One of America’s Most Iconic Festivals Returns...Pumpkin Festival Marks 53 Epic Years!
53rd Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival, October 18-19
Pumped Up Pumpkin Mecca Gears Up For Half Moon Bay’s World-Famous Celebration of the Great and Almighty Gourd, Plus Godzilla Gourds Rock the Scales at the 51st Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off, October 14, The Super Bowl of Weigh-Offs, Top Prize of $9/Pound and $30k World Record Prize; Defending Champion and World Record Holder Travis Gienger Returning With Another World Record Threat; Unveiling of Half Moon Bay's Weigh-Off Wall of Fame Mural and Plaque Installation
Half Moon Bay’s Beloved and World-famous Autumn Classic Celebrates 53 Years of Epicness!
No matter what’s happening around us, one lovely constant endures at this time of year – the Coastside’s wondrous and highly-anticipated autumn season is upon us and on the picturesque coast around the World Pumpkin Capital of Half Moon Bay, it’s always stunningly spectacular. The dazzling journey is its own reward … the breathtaking views of seaside farm country dotted with vast, rolling fields of orange, scarecrows, barns, and pick-your-own pumpkin patches. It's the perfect time of year and the perfect place to celebrate the simple beauty and bounty of the fall season and Half Moon Bay does it like nobody else. The world-famous Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival is the season’s signature event, drawing hordes of visitors to the “World Pumpkin Capital” for an epic festival on historic Main Street. This year’s highly-anticipated 52nd annual festival will be held on October 18-19 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.
Massive, mind-boggling, Volkswagen-sized weigh-off champion pumpkins on display, the mesmerizing and remarkably talented “Picasso of pumpkin carvers” sculpting and shaping monster pumpkins into one-of-a-kind masterpieces, boo-tiful harvest-inspired crafts by America’s top artists, the Sunday-only “Made on the Coast” Locals’ Block featuring fine art and live music, fabulously festive food and drink, the richest/creamiest/tastiest pumpkin pie on the planet, four stages of blockbuster entertainment, everyone’s favorite home-spun parade, the Xfinity Take 5 Lounge with giant screen TV, ultra-thrilling bungee jumping and waterballerz, enchanting events and contests for the whole family, selfies and fun with the delightfully rotund, playful and mischievious Pumpkin Festival mascot “Gourdy”, the never-ending search for the Great Pumpkin, and a bumper crop of 3,000+ tons of the beloved orange orb waiting to be picked from one of the many rustic pumpkin patches around town are among the extraordinary, not-to-be forgotten attractions. read more...
Special Flourishes
Special flourishes include the EveryBodyCanPaint Collaborative Art Temple with the Harvest-theme “What Do YOU Want to Cultivate and Grow?", the Dancepark DJ Collective, one-of-a-kind Pacific Art Car, a big Swag City merch tent with a wide selection of limited edition festival gear, a beautifully designed Family Nursery, Rest Spot and Changing Lounge from Canvas Occasions, plus the unveiling of a spectacular Weigh-Off Wall of Fame Mural and Plaque Installation to honor the remarkable story of the now world-famous Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off on the south wall of the historic Cunha Market ... join us in the World Pumpkin Capital as we pay homage to the Great and Almighty Gourd Gourd!
52nd Annual Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off Kicks Things Off, Monday October 13: Coveted Title and $30k World Record Mega-Prize at Stake – Defending Champion and World Record Holder Travis Gienger Returning with Another World Record Threat
The excitement is building in Pumpkintown as the Big Week kicks off with the Super Bowl of weigh-offs with the World’s Greatest Gourd Growers and their Goliath, mind-bending, Rhinoceros-sized orange orbs hope to squash the world record (set at 2023 Half Moon Bay weigh-off!) on Monday, October 13 at the 52nd Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off—the Super Bowl of weigh-offs—in the World Pumpkin Capital of Half Moon Bay, California. Using a pay-by-the-pound system, the world’s biggest top prize of $9/pound will be awarded to the weigh-off champion thanks to title sponsor, Safeway. The winner will also receive the Pumpkin King Champions Ring and coveted Mel Mello Sr. Grand Champion Growers Jacket. Also at stake are thousands of dollars in super hefty prize money doled out to the top 20 plus the big carrot: a $30,000 total mega-prize for a new world record pumpkin entered at Half Moon Bay.
Travis Gienger set a new world record with his mind-blowing 2,749-pound Rhino-Gourd in dominating last year's 50th Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off in Half Moon Bay. The immense girth of Gienger's beast required organizers to purchase a new scale to accomodate its enormity. Gienger, now established as pumpkin grower GOAT, and his 2023 world record pumpkin named Michael Jordan, another GOAT, has won the Half Moon Bay weigh-off three times. A host of accomplished veteran growers are expected to contend for the coveted title including Gienger who's returning to defend his title. He's growing and bringing a pumpkin that's taping/measuring as big or bigger than last year, projected at more than 7' wide by weigh-off reckoning day. Ron Root and Nick Kennedy also achieved a remarkable feat at the 2023 Half Moon Bay weigh-off, setting a new California State Record with their 2,497-pound pumpkin. Additionally, growers set another milestone by recording the highest combined weight among the top 10 contender pumpkins ever weighed at any pumpkin weigh-off. These extraordinary achievements highlight the dedication, passion, and ingenuity of the pumpkin-growing community, inspiring future growers to reach for new heights.
The 2025 champion will be feted and play a starring role in the world-famous Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival, Oct. 19-20 (including a free weekend at the posh, pumpkin-centric Ritz-Carlton on the stunningly beautiful Half Moon Bay coast). Beauty will share center stage with beefy brawn with a $1000 prize awarded for the “Joe Cotchett Family Most Beautiful Pumpkin” as judged by the audience based on color, shape and size. The grand champion gourd (along with the top four overall) will be on display plus there's a special weigh-off champion pumpkin photo booth at the Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival, October 18-19, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Main Street. Spectator admission is free. The weigh-off is open to the public. read more...
Weigh-Off Wall of Fame Mural, Champions Plaque and Honorary Inductees Installation
Half Moon Bay’s Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off marked 50 years in 2023 and, in 2024, to celebrate its fascinating story and proud history, organizers unveiled a special Weigh-Off Wall of Fame that will be permanently displayed on the south wall of the Cunha Market on Kelly Avenue. Coastside artist Julie Engelmann, who created the remarkable landmark mural in 2022 to honor the 50th Pumpkin Festival, designed and painted a new adjacent mural to frame and surround the special bronze cast Weigh-Off Wall of Fame Champions Plaque and Honorary Inductees Plaque. The inaugural class of honorary inductees includes Al Adreveno, Mel Mello Sr., Dolores Mullin, George Ginilo and Hank Sciaroni with more additions to come every year. Founding underwriters of the project include Joseph W. Cotchett, Half Moon Bay Winery, Half Moon Bay Brewing Company, Safeway, IDES Society of Half Moon Bay, Cameron and Kevin Palmer, the Half Moon Bay Beautification Committee and Miramar Events. read more...
All-time Favorite – the Great Pumpkin Parade, Lead in 2024 by Grand Marshal Matt Williams, San Francisco Giants All-time Gamer and Great
The Great Pumpkin Parade, a cherished highlight of the festival, is set to dazzle attendees with its old-fashioned, home-spun charm. Taking place on Saturday at 12 noon on Main Street, this parade is the epitome of community spirit and festive fun and in 2024 was headlined by San Francisco Giants legend Matt Williams as Grand Marshal. Stay tuned to hear who will be Grand Marshal in 2025! Leading the procession is the mighty weigh-off champion pumpkin and its proud grower, a sight to behold for all pumpkin enthusiasts. The parade also features lively marching bands that fill the air with upbeat tunes, adding to the celebratory atmosphere. Classic cars cruise down the street, showcasing automotive beauty from bygone eras, while fantastic floats, creatively decorated, captivate the audience with their imaginative designs. Adding to the excitement is a Mardi Gras-style procession of costumed ghouls, gargoyles, goblins, ghosts, and other assorted surprises. These costumed participants bring a playful and spooky element to the parade, delighting spectators of all ages. The Great Pumpkin Parade is a must-see event that embodies the festive spirit and community pride of the Pumpkin Festival. Don’t miss out on this spectacular showcase of creativity, tradition, and fun! read more...
World-class Fine Art, Harvest-Inspired Crafts
Buyers and browsers will find thousands of handcrafted items in well-stocked booths covering several city blocks. It’s an ideal opportunity to meet 250 of America’s top artists and craftmakers who will be offering their latest creations with great variety and price points to satisfy every budget. Featuring original work in sculpture, paintings, photography, glass, ceramics, textiles, jewelry, leather, wood, metal and mixed media, the festival is considered among the top art shows in the country. Hand-blown glass pumpkins, beautiful vases, flatware, clocks, dishes, wall and table decorations, paperweights, stained and beveled glass, etchings, sculptures, photography, oil and watercolor paintings, beadwork, gold and silver jewelry, vests, handbags, hats, wallets, footwear, windchimes, and waterfalls will be among the thousands of items one-of-a-kind items available. "We have longtime festival favorites returning as well as many talented, new artists this year," said Dana Hale-Mounier, Director of Pacific Fine Arts. "Every item you’ll see is handcrafted from beginning to end –– it’s the perfect opportunity to meet the artists that conceive and do the work." read more...
Smashing Entertainment Everywhere
Four stages of sensational entertainment for all ages will transform Half Moon Bay into the Bay Area’s entertainment hotspot for a weekend during the city’s monster Pumpkinpalooza. Follow us on Facebook to the be first to hear about the 2025 lineup!
Fabulously Festive Food
Dig in! And, while you do, help fatten the coffers of community groups while savoring mouthwatering pumpkin-infused treats like pumpkin pancakes, pumpkin pie, pumpkin cake rolls, pumpkin cheesecake, pumpkin cookies, pumpkin ice cream, pumpkin milkshake smoothies, pumpkin ravioli, pumpkin spiced cotton candy, macaroni and cheese with pumpkin seeds and spice, nachos with pumpkin salsa and pumpkin churros. Then, move onto the next course with coastal favorites, like Brussels sprouts steeped in a zesty marinara sauce, and artichoke hearts steamed with an aromatic blend of garlic, olive oil, and herbs. Plus traditional favorites like Portuguese linguisa, bratwurst and Italian sausage sandwiches, chicken, pork and beef tamales, hot beef sandwiches, corn dogs, garlic fries, steamy clam chowder in sour dough bread bowls, hamburgers, veggie burgers, grilled corn on the cob, garlic fries, root beer floats and kettle corn! read more...
Delectably Delicious Craft Beer, Premium Wine and Craft Cocktails
Enjoy tasty varietals from Half Moon Bay Winery including their velvety Pinot Noir and this year’s limited-edition festival-label Sauvignon Blanc, and world-class, seasonal craft brews like Pumpkin Harvest Ale, refreshing Kolsch pale ale and delicious hop-happy Full Swing IPA from Half Moon Bay Brewing Company, Shipyard Brewing’s Pumpkinhead Ale, Smashed Pumpkin Imperial Ale, Sea Dog Blueberry Wheat Ale, and Weihenstephaner Festbier. Closing out the exceptional beer selections are Elysian Night Owl Pumpkin Ale, Elysian Space Dust IPA, Stella Artois, Golden Road Mango Cart, and Big Wave Golden Ale. Sip your favorite beverage in a beautiful, collector-item wine glass or beer mug adorned with the classic festival logo.
For another refreshing alternative, festivalgoers can enjoy refreshing Local Motion Vodka Soda – peach and mixed citrus flavors available. Or try Dr Hops Spiked Living Seltzer, the world’s first and only hard seltzer that’s unpasteurized and made with real organic fruit, live house-made cultures, and hops. Available in Pineapple and Strawb'ry Smash. Hydrate with a bottle of PathWater, 100% responsibly and locally sourced water in an aluminum reusable bottle. Or if you are in need of a kick try Ghost® Energy – authentic flavors, zero sugars, no BS energy drink. read more...
Farmer Mike, the Picasso of Pumpkin Carvers
Farmer Mike, the “Picasso of Pumpkin Carvers”, has been a top draw and the Pumpkin Festival’s official carving expert for over 35 years. On his Pumpkin Festival stage, Farmer Mike has created whimsical faces, movie characters like Yoda, a Wells Fargo stage coach, Puff the Magic Dragon, and even enshrined Pigeon Point Light House into the shell of a pumpkin. The Atlantic Giant variety of pumpkins he carves range in size from 300 pounds to more than 1,500 pounds. Most of his incredible detail work is done using a folding buck knife and a variety of simple chisels. He loves to interact with his audience, providing carving tips and answering questions.
What was on stage with Farmer Mike in 2024? Mike’s theme was “Maximizing Depth”, where he emphasize carvings that are even more three-dimensional. To maximize depth, Farmer Mike must integrate the thickest parts of the pumpkin rind into the design. By focusing on sculptures with thicker cuts, the hope is to expose an even-deeper depth of character. What will his theme be for 2025? Be sure to stop by to find out and see Farmer Mike carving one of his masterpieces. read more...
Giant Pumpkin Photos
How often do you get to see and touch a staggeringly-massive, hard-to-believe, larger-than-life 1-ton pumpkin, let alone get to have your photo taken alongside something so extraordinary? Thanks to the festival’s partnership with Silicon Valley Community Foundation, photos with the grand champion gourd will be available. Your awesome one-of-a-kind photo will be snapped and instantly printed for a special take-home keepsake. The cost is $20 per 4x6 print, with discounts for multiple copies or poses. All proceeds benefit the Cabrillo Education Foundation (CEF), a non-profit for the sole benefit of the students attending our seven local Coastside public schools. The photo booth is at the corner of Main and Miramontes Streets. read more...
Pancake Breakfast Both Days
To help kickstart your big day with a super-tasty carbo-load, the High School Boys Basketball Team will fire up the griddle to host the traditional Pancake Breakfast complete with unlimited buttermilk or pumpkin pancakes, gobs of butter and maple syrup, three grilled sausage links, and a choice of fresh orange juice, hot coffee or tea. Cost is $20 per person. Advance tickets will be available here closer to the event. Advance ticket holders will have their own line and less waiting time. Saturday and Sunday morning from 7 to 11 a.m. in the City Hall parking lot, Main Street at Kelly Avenue.
Costume Contest
Hundreds of ghosts, goblins, ghouls and more model their ingeniously creative Halloween attire in the Costume Contest, a popular time-honored festival tradition, before walking in the big parade. The costume contest is open to all ages with individual and group divisions. Saturday, 10 a.m. in front of Half Moon Bay Library, at Church and Correas Streets.
Pie-Eating Contests
Get up close and personal for the hilarious test of unbridled power-eating during the Pumpkin Pie Eating Contests. Huge, gasping audiences gather to witness this uproarious spectacle with each participant devouring and “wearing” a delicious 8” Safeway pumpkin pie heaped high with whipped cream. Aside from power-eating, panache and style go a long way with audience judges. "To me, the pie eating contest embodies the essence of Pumpkin Festival," said Mark Heath, prankster and ringmaster of the contest organizing team for many years. "It encourages participation, it’s loads of fun, and it’s open to everyone. Seeing kids with face and hair full of gooey pumpkin pie, whipped cream and a big smile, it’s a truly sight to behold." On both Saturday and Sunday, age 11 and under at 2 p.m, age 12 and over at 2:15 p.m. in the Family Fun Zone in the Bank of America parking lot, 620 Main Street. read more...
Pumpkin Carving
Non-competitive Pumpkin Carving will be available on Sunday in the Family Fun Zone at Bank of America, 620 Main Street. It is not a contest, there’s no judging or awards … it’s simply for fun. Pumpkins and carving knives are provided. Create your very own masterpiece anytime between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
"Made On The Coast" Local Artists Block and Music Stage
The coastside area is brimming with exceptional artistic talent. “Made On The Coast” (MOTC), a group of coastside artists and a sub-committee of the Pumpkin Festival, returns with their popular one-day pop-up show, Sunday, October 19th. The centerpiece of the "Made on the Coast" Locals' Block will once again be the artists' booths, showcasing top-quality arts and crafts from local painters, photographers, potters, jewelers, fabric artists, glassblowers, furniture-makers, and more—as well as live demonstrations. On both Saturday and Sunday, the Locals' Block will also feature the Made on the Coast Music Stage, presented by the Half Moon Bay Winery, Visit Half Moon Bay and James Ford, featuring many of the best bands on the local music scene in Mac Dutra Plaza at the corner of Main and Kelly.
Pumpkin Run Presented by Senior Coastsiders
The Pumpkin Run will be held on Sunday, October 20 (various starting times from 7:15-8:20 a.m.) at Hatch School, 490 Miramontes (off Kelly Avenue, just west of Highway 1). The Pumpkin Run features a Half Marathon plus a 5k and 10k Run, and Kid's Fun Run, all to benefit Senior Coastsiders. Get Pumpkin Run details and register in advance.
Xfinity Take 5 Lounge
Sports fans have a place to kick back and catch NFL and NCAA football and MLB playoff games on a giant LED screen in the Xfinity Take 5 Lounge. It’s the perfect spot to take a break. Couch potatoes and diehard sports fans will find the comfort and enjoyment of their own living room without ever leaving the event. The Xfinity Take 5 Lounge is a place where festivalgoers can escape the teeming crowds, relax and hang out with friends while watching their favorite sporting events on a giant LED TV, a 9' x 12' screen with picture-perfect quality. Top that off with a tasty Pumpkin Harvest Ale, refreshing Kolsch or hoppy Full Swing IPA from Half Moon Bay Brewing Company and an Italian sausage or bratwurst sandwich with zesty marinara sauce fired up by the Coastside Adult Day Health Center and you’ve got a flat-out winner. read more...
Additional Attractions
Up and down the street, festivalgoers will be captivated by an array of amazing attractions. See the spectacular display of the top 4 pumpkins from the weigh-off. Catch massive air on the ultra-thrilling bungee jump. Splish, splash, run, jump, bounce and slide around on the super fun waterballerz. Express yourself with creative body art at the High School Art Department’s face painting booth.
"Gourdy", The Playul Pumpkin Festival Mascot
The playful, mischievious, delightfully rotund mascot will be bouncing around the Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off and various events and contests during the Pumpkin Festival. "Everyone loves Gourdy … he has been a huge hit and attracted tons of fans," said festival Chairman Cameron Palmer. "Gourdy will be rolling around the festival having fun and undoubtedly be the focal point of selfies and photos with festivalgoers all weekend," said Palmer. Gourdy’s mascot costume is a one-of-a-kind custom design by prestigious design fabricator Carol Flemming. read more...
Coveted Curios
Stock up on the latest and greatest official festival gear for men, women and kids including t-shirts, sweatshirts, baseball shirts, hoodies,pullovers, hats, beer tankards, stickers, lapel pins and more.
Pay for Food, Pumpkin Pie, Drinks, Beer Mugs & Merch at Festival Committee Booths with Credit and Debit Cards
For your convenience, pay for food, drink and merch using any major credit/debit card at all festival committee-run booths spread throughout the festival site. Special thanks to Xfinity for providing wifi service to our festival committee food, beverage and merchandise booths.
Zero Waste
The Pumpkin Festival Committee will once again partner with Allied Waste Services, Performance Foodservice and the City of Half Moon Bay to promote and encourage maximum recycling and composting in compliance with the city’s compostable foodware ordinance. “Every day we talk about ways to reduce, re-use, and recycle,” said Melvin Mello Jr., Pumpkin Festival Director. “We’re on a mission to make this a Zero Waste festival—it’s a major priority for us and something we diligently plan for and try to improve upon every year.”
Safeway Cares
“Since the founding of Safeway, our philosophy and vision remain the same — provide value and give back to the community where our customers and employees live and work. Safeway is a proud sponsor of the Art & Pumpkin Festival." The Half Moon Bay Beautification Committee salutes Safeway for its commitment to the community and its incredible generosity in supporting the festival and participating community service groups. Safeway has been the Pumpkin Festival’s presenting sponsor since 1990 and has been an instrumental partner in the festival’s fund-raising success. read more...
The Half Moon Bay Beautification Committee
The Pumpkin Festival was created by the newly formed Main Street Beautification Committee in 1971 as a means for restoring historic downtown Half Moon Bay. That first year, buildings were painted, trees were planted and a legend was born. Since then, the festival has helped raise several million dollars for civic projects and community service organizations throughout the coastside.
Vehicle Parking
There will be parking at the south end of Main Street at Metzgar, Half Moon Bay High School (Main St. just north of Hwy. 92), Our Lady of the Pillar Church and the Community Center/Shoreline Station complex, both located on Kelly Avenue just east of Highway 1. Many parking lots are operated by local non-profit groups who charge a nominal parking fee. There is also very limited free parking on several side streets.
Bicycle and Stroller Parking Managed by Sea Hugger®
Bicycle and stroller parking is available in the Straight Wheel Cycling parking lot, at the corner of Kelly and Purissima from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Suggested donation is $5 per bicycle/stroller. Sea Hugger is managing the bicycle and stroller parking as a fundraiser. Sea Hugger is a Half Moon Bay-based nonprofit working to protect and heal the marine environment from plastic pollution through education and action. Sea Hugger will also have a free filtered water bottle refill station available.
Special thanks to Stright Wheel Cycling and The Coastside Mountain Bikers. From sponsoring monthly beach cleanups to promoting conservation laws, Sea Hugger works tirelessly to keep our beautiful ocean and Coastside clean and healthy. Special thanks to Straight Wheel Cycling and The Coastside Mountain Bikers.
Public Transit
Ride SamTrans bus service to the festival – you’re dropped off just steps from the festival! Get public transit details.
Ride Sharing and Drop Offs
The festival’s designated Ride Sharing and Para Transit drop-off/pick-up location is in the Shoreline Station lot at Highway 1 and Kelly Avenue.
Accessible Parking
There will be specially marked accessible parking on Purissima Street between Correas Street and Kelly Avenue.
Street Closures
Main Street will be closed to traffic from Mill Street south to Monte Vista Lane throughout festival weekend. Southbound Main Street will not be accessible from Highway 92 beginning at approximately 7 AM on Saturday. Main Street will re-open at approximately 10 PM on Sunday. Departing the festival, Highway 92 eastbound will not be accessible from Main Street (either from the north or the south). The only way to go eastbound on Highway 92 is from Highway 1.
Diaper Changing/Family Rest Stations
Nestled beside the Pumpkin Carving Stage at 766 Main Street, families can find solace in our meticulously crafted diaper changing tent. With plush seating and a cozy, enclosed space, parents and caregivers can attend to their little ones’ needs with the privacy they deserve. Curated by Canvas Occasions a premier local glamping and design expert.
The Community United Methodist Church will be hosting the “Rest Your Wear Soles” Diaper Changing/Rest Area. The church is located at the corner of Miramontes and Johnston Streets, one block east of Main Street.
First Aid / Lost & Found
Festival first aid and lost and found is located in the Small Hall on the IDES Grounds, the main food court and music stage area in the center of the festival.
NO Pets, Please (exception for leashed service dogs)
For the safety, comfort, and courtesy of your pets and festival-goers, please leave your pets at home. Large crowds, warm weather, food preparation and consumption make it a very stressful and dangerous environment for pets. Exception made for leashed service dogs.
Dates / Hours / Location / Directions
The free-admission festival will be held on October 18-19 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Main Street between Miramontes and Spruce Streets in Half Moon Bay. To get to Half Moon Bay, take Highway 101 or 280 to Highway 92 or 84 west. You can also get to Half Moon Bay via Highway 1 from both north and south. Get directions from your location.