by The Highland Park Pumpkin Festival, also known as The Great Highwood Pumpkin Fest, returns to Illinois from October 3 to October 5, 2025, with a Community Night and Opening Carnival on Thursday, October 2. This family-friendly fall festival is filled with pumpkin carving, live music, carnival rides, contests, food vendors, and seasonal fun.
Celebrated every year, the festival has become a staple event in the region, drawing thousands of visitors who come to enjoy the pumpkin displays, community activities, and festive atmosphere.
Dates and Timings
- Thursday, October 2, 2025 – Community Night & Carnival, 4 PM to 9 PM
- Friday, October 3, 2025 – Festival opens at 4 PM, closes at 10 PM
- Saturday, October 4, 2025 – Festival runs from 12 PM to 10 PM
- Sunday, October 5, 2025 – Festival runs from 12 PM to 9 PM
Venue of the Highland Park Pumpkin Festival
- Location: Everts Park Pavilion and downtown Highwood Avenue, Highland Park, Illinois
- Festival Grounds: Multiple stages, pumpkin carving areas, carnival rides, and food stalls
Tickets
- General Admission: Affordable ticket prices available at the gate
- Ride Specials: Unlimited carnival ride wristbands on Community Night
- Family Packages: Group and children discounts available
Food and Drinks
Festival visitors can enjoy:
- Food trucks and local vendors with seasonal specialties
- Pumpkin pies, cider, and fall treats
- Beer and beverage stalls for adults
Rides and Activities
The Pumpkin Festival offers plenty of fun for all ages:
- Carnival rides and games every day of the event
- Pumpkin carving stations open to the community
- Pumpkin Speedway Racing with micro NASCAR-style cars
- Pet Costume Contest and Kids Costume Contest on Sunday
- Pumpkin Pie Eating Contest with pies from Bent Fork Bakery
Entertainment Lineup
The festival features live performances throughout the weekend:
- Thursday, October 2
- 4-9 PM: Community Pumpkin Carving
- 5-9 PM: Unlimited Carnival Ride Specials
- Friday, October 3
- 4-10 PM: Live Music across multiple stages
- 4-6 PM: Trick or Treating throughout festival grounds
- 5-10 PM: Carnival rides and games
- Saturday, October 4
- 12-10 PM: Live Music at Everts Park Pavilion, J. Blanton Main Stage, and Highwood Redevelopment Associates Stage
- 1-10 PM: Carnival rides and games
- 2-9 PM: The Great Pumpkin Speedway Racing
- 7 PM: Great Pumpkin Wall Lighting
- Sunday, October 5
- 12-9 PM: Live Music on all stages
- 12 PM: Pet Costume Contest
- 1 PM: Kids Costume Contest
- 2 PM: Pumpkin Pie Eating Contest
- 2-9 PM: Pumpkin Speedway Racing
Additional Facilities
- Multiple entertainment stages with continuous live music
- Vendor marketplace with artisan crafts and fall products
- Seating areas near food and performance zones
- Restrooms and family-friendly services across the grounds
- Community radio and announcements keeping visitors engaged
Final Words
The Highland Park Pumpkin Festival in Illinois is a seasonal highlight that blends autumn traditions, live entertainment, community fun, and pumpkin-themed activities into one exciting event. With pumpkin carving, carnival rides, costume contests, speedway racing, and the spectacular Great Pumpkin Wall Lighting, it offers something for every age group.
If you’re looking for the perfect way to celebrate fall, this festival delivers food, fun, and family experiences in a lively community setting.
Mark your calendars for October 2–5, 2025, and enjoy one of Illinois’ most festive fall traditions at the Highland Park Pumpkin Festival.
