About the Pumpkin Festival

What began in 1994 as a small harvest celebration has become Elk Grove’s largest family festival. The Elk Grove Giant Pumpkin Festival welcomes guests of all ages to Elk Grove Park over the first weekend in October each year. In 2012, 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 Elk Grove GIANT Pumpkin Festival 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 and 2012 by the subscribers of Elk Grove Online. In 2011, the Festival was included in Martha Stewart Living Magazine and the televised special called “Pumpkinpalooza" on the Weather Channel.

2013 Festival Theme... Coming Soon

We've got a theme for this year's festival and it includes pumpkins and scarecrows and fun...oh my! Stay tuned for the official theme announcement.

2013 Vendor Applications Now Available

Join the fun at this year’s festival and introduce your creations, products and services to an audience of 40,000. Food, crafter, children’s game booths and commercial vendor applications are now available. Apply before July 27 to avoid late fees.
Children's Activity Booth Applicaton
Vendor Application
Food Vendor Application

New Non-profit Opportunity!

In an effort to pump up the festival’s pumpkin food presence, the Festival has created a new opportunity for non-profits to partner with local restaurants to raise funds by selling pumpkin desserts. Contact our Food Vendor Coordinator at (916) 684-7550 x 109 or heathershortino@csdparks.com for more information on how to include your non-profit group in this year’s Pumpkin Dessert Pavilion.