COLUMBUS, Ohio — The city of Circleville is gearing up to welcome thousands of visitors to one of Ohio’s most beloved autumn traditions. The 118th annual Circleville Pumpkin Show will officially begin on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, continuing through Saturday, October 18, and bringing with it a celebration of pumpkins, parades, contests, and community spirit. Known as “The Greatest Free Show on Earth,” this long-standing event will once again fill downtown Circleville with the sights, sounds, and flavors of the fall season.
The Pumpkin Show first began in 1903 and has since evolved into one of the state’s largest and most recognizable fall festivals. Each year, the event draws visitors from across Ohio and neighboring states to enjoy its iconic displays, amusement rides, music, and endless variety of pumpkin-themed food. This year’s event will once again feature highlights such as the Giant Pumpkin Weigh-In, the Little Miss Pumpkin Show, and the famous World’s Largest Pumpkin Pie, a centerpiece attraction that represents the festival’s deep agricultural roots.
Festivities will unofficially kick off on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, with a preview evening from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.. During this early start, visitors can enjoy open concession stands and amusement rides before the official opening the following morning.
The formal celebration begins on Wednesday, October 15, with the Foresman Chimes ringing at the Pickaway County Courthouse between 8:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. to mark the opening day. The Opening Ceremony will follow at 9 a.m. at 121 North Court Street. Early in the morning, the Giant Pumpkin Weigh-In will take place at the corner of Court Street and Main Street, drawing attention from competitors eager to showcase their record-breaking gourds. Later in the afternoon, at 3:30 p.m., the Little Miss Pumpkin Show Parade will wind through the downtown streets, followed by the Miss Pumpkin Show Parade at 8 p.m. The day’s competitions, including float judging, will occur at the Pickaway County Agriculture & Event Center, located at 415 Lancaster Pike.
On Thursday, October 16, the focus will turn to the youngest participants. The Baby Judging Contest begins at 9 a.m. at the Pickaway Agriculture and Event Center, followed by the Baby Parade at 3:30 p.m. Families can expect adorable costumes and themed floats as local children take the spotlight. The evening will conclude with the much-anticipated Parade of Bands at 8 p.m., featuring high school and community marching bands from across the region performing along the streets of Circleville.
The excitement continues on Friday, October 17, with one of the most beloved events of the week—the Pet Parade—starting at 3:30 p.m.. Pets of all shapes and sizes, often dressed in festive or humorous outfits, will make their way down the parade route to the delight of spectators. That evening, at 8 p.m., the Fraternal and Civic Organizations Parade will showcase local clubs, service organizations, and community groups in a display of civic pride and tradition.
The festival will reach its grand finale on Saturday, October 18, with the Ohio Festivals and Events Association (OFEA) Queen’s Parade at 8 p.m. This closing event brings together visiting festival queens from across the state, along with local dignitaries and marching units, to cap off four days of celebration. The parade traditionally draws one of the largest crowds of the week and serves as a fitting conclusion to the Circleville Pumpkin Show’s festivities.
Throughout the event, visitors can expect a variety of food vendors offering everything from pumpkin doughnuts and pumpkin ice cream to pumpkin burgers and, of course, the world-famous pumpkin pie. Art and craft exhibits, games, and local agricultural showcases will also be on display, reinforcing the fair’s community-centered atmosphere.
The Circleville Pumpkin Show has become a hallmark of Ohio’s fall season, blending small-town charm with large-scale excitement. Whether visitors come to see record-breaking pumpkins, enjoy live music, or share the experience with family and friends, the festival continues to embody the spirit of Midwestern celebration and hospitality. As the 118th edition unfolds, Circleville once again proves why this century-old tradition remains one of the most anticipated events of the year in the Buckeye State.
