One of Ontario’s famous fall festivals, Port Elgin Pumpkinfest, is returning this weekend for its 38th edition.
The festival’s origins can be traced back to 1986 when the inaugural “Great Pumpkin Event” was held, featuring colossal pumpkins weighing up to 250 pounds. Over the years, it has evolved and gained recognition, eventually becoming an official World Pumpkin Confederation (WPC) Weigh-Off site in Ontario. Today, Port Elgin Pumpkinfest is renowned for its two Giant Vegetable Weigh-Offs, attracting growers eager to showcase their enormous produce.
The highlight of Pumpkinfest is undoubtedly the giant pumpkin weigh-offs, sanctioned by the Giant Pumpkin Commonwealth. Enthusiastic growers aim not only to break world records but also to earn valuable points for their entries.
In 2021, a 2006.5-pound giant pumpkin at the Woodbridge Fair set the Canadian record for the heaviest pumpkin.
However, the festival offers much more than giant veggies. Visitors can revel in a diverse range of activities and attractions, making it a family-friendly affair.
Highlights of Port Elgin Pumpkinfest 2023:
- Giant Vegetable Weigh Offs: One of the festival’s signature events, giant vegetables, including colossal pumpkins, are weighed, with the potential to set world records. These weigh-offs occur on both Saturday and Sunday, sanctioned by the Giant Pumpkin Commonwealth.
- Car Show: The festival features an impressive display of classic cars, including the OLG Cinderella’s Carriage Car Show with nearly 350 registered vehicles.
- Live Concerts: Groove to the tunes of Highway 21 on Friday night and enjoy the Tragically Hip tribute band Practically Hip on Saturday evening. Tickets cost $25.40 and include a weekend wristband for Pumpkinfest Village.
- Family Fun: The festival offers many family-themed activities, including the Global Pet Foods Kids Fun Pet Show, a junior firefighters obstacle course, and the Mad Science at the OPG Environment Tent.
- Artisan Craft Show: Explore unique handmade artisan products at the craft show, hosted inside the Port Elgin Legion. From quilts to candles, there’s something for everyone.
- Food Court and Vendor Marketplace: Satisfy your taste buds with a variety of delicious food options while exploring the vendor marketplace.
- Midway Rides: The midway opens on Friday evening for a special sneak peek and continues throughout the weekend. A quiet time is designated on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for attendees with sensory processing issues.
- Special Demonstrations: Witness the artistry of giant pumpkin carving by a talented local artist and enjoy the entertaining and educational Mad Science shows at the OPG Environment Tent.
Trip Planning – Port Elgin Pumpkinfest 2023:
Date and Time:
Saturday, September 30 | 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday, October 1 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Downtown Port Elgin
Admission:
Wristband: Adults $8; Seniors & Children under 12 $6
Family passes: $25 in advance at available Ralph’s, Vanderwerfs Independent; Southampton Foodland and Port Elgin & Southampton Home Hardware
Midway:
Friday sneakpeak: $30 for unlimited rides
Saturday & Sunday Midway regular tickets:
16 tickets: $30.00
36 tickets: $60.00
Small Rides: 2 tickets each
Big rides: 3 tickets
Concert: $25.40
Where: Various Locations, Port Elgin Downtown
Parking: There is NO parking available at Pumpkinfest Village.
Parking is available in designated areas in Port Elgin and Southampton and at the Town Hall on the corner of Hwy 21 & High Street.
There is a Handicap Parking Area close to the Gate on Gustavus Street.
Shuttle: Free shuttle buses are available on Saturday (9am-6pm) and Sunday (10am-4pm) between designated parking areas to Pumpkinfest Village and Cinderella’s Carriage Car Show:
- Southampton Market
- Southampton Town Hall Parking Area
- Holiday Park Campground (Southampton)
- Kenorous Campground (Highway 21)
- The Plex – Pumpkinfest North parking area
- Port Elgin Main Beach Parking Area – Pumpkinfest West parking area
- Giant Tiger Parking Area – Pumpkinfest South parking area
- Pumpkinfest Village – no public parking at Pumpkinfest Village