Fall is here, which means the Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival is just around the corner! Every October, the beautiful seaside town of Half Moon Bay celebrates these beloved gourds with elaborate jack-o-lanterns, harvest-inspired crafts, and activities for the whole family. Read on to learn more about the annual Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival!
Overview of the Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival
The 52nd Annual Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival will take place on the weekend of October 19-20, 2024, from 9 am to 5 pm. The heart of the action will be right in downtown Half Moon Bay at 500 Main St. The best part? It's free for everyone, so gather your loved ones and make some memories this autumn!
This festival, founded in 1971, sprouted from a local nonprofit's desire to breathe new life into downtown Half Moon Bay. Today, nonprofits continue to use the festival's proceeds to keep Main Street looking its best while supporting other community causes around the region. Thanks to their dedication, Half Moon Bay has earned the nickname World Pumpkin Capital!
The festival also showcases agriculture's vital role in San Mateo County's economy, celebrating the bountiful pumpkin patches that dot the San Francisco Peninsula every fall.
Key Attractions and Activities at the Pumpkin Festival
The Festival kicks off every year with the Safeway World Champion Pumpkin Weigh-Off, where growers bring in their pumpkins weighing over 1,000 pounds for a battle of the most gargantuan gourd! This year's Pumpkin Weigh-Off will take place on October 14, 2024. You'll get to celebrate the winner during the Great Pumpkin Parade, scheduled at noon on Saturday, October 19.
The festival also features competitions that'll get your heart racing and your taste buds tingling. Think you've got the best costume? Strut your stuff in the Costume Contest! Hungry for a challenge? Join the Pie-Eating Contest and see if you can devour the most pumpkin pie. Or, for something a little more active, lace up your sneakers for the 46th Annual Pumpkin Run, a scenic race (5K, 10K, and half-marathon) along the Coastside trail with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
Expect a soundtrack of live music and entertainment throughout the weekend. Groove to the sounds of local and non-local bands like Wreckless Strangers, Dee Coco & Mixx Company, and Rose's Pawn Shop.
Pumpkin Treats Galore
Let's be honest, a pumpkin festival is only complete with a taste of its star ingredient. Enjoy pumpkin-flavored concoctions from local vendors, like pumpkin pie cotton candy, Pumpkin Harvest Ale from the Half Moon Bay Brewing Company, pumpkin milkshakes, pumpkin cakes, and more! But don't worry if pumpkin isn't your thing! The festival will have plenty of mouthwatering options to satisfy every craving, from juicy burgers and cheesy mac and cheese to hearty steak sandwiches and beyond.
All weekend long, local artisans and craftworkers will also showcase their unique creations, many inspired by the fall season. From paintings and sculptures to handcrafted jewelry and home decor, you will surely find something special to take home as a reminder of your visit to the Pumpkin Festival.
Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Patches
While in town, check out some of our local Half Moon Bay pumpkin patches and favorite fall activities! Feast your eyes on the gourds at:
Plan Your Visit!
The Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Fest is easily accessible by public transportation. You can take SamTrans from the Hillsdale Caltrain Station directly to downtown — you'll be dropped off just a few steps away from the Festival! There are also direct buses from Linda Mar and Pacifica.
If you're not taking public transit, you can find paid and free parking along the side streets of the Festival. There will also be designated accessible parking on Purissima Street between Correas Street and Kelly Avenue.
Bike and stroller parking can also be found on the corner of Purissima Street and Kelly Avenue.
Where to Stay During the Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival?
Make your journey to the Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival easy by staying at one of the excellent Half Moon Bay hotels. The Oceano Hotel & Spa at Half Moon Bay Harbor is located just a 15-minute drive or 25-minute bus ride from downtown, while the Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay is just a 10-minute drive away.
Prefer to stay closer to town? The Half Moon Bay Inn and the Mill Rose Inn are located just steps from the Festival! For a more rustic experience, you can also camp out at the Half Moon Bay RV Park and Campgrounds.
Stay tuned to our events calendar for more details about the Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival and other fall activities on the San Francisco Peninsula.