What Attractions and Activities Are at the Circleville Pumpkin Show?

Updated

The Circleville Pumpkin Show centers on a massive pumpkin display, roughly 25–30 amusement rides, parades and pageants, pumpkin-themed food, and judged exhibits of home arts, baked goods, and art. It runs Wednesday through Saturday of the third week of October in Circleville, Ohio — the site lists October 20–23, 2027 — and draws over 400,000 visitors (about 100,000 per day) to a community of roughly 12,000 people. Plan around the daytime ride window if you want wristbands, and expect food and display areas to be the busiest draws.

The pumpkin display

More than 100,000 pounds of pumpkins, squash, and gourds are on display. This is the signature attraction and the reason most visitors come; build your route around it rather than treating it as a side stop.

Rides and midway

The streets host 25–30 amusement rides for all ages, operated by Poor Jack Amusements. Ticket details from the site:

Option Time window Price
Ride wristband 10 AM–4 PM $35 per person per day
Ride tickets/wristbands (alternate listing) 10 AM–4 PM $30 per person per day
Individual tickets Required after 4 PM —

Wristbands are not valid after 4 PM, so if your group wants unlimited rides, arrive in the morning or early afternoon. The site shows two different wristband prices in different sections; confirm the current price before you buy. Discount ride tickets and wristbands are sold online, with a listed cutoff of midnight Monday, October 19.

Parades and pageants

The schedule includes parades and the Miss Pumpkin Show and Little Miss Pumpkin Show events. One listed parade item is the Parade of Bands featuring The Ohio University Marching 110 on Thursday at 8 PM. Contest registrations for Little Miss Pumpkin Show, baby judging, and parades are submitted online; the site notes contest and competition registration reopens in September 2027.

Pumpkin food

About 23,000 pumpkin pies and more than 100,000 pumpkin donuts are sold during the Show. These numbers tell you two things: the food is a core part of the visit, and popular items can run out or draw lines. Go early in the day for the best selection.

Exhibits and competitions

On display are home arts and crafts, baked goods, and an art show. The site offers a virtual tour of the Art Show, Baked Goods, and Home Arts competitions if you want a preview before attending. There is also a separate contest to design the official Pumpkin Show pin.

Planning notes

  • Timing: Always the third Wednesday through Saturday in October. The site currently lists October 20–23, 2027.
  • Crowds: With 100,000 visitors per day in a town of 12,000, parking and walking will take longer than the map suggests. Pick two or three priorities rather than trying to cover everything.
  • Remote viewing: Live webcams are available on the site, useful for checking crowd levels or watching if you can't attend.
  • Before you go: Verify ride prices and the parade lineup on the official schedule, since the site shows some conflicting figures and event details change by year.