UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Arboretum at Penn State’s annual fall festival kicks off this month with expanded hours and new offerings, including a live professional pumpkin-carving demonstration and special quiet hours.
Pumpkin Fest 2024 will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18, and from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19. The Arboretum’s annual Pumpkin Giveaway, where anyone who wants to participate in the festival’s jack-o’-lantern carving contest can pick up a free pumpkin, will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 13, or until supplies run out.
“Pumpkin Fest truly brings out all things gourd-geous!" said Casey Sclar, the H.O. Smith Endowed Director of the Arboretum. “It unites the Penn State community with Centre County and well beyond. Hundreds of volunteers and Penn State team members are dedicating their time to the artistry, agricultural heritage, culinary delight, and family friendly events that make Pumpkin Fest one of largest festivals of its kind in the state. The best part is it’s all free to our visitors.”
In addition to old favorites like the jack-o’-lantern carving contest and live music, new activities this year include:
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A no-carve pumpkin decorating activity for kids Friday from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in the Children’s Garden. Space is limited and registration is required. There is a fee of $5 per participant.
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Festivalgoers can take selfies with a giant pumpkin on the Conservatory Terrace and take part in a “Guess the weight of the giant pumpkin” contest. The winner will receive a pumpkin-themed gift basket.
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A floating light display will decorate the Oasis Garden and Pond.
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On Saturday, quiet hours from 10 a.m. to noon will be offered for visitors with young children or anyone who wants to enjoy the jack-o'-lantern displays without the festival noise and crowds.
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“The Pittsburgh Pumpkin Guy” will demonstrate his professional pumpkin-carving skills on Saturday from 4 to 8 p.m. on the Conservatory Terrace.
There will be an expanded selection of food truck options this year with additional covered seating, said Adrienne Eichenlaub, the Arboretum’s events and sales manager.
“We’re hoping our guests will stroll and stay awhile,” Eichenlaub said. “Our goal is to make this community-favorite event welcoming and enjoyable for all.”
Other activities include Storytime with Schlow Library, puppet shows, and tables and activities from organizations including Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center, Centre Wildlife Care, the Penn State Student Farm, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Penn State Sustainability, the Center for Pollinator Research, and Happy Valley Adventure Bureau. Musicians at the festival will include Twin Reverb on Friday evening, Western Range on Saturday evening, and Picker and Papa strolling the grounds on Saturday afternoon.
Pumpkin Giveaway and Contest
The Pumpkin Giveaway will take place from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 13, or until supplies run out. Pre-registered groups can pick up their pumpkins from 10 a.m. to noon only.
Visitors also can submit their own pumpkins to the contest. Anyone who wishes to enter a carved jack-o'-lantern must bring it to the Arboretum between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 18.
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. Winners of the jack-o’-lantern carving contest will be announced at 1 p.m. Saturday.
After the festival, contest participants who wish to pick up their jack-o’-lanterns can do so on Sunday, Oct. 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Unclaimed pumpkins will be composted starting at 2:05 p.m.
Admission and parking to Pumpkin Fest 2024 are free thanks to community donations, the Arboretum’s endowments, and grant funds from the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau.