Pull out your best orange sweater and prepare to celebrate all things pumpkin-related at the annual PumpkinFest taking place in the small town of Franklin (population: approximately 3,800) in a few short weeks. For one day only, the tiny town transforms into a pumpkin wonderland each fall with a festival that’s like a gateway to Halloween and Thanksgiving, all in one.
For starters, the streets in historic downtown Franklin, a beloved spot among tourists, will be closed to traffic and instead, will be filled with pumpkins, spice, and (you guessed it) everything nice.
Another kind of pumpkin roll where the winner gets bragging rights for the coming year (and a bill with Thomas Jefferson on the front)! This fun, family event is a can't miss for ringing in the holiday season in full-on charm.
There's a pumpkin pie eating contest, so bring an appetite — and a clean shirt — and good luck devouring a whole pie without stopping to savor all of that pumpkin goodness between bites.
Speaking of rides, don't let the day come to a close without a photo of the 1966 Batmobile replica that will make its way to Franklin just for the festival.
If you prefer your superheros to be from the future, then check out the Star Wars Landspeeder and enjoy meeting some costumed characters from the movies.
Franklin comes alive each year for this annual event that's been held, rain or shine, for the past 23 years. Have you ever attended? We'd love to know!
PumpkinFest transforms Franklin, North Carolina into a pumpkin wonderland each year on the third Saturday in October. This year’s event takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on October 19, 2019. For more information and a complete schedule of events, see the official website. You can also follow the Facebook page here!
For more ways to have the best autumn season ever, check out this fall foliage road trip through North Carolina!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.