Ukiah PumpkinFest

"Renaissance Pumpkins" 2023 theme

October 13, 2023 weigh-off; October 14-15, 2023 festival

Downtown Ukiah
School Street from the intersection of Seminary Avenue to Smith Street
Ukiah CA 95482
Free, cityofukiah.com

Friday October 13, 2023, 4-7 p.m.

• Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off 4-7 p.m. at the Alex Thomas Plaza. Approx. $3,000 in cash prizes. Winner gets $1.50 per pound.
• Last year (2022) the Mendina family won with a 443 pound pumpkin!
• The largest pumpkin ever in the contest was entered by Ben Fillmore in 2008. His giant pumpkin that year weighed 1,109 pounds! Ben actually won the contest 10 out of 21 years from 2002 to 2022.
• Activities at the weigh-off include food vendors, beer and wine booth, and tunes from KWNE Radio!  Though slightly less publicized than Half Moon Bay's Giant Pumpkin Weigh-off, Ukiah's PumpkinFest Weigh-off is equally exciting.

Saturday October 14, 2023, 10 a.m. Parade

• 10 a.m. Ukiah PumpkinFest Parade "Renaissance Pumpkins" theme, held rain or shine. (in 2022 theme was Planet Pumpkins).
• Parade route: Lineup at Redwood Empire Fairgrounds, 1055 N. State Street, proceeding on State Street at Brush Street and ending at the intersection of State & Mill Streets.
• With an affordable $25 entrance fee, four categories for judging include: Junior Group (Scouts, Clubs, etc.); Band, Dancing, Walking or Marching; Decorated Float, Cars or Trucks; Mounted Group, Animal Variety
• The parade is a highlight of Ukiah PumpkinFest as the entire town turns out and participates. Cheer squads, kids' schools, clubs, and hundreds upon hundreds of kids ride Halloween themed floats, walk, dance & cheer in in the parade.

Saturday & Sunday

• Carnival has rides, games, and attractions for all ages. Glide down the slide or squeal from the top of the Ferris wheel!
• Mendocino Bark
• Haunted House 
• Scarecrow City 
• Scout O Rama - visit Yokayo-Logger District Boy Scouts at the Country PumpkinFest ScoutO-Rama. Free activities for boys & girls, young & old. Meet the scouts and their leaders and learn more about all the fun in scouting.
• Children's Carnival
• Beer and Wine Tasting
• Arts and Crafts
• Free Children's Activities

Saturday only

• Fire & Safety Expo. information for adults and fun activities for the kids. Interaction with firefighters focuses on home safety and working with firefighters in emergencies. Visit the city's fire engines and new ambulance! 

Sunday October 15, 2023, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

• 3 on 3 Hoop
• Pumpkin Baking Contest, age 13+. Must include pumpkin gourd or squash. Categories: Bread or Bundt - sweet or savory
• Pumpkin Baking & Decorating Contest, age 12 & under. Must be decorated in Planet Pumpkin theme. Can be cupcake, cookies, cakes, etc.
• Dog Races & Pet Contest 2 p.m. in front of Mendocino Bakery

The Ukiah Country PumpkinFest is the largest street fair in Mendocino County attracting more than 10,000 attendees.  This annual two-day event is held each fall in the month of October.  The features numerous activities including a parade, live musical entertainment, specialty beer/wine tasting, a haunted house, children's contests, games, carnival rides, giant pumpkins and much more.  

 Along with a variety of delicious foods, the streets of Downtown Ukiah are filled with craft vendors, fine arts exhibits, and Scarecrow City. Enjoy live music, a haunted house, the Scout-o-Rama, pet costume contest,  Brew & Wine Festival, and the ever popular children's carnival including many games and amusements.
 

Ukiah Trunk or Treat

October 31, 2023, 4:30-7 p.m.

First Presbyterian Church
514 W. Church St.
Ukiah, CA
Free, facebook.com/fpcukiah

Come in costume, bring the entire family to the First Presbyterian Church parking lot for an evening of fun with Trunk or Treat for kids, carnival games, a cake walk, balloon dart game, a balloon artist, and more. All are welcome for this fun family event.

Events are not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to confirm before going.