01 Sep NH Pumpkin Festival
Autumn in the Lakes Region is truly a magical time. Between the brilliant foliage blanketing the trees, the kaleidoscope of colors providing the perfect backdrop for scenic drives and photos, multiple county and state fairs to visit and apple picking at some of the many beautiful orchards, fall in central New Hampshire is a unique experience. There are many regional activities, festivities and events to join celebrating the fall season, one of the most popular being the New Hampshire Pumpkin Festival.
The NH Pumpkin Fest is an annual community hosted event held in downtown Laconia where the streets are filled with thousands of pumpkins. The family friendly street festival will be held Friday through Saturday, October 27th and 28th, 2023 presenting the opportunity to celebrate all things pumpkin. From traditional pumpkin painting and carving to more unique opportunities including pumpkin bowling, this event should be on every fall lover’s to-do list. Kicking off the festival at 9am, there is the Runaway Pumpkin footrace starting at the Smith Track at Opechee Park. The 5K and 10K race is a fundraising event supporting the local WOW Trail. After the race, head over to downtown Laconia to view the jack-o-lantern tower scaling over 35 feet tall and taste many pumpkin inspired eats and treats. There are many activities and games for children including a climbing rock wall, bounce houses, face painting, games and even a children’s costume parade!  After dusk on Friday evening there is a zombie walk where festival attendees are encouraged to dress up and join the thrilling parade alongside the Wicked Witches of the Lakes Region.
Throughout the event the Colonial and the Cake Theatre will be playing multiple shows including a performance by Amy Grant and Recycled Percussion will be playing multiple entertaining shows. Additional live entertainment will be played throughout downtown on the bandstands and stages set up for the event. There will be shopping opportunities with local downtown businesses open in conjunction with additional crafters and artisan vendors providing quite the selection of unique souvenirs. Â The Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad will be hosting a pumpkin express train where there will be a 45 minute round trip tour or the region beginning at the Historic Downtown Railroad Station.
Located only fifteen minutes away from the Pumpkinfest venue, The Summit Resort is the perfect homebase for event goers. With spacious suites and a sleeping capacity for up to six guests, the accommodations can fit the whole family! After a day of experiencing one New England’s most popular autumn events, lay back and relax in the tropical indoor pool area featuring an oversized Roman Spa hot tub, electric dry heat sauna, 40,000 gallon pool with waterslide and grotto and the popular poolside bar.
