CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio — Downtown Circleville is gearing up for “The Greatest Free Show on Earth” as the 119th Circleville Pumpkin Show officially arrives in Pickaway County.
Running from Tuesday, Oct. 20 through Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, this year’s festival features a temporary expanded schedule—including a new Tuesday Night Preview and an eighth feature parade—alongside the giant pumpkin weigh-ins, live entertainment, and thousands of famous pumpkin donuts, pies, and treats.
Complete Schedule of Events
Tuesday, October 20: Preview Night
- 5:00 PM: Festival Midway, Concessions, and Amusement Rides Open
- 5:00 PM: Opening Ceremony (The Savings Bank Stage at Pumpkin Show Park)
- 5:45 PM: Live Entertainment by Studio One (Pumpkin Show Park)
- 7:00 PM: Inaugural Tuesday Night Parade — Theme: “Pumpkin Show Celebrates 250 Years of Agriculture”
- 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM: Live Music by Nick Beekman (Zwicker House)
Wednesday, October 21: Opening Day & Royalty
- 10:00 AM: Midway & Exhibits Open Daily (10:00 AM – 10:00 PM)
- Daytime: Giant Pumpkin Weigh-In & Judging
- 3:30 PM: Little Miss Pumpkin Show Parade
- 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM: Live Music: Rock This Way (Circleville Eagles #685)
- 8:00 PM: Miss Pumpkin Show Parade
Thursday, October 22: Family & Youth Day
- 3:30 PM: Baby Parade
- 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Live Music by Zac McFadden (Tootles Pumpkin Inn)
- 8:00 PM: Bands & Youth Organizations Parade (Featuring the OSU Marching Band)
Friday, October 23: Community & Pet Day
- 3:30 PM: Pet Parade
- 8:00 PM: Lodges, Civic, & Fraternal Organizations Parade
Saturday, October 24: Grand Finale
- 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM: Open Midway, Food Vendors, and Exhibit Contests
- 8:00 PM: Ohio Festival & Events Association (OFEA) Queens Parade
Festival Highlights & Visitor Info
- Location & Admission: Free admission across downtown Circleville (centred at 159 E. Franklin St.).
- Shuttle Options: Park-and-ride shuttles operate daily from AMVETS ($10/car) and Ohio Christian University ($5/person) dropping off near Main Street.
- Contests: Judging categories throughout the week include giant pumpkins, baked goods, flower displays, canned goods, window decorating, and arts and crafts.
