CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio — The sights, sounds, and thrill of the carnival midway are returning to downtown Circleville as Poor Jack Amusements prepares to set up 29 rides for the 119th Circleville Pumpkin Show, running October 21–24, 2026.
Highlighting this year’s attraction lineup is a brand-new Pirate Ship ride imported directly from Italy. Delivered to Poor Jack Amusements in late July, the high-capacity attraction has already proven to be a crowd favorite on the summer circuit and will make its official Circleville Pumpkin Show debut this fall.
“We do have a new Pirate Ship ride that came from Italy and was delivered to us in late July. It is a spectacular ride for our carnival and has been performing well,” said Gary Bohlander of Poor Jack Amusements.
Six Years on the City Streets
The 2026 festival marks Poor Jack Amusements’ sixth year providing midway rides for the Pumpkin Show. The 29 planned rides represent one more attraction than the company typically brings, offering options for all age groups.
Fan-favorite thrill rides returning this year include the Freakout—which Bohlander noted remains one of the midway’s most sought-after rides—alongside the Expo Wheel, Music Express, Orbiter, Fireball, 1001 Nachts, Orient Express, and Crazy Bus. The full-size Carousel, which made its Pumpkin Show debut in 2025, will also return.
Setting up a large-scale amusement park along active downtown city streets presents unique operational logistics compared to traditional fairgrounds.
“Setting up carnival rides on city streets can be quite challenging, but we have been to Circleville enough to have most details figured out,” Bohlander explained, adding that bringing joy to festival-goers makes the hard work worth it. “I have been in this business my whole life, and still the best part is the smiles we put on people’s faces.”
Presale Discount Tickets and Wristband Information
Visitors can save on midway admission by purchasing advance ride tickets and unlimited-ride wristbands online prior to the festival’s start:
- 20-Ride Ticket Package: Available online for $20 (plus a $1.25 ticketing fee) and valid any day of the event.
- Unlimited-Ride Wristbands: Available online for $27 (plus a $1.25 fee, totaling $28.25). Wristbands are valid for one day during designated hours:
- Tuesday, Oct. 20 (Preview Night): 5:00 p.m. until closing.
- Wednesday, Oct. 21 – Saturday, Oct. 24: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily (wristbands are not valid after 4:00 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday).
All advance presale discounts must be purchased online at www.innovativeticketing.com by 11:59 p.m. on Monday, October 19, 2026. Vouchers can be redeemed at the Poor Jack Amusements presale booth located at the intersection of Pinckney and Court Streets. Height requirements apply, and all purchases are non-refundable.
The 119th Circleville Pumpkin Show officially kicks off with Preview Night on Tuesday, October 20, and runs through Saturday, October 24. For complete event schedules, parade details, and contest information, visit www.pumpkinshow.com.
