The Arboretum at Penn State’s annual fall festival returns this month with expanded hours and new activities to enjoy.
Pumpkin Fest is set for 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18, and from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19.
Prior to that, the Arboretum will hold its annual pumpkin giveaway from 1 to 5 p.m. (or until supplies run out) on Sunday, Oct. 13, for anyone who wants to participate in the festival’s jack-o’-lantern carving contest. Visitors also can submit their own pumpkins to the contest. Carved jack-o’-lanterns must be brought to the Arboretum between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 18.
New events at this year’s festival will include:
- 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, along with a fee of $5 per participant.
- A giant pumpkin on the Conservatory Terrace for selfies and a “guess the weight” contest, with the winner receiving a pumpkin-themed gift basket.
- A floating light display decorating the Oasis Garden and Pond.
- Quiet hours from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday for those who wants to enjoy the jack-o’-lantern displays without the crowds and noise.
- “The Pittsburgh Pumpkin Guy” demonstrating professional pumpkin-carving skills from 4 to 8 p.m. on Saturday on the Conservatory Terrace.
A wider selection of food trucks also will be on hand and the festival will have more covered seating.
Live music will once again be part of the fun, with Twin Reverb on Friday evening, Western Range on Saturday evening and Picker and Papa strolling the grounds on Saturday afternoon.
“We’re hoping our guests will stroll and stay awhile,” Adrienne Eichenlaub, the Arboretum’s events and sales manager, said in a press release. “Our goal is to make this community-favorite event welcoming and enjoyable for all.”
Other festival 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.
Admission and parking will be free.
“[Pumpkin Fest] unites the Penn State community with Centre County and well beyond,” Arboretum Director Casey Sclar said. “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.”
