About the Pumpkin Festival

What began in 1994 as a small harvest celebration has become Elk Grove’s largest family festival. The CSD Giant Pumpkin Festival of Elk Grove welcomes guests of all ages to Elk Grove Park over the first weekend in October each year. In 2011, the Festival attracted an estimated 40,000 guests.

Some of California's heftiest pumpkins weigh off at the Festival. In fact, it's been the site setting the new California state record for three years straight. But the Festival is so much more than just portly produce. Other attractions include a scarecrow contest, pumpkin boat race, recipe contest, shopping, lots of kids activities, and two stages of family entertainment.

The CSD GIANT Pumpkin Festival of Elk Grove has received numerous awards. Besides repeated recognition by the California Park and Recreation Society (CPRS) for its marketing campaign and economic impact, the Festival was voted Elk Grove’s Best Festival in 2010 by Elk Grove Online and Elk Grove Monthly magazine. In 2011, the Festival was included in Martha Stewart Living Magazine and the televised special called “Pumpkinpalooza" on the Weather Channel.

Pumpkin Growers Forum

Come learn and share in the art of growing GIANT Pumpkins from the world’s best growers. Meeting includes guest speaker, catered lunch, seed swap, seed auction and raffle.

 Growers Forum Information and Registration Form