Illustration of a fall festival in a town square with a red roofed gazebo, striped booths, pumpkins and orange trees (Pumpkin Fest 2026)

Pumpkin Fest 2026

The Arboretum at Penn State hosts Pumpkin Fest, featuring dazzling jack-o'-lantern displays, live music, and family-friendly activities. Visitors can enjoy seasonal bites from local food truck favorites while exploring crafts suited for all ages. Community members participate in the annual pumpkin contest, showcasing carved and decorated entries across multiple age groups and categories.

Map It Details Official site

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Plan Your Visit

Website / Tickets

arboretum.psu.edu

When

Ages

All ages

Food & Drink

Seasonal bites from local food truck favorites

Parking

Visitor parking is available in the Lewis Katz Building lot, just across Bigler Road from the Arboretum.

Going?

Location

See it and nearby events on the map
The Arboretum at Penn State · East Park Avenue and Bigler Road, University Park, PA 16802 Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Scare Factor

👻 👻 👻 👻 👻 (1/5)

Family Friendly

👶 👶 👶 👶 👶 (5/5)

Best For

Families, community participation, autumn celebrations

Vibe

Festive, community-oriented, autumnal

Energy Level

Low to medium

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Medium

Tips & Advice

  • Groups such as classrooms or community organizations can request 10–30 pumpkins by October 7.
  • Each carved pumpkin must include a minimum 4-inch diameter hole in the bottom for lighting supplied by the Arboretum.
  • Drivers without valid PSU Orange A parking permits should note that parking fees apply in the Lewis Katz Building lot.
  • Oversized vehicles like buses and RVs on weekdays must park in the Porter North parking lot on Porter Road.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the outdoor grounds and gardens.

Links & Contact

Website / Tickets Contact

Halloween Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Pumpkin Fest held?

Pumpkin Fest takes place on Friday, October 16, and Saturday, October 17, 2026.

Where is the event located?

The event is held at The Arboretum at Penn State, located at East Park Avenue and Bigler Road in University Park.

Is admission to Pumpkin Fest free?

There is no charge for admission to the H.O. Smith Botanic Gardens or the Arboretum land.

What food options are available?

Visitors can savor seasonal bites from local food truck favorites.

Where can visitors park?

Visitor parking is available in the Lewis Katz Building lot across Bigler Road from the Arboretum.

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. Halloween Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

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