Everything You Need to Know About Anamosa Pumpkinfest

I grew up in Jones County, and the annual Pumpkinfest celebration has been part of my family's fall plans for as long as I can remember. Traditionally held the first weekend of October, the festival features giant pumpkins, food, street vendors, a parade, and all of it happens with beautiful fall weather as the backdrop. What's not to love?

When is Anamosa Pumpkinfest?

The 2026 Anamosa Pumpkinfest and Ryan Norlin Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off happen on Saturday, October 3rd, and Sunday, October 4th, in Anamosa, Iowa. If you want to see the GIANT pumpkins along with huge watermelons, gourds, and more, you need to visit the Lawrence Community Center on Saturday, October 3rd, from 8 a.m. to noon. You can watch the huge pumpkins get weighed and displayed and see if any records get broken!

Admission is $5, and that includes a Pumpkinfest button. 12 and under get in for free. An awards ceremony is held at noon, and the big winners are on display until 4 p.m.

Anamosa Pumpkinfest Schedule of Events

Here is what you can experience in Anamosa this weekend!

Saturday, October 3rd

• 8 a.m. to Noon - Ryan Norlin Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off at the Lawrence Community Center
• 8 a.m. - Smoke N' Pumpkins BBQ Contest on North Ford Street
• 9 a.m. - Pumpkinfest 5K Run - starts at the library
• 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Tractor display on West Main Street
• 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Pumpkin Carving Exhibit at Axe-Cade
• 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. - Craft and Food Vendors on Main Street
• 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. - Escape Room at the Lawrence Community Center
• 9:30 a.m. - Performances by Almost Famous Studio and the MHS Dance Team at the Main Street Car Wash lot
• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Kid's Fun Zone at the lot between Wapsi PT and Voss Law
• 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Classic Car Show at Wayne Hall Dealership
• 10:30 a.m. - Prince and Princess coronation at the Lawrence Community Center
• 11:30 a.m. - Big Wheel Race at Maquoketa Valley REC lot
• 2 p.m. - Pumpkinfest Parade along Main Street
• 4 p.m. - Beer Tasting at Tucker's Tavern
• 7 p.m. - Bowling Tournament at the Anamosa Bowling Center
• 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. - Temple of Doom on N. Garnavillo Street
• 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. - Live music at Boondocks

Sunday, October 4th

• 8 a.m. to Noon - Rotary Pancake Breakfast at the Lawrence Community Center
• 9  a.m. - four-person best shot tournament at Wapsi Country Club

The weather this weekend looks perfect for pumpkins and everything else Pumpkinfest has to offer! I'll see you in Anamosa this Saturday!

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