The Circleville Pumpkin Show 2026 returns to downtown Circleville from Wednesday, October 21 through Saturday, October 24, 2026 — and the 119th edition of “The Greatest Free Show on Earth” comes with a patriotic twist, celebrating America’s 250th birthday alongside four days of giant pumpkins, parades, and pumpkin-flavored everything.
Here is everything you need to know: the 2026 dates and hours, the full parade schedule, the giant pumpkin weigh-in, what to eat, and tips for making the most of Ohio’s oldest and largest fall festival.
Circleville Pumpkin Show 2026 Dates and Hours
Dates: Wednesday, October 21 – Saturday, October 24, 2026 (the 119th edition — always the third Wednesday through Saturday of October)
Hours: 10 AM – 10 PM daily
Admission: completely free — no tickets, no entry fee
Where: downtown Circleville, Ohio (159 E. Franklin St.), about 25 miles south of Columbus via US-23
Bonus day in 2026: Pumpkin Show week starts early this year. On Tuesday, October 20, concessions and rides open at Pumpkin Show Park from 5 PM, followed at 7 PM by a special “Pumpkin Show Celebrates 250 Years of Agriculture” parade saluting America 250 — with farm equipment from different eras, FFA units, marching bands, livestock, and patriotic competition floats.
A 120-Year-Old Ohio Tradition
The Circleville Pumpkin Show dates to 1903, when Mayor George Haswell set up a small produce display — all of 30 feet of table space — in front of the waterworks office on West Main Street so local farmers could show off their harvests. There was no county fair at the time, and the mayor even invited a band, which became the first parade.
That humble display has grown into an event covering more than nine downtown city blocks, drawing 400,000+ visitors over four days. It has been featured on NBC’s Today show, in National Geographic, and on Japanese television, and visitor surveys have counted guests from 34 states and 13 countries. Through it all, the show has stayed dedicated to what started it: celebrating the agriculture of Pickaway County.
Parades and Events: The 2026 Schedule
Seven parades roll through downtown during the show, each with its own theme:
Wednesday, October 21: 3:30 PM Little Miss Pumpkin Show Parade · 8:00 PM Miss Pumpkin Show Parade
Thursday, October 22: 3:30 PM Baby Parade · 8:00 PM Bands & Youth Organizations
Friday, October 23: 3:30 PM Pet Parade · 8:00 PM Lodges, Civic & Fraternal Organizations
Saturday, October 24: 8:00 PM Ohio Festival & Events Association Queens
Beyond the parades: the giant pumpkin weigh-in on Wednesday at Court & Main, the pumpkin pie eating contest on Saturday, the Circleville Classic 5K on Saturday morning, daily giant-pumpkin carving demonstrations by Gus “Squashcarver” Smithhisler (10 AM–5 PM), live entertainment at The Savings Bank Stage, 400+ food and craft booths, and the moving Lima Company Memorial “The Eyes of Freedom” tribute at Memorial Hall.
The Giant Pumpkins Are the Main Event
More than 100,000 pounds of pumpkins, squash, and gourds fill the street displays during the show — but the giants steal the spotlight. In 2025, growers Mike and Dusti Helberg took top honors with a 1,972-pound pumpkin: nearly a full ton of pumpkin sitting on a downtown Circleville street.
Don’t miss the Wednesday weigh-in to see this year’s contenders hit the scales, and stop by the carving demonstrations to watch artists turn hundred-pound pumpkins into sculptures. Be sure to browse the agricultural displays and produce exhibits too — a nod to the farming heritage the show was founded to celebrate. The show also keeps alive its famous world’s-largest-pumpkin-pie tradition: the record-setting 2006 pie measured 14 feet across and used 795 pounds of pumpkin.
Come Hungry: Pumpkin Everything
Food is half the reason people come back year after year. More than 100,000 pumpkin donuts and some 23,000 pumpkin pies are sold during the four days — and that is just the beginning. Wander the booths and you’ll find pumpkin burgers, pumpkin pizza, pumpkin tacos and chili, pumpkin fudge, pumpkin ice cream, pumpkin waffles, and cream puffs.
Pro tip: the pumpkin donut lines are shortest mid-morning on Wednesday, so plan your donut run early. Most food vendors are cash-friendly but many take cards — bring both. And go with family or friends so you can split treats and sample more of the menu.
Tips for Visiting the Pumpkin Show
It’s all free. Admission, parades, entertainment, exhibits — the “Greatest Free Show on Earth” nickname is real. You can spend the whole day without spending a dime (though the pumpkin donuts will test that).
Parking: free public parking is available on the city streets surrounding the show limits, first come, first served. Private lots nearby charge varying fees set by their owners. During busy hours, expect a walk of several city blocks. Handicapped parking is available on North Western Avenue.
Beat the crowds: come Tuesday evening for the preview or on Wednesday. Saturday is the busiest day by far.
Pets are welcome. It’s a hard-surface event with no grassy areas — just be prepared to clean up after your dog.
Make it a fall weekend. Central Ohio hits peak Ohio fall foliage right around the show dates, so pair the festival with a scenic drive. For more under-the-radar autumn stops, see our hidden gems in Ohio guide.
Plan ahead: check the official Pumpkin Show website for the full schedule, contest registrations, and any last-minute updates.
Circleville Pumpkin Show 2026 FAQ
When is the Circleville Pumpkin Show 2026?
Wednesday, October 21 through Saturday, October 24, 2026, open 10 AM to 10 PM daily. Preview activities begin Tuesday, October 20 in the evening.
Is the Circleville Pumpkin Show free?
Yes — admission, parades, and entertainment are all free, which is why it’s billed as “The Greatest Free Show on Earth.”
Where do you park for the Pumpkin Show?
Free street parking is available around the show limits on a first-come basis, plus private paid lots nearby. Arrive early on weekends — the popular times fill up fast.
How big do the pumpkins get?
The 2025 champion weighed 1,972 pounds. More than 100,000 pounds of pumpkins, squash, and gourds are displayed across downtown during the show.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, pets are permitted. It’s a hard-surface event, so bring cleanup bags and water for your pup.
