Stillwater Harvest Fest: A Fall Tradition You Won’t Want to Miss

There’s something special about fall in Stillwater, and Stillwater Harvest Fest is one of the best ways to experience it. Held the second weekend of October each year, this FREE community event brings thousands of people to downtown Stillwater for a weekend filled with giant pumpkins, live entertainment, food, family activities, and plenty of fall fun.

Harvest Fest has become one of downtown Stillwater’s premier events and is recognized as one of the largest celebrations of its kind in the Midwest. It’s also famous for its Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off, which has put Stillwater on the map for pumpkin growers from across the country.

Giant Pumpkins Take Center Stage

The Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off is one of the most anticipated parts of the weekend. In fact, Stillwater Harvest Fest has been named the number one giant pumpkin weigh-off in the world several times. The ranking is determined by the combined weight of the Top 10 pumpkins brought to the scale—so you can imagine the excitement when these enormous pumpkins arrive!
Stillwater even made history in 2010 when a World Record pumpkin was brought to Harvest Fest. Watching these massive pumpkins roll onto the scale is something you have to see to believe.
The Pumpkin Drop Is a Must-See
If you’re looking for something a little more dramatic, don’t miss the famous Pumpkin Drop. A giant pumpkin is lifted high into the air by a 100-foot crane before being dropped, creating one of the weekend’s most entertaining and memorable spectacles.

It’s messy, it’s fun, and it’s definitely not your typical fall festival!

Something for Everyone

While the giant pumpkins may steal the spotlight, Harvest Fest offers activities and entertainment for visitors of all ages. Spend the day exploring downtown Stillwater, enjoying the beautiful fall scenery and taking in everything the festival has to offer.

Some of the weekend’s highlights include:

  • 🎃 Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off
  • 🎃 Pumpkin Drop from a 100-foot crane
  • 🚤 Pumpkin Regatta
  • 🎶 Live Music
  • 🍺 Beer & Wine Garden
  • 🌶️ Chili Cook-Off
  • 🛍️ Vendor Market
  • 🎡 Ferris Wheel
  • 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Kids’ Activities

The Pumpkin Regatta, where creatively carved and transformed pumpkins take to the water, is another unique Harvest Fest tradition that makes this event unlike any other fall celebration in the area.

Make a Fall Day of It in Stillwater

One of the best things about Harvest Fest is that you can enjoy the festival while also taking in everything downtown Stillwater has to offer. Stroll along Main Street, browse local shops and vendors, grab a bite to eat, and enjoy the beautiful views of the St. Croix River.
Whether you’re coming for the giant pumpkins, bringing the kids for the activities, meeting friends for live music, or simply looking for a fun way to enjoy a fall weekend, Stillwater Harvest Fest is a tradition worth experiencing.

Best of all, admission to the festival is FREE, making it an easy addition to your fall calendar.

🍂 Planning a Visit?
If you haven’t experienced Stillwater Harvest Fest before, this is a great year to make it part of your fall tradition. Bring the family, grab your camera, and get ready to see some seriously giant pumpkins!

Stillwater Harvest Fest is one of those local events that reminds us why the St. Croix Valley is such a wonderful place to call home.

Stillwater Harvest Fest is FREE admission. Chili Cook Off, Ferris Wheel are ticketed. Click the links below for those advance tickets. See Links below:

CLICK HERE CHILI & BEER MUG TICKETS

 

CLICK HERE FERRIS WHEEL TICKETS