Stillwater Harvest Fest Returns Oct. 11–12

Stillwater Harvest Fest 2025 brings giant pumpkins, riverfront fun, and family activities to downtown Stillwater, Oct. 11–12. Highlights include the Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off, the dramatic Pumpkin Drop, and the Pumpkin Regatta on the St. Croix River—plus live music, a chili cook-off, vendor market, kids’ activities, and a beer & wine garden. Admission is free.

Credit: Courtesy

Downtown Stillwater is gearing up for one of the Midwest’s most beloved fall traditions: the Stillwater Harvest Fest, taking place Saturday and Sunday, October 11–12. Free to attend, the two-day celebration draws thousands each year with a mix of giant pumpkin spectacles, live music, food, and family fun along the St. Croix River.

Big Pumpkins, Big Moments

Harvest Fest has become known worldwide as a premier giant pumpkin event. The weigh-off has hosted multiple record-breakers, including a world record pumpkin in 2010 later featured on NBC’s Today Show and displayed at New York’s Botanical Gardens. In recent years, Minnesota and Wisconsin growers have continued breaking state records, making this one of the most competitive weigh-offs in North America.

Festival Highlights

Beyond the scales, the festival delivers unique fall entertainment:

  • Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off – Growers compete to see whose pumpkin tops the charts.
  • Pumpkin Drop – End each night watching massive pumpkins dropped from a 100-foot crane.
  • Pumpkin Regatta – Yes, giant pumpkins turned into boats racing across the river.
  • Live Music – Local bands provide the weekend soundtrack.
  • Chili Cook-Off – Taste, sample, and vote for your favorite recipe.
  • Beer & Wine Garden – Seasonal sips for adults.
  • Vendor Market – Local makers, food, and crafts.
  • Kids’ Activities – Games, crafts, and plenty of family-friendly fun.
Credit: Courtesy

A #SmashingGoodTime

Whether you’re there to cheer on the growers, catch the regatta, or just take in the crisp fall atmosphere, Harvest Fest offers something for everyone. The blend of small-town charm, riverfront views, and over-the-top pumpkin antics keeps visitors coming back year after year.

Event Details

Dates: Saturday–Sunday, October 11–12, 2025
Location: Downtown Stillwater, MN
Admission: Free

For details, visit harvestfeststillwater.com

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