Come October, New England is home to a plethora of Halloween festivals and attractions – some of the most popular among locals and visitors alike being Pumpkin Festivals! Read on to discover 5 of the most magical Pumpkin fests across the region that have become local tradition, and are sure to get you into the Halloween spirit!
1. New Hampshire Pumpkin Fest | Laconia, NH
Admission: FREE
The NH Pumpkin Fest is a community-hosted, family and pet-friendly celebration of Fall located in Laconia, New Hampshire. It began in 1991, and each year since local residents, businesses, and visitors contribute carved pumpkins to meet and hold the record for world’s largest display of lit jack-o-lanterns. Aside from the beautiful display, the festival also includes over 50 food & craft vendors, live bands & performers, kid’s rides, zip lines, bunjee jumping, and even a horse-drawn hayride. This is on my personal Halloween bucketlist!
For dates and other FAQ, click here.
2. The Pumpkin Spectacular | Providence, RI
Admission: $12-$18, exclusive discounts available
Located within the Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence, the RI Pumpkin Spectacular is unique and definitely lives up to it’s name. The festival features an abundance of intricately carved jack-o-lantern’s, many being of notable literary and movie characters, as well as comic book superheroes. Another aspect that makes this festival unique is the addition of the “Soaring Eagle Zip Ride” where visitors can get a glimpse of the festival from 115 feet in the night sky! It sure sounds dreamy to me.
For dates and more FAQ, click here.
3. Pumpkin Float at Boston Common Frog Pond | Boston, MA
Admission: FREE
The Pumpkin Float at Boston Common is fun for the whole family, with many kiddo-focused activities. All visitors are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes and contribute an 8-inch or smaller hollowed-out pumpkin, which will be illuminated and sent afloat for you to enjoy later in the evening! Watching the pond fill with the dim glow of jack-o-lantern’s is truly a special sight to see. Attendees can also enjoy Halloween-themed crafts, food, and drinks.
For dates and more FAQ, click here.
4. Jack-o-Lantern Jamboree at Witchs’ Woods | Westford, MA
Admission: FREE for pumpkin display, $37 for all other attractions
This frightfully fun jack-o-lantern display is within the haunted attraction, Witch’s Woods, in Westford MA. The display showcases hundreds of professionally carved pumpkins and feature mostly famous horror movie characters, and other Halloween icons. All visitors, even those without admission tickets, are welcome to walk the rows of carved pumpkins and admire these beautiful works of art. Though, you may choose to purchase a ticket to enjoy the other attractions within the Woods like the haunted hayride, Nightmare Mansion, The Keeper’s Crypt, and more.
For dates and more FAQ, click here.
5. Fall Family Festival at The Farnsworth Art Museum| Rockland, ME
Admission: FREE
This charming, small-town celebration of Fall is welcoming to all ages, and includes freestyle pumpkin carving, face-painting, crafts, and live music. A spooky parade also takes place during the event on the towns’ Main Street beginning at the museum; (families are encouraged to take part in the parade by wearing costumes & masks!). Afterwards, visitors head to the sculpture garden for a twilight pumpkin lighting beneath the stars.
For dates and more FAQ, click here.
Which event sparked your interest the most? I wish I could make it to all of them!
The New England Ghoul 