Celebrate America 250 at the 2026 Circleville Pumpkin Show
This fall, one of Ohio’s favorite traditions will add a little extra red, white and blue.
The 119th Circleville Pumpkin Show returns October 21–24, 2026, bringing giant pumpkins, parades, entertainment, food, exhibits and generations of tradition to downtown Circleville. This year, the celebration will also commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, with special events and patriotic touches appearing throughout the Show.
For visitors planning a trip to Pickaway County this October, there will be even more to experience, beginning before the official four-day festival gets underway.
Start the Celebration on Tuesday
Pumpkin Show week will begin early this year with special opening activities on Tuesday, October 20.
Activities begin at 5 p.m. at Pumpkin Show Park, followed at 7 p.m. by a special “Pumpkin Show Celebrates 250 Years of Agriculture” Parade through downtown Circleville.
Agriculture has been at the heart of the Circleville Pumpkin Show since its beginnings in 1903, making it a natural focus for this year’s America 250 celebration.
The special parade will showcase agriculture past and present, including farm equipment representing different periods of the past 250 years, crops, livestock, FFA units, local high school and community marching bands, and special America 250 competition floats.
For visitors, that means Pumpkin Show week effectively begins a day earlier in 2026, giving you another reason to arrive early and spend more time exploring Circleville and Pickaway County.
Look for America 250 Throughout the Show
The America 250 celebration won’t be limited to one parade.
Patriotic themes will be woven into many of the competitions and exhibits visitors see throughout downtown Circleville.
Look for patriotic pumpkins and fruit and vegetable displays, America 250 canned goods displays, patriotic photography featuring pumpkins, themed baked goods and floral arrangements inspired by everything from the American rose to fireworks and the Fourth of July.
Even downtown businesses are getting involved through this year’s Window Trimming Contest theme, “Red, White and Winkie.”
Together, these special touches will connect America’s milestone birthday with the community participation that has helped make the Pumpkin Show what it is today.
Experience the Traditions That Keep Visitors Coming Back
There may be some new additions in 2026, but the heart of the Circleville Pumpkin Show isn’t changing.
Visitors can still experience the giant pumpkins and squash, agricultural displays, parades, marching bands, royalty, arts and crafts, flowers, baked goods, pumpkin pie, entertainment and other traditions that fill downtown Circleville each October.
Many of the items you’ll see on display are entered by people who live right here in Pickaway County and the surrounding Pumpkin Show trading area. The pumpkins, produce, flowers, baked goods, canned goods, artwork and handmade pieces aren’t simply displays. They represent the people and traditions of the community visitors have come to experience.
Make a Trip to Pickaway County
With special activities beginning Tuesday and the Pumpkin Show continuing through Saturday, 2026 is a great year to make more than a quick trip to Circleville.
Come early, stay a little longer and explore more of Pickaway County while you’re here. Grab breakfast or coffee before heading downtown, visit local shops, discover another attraction or enjoy dinner after a day at the Show.
The 119th Circleville Pumpkin Show is October 21–24, 2026, with special opening activities beginning Tuesday, October 20. Admission is free.
Additional schedules and Pumpkin Show information are available at pumpkinshow.com.
For places to stay, eat, shop and explore during your visit, head to Pickaway.com and start planning your trip.
