One weekend every fall, the Arboretum at Penn State glows orange with creatively carved jack-o’-lanterns as the community comes together to celebrate the season during Pumpkin Fest.
Featuring food vendors, live music, crafts, children’s activities and more, Pumpkin Fest 2025 will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 17, and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18.
The event has grown into a tradition for the whole community over the past 14 years, said Adrienne Eichenlaub, the Arboretum’s events and rentals manager.
“It captures the essence of fall in such a joyful and creative way,” Eichenlaub said. “Families and friends come out year after year to experience the glowing jack-o-lantern displays, decorate their own pumpkin, grab a bite to eat at one of our local food vendors and make memories with loved ones. There’s a real sense of community and celebration that people connect with. It’s a time when everyone — young and old — can slow down and enjoy the magic of the season together.”
With expanded hours and more food and beverage options, Eichenlaub said this year’s Pumpkin Fest looks to be more immersive and inclusive for all.
Event highlights include:
- A no-carve pumpkin decorating activity on Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. will give participants the opportunity to express their creativity with stickers, quick-dry paint, ribbon and other low-mess materials.
- New this year for adults ages 21 and over, The 21+ Pumpkin Patch will feature adult beverages from University Wine Company and Boal City Brewing.
- 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.
- Adam Swartz Puppets will put on shows Saturday from 11 a.m. to noon and from 2 to 3 p.m.
- “The Pittsburgh Pumpkin Guy” will demonstrate his professional pumpkin-carving skills on Saturday from 4 to 8 p.m. on the Conservatory Terrace.
On Saturday, the event will also feature a story time hour, balloon animals with Charlie the Jester and tables and activities from organizations including Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center, the Dr. Keiko Miwa Ross Student Farm at Penn State, Hermann Lab – Arthropod Ecology and Trophic Interactions, Penn State Sustainability, the Center for Pollinator Research and the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau.
Children’s activities will be held at the Childhood’s Gate Children’s Garden, Poplar Court and Event Lawn from 4 to 7 p.m.
Musicians at the festival include 91 Stiches on Friday evening, Western Range on Saturday evening and Picker & Papa strolling the grounds on Saturday afternoon.
“Pumpkin Fest really brings to life what the Arboretum stands for — a place of beauty and renewal, a venue for the arts and a pathway to discovery and enrichment,” said Eichenlaub. “It transforms the natural landscape into a canvas of creativity, showing how the Arboretum is more than just a living museum — it’s a space where people come to relax, explore and learn together. Events like this highlight the interconnectedness of nature and community.”
Pumpkin Carving Contest
While a pumpkin giveaway occurred on Sunday, visitors also can submit their own pumpkins to the annual jack-o’-lantern contest. Anyone who wishes to enter a carved jack-o’-lantern must bring it to the Arboretum between 4 and 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 16 or 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 17.
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 contest will be announced at noon on Saturday.
Parking and admission to Pumpkin Fest 2025 are free thanks to community donations, the Arboretum’s endowments and grant funds from the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau.
