Fall is in full swing, and one of Stratford’s favorite autumn traditions is just around the corner! The Great Pumpkin Festival returns to Boothe Memorial Park this Saturday, October 17, from 12:00 to 4:00 PM, bringing an afternoon of seasonal activities, entertainment, and community fun to the park’s beautiful historic grounds.
Presented as part of the Town of Stratford’s Celebrate Stratford event series, the festival offers something for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re coming for the pumpkins, dressing up for the costume parade, or simply looking to enjoy a fall afternoon with family and friends, there’s plenty to look forward to.
A Full Afternoon of Fall Fun
This year’s festival will feature a variety of activities and entertainment, including:
- Giant pumpkin carving contest
- Costume parade and contest
- Horse-drawn carriage rides
- Magic show and live entertainment
- Face painting and an inflatable corn maze
- Seasonal food, refreshments, and family activities
- Public Safety Day, featuring safety demonstrations, Touch-a-Truck, and giveaways
The giant pumpkin carving contest is already filled, but visitors can still watch talented carvers transform enormous pumpkins into creative works of art throughout the afternoon.
The festival also welcomes Public Safety Day, giving children and families an opportunity to explore emergency vehicles, meet local public safety personnel, and learn more about the people who help keep our community safe.
Explore the History of Boothe Park
Beyond the festival activities, visitors will have an opportunity to experience something that makes Boothe Memorial Park such a special place: its remarkable collection of historic buildings and museums.
Throughout the afternoon, volunteers from the Friends of Boothe Park and other participating organizations will welcome visitors into the park’s historic buildings, sharing the stories, collections, and unique features that connect our community to Stratford’s past.
For those who have never explored the park’s museums, the Pumpkin Festival is a wonderful opportunity to discover more about this historic Stratford landmark.
The Friends of Boothe Park are proud to help preserve and share the park’s history, and we look forward to welcoming visitors during this special community celebration.
Festival Schedule
There’s plenty happening throughout the afternoon! Here’s a look at some of the day’s scheduled highlights:
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 12:00 PM | Festival begins |
| 12:30 PM | Connecticut Dance Conservatory performance |
| 1:00 PM | Magic show |
| 2:00 PM | Giant pumpkin carving contest judging |
| 2:30 PM | Costume parade and contest |
In addition to these scheduled activities, visitors can enjoy entertainment, attractions, and family-friendly activities throughout the festival.
Plan Your Visit
Great Pumpkin Festival 2026
Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Boothe Memorial Park, 5800 Main Street, Stratford, CT
Rain Date: Sunday, October 18, 2026
Admission: Free and open to the public
Admission and parking are free. Tickets will be available for purchase for select food items and activities.
Free parking will be available in the field adjacent to the Boothe Memorial Railway Society. Additional parking will be available at Flood Middle School, with free shuttle buses running throughout the day.
The Great Pumpkin Festival is part of the Town of Stratford’s Celebrate Stratford event series, with support from the Boothe Park Commission and participating community organizations. This year’s festival is sponsored by Comcast.
For additional information, visit our Great Pumpkin Festival event page or the Town of Stratford’s official festival page.
We look forward to seeing you at Boothe Park this Saturday for an afternoon of pumpkins, history, and community fun!