Allardt Pumpkin Festival

Get Ready to Squash Some Records at the Allardt Pumpkin Festival!

If you think your backyard garden is doing well, wait until you see the behemoths that roll into Allardt, Tennessee, every October. Held on the first Saturday of the month, the Allardt Pumpkin Festival is a legendary celebration of local heritage, community spirit, and—most importantly—gravity-defying gourds.

🎃 Where the Heavyweights Hang Out

The heart of the festival is the Official GPC (Great Pumpkin Commonwealth) Weigh-Off. It’s not uncommon to see pumpkins tipping the scales at over 1,000 pounds! Growers from across the region compete for bragging rights and the chance to see their name etched in the history of “The Pumpkin Capital of Tennessee.”

🚜 More Than Just Big Gourds

While the pumpkins are the stars, the festival is a full-day adventure for the whole family:

• The Giant Pumpkin Parade: Watch the winning giants take a victory lap through town on the back of flatbeds, surrounded by classic cars, tractors, and local marching bands.
• The Great Allardt Auto Show: From vintage muscle cars to “old-school” farm equipment, there’s plenty of chrome and steel to admire.
• Vendors & Vittles: Graze your way through rows of craft vendors and local food stalls. Whether you’re looking for handmade blacksmithing (maybe a certain local bottle opener?), unique fall decor, or a classic funnel cake, you won’t leave empty-handed.
• Pumpkin Everything: From pies to painting stations, the “Pumpkin Spirit” is everywhere you look.

📍 Plan Your Adventure

Allardt is just a stone’s throw from Jamestown, making it the perfect fall day trip. Whether you’re a local or looking to move to the area, this festival is the ultimate introduction to the friendly, fun-loving culture of the Cumberland Plateau.

• When: The first Saturday in October.
• Where: Downtown Allardt, TN.
• Pro Tip: Arrive early! The crowds grow fast as the weigh-off begins, and you’ll want a front-row seat to see if any world records get smashed.