It’s a good time of year to be obsessed with pumpkins.
If you’re looking for a fall adventure that’s bursting with pumpkin-themed fun, the Circleville Pumpkin Show is the one. This annual event is an Ohio tradition that’s been delighting visitors for over a century. The 119th show runs Wednesday, October 21st through Saturday, October 24th. It’s open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day, and admission is free. There’s a preview night on Tuesday the 20th, too. The rides and food stands open at 5 p.m. and a parade starts at 7. Grab your flannel, put on your coziest sweater, and let’s dive into this friendly guide to the Circleville Pumpkin Show.
| Pumpkin Show at a Glance | |
| When | October 21st to October 24th (Wednesday to Saturday) |
| Hours | 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day. Preview night runs 5 to 10 p.m. on Tuesday the 20th. |
| Where | Downtown Circleville, about 25 miles south of Columbus on US 23 |
| Admission | Free (rides and food cost extra) |
| Parades | Eight this year. One on Tuesday night at 7, then seven more at 3:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. |
| Giant pumpkin weigh-in | 8 a.m. Wednesday at Court and Main |
| Website | pumpkinshow.com |
A Slice of Pumpkin Show History
First things first, let’s talk about the history of this unique community event. The Circleville Pumpkin Show has been around since 1903, making it one of the oldest and most beloved pumpkin festivals in the United States. It started when Mayor George Haswell set up a small display of pumpkins and corn fodder in front of his office on West Main Street. Neighboring merchants joined in the next year, and it has grown into a four-day street fair that draws more than 400,000 people to a town of about 12,000.
The Must-See Attractions
The options at the Pumpkin Show are as abundant as the pumpkins themselves!
Giant Pumpkins: The weigh-in at Court and Main kicks off the show at 8 a.m. Wednesday, and the winners stay on display all four days. Last year’s champion, grown by Mike and Dusti Helberg, came in at 1,972 pounds. The show record is 2,388.5 pounds, set by Bob and Jo Liggett in 2023.
Pumpkin Parades: There are eight parades this year. The first is Tuesday night at 7, during the preview, and then there are seven more over the four days of the show. Wednesday through Friday get one at 3:30 p.m. (Little Miss Pumpkin Show, the Baby Parade, and the Pet Parade) and one at 8 p.m. Thursday night’s 8 p.m. parade is the band parade, the loudest and most fun of the bunch. Saturday closes with the Queens parade at 8 p.m.
Live Entertainment: From live music and dance performances to talent shows, there’s always something entertaining happening on the various stages throughout the event.
The Giant Pie: If you’re a fan of pumpkin pie (who isn’t?), Lindsey’s Bakery on West Main Street bakes a six-foot, 400-plus-pound pie every year and puts it on display in the shop. Expect a line to see it. There’s also a pie-eating contest on Saturday at Pumpkin Show Park if you’d rather compete than look. Kids go at 11 a.m. and adults at noon.
Pumpkin-Inspired Treats
One of the best parts of the Circleville Pumpkin Show is undoubtedly the food. The show says vendors sell about 23,000 pumpkin pies and more than 100,000 pumpkin donuts over the four days, and the donut line is the one everybody talks about. Past that it’s pumpkin burgers, pumpkin ice cream, pumpkin taffy, pumpkin waffles, pumpkin soup, and pumpkin fudge.
Bring an appetite and pace yourself. A hot cup of pumpkin-spiced coffee keeps you warm on those crisp fall days.
Tips for Your Visit
Here are some handy tips to ensure you have the best experience at the Circleville Pumpkin Show:
Plan Ahead: The Pumpkin Show attracts a lot of visitors, so it’s best to plan your visit during the week to avoid the weekend crowds. Arriving early can also help you secure convenient parking.
Parking: Street parking around the show footprint is free and first come, first served. Locals open up their yards for a few dollars, too. If you’d rather skip it, two park-and-ride shuttles run all four days. The AMVETS lot at 818 Tarlton Road in Circleville costs $10 a car, which covers parking and the ride both ways, and the shuttle runs from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. The Ohio Christian University baseball team runs the other one from the OCU campus at 1476 Lancaster Pike, also in Circleville. That one is $5 a person and $3 for kids ages 3 to 6, and it runs from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The details are on the show’s shuttle page.
Bring Cash: While some vendors accept cards, it’s always a good idea to have cash on hand, especially if you’re planning to eat your way down Court Street.
Admission: Free to walk in. The rides and the food are what cost money, so budget for those.
Wear Comfy Shoes: You’ll be doing a fair bit of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes. If it’s a rainy day, boots might be your best friend.
Shop Local: The Pumpkin Show is a fantastic place to find unique crafts, artworks, and local goods. Support the artisans and take home a keepsake from your visit.
Grab your friends and family and head to Circleville. It’s about 25 miles south of Columbus down US 23, and for four days in October it’s the best small-town street fair in Ohio.
For a full schedule of events and other info, head over to pumpkinshow.com.
