PumpkinFest is the quintessential New England autumn festival, only with an emphasis on children and family fun. A city tradition attracting thousands of visitors to Westfield each year with a new map that contains favorite elements from the past and an exciting new layout that features several villages of family fun.
(Program may change for weather and unforeseen circumstances)
PumpkinFest has as its central component, the Pumpkin Carving Tent, under which children and their families may carve or decorate more than 1200 pumpkins that have been gutted by Scouting America Troops #821 and #124 and Pack #820. Children can pick their pumpkins from the Pumpkin Patch, and after crafting their creations, place them for display and later pickup around the giant iron Pumpkin, created by sculptor Sebastian Glebocki, especially for PumpkinFest. The able staff of the Boys and Girls Club are the smiling managers of the Tent.
The Peaceful Low-Sensory Pumpkin Grove is an area where children and others can take a break from the bustle of PumpkinFest while still feeling part of the celebration. Produced by Westfield Pride, it offers gentle crafts and a soothing atmosphere that lets folks recharge and rejoin the fun at their own pace. “The Rainbow Fairy” will also be on hand to share her special magic with all.
Westfield G & E and Whip City Fiber are powering up a brand‑new PumpkinFest attraction: AUTUMN ARCADE, a lively zone built for pure family fun. Kids and grownups are invited to dive into hands‑on challenges, activities, and skill‑testing games in which everyone’s a winner. Attendees are invited to create a community mural together, as well as touch a G & E truck or two, all while enjoying a bag of popcorn.
“Homer D. Poe,” Home Depot’s trusty mascot and “DIY” helper hosts a harvest party that includes a workshop, where families can construct a craft, shake hands with Homer; have fun in a sandbox filled to the brim with country corn, visit a haunted truck, take some great photos, and be very surprised.
Add a little extra wonder to your PumpkinFest experience at TruNorth Bank’s “Make Some Magic” Meadow. Kids can get creative with a hands-on DIY sand art activity, while families enjoy comedian/magician Michael Wald on WOW’s Village Stage. Guests can also take home a special keepsake with a complimentary drawing by a caricature artist, courtesy of TruNorth Bank. It’s a fun-filled stop designed to spark creativity, imagination, and smiles.
All-Star Dance Center’s Trunk or Treat has grown into one of PumpkinFest’s most popular components. It’s a high‑energy zone where families are invited to visit in costume and receive packaged harvest treats – while supplies last – from the trunks of vehicles decorated for the season. This year it has a new location that is perfect for trunk-or-treating.
Thanks to the work of an energetic Westfield volunteer and mom (Erin Morin), PumpkinFest celebrates our young entrepreneurs with its first KidzBiz Village. It provides kids ages 7-17 the opportunity to showcase their very own businesses, products, crafts and services. Visit each of the booths and be amazed by their skill and creativity, as they learn to present themselves with the help of their parents, guardians and friends.
In addition to spending the guarding and gutting the pumpkins the night before, Scouting America Troops #821 and #124 and Pack #820 will once again introduce the world of scouting with an encampment, featuring games, archery and demonstrations and a “S’mores” campfire. The scouts and their leaders are true community treasures.
At the Main Stage:
WESTFIELD HIGH SCHOOL SHOW CHOIR 12:00 pm
The Westfield High School Show Choir, under the direction of Korey Bruno, is known for high‑energy performances at community events including the Mayor’s Tree Lighting, and at their seasonal concerts. This award-winning ensemble has become a staple during their holiday appearances for the Chamber of Commerce and the Tavern Restaurant. Their Fall concert “Viva Las Vegas!” is not to be missed.
WESTFIELD HIGH SCHOOL PEP BAND 12:45 pm
Westfield High School’s Pep Band, led by longtime band director Patrick Kennedy, energizes school spirit with driving brass, woodwinds, and percussion at WHS athletic games, parades and events like WOW’s “DecemberFest.”
YMCA SWORD FIT DEMONSTRATION 1:45 pm
The staff and Leader’s Club members of The Greater Westfield YMCA will give children a chance to experience its unique “Sword Fit” youth fitness program. This innovative program is designed as a safe, high‑energy physical activity class that blends imaginative play with structured fitness.
ALL-STARS DANCE CENTER DANCERS 2:15pm
The Advocate’s 2026 Best of the Valley Award-winning All‑Stars Dance Center, directed by Kim Starsiak, returns to PumpkinFest with another spectacular that showcases its talented students from toddlers to highschoolers. Whether dancing at PumpkinFest, at their home base at 209 Root Road in Westfield or at any number of regional appearances, they demonstrate teamwork, creativity, and community pride.
Village Stage In TruNorth’s “Make Some Magic”
MAGICIAN/COMEDIAN MICHAEL WALD (15-minute shows)
Michael Wald is a widely known magician and comedian from Longmeadow, MA, whose vaudeville‑infused shows draw on formal training in sleight‑of‑hand, classic stage magic, and improvisational comedy. Recently retired from his work as a clinical social worker, he brings compassion and more than forty years of performing experience to New England stages.
Near the Pumpkin Patch
MAGGIE THE CLOWN
Maggie the Clown, who has performed at the Springfield Museums, libraries across Hampden County, and festivals throughout New England—including last year’s PumpkinFest—returns with her signature balloon art. Trained at the renowned Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College, she is a longtime member of the World Clown Association.
ANNE CUBBERLY PUPPETS (“Turq Ducken” and “Mucho Colores”)
A WOW staple for more than a decade, Anne Cubberly, her puppets and puppeteers have brightened, Dickens Days, DecemberFest and PumpkinFest for almost two decades. A Hartford‑based puppeteer and trained at the University of Connecticut’s acclaimed Puppet Arts Program, Anne is best known for creating the larger‑than‑life figures that animate “Night Fall,” Hartford’s annual fall community celebration.
PUMPKINFEST COSTUMED CHARACTERS
PumpkinFest’s strolling characters will make everyone smile as they weave their way thru the festival, “Traveling Photo Frames” from the Carol Saltus Team with offer photo-ready encounters with “Dorothy and the Good Witch,” and “Woody and Buzz” and four other fantasy characters. Princesses and superheroes from Something Royal Party Company will enchant families, while Reminder Publications street-corner “Newsies” will distribute PumpkinFest programs. “The Rainbow Fairy” from Westfield Pride will sprinkle some magic, while WOW’s “Snowy the Snowman” and “the Toymaker” will preview WOW’s upcoming DecemberFest.
COMMUNITY BOOTHS and PUMPKINFEST VENDORS
PumpkinFest’s new layout features distinct “villages” that feature an array of more than 65 booths that celebrate the work of area community non-profits and the craftsmanship of area vendors. Most offer hands‑on activities, games and treats for children.
PUMPKINFEST FOOD COURT
This year’s Food Court is sure to satisfy every craving with an irresistible selection of hometown flavors. Harvest Food will be provided by Angelo’s Fried Dough; Bueno Y Sano; Crave Café; Northside Creamery; North Elm Butcher Block, Sweet Memories; and Vlad’s Brick-Oven Pizza.
SEASONAL COMMUNITY EVENTS BEYOND PUMPKINFEST
October 15 thru October 31
Neighborhoods throughout Westfield - In conjunction with PumpkinFest, WOW will also present its annual self-directed drive-by tour of Haunted Houses from October 15 thru 31. Residences will be shown and listed on an interactive map. Folks may sign up throughout the month at the WOW Tent at PumpkinFest or register by submitting their address on WOW’s Facebook page.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings, October 9 thru October 31
Amelia Park Garden - Children under 17: Free Adults $21.13. Presented by Imagination Preservation Society & Holiday Preservation Society and Amelia Park Arena with in-kind assistance from Westfield on Weekends.
Enter a whimsical Halloween wonderland where shimmering lights, playful skeletons, enchanting characters, and magical displays transform the garden into a world of wonder and imagination. It’s a world of surprising, illuminated scenes, animatronics that will amaze all visitors. Reservations can be made through Simpletix.com.
October 31 – November 1
The lawn of Witalisz & Associates, 2 Broad Street, Westfield
A longtime PumpkinFest favorite and fundraiser, Scarecrow Central transforms the lawn of Witalisz & Associates lawn into a whimsical gallery of straw‑stuffed imagination. Scarecrows celebrating Westfield businesses and organizations, who have purchased a Scarecrow, are on display for all to applaud.
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Funding for the events of PumpkinFest 2025 has been provided by its major sponsors: Westfield Gas & Electric/Whip City Fiber; bankESB; M & T Bank; Westfield Bank; Baystate Health and Baystate Noble Hospital; Health New England; Firtion-Adams Funeral Services; Wagner Rug, Lisa Oleksak Sullivan; and the City of Westfield. Funding has also been provided with grants from the Westfield Cultural Council, a program of the Massachusetts Cultural Council, and Shurtleff Children’s Services, Inc.
In-kind assistance is being provided by Jerome’s Party Plus, Walmart, the City of Westfield, its Mayor’s Office, Police Department, Auxiliary Police, Health Department, Licensing, Park and Rec Department, School Department and Department of Public Works and other area businesses and organizations.
PumpkinFest 2025 is produced by WOW with generous community volunteers and community partners including the City of Westfield; Greater Westfield Boys and Girls Club; All-Stars Dance Center; Scouting America; St. Mary’s High School and Westfield Gas & Electric/Whip City Fiber.
Additional support provided by: City Councilor Bridget Matthews-Kane, Ward 3, City Councilors Bill Onyski, Ward 6, Karen Fanion, Ward 1, Ralph Figy, Ward 2, City Councilor At Large Brent Bean, and At Large Candidates John Bowen and Dan Knapik. As well as State Senator John Velis, State Representative Kelly Pease, Mayor Mike McCabe, Westfield City Councilors James R. Adams, At Large, John J. Beltrandi, Ward 5, Mike Burns, Ward 4, Cindy Harris, At Large, and Richard Sullivan, At Large.
