See Giant Pumpkins: What to See and Do at Port Elgin Pumpkinfest This Weekend

One of Ontario’s famous fall festivals, Port Elgin Pumpkinfest, is returning this weekend for its 40th edition.

Port Elgin Pumpkinfest

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.

Port Elgin Pumpkinfest record was set in last year by Jeff Warner with a 1,966.5 pounds whopper 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 2025:

Port Elgin Pumpkinfest

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.

Pub-Kin Crawl: Celebrate Pumpkinfest’s 40th Anniversary at the Pub-Kin Crawl, Friday October 3! Enjoy dinner, music, and harvest fun with free shuttle service between Port Elgin and Southampton, 7pm–Midnight.
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: Party in the Patch features The Sap Suckers, Grey Road 1, and Good Enough Live Karaoke with VIP-judged contest and cash prizes on Saturday night, only $15 for nonstop fun!
Michael Harrison: AGT comedy ventriloquist Michael Harrison brings his hilarious, family-friendly show on October, 4:30pm, in the Big Tent—family-friendly comedy, puppets, and surprises!
Family Fun: The festival offers many family-themed activities, including the Giant Tiger Kiddie Festival, Pet Show, Pumpkin Patch by Smith’s Apple Farm, Poney Rides and Petting Zoo, Circus Jonathon, SimHub Racing Simulator, Face painting by Eloise, Kobbler Jay, INCIRQUE and Taylors Toons Caricatures.
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.

Trip Planning – Port Elgin Pumpkinfest 2025:

Date and Time:

Saturday, October 4, 2025 – 9am to 6pm
Sunday, October 5, 2025 10am to 4pm

OLG presents Cinderella’s Carriage Car Show: 10am to 4pm both Saturday & Sunday
Road closures in place 7am to 5pm

Midway: Friday: from 5-10pm and Saturday: 5-10pm. in addition to fair hours.
$35 for all you can ride on evenings.

Location: Downtown Port Elgin

Admission:

Adults – $10
55+Seniors & Children 4 to12 – $8

Family passes (2+2): $30
Under 3 free

At the Gate Weekend Entry – Adults $12; Seniors & Children 4 to 12 $8; 3 and under free; Family passes ($35) (2 A, 2C/S)

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: