Pumpkinfest Gone Country

Community comes together for a boot- scootin’ good time

When Pumpkinfest returns to downtown Zeeland Oct. 1–3, the community’s annual celebration will have a new look—and a little country flavor.

This year’s theme, “Pumpkinfest Gone Country,” adds a western twist to the longtime festival, with cowboy-inspired art, line dancing, country music and tractor-themed activities joining the mix of family-friendly events that have made Pumpkinfest a fall tradition along the lakeshore.

One of the biggest visual changes will be the Pumpkinfest Avenue of Art, the community art project that transforms downtown with colorful wooden sculptures. This year’s theme, “Pumpkinfest at the Rodeo!” inspired artists to create cowboy and cowgirl figures, horses, bulls, barns and other western-themed displays that will line the streets throughout the festival.

The weekend opens with the annual Avenue of Art Walking Tour, giving visitors an opportunity to meet participating artists and hear the stories behind their creations before a full slate of activities gets underway.

Returning favorites such as KIDZFEST, the Tractor Pull, the Pumpkinfest Parade, The Great B.Y.O.P. Pumpkin Roll and the Pumpkin Pie Eating Contest are all back on the schedule, alongside live entertainment throughout the weekend. Families can also enjoy inflatables, carnival games, barrel train rides, face painting and a petting zoo, while evening events include live music, line dancing and an entertainment tent in downtown Zeeland. From pumpkin rolling and pie eating to cowboy-inspired artwork and boot scootin’ dancing, Zeeland’s Pumpkinfest offers a weekend that blends fall traditions with a fresh country twist.

Pumpkinfest Gone Country Schedule of Events

Thursday, Oct. 1 / 6 p.m. — Avenue of Art Walking Tour / (Starts at Tripelroot)
• Guided walking tour of rodeo-themed wooden art installations in downtown Zeeland.
• Meet the artists and hear the stories behind their creations.
• Live music by Dan & Rose Beukema.

Friday, Oct. 2 / 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Kidzfest

• Inflatables
• Barrel train rides
• Petting zoo
• Carnival games
• Face painting
• Live performances

2 p.m. — Senior B.I.N.G.O.
Howard Miller Library, 14 S. Church St.Annual tractor pull (Ages 3-12)
3 p.m.— Children’s Tractor Pull registration.
4 p.m. — Children’s Tractor Pull
4-7 p.m. — Vintage Tractor Display
Classic tractors showcased by the West Michigan Vintage Tractor Club.
4-7 p.m. — Kidzfest
Evening session featuring inflatables, rides, petting zoo, games, face painting and live entertainment.
5 p.m. — Pumpkinfest Dessert on Us
Free donuts and apple cider in front of Zeeland Bakery while supplies last.
5-7 p.m. — Line Dancing with LDJ Entertainment
Event takes place on church Street and is open to all skill levels.
5-7 p.m. — Adult-Child Cornhole Tournament
Main Street.
5-7 p.m. — Live Country Music
Jake & Makayla perform at the corner of Church and Main.
7-10 p.m. — Entertainment Tent
Live music by Trixy Tang in the Cherry Street parking lot between Elm and Church streets.

Saturday, Oct. 3

11 a.m. — Zeeland Community Band Concert
11 a.m. — MellyPop Puppet Performance:
Spooky Tales with Quint & Melly
Howard Miller Library, 14 S. Church St.
11 a.m.-4 p.m. — Fuel for Healing
• City On A Hill Health Clinic, 100 S. Pine St.
• Motorcycle run, car show, vendor market, food trucks, live music, clinic tours, raffles and resource fair.
11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. — Line Dancing with
LDJ Entertainment
Church Street.
Noon — Great B.Y.O.P. Pumpkin Roll
Zeeland Christian School, 334 W. Central Ave.
Noon-3 p.m. — Kidzfest
Inflatables, rides, petting zoo, games, face painting and live performances.
1 p.m. — Pumpkinfest Pet Show Contest
Corner of Church and Main.
3 p.m. — Pumpkinfest Parade
4-6 p.m. — Kidzfest
Evening session.
5 p.m. — Pumpkin Pie Eating Contest
Corner of Church and Main.
7-10 p.m. — Entertainment Tent
Live music by Pretty Rage in the Cherry Street parking lot between Elm and Church streets.

NOTE: Dates and times were sourced from the event website and are subject to change. Please check the Pumpkinfest event page at zeelandfestivals.com and its social media channels for updates before heading out.