Pumpkin Festival Returns to the Arboretum

The Arboretum at Penn State will host its annual Pumpkin Festival Oct. 15-16, featuring a pumpkin-carving contest, lighted jack-o’-lantern display, live music, activities and food vendors.

To kick things off, a pumpkin giveaway for those interested in participating in the contest will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday. About 1,000 pumpkins will be available while supplies last, but entrants are also welcome to use their own.

Jack-o’-lanterns can be registered for the contest from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 15 at the H.O. Smith Botanic Gardens’ Overlook Pavilion.

During the day on Oct. 15 and 16, the public can explore seasonal displays throughout the gardens, including fall-themed planters and groupings of varied gourds, one of which is a towering, tiered arrangement at the pavilion.

Hundreds of lighted jack-o’-lanterns will be on display until 9 p.m. and food vendors will be on site both nights.

Oct. 15 will feature live music by Lilting Banshee, a trio playing traditional Celtic songs from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

From 3 to 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 16, attendees can enjoy a magician, strolling musicians and activities. Western Range will perform Texas swing, honky-tonk and rockabilly from 5 to 8:30 p.m.

A judging panel will award ribbons for the top three jack-o’-lanterns in each of seven entry categories as well as for best in show, best Arboretum theme, best Penn State theme and best pop culture theme. Winners will be announced on Oct. 16.

See contest rules and the festival schedule here.

For more festivities around the area, check out our Fall Festival and Halloween Guide.

Admission to the festival is free. Festival-goers are encouraged to bring flashlights for evening events.