A local bakery bakes a pumpkin pie that measures six feet across and weighs over 400 pounds. It takes six hours in the oven. Nobody is expected to finish it in one sitting, thankfully.
That giant pie is only one piece of a festival that has filled downtown streets since 1903. More than 100,000 pounds of pumpkins, squash, and gourds line the blocks. Even the water tower is painted like a pumpkin.
I like how this Ohio town commits to one theme with zero hesitation. Pumpkin donuts, pumpkin chili, pumpkin fudge, and pumpkin pizza all show up. I can’t imagine a more delicious way to celebrate fall.
Admission costs nothing, which feels almost suspicious for something this big. I’d happily spend an entire afternoon wandering Circleville’s pumpkin-filled streets, sampling Lindsey’s famous pumpkin donuts, and watching those enormous pumpkins tip the scales. Ending the day with a parade and a few more pumpkin treats sounds like my idea of a perfect October outing.
1. The Greatest Free Show On Earth Earns Its Big Nickname
Bold nicknames are easy to claim, but the Circleville Pumpkin Show has backed its title for over a century. Organizers call it The Greatest Free Show On Earth, and admission really is free. It’s also known as the biggest festival in the country devoted entirely to pumpkins.
The show runs from the third Wednesday of October through that Saturday. A Tuesday preview night now stretches the fun to five days. The 2026 event, the 119th show, is set for October 21 through 24, with preview night on October 20.
The main festival runs from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Tuesday’s preview night takes place from 5 to 10 p.m., with food stands and amusement rides open before the four official festival days begin.
More than eight city blocks of downtown Circleville turn into one giant orange playground.
Here’s a number that makes the scale clear. The town has roughly 12,000 to 13,000 residents. The show draws more than 400,000 visitors, around 100,000 per day.
That’s a lot of guests for one small Ohio community. Plan ahead, wear comfy shoes, and expect company everywhere you go.
2. You Won’t Believe How Much These Giant Pumpkins Weigh
Wednesday morning brings the moment many fans circle on the calendar. Right after the opening ceremonies, growers bring their giant pumpkins for the official weigh-in. These aren’t jack-o’-lantern sized.
Some weigh as much as a small car.
The current Ohio state record pumpkin came in at 2,388.5 pounds in 2023. Bob and Jo Liggett grew that heavyweight champion. Try carving a face into that one with a kitchen knife.
In 2025, Mike and Dusti Helberg took the top prize with a 1,972-pound pumpkin. Growers spend months coaxing these giants to size. Watching the scale numbers climb feels like a sports event, just with more vines.
After the weigh-in, the big pumpkins go on display for everyone to admire. They join tons of smaller pumpkins, squash, and gourds spread through the streets. It’s the perfect spot for photos that make friends back home do a double take.
Want the best shot at seeing the action? Arrive early on Wednesday. Mornings also tend to be calmer than evenings, so you’ll get a closer look before the bigger waves of people roll in.
3. Save Room For A Pie Wider Than Your Couch
Six feet across. Over 400 pounds. Lindsey’s Bakery prepares its famous giant pumpkin pie every year for the show, and the recipe reads like a grocery list for a whole neighborhood.
It takes 100 pounds of cooked pumpkin and 26 gallons of milk. Add 15 dozen eggs and 42 pounds of pie dough. Then the pie bakes for six full hours.
That’s longer than most road trips to Circleville.
You can see this giant dessert displayed at the bakery at 127 W. Main Street. It’s one of the most photographed sights of the whole festival.
Expect people lining up for pictures, because who wouldn’t want proof?
The pie isn’t the only reason bakery fans get excited, though. Lindsey’s is also known for its pumpkin donuts. Across the show, vendors sell more than 100,000 pumpkin donuts during the event.
That’s a staggering amount of fried, sugary happiness.
About 23,000 pumpkin pies get sold during the show too. So if the giant one makes you hungry, good news. Plenty of normal-sized slices are waiting nearby.
4. Pumpkin Shows Up In Foods You Never Expected
Pumpkin chili dogs. Pumpkin pierogis. Pumpkin boba.
The food lineup at the Circleville Pumpkin Show reads like someone dared the vendors to put pumpkin in everything, and they all said yes.
The sweet side covers pumpkin fudge, cookies, brownies, cream puffs, and cheesecake. You’ll also find pumpkin taffy, brittle, cotton candy, ice cream, and trifle. Deep-fried pumpkin pie takes the dessert game to a whole new level.
Savory fans have options too. Pumpkin burgers, pumpkin pizza, pumpkin sloppy joes, and pumpkin bratwurst all make appearances. Pumpkin pancakes and waffles handle breakfast duty nicely.
Need a break from the orange stuff? Classic fair food fills the gaps. Bennet’s Fried Fish sandwich, Granny Franner’s chicken and noodles, and Amish pretzels are all part of the mix.
Mega Bites serves grilled cheese stuffed with mac and cheese and bacon.
A smart strategy is to split items with your group. That way you can taste more without hitting your limit after three stops. Seating can be limited, so pick foods that are easy to eat while strolling.
Your future self will thank you.
5. Grab A Curb Spot Because The Parades Keep Coming
Most festivals are happy with one parade. Circleville puts on seven during its four main festival days, each with its own theme. If you like marching bands and decorated floats, you’ve basically hit the jackpot.
The lineup includes the Little Miss Pumpkin Show and Miss Pumpkin Show parades. There’s a Baby Parade and a Pet Parade, which are as charming as they sound. The Bands and Youth Organizations Parade brings plenty of brass and drums.
Civic groups and lodges get their own parade as well. The Ohio Festival and Events Association Queens Parade adds royalty from festivals around the state. That’s a lot of sashes and waving.
Local high school and middle school bands march through town each year. Big names have stopped by too. The Ohio University Marching 110 and The Ohio State University Marching Band have both performed at the show.
Check the official schedule before you go so you don’t miss your favorite. Evening parades can draw big crowds along the route. Arriving a little early helps you find a good view, especially if little ones want to see the pets march by.
6. Hog Calling And Pie Eating Bring Out Everyone’s Competitive Side
Ever wanted to hear a hog calling contest in person? Here’s your chance. The Circleville Pumpkin Show packs its schedule with contests that range from impressive to delightfully silly.
Pumpkin pie eating is a crowd favorite, for obvious reasons. There’s also a pumpkin toss and an egg toss. The big wheel race brings plenty of giggles and spinning plastic wheels.
Families can cheer on babies during baby judging. Pet owners show off their furry friends in the pet parade. The Little Miss and Miss Pumpkin Show Queen pageants crown new faces each year.
Not every contest needs a loud cheer, though. Quieter competitions cover home arts and crafts, baked goods, and canned goods. There are flower shows and fruit and vegetable judging too.
An art show, window decorating, and float design round things out.
These exhibits are a nice change of pace when the streets feel busy. They show off the talent of people throughout the region. Whether you’re watching someone bury their face in pie or admiring a perfect jar of preserves, there’s a ribbon-worthy moment waiting around every corner.
7. Rides And Live Music Turn Main Street Into A Carnival
Ferris wheels in the middle of downtown? Yep. Between 25 and 30 amusement rides fill the streets during the show, with choices for little kids and thrill seekers alike.
Unlimited-ride wristbands are available for $35 per person during designated hours. On Tuesday’s preview night, they’re valid from 5 to 10 p.m. From Wednesday through Saturday, the wristband special runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and wristbands cannot be used after 4 p.m.
Check the official ride schedule before buying.
The rides are spread out across the festival area. That means you’ll get plenty of steps in between spins.
Rides have deep roots here. The first one, a merry-go-round, arrived around 1905 or 1906. Kids have been circling downtown Circleville for well over a hundred years.
Music fills the air too. Stages include The Savings Bank Stage at Pumpkin Show Park, the Pickaway-Franklin Street Stage, and the Pinckney Street Stage. Acts range from acoustic performers to bands and dance programs.
Talent contests and craft demonstrations add more variety. The Adelphi Community Band has played at the show since 1925, which is a seriously long run. Grab a snack, find a stage, and let the music give your feet a rest.
It’s a relaxing way to soak in the festival between rides and treats.
8. A Mayor’s Tiny Display Grew Into Ohio’s Oldest Festival
Back in October 1903, Mayor George R. Haswell set out some pumpkins and corn in front of his store on West Main Street. He wanted to celebrate the local harvest and bring farm families and town folks together.
The pumpkins stole the spotlight, and the name stuck.
By 1905, the small display had grown into a yearly festival on the city streets. Merchants joined in, and the event kept getting bigger. Today it’s known as the oldest and largest festival in Ohio.
The show has paused only a handful of times. It skipped one year during World War I, two during World War II, and 2020 for the pandemic. Amazingly, it kept going during the 1918 to 1919 flu outbreaks.
In 1946, Circleville Pumpkin Show, Inc. formed as a nonprofit to run the event. Volunteers keep it going, and profits support community projects in Circleville. The mayor traditionally serves as president to honor the founder.
The show’s office sits at 159 East Franklin Street, Circleville, OH 43113. Pretty impressive for something that started with one mayor and a pile of pumpkins.
9. Smart Planning Makes Your Pumpkin Adventure Way Easier
Parking can be the trickiest part of the day, so a game plan helps. Free street parking surrounds the show, but it’s first come, first served. Paid private lots are another option close by.
Shuttles make life easier too. Park-and-ride service runs from spots like AMVETS and Ohio Christian University. You skip the circling and hop right into the fun.
Need help getting around? Mobility scooters are available to rent, and reserving ahead is a good idea. An information booth sits in the center of the show area for questions and directions.
Pets are welcome, as long as owners clean up after them. Your pup might even want to enter the pet parade. Just keep in mind that streets can get packed, so bring patience along with treats.
Can’t make the trip this year? Webcams stream live views from around the festival. Keep an eye out for the Pumpkin Man, a local who paints his face like a pumpkin and skates through the crowd.
Also, look up at the pumpkin-painted water tower. In this Ohio town, even the skyline joins the party.
Share this story
