Looking for ways to embrace the fall spirit this year? Come join us for White Lake’s famed annual Pumpkinfest!
What Is Pumpkinfest?
The White Lake Area Pumpkinfest is a celebration of everything fall in West Michigan: Fresh baked goods and cider, a pumpkin painting contest, a pumpkin pie contest, a farmer’s market, a seed spitting contest, and of course, the event you simply can’t miss — The Pumpkin Roll down Dowling Street Hill. Plus, much more!
When and Where Is It?
Rain or shine, Pumpkinfest takes place in Downtown Montague on the second Saturday in October every year.
This year, the event will be on Saturday, October 13th, 2018. Events go all day, beginning at 9am and running until 4pm.
At The Weathervane Inn, we’re proud to be part of the fun as we’re the closest inn to all the Pumpkinfest activities — just a 3-minute jaunt to most of the events.
So come stay with us! And make sure to schedule your getaway to coincide with this huge October 13th event.
Is Pumpkinfest Kid-Friendly? Who’s Invited?
Yes! And everyone is invited!
There are certainly events for kids of all ages (face painting, pumpkin painting, hayrides, the Pumpkin Roll, and more), but there are also events and activities that adults will enjoy (farmer’s market, music, food vendors, Best Pumpkin Pie Contest, arts & crafts fair, and more).
What’s the Pumpkin Roll All About?
For decades, both legal — and illegal — pumpkin rolls have been going on at Dowling Street Hill in Montague. Ask any longtime resident of the area and they’ll tell you that youngsters once sent pumpkins flying off the backs of their trucks and cars in the dead of night — ostensibly to outwit authorities and play a bit of “trick” around the time of Halloween.
But around 24 years ago, officials in White Lake decided to make the event official for all residents and visitors who wanted to participate. Today, the fall Pumpkin Roll is officially sanctioned, and winners of each heat receive buttons and ribbons. The annual Pumpkin Roll at Pumpkinfest is a can’t-miss, local favorite. It’s fun for all ages and open to everyone, from babies to senior citizens.
To register for the event, as soon as you arrive at Pumpkinfest, head to the Registration Tent. You can register for the Pumpkin Roll from 9:30am to 11am. Costs are:
- $1 to participate with your own pumpkin
- $3 to participate and purchase a pumpkin too
Events List
There’s so much to enjoy about Pumpkinfest, it’s hard to fit it all in one place! Here are the activities you can expect (view a detailed list of events and times):
Contests
- The Pumpkin Roll contest down Dowling Street Hill
- Best Pumpkin Pie Contest
- Heaviest/Biggest Pumpkin Contest
- Seed Spitting Contest
- Pumpkin Carving Contest
- Pumpkin Painting Contest
- Best Canine Costume Contest
Entertainment
- Montague High School Drumline
- Blue Grass Festival at The Book Nook
- Cedar Creek Cloggers
Activities
- Face Painting
- Kids Crafts
- Hayrides
- Montague Coloring Event by the Arts Council of White Lake
- Michigan Heritage Museum Tent
- Balloon Animals
- Pumpkin Boo-ling
- Photo Op and Selfie-Station
Goodies and Gifts
- Montague Farmer’s Market
- Arts & Crafts Fair
- Bake Sale
- Foot Long Hot Dogs
- Fresh Baked Goods & Juice by Montague Foods
- Hot Beverages / Hot Cocoa by The Book Nook
- Numerous Delicious Food Vendors
- Old Fashioned Apple Cider Mill
What Else Is There to Do in the Fall in White Lake?
Fall is an absolutely gorgeous time to view the changing leaves in Northern Michigan. And with White Lake’s close proximity to the vast blue waters of Lake Michigan (The Weathervane Inn is just 10-15 minute away from numerous Lake Michigan beaches), it’s the ideal place to come for an autumn getaway with your family — or your spouse or sweetheart.
In addition to the October 14th Pumpkinfest, check out these other activities you won’t want to miss:
Depot to Depot Fall Color Tour
Saturdays: October 6th, 13th, and 20th
10am – 4pm
This is a self-guided, driving or biking color tour. Pick up a free map at either end of the tour (the White Lake Area Chamber or the Muskegon Visitors Bureau) and travel along the spectacular vistas that our beautiful area provides.
Fall discounts and coupons will be available at both the beginning and end of the tour (go either direction you choose) and if you stop at a list of designated sites along the way, you can even enter to win one of several great drawing prizes!
Lewis Farm Market Activities and Festivals
Lewis Farm Market in nearby New Era provides a myriad of fun and family-friendly activities. From the petting zoo where you can pet animals like alpaca, llamas, and camels, to the annual corn maze, pumpkin patch, and much more, it’s a destination you won’t want to miss while you’re in the area.
Fall is really when Lewis Farm Market comes alive. Come enjoy a daily trip during the week, or visit during one of their annual festivals in October:
- October 6th & 7th – Rocktober Festival
- October 13 & 14 – S’mores Summer Festival
- October 20 & 21 – The Great Pumpkin Festival
- October 27 & 28 – Spooktacular Festival
- October 31 – Last Open Day of the Season!