The Town of Franklin presents the 28th Annual PumpkinFest

The Town of Franklin presents the 28th Annual PumpkinFest
Featuring the World Famous Pumpkin Roll
Saturday, October 19, 2024
Get ready to let the good times roll!

Franklin, North Carolina's 28th Annual PumpkinFest will roll into action on Saturday, October 19, 2024! People of all ages are sure to enjoy Franklin's largest street festival and celebration of autumn. Children and adults alike will have a blast taking part in traditional and some very non-traditional fall festivities including the "World Famous Pumpkin Roll" contest.
The Costume Parade and Contest is another highlight of the day. And don't miss out on over 90 vendors including mountain arts & crafts along with great food and more! PumpkinFest runs from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm and is held rain or shine in Franklin, NC.
 
World Famous Pumpkin Roll - Registration begins at 10:00am

The Main Attraction of PumpkinFest !
In case you're wondering, it is not something to eat (we get that question a lot), although those will be available from food vendors, it is literally seeing who can roll a pumpkin the greatest distance down Phillips Street and vying for bragging rights and the $100 grand prize.
Sign up for the Pumpkin Roll is from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with the actual “roll” from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. A limited supply of pumpkins will be available for purchase at the Pumpkin Roll Sign-Up Area for $5.00 each.
- Entry Fee is $1 person.
- You may bring your own pumpkin. We will also have a limited supply for purchase at the sign-up area for $5.00 each.
- Pumpkins must be in their natural state and may not be modified to enhance rolling or breaking.
 

Are Your Spidey Senses Tingling?

Your young ones are sure to enjoy our special attractions in 2024! Everyone's favorite Blue Dog will be there as well as one of their favorite super heroes and more! (keep scrolling for information)
Both will be available to greet young and old alike from 10:00am to 3:00pm during PumpkinFest! So keep your camera handy!

A Favorite is Coming back!
Back by popular demand is our Knight on his Fire Breathing Dragon!
They will be roaming the streets of the festival from 10:00am to 3:00pm, so be on the lookout! This is just one of many great photo opportunities you'll discover throughout the day.
 

FREE Balloon Twister!

Another favorite will be back this year creating all kids of FREE balloon characters for the young ones.
Available from 10:00am to 3:00pm in the lower level parking lot of Franklin Town Hall on the east end of Main Street.

Kids Zones

From 9:00am to 4:00pm young ones attending PumpkinFest can enjoy two FREE Kid's Zones. These areas of inflable attractions are free of charge.
In addition to free inflatables, free pony rides, and much more will be featured, all geared toward your little ones!
Our Kids Zones are located at either end of Main Street, near Motor Company Grill and the lower level parking area of Franklin Town Hall at 95 East Main Street.

FREE! Pony Rides

From 9:00am to 4:00pm "Little Rascals Ponies" will provide FREE pony rides for young ones. They truly are little and decked out in attire to celebrate the autumn season.
In addition, kids can also check out their petting zoo featuring ducks, goats, bunnies, chickens and more. While the pony rides are FREE, there is small admission fee to the petting zoo.
 

Costume Contest & Parade 1:00pm
An annual tradition of PumpkinFest is the Costume Parade & Contest. Participants gather at Town Hall at 1:00pm and march up Main Street at 1:15pm to the Gazebo on the Square for the Contest.
Entrants are accepted in the following age groups .... 0 to 2, 3 to 4, 5 to 6, 7 to 10, 11 to 14, 15 & up! Trophies are awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place in each age group. There is no entry fee or registration required.

Nearly 80 Arts & Crafts and Food Vendors
PumpkinFest features dozens upon dozens of great arts & crafts including fine art, woodworking, pottery, and jewelry to name a few. You can also get a taste of great festival food, enjoy free kids activities and so much more!

2023 PUmpkin Roll Winner
The Town of Franklin, NC congratulates 3 year old Clara Crone the 2023 Winner of the World Famous Pumpkin Roll! Clara's pumpkin rolled 942 feet! She and her family reside in Franklin. Last year's winner was from Atlanta (887 feet) and the year before from Oklahoma!
Over 600 people participated in the Pumpkin Roll during the 27th Annual PumpkinFest in downtown Franklin, North Carolina!

2018 WNC Magazine Best Bet!
PumpkinFest in Franklin, NC is honored to be featured in the September/October 2018 issue of WNC Magazine as a best bet. Click here to see the article. WNC magazine is a bimonthly publication that captures the grandeur of the North Carolina mountains and the lifestyle of its residents through stunning photography and captivating storytelling. Every issue is a celebration of the people, culture, arts, crafts, architecture, history, and foodways of Western North Carolina.

AS Featured in Our State Magazine!

PumpkinFest in Franklin, NC is honored to be featured in the 2017 Autumn Issue of Our State Magazine (click here to read more!). Each month,  Our State  magazine celebrates the very best of North Carolina from the mountains to the coast through lively storytelling and stunning photography. Our State reflects the beauty, nature, nostalgia, travel, and food of the state. It’s the perfect source of information for those who’ve lived in North Carolina all their lives, those just becoming acquainted with the state, or those looking to visit or relocate. Published by Mann Media, Inc., the award-winning magazine reaches more than 1,100,030 readers each month, with subscribers in every state and nearly 30 foreign countries. Learn more at  ourstate.com.