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 52nd Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off, October 13, The Super Bowl of Weigh-Offs, Top Prize of $9/Pound and $30k World Record Prize.
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 53rd 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...
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's on stage with Farmer Mike in 2025? This year’s theme is: “The Many Faces of Farmer Mike” where he will dig into the various pumpkin personalities that made him famous over the years. Be sure to stop by and watch 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 Mavericks 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 watch live sports 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 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...
"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...
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.
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.
