Witness The Towering Keene Pumpkin Festival in 2024 – New England’s Greatest Pumpkin Spectacle

The Keene Pumpkin Festival is a 2-day fall celebration in Keene, New Hampshire. It features giant pumpkin towers, carving contests, and pumpkin-themed foods. The festival runs from October 19th to October 20th with live music, games, and entertainment. It’s a can’t-miss autumn event in New England celebrating the pumpkin harvest. Plan your visit to the Keene Pumpkin Festival for family fun.

Introduction

The Keene Pumpkin Festival is a multi-day event in Keene, New Hampshire. It happens every fall to celebrate the pumpkin harvest season. The festival has been a tradition since 1991. Visitors come to see the huge pumpkin towers and pyramids made of pumpkins. The record for the tallest tower is 32 feet set in 2013. There are pumpkin carving contests people can enter. Vendors sell pumpkin foods like pies, beer, and other treats. Kids have their own pumpkin games and activities area. Live music and performances happen on stages. The festival dates for 2024 are October 19th to October 20th. It’s a famous New England fall celebration.

History of the Festival

The Keene Pumpkin Festival started in 1991. It was a small community event back then. The festival grew bigger over the years. Thousands of people now visit Keene, New Hampshire for the festival. For many years, the festival set records for the most lit jack-o’-lanterns. The record was 28,952 in 2003. Boston broke this record in 2006. Keene took the record back in 2013 with 30,581 pumpkins. The festival encourages people to create and donate jack-o’-lanterns. These pumpkins are displayed around downtown Keene. The festival also includes fireworks, music, and food.

People from all over New Hampshire and nearby states come to the festival. In 2014, riots happened that were not related to the festival. The festival was moved to Laconia for its 25th edition in 2015. The Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce has been organizing the festival since then. The Keene Pumpkin Festival remains a beloved tradition. It celebrates fall, showcases New Hampshire, and brings the community together. The festival continues to evolve while keeping its pumpkin celebration roots.

Keene Pumpkin Festival 2024: Schedule, Venue, and Ticketing

Festival Dates

The Keene Pumpkin Festival in 2024 happens over 2 days. The dates are October 19th to October 20th in 2024.

Festival Venue

The festival is held in downtown Keene, New Hampshire. The main location is Keene’s Central Square. It takes place across multiple streets and parks. The exact location is 1137 Heritage Line in the Village of Keene, Ontario, Canada.

Getting Tickets

Admission to the Keene Pumpkin Festival is free. Ticket prices for 2024 are not applicable as admission is free. Tickets can be purchased online or at the gates. Some festival events require separate tickets to attend. For example, the pumpkin carving contest has an entry fee. Details on special event pricing will be posted closer to the dates.

Festival Hours

The festival grounds open each day at 10 AM. Closing times are 9 PM on weekdays and 10 PM on weekends. Live music and performances happen throughout the scheduled hours. Transportation and Parking Public parking is available at municipal lots and garages near the festival. A free shuttle service runs from Keene State College every 30 minutes. Bike parking is provided at designated areas on-site.

Planning Your Visit

The Keene Pumpkin Festival is held in downtown Keene, New Hampshire. It takes place across several streets and parks in the area. Public parking is available at municipal lots and garages near the festival grounds. A free shuttle service runs from Keene State College every 30 minutes. Bike parking is provided at designated areas on-site as well.

The festival grounds open at 10 AM and close around 9 PM. Live entertainment and activities happen throughout the scheduled festival hours. No outside pumpkins, carving tools, or pumpkin-based projectiles are permitted. Read all festival rules and regulations before attending the event.

Nearby Attractions

For overnight stays, there are many hotels in Keene, New Hampshire. Popular options include Holiday Inn Express, Best Western Plus, and Courtyard by Marriott located close to the festival grounds. Vacation rentals like Airbnb or VRBO are also available. Make reservations well in advance for the best rates and availability. Outdoor lovers can go hiking on scenic trails in nearby parks. Monadnock State Park and Pisgah State Park have routes suitable for all skill levels.

Those wanting more festivals can attend other October events nearby. The Chili Fest is just 30 minutes away in Brattleboro, Vermont. Or check out the Sandwich Fair held in Sandwich, New Hampshire. For a day trip, drive 1.5 hours to visit the Flume Gorge in Lincoln. It’s a top tourist destination known for its stunning natural gorge and waterfalls. The surrounding region has covered bridges, colonial towns, and more sights.

Discover the vibrant spirit of community celebrations at the Strongsville Homecoming Festival. Dive into the festive world of local traditions and fun-filled activities that will transport you to a world of joy and excitement!

Keene Pumpkin Festival Social Media Sites

Festival Highlights

The Keene Pumpkin Festival is known for its giant pumpkin towers. The towers are made by stacking hundreds of pumpkins on top of each other. In 2013, the record was set for the tallest tower at 32 feet tall. There are also impressive pumpkin pyramids built using thousands of pumpkins. A popular festival activity is the pumpkin carving contests. Visitors of all ages can enter and compete at different skill levels. Prizes and money are awarded to the winners.

Displays showcase intricately carved pumpkins by expert carvers too. Pumpkin-themed foods and drinks are a must-try at the festival. Vendors sell pumpkin pies, breads, cookies, beers, and cocktails. Many restaurants offer special pumpkin menus as well. Live music and entertainment happen on multiple stages throughout the day. Local bands perform along with some bigger-name acts.

Dance groups, comedians, and kids’ performers are part of the lineup too. The kids’ zone has lots of pumpkin activities and games. These include pumpkin bowling, tic-tac-toe, seed spitting, painting, and more. There are also rides, bouncy houses, and mascot meet-and-greets for families.

Tips and Tricks

• The best time to visit is early in the morning. Crowds are smaller and lines are shorter in the AM hours. Weekdays also tend to be less crowded than weekends.
• Pack snacks, water bottles, and a portable charger for your phone. Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be doing a lot of walking. Dress in layers as fall weather can change quickly.
• For great photos, head to the pumpkin tower and pyramid area. These make for very Instagram-worthy, iconic pumpkin festival shots. The carving contest and food vendor sections are also popular backdrops.
• Don’t forget cash to easily purchase food, drinks, and merchandise. But there are ATMs on-site if you need to get more.
• Review the festival map ahead of time to plan your route. Note locations for parking, restrooms, first aid tents, and kid zones. Make a list of must-see events based on your interests.
• Stay until sundown if you can for night photography opportunities. The lit-up pumpkin displays create a magical, festive atmosphere.
• Follow the Keene Pumpkin Festival on social media for insider tips. Check their pages for schedules, highlights, and any updates or advisories.

Conclusion

The Keene Pumpkin Festival is a New England tradition. From the towering pumpkin pyramids to the delicious pumpkin treats are there. Mark your calendars for the October 19th to October 20th festival dates in 2024. Plan your trip to Keene, New Hampshire well in advance. See talented artists at work during the carving competitions. People can enjoy live music, performances, and family-friendly pumpkin games too. After attending, share your Keene Pumpkin Festival photos and memories. People can tag the festival on social media using #KeenePumpkinFestival.

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