a magical experience to see the Arboretum aglow with the creative jack-o’-lanterns designed by community members of all ages,”
The festival will begin Friday evening with live music and food vendors, along with a fee-based, no-carve pumpkin decorating station.
Saturday will offer a full day of activities, including story time, puppet shows, children’s activities, roving entertainment, local vendors, live pumpkin carving and music. Visitors also can explore the jack-o’-lantern displays during designated quiet hours from 10 a.m. to noon, providing an opportunity for young children and visitors with sensory sensitivities to experience the festival with fewer crowds and less noise.
Local live music will fill the Arboretum throughout the weekend, with 91 Stitches performing Friday evening and Astral Shakedown taking the stage Saturday evening. Visitors can also watch professional pumpkin carving by The Pittsburgh Pumpkin Guy on Saturday.
From 4 to 8 p.m. on both days, the 21+ Pumpkin Patch will offer an adults-only experience featuring beverages from Boal City Brewing and University Wine Company and yard games. Pre-register to secure a Pumpkin Fest commemorative cup that will be included with the first 300 entries into the 21+ Pumpkin Patch.
Jack-o’-lantern Contest
For many Pumpkin Fest visitors, the glowing jack-o’-lantern display is the centerpiece of the celebration. Community members can participate in the annual contest by carving their own pumpkins for display during the festival.
Community members may choose to enter a jack-o’-lantern from a pumpkin they purchased or grew on their own, or individuals can pick up a free pumpkin for the contest from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 11, at the Arboretum, while supplies last.
Groups pre-registered for pumpkins will have a separate pickup period.
Carved jack-o’-lanterns must be returned to the Arboretum during designated drop-off times on Thursday, Oct. 15, or Friday, Oct. 16.
As in previous years, jack-o’-lanterns will be judged by age group in the categories of best in show, Arboretum-themed, pop culture-themed and Penn State-themed.
Rules and additional details are listed on the Arboretum website.
Contest winners will be announced at noon Saturday.
Parking during the festival on Oct. 17 and 18 and admission to Pumpkin Fest 2026 are free thanks to community donations, the Arboretum’s endowments and grant funds from the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau.
