Why the Morton Pumpkin Festival Should Be on Your Calendar

The Morton Pumpkin Festival is one of the region’s biggest celebrations of fall and community life. Featuring a carnival, a Pumpkin store (merchandise tent), the Pumpkin Grill & Sweet Show, an arts & crafts market plus live entertainment throughout the festival. There will be a Pumpkin Glow Foam Party on Thursday plus on Saturday, there will be a pumpkin pie eating contest. On Sunday enjoy the a Pumpkin Pancake Breakfast, the Pumpkin Classic 10k and 2 mile run/walk plus the Pumpkin Festival parade.

Event Details: Morton Pumpkin Festival 2025

The 59th Annual Morton Pumpkin Festival runs from September 10th to 13th, 2025, anchoring Morton’s community calendar as a multi-day experience for all ages. This year’s theme, “Pumpkin Party of the Century,” sets the scene for festivalgoers to immerse themselves in a playful celebration of pumpkins and local culture. The main festivities take place at 415 W Jefferson St. in Morton near Jefferson Elementary school.   Admission is free making this a budget-friendly outing for families, couples, and groups of friends. For the latest details, visit www.mortonpumpkinfestival.org

What to Expect

Each year, the Morton Pumpkin Festival brings together an array of attractions, food stands, entertainment options, and activities that highlight the best of the season.  Visitors can expect a blend of classic festival fun and pumpkin themed food all tied together under the “Pumpkin Party of the Century” theme. Whether you’re coming for the food, carnival, parade, or the various tents and activities, you’re sure to have a memorable family experience.

Morton’s Community Connection: More Than a Festival

The Morton Pumpkin Festival is much more than a date on the calendar for Morton, Illinois. Each year, the entire community rallies to make this celebration a success, transforming the city into a destination known far beyond state lines as “The Pumpkin Capital of the World.” It’s about giving back, too: the festival is a major fundraiser for local causes, channeling proceeds and volunteer efforts toward projects and charities that impact Morton throughout the year. This atmosphere of neighborly cooperation and local pride is something no outsider event can replicate. If you’re new to Morton or just visiting, joining in is a great way to meet people, find out what makes the town special, and become part of local tradition. For locals, it’s a weekend when old friends reconnect and newcomers are welcomed.

While this is the 59th annual event, the tradition is anything but stale. The festival evolves each year with new themes and surprises, keeping it both familiar for returning attendees and fresh for first-timers. Organizers work closely with longtime residents and newer members of the community to ensure every festival is both a nod to the past and an invitation to the future.

Don’t Miss Out – Plan Your Visit to the Morton Pumpkin Festival

As you mark your calendars for September 10th – 13th, 2025, there’s no better time to make plans for the Morton Pumpkin Festival in Morton, Illinois. Whether you’re seeking a weekend filled with family enjoyment, a chance to experience one of the Midwest’s most enduring festivals, or simply a fun outing packed with food and local flair, this event checks every box.  Bring your appetite, your sense of adventure, and your appreciation for small-town warmth – you’ll walk away with more than just a love for all things pumpkin.

Be part of the “Pumpkin Party of the Century” at the 59th Annual Morton Pumpkin Festival. For current event details and schedules, visit www.mortonpumpkinfestival.org and start planning your Morton adventure today!

Looking for Peoria area event information?  Visit our Events Calendar!