- The West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta is held annually in Tualatin, Oregon every October
- Pumpkins weighing over 1,000 pounds were hollowed out and raced on a lake using paddles
- Participants dressed in costumes, including characters from Elf and Squid Game, for the races
The West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta is one of the most unique and entertaining autumn festivals in Oregon, US. Held every October since 2004 in Tualatin, a suburb of Portland, it draws crowds from across the country who go there to witness an extraordinary sight: people dressed in colourful costumes paddling giant hollowed-out pumpkins across a small lake. The festival is a cheerful blend of Halloween spirit, fall festivities and light-hearted competition.
The 2025 Edition: Dates And Highlights
This year marked the 21st annual West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta, held on October 18 and 19. A giant pumpkin weigh-off was held on October 18, where people showcased their enormous harvests. The following day, October 19, featured the Pumpkin Boat Races and the 5K Regatta Run/Walk.
According to The New York Post, organisers used forklifts to lower humongous pumpkins, some weighing over 1,000 pounds, into the lake. The racers carved out their pumpkins using saws and knives to create makeshift boats. Removing more of the insides made the pumpkins lighter and easier to race.
The Pumpkin Race And Its Characters
The regatta is as much about creativity as it is about competition. This year's participants included Gary Kristensen, who dressed as Will Ferrell's Buddy from the Christmas classic Elf. He won the first race, celebrating by raising his kayak paddle high from his 936-pound pumpkin boat, according to AP.
Another enthusiast, Brad Bahns, took part in his fourth regatta dressed as a character from the hit show Squid Game. He grew his own 1,376-pound pumpkin, a project that took six months.
Festival Atmosphere And Traditions
Beyond the races, the weekend was filled with family-friendly festivities. The regatta included events like Pumpkins and Pints, an evening with brews and pumpkin-themed entertainment. Crowds cheered on the paddlers as they navigated the lake, many dressed in colourful Halloween costumes. The regatta signals the start of Oregon's fall festivities, bringing together growers, racers and visitors in a celebration of community and creativity.
How To Get There
Tualatin is a city located in Washington County in the US state of Oregon. The easiest way to reach the festival site is by car, with ample parking available near Tualatin Lake of the Commons, where the races take place. Visitors travelling from out of state can fly into Portland International Airport (PDX) and take a drive or ride-share to Tualatin.
A One-Of-A-Kind Autumn Experience
Whether you're drawn by the sight of giant pumpkins floating on water, the laughter of the crowd or the sheer creativity of the participants, the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta is a must-see event. It captures the spirit of the season perfectly.
