Illustration of a fall festival scene (Howard County Pumpkin Palooza)
Family-Friendly Fall Activities

Howard County Pumpkin Palooza

Join Howard County for its third annual Pumpkin Palooza! This family-friendly event offers games, composting demonstrations, and food trucks. Bring your pumpkins, gourds, and squash to be composted, helping to reduce landfill waste. It's a fun and educational way to celebrate the season and contribute to sustainability.

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What to Expect

Compost your pumpkins and reduce landfill waste

Event Details

Duration

3 hours

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Ellicott City

Timed Entry

No

Organizer

Bureau of Environmental Services

Food & Drink

Food trucks available

Local Insight & Ratings

Scare Factor

👻 👻 👻 👻 👻 (1/5)

Family Friendly

👶 👶 👶 👶 👶 (5/5)

Best For

Families, environmentally conscious individuals

Vibe

Community-oriented, educational, eco-friendly

Energy Level

Low

Budget

FREE

Photo Friendly

Moderate

Weather Sensitivity

Low

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: FREE
  • Pets: No pets allowed

Tips & Advice

  • Remove all decorations, including candles and plastic bags, from your pumpkins before dropping them off for composting.
  • Check the online look-up tool to confirm your specific food scrap collection day if you plan to use the 'Feed The Green Bin' program.
  • Water-based paints are preferred for any painted pumpkins you bring for composting.
  • Consider visiting the Robinson Nature Center drop-off between November 1st and 20th if the main event date doesn't work for you.
  • Arrive early to enjoy all the games, activities, and crafts before they conclude.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Composting pumpkins to reduce landfill waste
  • Games, activities, and crafts
  • Food trucks on site
  • Composting demonstrations

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of pumpkins can I bring?

They accept carved, uncarved, and painted pumpkins, as well as gourds and squash. Please ensure all decorations, candles, and lights are removed.

Where can I drop off my pumpkins?

Pumpkins can be dropped off at the main event at Miller Branch Library on November 22nd, or at Alpha Ridge Landfill and Robinson Nature Center during their specified operating hours.

Is there a cost to attend or compost pumpkins?

No, admission to Pumpkin Palooza is free, and they encourage residents to bring their pumpkins for composting at no charge.

What activities will be available at the event?

The event will feature games, crafts, composting demonstrations, and food trucks.

What should I do if my pumpkin is painted?

Water-based paints are preferred for painted pumpkins. Ensure all other decorations and materials are removed before drop-off.

Tags

family friendlycommunity eventfall festivalpumpkin festivalhalloween festivalother

More Halloween Events Near Ellicott City

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Sep 3, 2026
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Halloween Events Near Me editorial team