Pumpkin Fest 2024: A Fall Celebration at the Arboretum

As the air turns crisp and the leaves change colors, the Arboretum at H.O. Smith Botanic Gardens is set to host Pumpkin Fest. This fall festival, running from Friday, Oct. 18 to Saturday, Oct. 19, promises a lively mix of activities, pumpkin-themed fun, and community spirit.

Friday, Oct. 18: Evening Festivities

• 10 a.m.– 5 p.m.: Submit your best-carved jack-o’-lantern for judging.

• 6 p.m.–9 p.m.: Food trucks, vendors, and jack-o’-lantern judging will take place.

• 5 p.m.–8 p.m.: Enjoy live music from Twin Reverb.

Saturday, Oct. 19: A Full Day of Family Fun

• 10 a.m–11 a.m.: Story Time with Schlow Library

• 10 a.m.–Noon: Quiet Hours and Daylight Strolling

• 11 a.m.–Noon: Puppet Show with Adam Swartz Puppets

• 1 p.m.: Contest Winners Announced

• 1 p.m.–6 p.m.: Children’s Activities

• 1 p.m.–9 p.m.: Music, Food, and Vendors

• 2 pm–3 p.m.: Puppet Show with Adam Swartz Puppets (Encore performance)

• 4 pm–8 p.m.: Live Pumpkin Carving by the Pittsburgh Pumpkin Guy
  
  

Sunday, Oct. 20: Post-Festival Activity

• Sunday, Oct. 20, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.: Jack-o'-Lantern Pickup
  Participants can collect their jack-o’-lanterns during this time. Any pumpkins left unclaimed after 2:05 p.m. will be composted.

Thanks to community donations, the Arboretum's endowments, and grant support from the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau, admission and parking for Pumpkin Fest 2024 are free of charge.

Annelise Hanson is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism To contact her, email amh8563@psu.edu.