Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival 2024 in San Francisco

Every year, the Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival takes place in Half Moon Bay, California, during an October weekend at the peak of pumpkin harvest season. As one of the oldest and largest events in California, the Festival raises funds for various community projects in Half Moon Bay.

Festival Highlights

The Festival's main highlight is The Great Pumpkin Parade, held at noon on Saturday, parading from Miramontes through Main Street and Mill Street. Another popular attraction is the chance to take photos with the Grand Champion Gourd, a massive 1-ton (2,000 pounds) pumpkin. The Festival also features two stages for live entertainment, located at the south entrance and next to the Food Court, with a music lineup that includes country, blues, and reggae.

Activities

Visitors can join in the fun by participating in the Costume Contest, the Pie Eating Contest (with separate categories for kids and adults), or watching Pumpkin Carving for Fun. Both festival days are packed with entertainment. Attendees can also enjoy a picturesque autumn weekend browsing through vibrant, well-stocked booths and meeting hundreds of America’s top artists and craftmakers. These artisans will be showcasing their latest works in glass, ceramics, metals, fiber, leather, wood, jewelry, etc.

Food

The Festival's food offerings feature an array of pumpkin dishes, including pancakes, bread, cheesecake, sausages, and ice cream. Indulge in pumpkin ravioli, pumpkin pie with whipped cream, and pumpkin ale among the many harvest-inspired treats available this year. Additionally, be sure to try the Brussels sprouts, artichoke hearts, and Portuguese linguica sandwiches.

Dates

The world-famous Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival attracts crowds to the “World Pumpkin Capital” from all over the state. This year's much-anticipated 52nd annual Festival will take place on October 19-20, from 9 am to 5 pm.

Entrance

The Festival takes place on historic Main Street in Half Moon Bay, California. Conveniently situated 25 miles (40 km) south of San Francisco and 45 miles (72 km) north of Santa Cruz on Highway 1, the Festival welcomes all visitors with free admission.

History

The Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival was first held in 1971, capitalizing on the area's abundant pumpkin patches. That inaugural year saw around 15,000 attendees. The festival's renowned kickoff event is the Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off, held annually on Columbus Day. This competition highlights the vital role of agriculture in San Mateo County's economy. Proud growers and their families bring pumpkins weighing over 1,000 pounds to compete. In 2009, Don Young from Iowa won with a 752 kg (1,659 lb) Atlantic Giant pumpkin, earning a $9,948 prize.