It’s official. Fall is here and it’s time to embrace that autumnal spirit! There’s one town in Northern California that really goes all out with the new season’s arrival by transforming into a giant pumpkin wonderland. Every year, Elk Grove throws the Giant Pumpkin Festival, and it’s “giant” in every sense of the word. Featuring some of the largest pumpkins you’ve ever seen, this festival draws out thousands of people each and every year. The festival consumes the entire town and it’s become one of the area’s most highly anticipated events. Join in on the festivities and be sure to plan a visit to Elk Grove soon. Giant pumpkins await!
Embrace the new season and be sure to clear your calendars for the annual Elk Grove Giant Pumpkin Festival. During this event, the entire town seems to transform into a pumpkin-y wonderland and it's simply too charming to resist.
This epic festival is in its 25th year. It all began in 1994 as a small harvest celebration, and over the decades it's grown into Elk Grove's largest family festival. Each year it brings out an estimated total of 50,000 people!
The festival is held during the first weekend in October, so this year it will take place October 5 and 6 in Elk Grove Park. The two-day celebration will be comprised of contests, entertainment, kids attractions, and tons upon tons of pumpkins.
As the name implies, the festival puts a special emphasis on giant pumpkins. In fact, the giant pumpkin and produce contest is one of the festival's main highlights. Pumpkin growers from all over California show up with their biggest and heaviest pumpkins, all with their eyes on the top prize.
These pumpkins are far from the ones you're used to seeing. Many of them weigh at at nearly a ton. During the contest, the monstrous pumpkins are moved onto a scale with a forklift as the crowd cheers in anticipation. Pumpkin grower's win cash prizes for the heaviest gourds.
Another highly anticipated feature of the festival is the Pumpkin Regatta, in which courageous participants race each other in giant pumpkin boats. And yes, it's just as wacky as it sounds. Registration for this event is free, and anybody over 18 and with access to a giant pumpkin is allowed to participate.
The celebration is an utter blast for the whole family. Kids will especially love all of the rides and activities which the festival has to offer, including a pumpkin train, petting zoo, pumpkin patch, and carnival rides.
Additionally, the Giant Pumpkin Festival also boasts a Pumpkin Food Court, Pumpkin Village, and Pumpkin Gift Shop. When it comes to pumpkins, it's evident Elk Grove means business! Come celebrate these bodacious gourds and be sure to attend this year's festivities.
