When and Where Is the Circleville Pumpkin Show Held?

Updated

The Circleville Pumpkin Show is held in Circleville, Ohio, always running from the third Wednesday through Saturday of October. The official site lists the next festival dates as October 20–23, 2027, and reports attendance of more than 400,000 visitors — about 100,000 per day — in a community of roughly 12,000 people. That scale is the main thing to plan around: it is a small-town festival with big-city crowds.

Dates and Location at a Glance

Detail Information
City Circleville, Ohio
2027 dates Wednesday, October 20 – Saturday, October 23
Recurring rule Always the third Wednesday through Saturday in October
Reported attendance Over 400,000 visitors (about 100,000 per day)
Local population About 12,000 residents

Because the schedule follows a calendar rule rather than a fixed date, the festival shifts each year. If you are planning beyond 2027, confirm the exact dates on the official site before booking travel.

What the Crowd Size Means for a Visit

With roughly 100,000 people per day descending on a town of 12,000, expect the streets to be packed, especially on the Saturday. A few practical implications:

  • Arrive early in the day. The site lists ride wristbands as valid from 10 AM to 4 PM, so daytime hours are structured around that window.
  • Plan for afternoon changes. Individual ride tickets are required after 4 PM, and wristbands are not valid after that time.
  • Expect heavy demand for food. The site notes that about 23,000 pumpkin pies and more than 100,000 pumpkin donuts are sold during the Show — a sign of how busy the food areas get.

What Else Is on Site

The festival grounds include:

  • Pumpkin displays — more than 100,000 pounds of pumpkins, squash, and gourds.
  • Exhibits — home arts and crafts, baked goods, and an art show.
  • Rides — 25–30 amusement rides for all ages.
  • Parades and pageants — including Miss Pumpkin Show and Little Miss Pumpkin Show.
  • Live webcams — the site offers live Pumpkin Show webcams if you want a sense of the crowd before you go.

Registration and Contest Timing

Contest registration follows its own calendar, which matters if you plan to enter rather than just attend:

  • Registrations for Little Miss Pumpkin Show, baby judging, and parades can be submitted online.
  • The site advises coming back in September 2027 to register for contests and competitions.
  • Ride ticket information for the next event is expected in October 2027.

Bottom Line

If you want the full festival experience, target the Wednesday or Thursday of the third week of October to avoid the heaviest Saturday crowds, and plan your day around the 10 AM–4 PM wristband window. Check the official site closer to the date for confirmed schedules, contest registration openings, and ride ticket details.