59th Annual Sycamore Pumpkin Festival

This year Sycamore celebrates its 59th annual Pumpkin Festival! 

It started in 1956 as a few decorated pumpkins in the front lawn of Wally Thurow (“Mr. Pumpkin”) to turn Halloween into a time of fun and creativity. Through the efforts of Mr. Pumpkin and the Sycamore Lions Club, in 1962 the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival became an official celebration in Sycamore.  Since then, every year the Pumpkin Festival is an event the community looks forward to and it attracts hundreds of visitors.

This year’s festival theme is Wild West Pumpkin Fest and it starts today October 23rd through the 27th. The Courthouse lawn is the center of activities, including thousands of decorated pumpkins on display. It’s a fun-filled weekend of activities, food, rides, craft shows and more. The festival is concluded by a giant parade on Sunday afternoon. So bring your friends and family out to enjoy the pumpkin fest this weekend! You don’t want to miss it!

Here is a preview of what the schedule will look like.  For more information and the complete schedule of events please visit: https://www.sycamorepumpkinfestival.com/Events.html

Today: Pumpkin Check-in, Courthouse Lawn – 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.  Sycamore Lions

Lions Food Trailer will be serving – Hot Dogs, BBQ, Hamburgers, Brats, Pork Chops, Snacks, Drinks & Pumpkin Pie. Corner of Maple and State – 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Opening / Giant Cake Cutting Ceremony (Cake donated by Hy-Vee) North Maple Street adjacent to the Courthouse – 5 p.m.

Thursday: Kiwanis Prayer Breakfast – United Methodist Church (160 Johnson Avenue); 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Pumpkin Celebration – Games, story time & treats, for K to 5th grade, at the Sycamore Public Library (wear your costume!); 6:00 p.m.

Friday: Teen Carnival (Sacramento & State) & Kiddie Carnival (Somonauk & Elm) – 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Cockroaches and Reptiles! – At the South Food Court (sponsored by the Midwest Museum of Natural History)

Saturday: Autumn Craft / Treasures Market hosted by the Sycamore Music Boosters at the Sycamore High School – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Odd Fellows – ¼lb hamburgers, hot dogs, brats, chili, pulled pork, nachos, French fries, onion rings, cookies and drinks from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Burgers & Soup Luncheon – Bethel Assembly of God Church – 131 West Elm St.; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday: Sycamore Chamber 10,000 Meter Road Run – Race Starts at 9:05 a.m. at the Sycamore Armory  Pumpkin Festival Run Website

Aurora Christian /Cornerstone Campus – Walking Taco’s, drinks, baked goods in North Food Court – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Beef Burger Luncheon – Bethel Assembly of God Church – 131 West Elm St. – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m

Sycamore Elks – Pulled Pork, Pulled Turkey, Chilli, Mac & Cheese, Cole Slaw, Baked Beans & Chips – across from the Courthouse 11 a.m. to 6 p.m

Pumpkin Festival Parade – Sponsored by Ideal Industries, Somonauk – Elm – California – State & Main Streets.  Parade kicks off at 1 p.m.  Click Here for Parade Page with Map

Throughout the festival, good autumn food, snacks and souvenirs are available at stands operated by various not-for-profit DeKalb County organizations.