Keene Pumpkin Festival*

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Dates:	Saturday, October 21, 2023
Hours:	noon - 8:30pm
In/Outdoor:	Outdoor
Cost:	Free
Category:	Fairs & Festivals

Founded in 1991, The Keene Pumpkin Festival has become one of the region’s most popular community events. And not just because we hold the world record for lit jack-o-lanterns.

Each autumn, The Keene Pumpkin Festival brings together thousands of people and families from near and far to share an unforgettable celebration of community.

At the heart of the festival’s popularity is its emphasis on participation. Thousands contribute to the spectacle by bringing their own hand-carved pumpkins. Everyone who carves a pumpkin with their own special face or design adds to the fun.

The Keene Pumpkin Festival has become famous for its status as the holder of the world record for most jack-o-lanterns lit at the same time in one place. But the Keene Pumpkin Festival isn't just about setting records…it’s about bringing people together in a spirit of community and participation.

Registering your Jack o Lantern
Help us create the magic by bringing your own jack-o-lanterns…the more, the merrier! Please follow these easy instructions for registering your pumpkin:

Bring a carved pumpkin and a 3-inch votive candle to Railroad Square in downtown Keene the day before the event (Friday) between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. and log it in at the Log-in Tent…or bring your creation the day of the festival and log it in at one of the seven Official Log-in Tents located at every intersection on Main Street.

Find more pumpkin festivals and jack-o-lantern displays near you in our helpful guide to fall family fun.

WEBSITE

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www.pumpkinfestival.org/

LOCATION

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Main Street, Keene, NH map

REVIEWS

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Keene Pumpkin Fest Getting Dangerous

My family and I have attended the Keene Fest off and on over the past 15 years. Last night was the final straw. What used to be a nice outing has turned into a cheap party night for local college kids. The port-a-pottys were FULL by 7:00! We kept getting rammed by strollers( I left my children home at this age). Parking was a joke and the entire night was disappointing. I think the time has come to either do away with the festival or CHARGE ADMISSION!!!!! $5 per person seems fair and get more port-a-pottys!!!!!

Keene Pumpkinfest Getting Too Big

My family and I have been attending this event for years. We love it for the creativity of the jack-o-laterns...we have a blast looking at each creation. We went to Boston's Life is Good pumpkinfest last year due to poor weather in Keene, but it doesn't even compare... Unfortunately, this year, we were astonished at the crowds in Keene. It really detracted from the over all experience and was even a bit scary at times with small children. There were so many people it was hard to walk, never mind see the pumpkins. In addition, we never saw the information booth or a port-o-potty! I would no longer recommend this event unless they move it to a bigger location in the future.