The Great Pumpkin Weigh-Off
Prepare for a colossal display of gourds at The Great Pumpkin Weigh-Off! Pumpkin growers from near and far gather to showcase their largest, most impressive pumpkins, vying for substantial cash prizes. Witness the excitement as these giants are weighed, and cheer on contestants competing for top honors, including the coveted 'Prettiest Pumpkin' award.
What to Expect
Annual competition for the heaviest pumpkins
Event Details
Duration
Starts at 9:00 am
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Irvine Park Railroad
Food & Drink
Food and beverage vendors are available at the Train Station Snack Bar and Lakeside Snack Bar within Irvine Regional Park.
Local Insight & Ratings
Scare Factor
Family Friendly
Best For
Competitors and pumpkin enthusiasts
Vibe
Competitive, festive, community-oriented
Energy Level
Low
Budget
$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Low
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: $
- Parking: Weekdays: $3.00, Weekends: $5.00, Holidays (Easter Sunday, Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day): $7.00. Other holidays vary. Call Irvine Regional Park at (714) 973-6835 for bus parking costs.
- Pets: No pets allowed
Tips & Advice
- Arrive early, by 7:30 am, if you are a contestant to ensure your pumpkin is moved by forklift staff.
- Pre-register by September 12th, 2026, to help organizers with an accurate count for a well-organized event.
- Be aware of the Irvine Regional Park entrance fees, which vary by day of the week.
- Consider the 'Howard Dill Award' for 'Prettiest Pumpkin' and the 'Youngest Grower' award when entering your pumpkin.
- Check the park's hours of operation, as they differ between spring/summer and fall/winter.
Special Events & Promotions
- Cash prizes awarded for top pumpkin weights
- Howard Dill Award for 'Prettiest Pumpkin'
- New Grower of the Year award
- Youngest Grower award
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the prize categories for the weigh-off?
Prizes include 1st-10th place, New Grower of the Year, Howard Dill Award for 'Prettiest Pumpkin', and an award for the Youngest Grower.
What are the rules for entering a pumpkin?
Pumpkins must be grown, cared for, and entered by the contestant, with a limit of one entry per contestant. Decisions of the judges are final.
What is the deadline for pre-registration?
The pre-registration deadline is September 12th, 2026.
What are the parking fees for Irvine Regional Park?
Parking fees are $3.00 on weekdays, $5.00 on weekends, and $7.00 on major holidays.
When does the weigh-off start?
The weigh-off starts at 9:00 am on Saturday, September 19th, 2026.
More Halloween Events Near Orange
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.