The Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival, officially the Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival, returns to California’s Coastside on October 17–18, 2026. The downtown celebration combines giant pumpkins, harvest food, handmade art and live music. Admission is free, and the festival runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Start with the organizer’s 2026 event overview, then use this guide to choose your day and plan the trip.
Details checked October 9, 2026. Event times use Pacific time.
Saturday suits visitors who want the pumpkin parade and costume contest. Sunday adds the local artists’ pop-up and pumpkin carving. For either day, make transportation your first decision: arriving in town, finding parking and walking to Main Street all need room in your schedule.
Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival dates, location and admission
The festival takes place on historic Main Street in Half Moon Bay, California. The current event overview describes the festival area between Miramontes and Spruce Streets. Check the official location and directions before setting your navigation destination.
- Saturday, October 17: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Sunday, October 18: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Entry: free admission.
- Budget separately: food, drinks, shopping, parking and optional activities.
Free entry makes it easy to spend a few hours browsing, but it does not make every purchase or activity free. Set a food and shopping allowance before you arrive, especially when visiting with children. A short visit works best with one scheduled highlight, one meal and time to explore the booths.
For a group visit, agree on the main attraction before departure. A parade-focused outing needs a different pace from a shopping afternoon. Give each person one priority and keep the remaining time open, so a longer food line or an interesting booth does not derail the plan.
Some organizer subpages still display older dates or previous-year lineups. Use the explicitly labeled 2026 events schedule for this year’s times. Save that page before leaving and check it again near your visit. Our festival planning guide can help organize the rest of your day-trip checklist.
Giant pumpkins, the pumpkin parade and a weekend itinerary
The giant-pumpkin display gives visitors a close look at the weigh-off champion during festival weekend. The organizer lists the champion at Main and Miramontes Streets, with additional winning pumpkins at 775 Main Street. See the official display information before choosing a meeting spot. Leave time to look rather than treating the display as a quick photo stop.
Saturday: costumes first, then the noon parade
For a suggested Saturday plan, arrive around opening time and browse a few booths before deciding whether to watch the 10 a.m. costume contest in front of the Half Moon Bay Library. The contest welcomes different age groups, pairs and larger groups, making it a useful stop for a mixed-age family.
The Great Pumpkin Parade starts at noon on Saturday, October 17. Its route follows Main Street from Miramontes Street to Mill Street. Choose a viewing position early, keep children beside you and leave the route clear. Have lunch afterward, then pick a music performance or browse the art booths instead of trying to fit in every attraction.
If you have only a morning available, decide whether the costume contest or parade matters more. Walking between stops, buying a snack and finding a viewing position take time. A flexible plan is easier than moving the whole group repeatedly through busy sidewalks.
Sunday: pumpkin carving and Coastside artists
The 2026 schedule lists pumpkin carving for fun at 10 a.m. on Sunday in the Bank of America lot. It is a recreational activity rather than a judged competition. Sunday also brings the Made on the Coast artists’ block. Its page still identifies the published artist names as previous-year information, so check for the updated lineup rather than planning around a particular maker.
On both days, the schedule lists pie-eating contests at 2 p.m. for ages 11 and under and 2:15 p.m. for ages 12 and over. If that is your priority, leave lunch and browsing flexible enough to reach the Bank of America lot on time.
Food vendors, handmade art and live music
Food is part of the appeal here. The official food page lists pumpkin pie, pumpkin milkshakes and pumpkin ravioli alongside savory choices such as chowder, tamales and garlic fries. Many food booths support nonprofit community groups. Browse menus before joining a line, and ask vendors directly about ingredients if someone in your party has dietary restrictions.
For adults, the organizer also lists craft beer and wine. Keep your return trip in mind before ordering, and choose a designated driver or a transit plan in advance. Prices and individual selections can change, so build your budget around categories rather than an unverified menu total.
Allow browsing time between scheduled activities for handmade art and crafts. A gift is easier to choose when you can talk with the artist and compare materials, sizes and prices. Think about how you will carry a fragile or bulky purchase through the rest of your visit before buying.
The current music schedule separates performances by day and stage. Pick one performance to anchor your afternoon, then leave space for food and shopping. For another autumn weekend, explore our fall festivals guide.
Parking, public transit and family essentials
The organizer identifies parking near Metzgar Street, Half Moon Bay High School, Our Lady of the Pillar Church and the Community Center/Shoreline Station complex. Some lots are nonprofit fundraisers with fees; limited side-street parking is also listed. Use the current parking and street-closure guidance, follow posted signs and allow walking time.
Highway 92 can become congested early, according to the organizer’s directions. Compare your route before departure instead of assuming a scenic alternative will be quicker. The festival recommends SamTrans; use its current Route 294 information and check weekend service, stops and return times before relying on the bus.
Save your parking location and return route on your phone. If your group arrives separately, choose a meeting point outside the parade route and share it before anyone loses track of the others. Plan the journey home as carefully as the arrival.
Pack for walking and changing coastal weather
The organizer’s visitor tips recommend layers, comfortable shoes and sun protection. Bring a reusable water bottle, a small bag for purchases and a charged phone. With children, choose a meeting point and a manageable stopping time. The organizer cautions that strollers can be difficult in crowds; decide what works for your family before arrival. Browse our family-friendly festivals guide for more outing ideas.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a ticket for general admission?
No paid general-admission ticket is required: entry is free. Food, drinks, parking and optional purchases need their own budget. Separately organized activities may have their own registration or ticket arrangements.
Is the pumpkin weigh-off during festival weekend?
No. The Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off is scheduled for Monday, October 12, 2026. The downtown festival follows on October 17–18. Choose the weigh-off for the competition itself and the festival weekend for the broader celebration.
Can I bring my dog or visit a pumpkin farm instead?
Pets are prohibited at the downtown festival, with an exception for leashed service dogs. Nearby farms set separate rules: Arata Pumpkin Farm’s FAQ permits leashed dogs, while Lemos Farm’s FAQ says dogs are not permitted. Confirm your chosen farm’s hours and rules before going; a farm visit is a separate outing.
What accessibility information should I check?
The organizer’s accessibility information lists accessible restrooms and marked accessible parking on Purissima Street between Correas Street and Kelly Avenue. Parking is first come, first served. Check the event layout and contact the organizer about any specific access needs before traveling.