Even though fall doesn’t technically begin until September 22nd, you may be one of those people who are counting down the days until the PSL returns to the coffee shop menus, your home is already full of fall decor, and your sweaters and boots have made an appearance or two, even in the heat. For the fall fanatics and those who don’t want summer to end — the kickoff of one of our favorite fall events is just around the corner — the Dripping Springs Pumpkin Festival!
The five-week event is bursting with fall flavors and activities that the entire family is sure to enjoy. So throw on some flannel, (unless of course, it’s still in the 80s), and let’s dive into everything you need to know about this autumn outing.
When & Where
The Dripping Springs Pumpkin Festival runs from September 24 through October 31.
All the fun fall festivities for this rain or shine festival will take place at the Dr. Pound Historical Farmstead (570 Founders Park Rd here in Dripping Springs). The farmstead’s five acres include a smokehouse, barn, corral, and windmill, making it a rustic and charming setting for all the fall activities.
Admission on weekends is $10 for adults and children over the age of three. Babies and seniors (65+)receive free admission. Parking is also free. Weekday admission is just $5, except for Tuesdays when the grounds will be closed, and Mondays which are free. First responders can attend for free on Wednesdays, while military and veterans get free admission on Thursdays, and college students are free on Fridays.
Games, Food, Music, and Pumpkins!
While there’s certainly no shortage of fun activities happening at the festival six days a week, you’re definitely going to want to visit on a weekend to experience everything the festival has to offer. In fact, you may just want to go multiple weekends because no two weekends are exactly alike.
Visitors of the festival will get their share of pumpkin-related fun, as the festival offers “over 50 fall-inspired games, activities, and attractions.” This includes classic lawn and tailgating games like cornhole and horseshoes as well as some that you maybe haven’t played since you were a kid (potato sack races, tug-of-war) or never played at all… anybody up for a game of pioneer bowling?
Pony rides, a petting zoo, kids goat yoga, bouncy bull riding, a crazy corn pit, face painting, balloon art, a pumpkin patch, and Mount Haymore are just a few of the activities sure to be a hit with the kiddos.
Adults and kids alike will get a kick out of the Art Garage which gives visitors a chance to create some fall-themed art of their own with tye-dye, spin art, and pumpkin painting activities.
No festival is complete of course without a smorgasbord of food to try and some of Dripping Springs’s most popular food and beverage vendors will be on deck. Connor’s Creamery, Fitzhugh Brewing, Pepe’s Tacos, Hungry J’s Pizza, and K.O. BBQ are just a few of the food vendors you may want to check out. Guests are also welcome to bring in their own food and pack a picnic basket.
As we mentioned, weekends have even more going on with events such as world-renowned pumpkin carver Deane Arnold, a butterfly release, an American Indian powwow, pumpkin jamboree, and Halloween Spooktacular. There will also be live music and 180,000 pounds of pumpkins to ensure guests have plenty of opportunities to snap that perfect fall picture.
Fall is one of the best times of the year in Dripping Springs and there’s no shortage of fun things to do in our community. If you’re looking for a new home in Dripping Springs, consider contacting the Caliterra team to learn more about our available homes.
