Hold onto your pumpkin spice lattes! The West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta in Tualatin is back to squash all your boring weekend plans with a hilarious, family-friendly extravaganza. Since 2004, this wacky fall festival has been making waves—literally—with grown adults paddling 1,000-pound pumpkins across a lake like it’s the most normal thing in the world. Grab your kids, pack your sense of humor, and head to the Lake of the Commons for a pumpkin-powered party on October 18-19, 2025, that’ll have everyone giggling like a pack of jack-o’-lanterns.
A Weekend Full of Family Fun
The festivities begin on Saturday, October 18, with Pumpkins and Pints at Stickmen Brewing Company (19475 SW 118th Ave, Tualatin) from noon to 5 p.m. This free event is perfect for families who love a bit of spectacle. Watch giant pumpkins and other massive veggies compete in the Terminator Weigh-Off—some weighing over 1,000 pounds! Kids will be amazed by the sheer size of these gourds, and parents can grab a wood-fired pizza or a refreshing drink (non-alcoholic options available). At 2 p.m., don’t miss the kid-friendly OPB documentary screening about Gary Kristensen, who paddled a pumpkin he grew himself to a Guinness World Record. Families can also snag cool Pumpkin Regatta merchandise, like collectible pint glasses, to remember the day.
The main event happens on Sunday, October 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Lake of the Commons (8325 SW Nyberg St, Tualatin). The highlight? Watching costumed paddlers—dressed as superheroes, pirates, and more—race across the lake in giant, hollowed-out pumpkins! These 15-20-minute races, held at noon and 2 p.m., are a hoot for kids and adults alike. The pumpkins, grown by the Pacific Giant Vegetable Growers, are like floating works of art. Want to get in on the action? Kids can cheer for the public lottery winners who paddle in the final race (lottery opens in August for grown-ups who want to try).
Activities to Keep Kids Smiling
The regatta is a paradise for families, with tons of free activities to keep little ones entertained. Kids can try their hand at pumpkin bowling, pumpkin golf, tic-tac-toe, or checkers—all with a fun, fall twist. The kids’ costume contest is a highlight, so encourage your little ones to dress up as their favorite characters for a chance to shine. Face painting and pumpkin crafts add to the creative fun, while professional pumpkin carvers show off jaw-dropping designs that will spark your kids’ imaginations. Local food vendors offer tasty treats to keep everyone fueled, and live performances bring extra energy to the day. Plus, shuttle services and a bike valet make it easy to get to the festival with strollers, bikes, or little legs in tow.
For active families, the Regatta Run/Walk on Sunday at 9 a.m. at Tualatin Community Park (8513 SW Tualatin Rd) is a great way to start the day. Hosted by the Tualatin Rotary Club, this flat, fast 5K includes a quarter-mile kids’ dash at 8:45 a.m., perfect for young runners. Costumes are encouraged, and kids can enjoy post-race trick-or-treating for a sweet reward. The event supports scholarships for Tualatin High School students, so your family’s fun makes a difference.
Don’t miss the Medallion Hunt from September 25 to October 16! This treasure hunt is a thrilling family adventure—follow clues to find a hidden bronze medallion and win a prize. It’s a great way to build excitement for the regatta and get kids involved in a real-life mystery.
Why Families Love the Regatta
The West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta is a family favorite because it’s equal parts silly and spectacular. Kids giggle at the sight of grown-ups paddling giant pumpkins, while parents appreciate the free admission and wide range of activities that keep everyone entertained. The Lake of the Commons, just 13 miles southwest of Portland, is a beautiful, family-friendly setting with walking paths, local shops, and restaurants nearby. Whether your kids love crafts, games, or just watching the wild races, there’s something for every age.
Make It a Family Outing
The West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta is the perfect way to spice up your family’s fall with laughs and memories. With free admission, a boatload of kid-friendly activities, and the sheer hilarity of pumpkin races, it’s a weekend that’ll have your family grinning like carved pumpkins. Head to Tualatin on October 18-19, 2025, for a gourd-tastically funny adventure that proves pumpkins aren’t just for pie—they’re for paddling and family shenanigans, too! For more details, visit www.tualatinoregon.gov/pumpkinregatta.
Tiffany Wilson is a 42-year-old stay-at-home mom from Tigard, Oregon, raising three kids—Sophie, Noah, and Riley. She’s a warm, hands-on parent who mixes daily routines with creative fun, whether it’s a backyard scavenger hunt or building a blanket fort in the living room.