2023 West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta

Photo courtesy of City of Tualatin.

There is something about a giant pumpkin that draws your attention. But what about hollowed out giant pumpkins supporting costume clad characters as they race around a lake? If this piqued your interest, you won’t want to miss the 2023 West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta.

Since 2004, the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta has taken over Tualatin Lake for a harvest festival like no other. This unique event has received a national reputation and draws thousands of people to partake in the fun every year.

Here’s all the fun to be had at this year’s pumpkin regatta.

Photo courtesy of City of Tualatin.

The 2023 West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta is October 21 and 22.

Let’s go back to the pumpkins. The pumpkins used as floating vessels at the event are 1,000 pounders grown by the Pacific Giant Vegetable Growers. The pumpkin regatta was carved out when this association of gardeners was looking for a location for a fun end-of-season paddle with a handful of giant pumpkins.

Now it is a renowned event that brings locals and visitors together for a day of entertainment in Tualatin, Oregon.

Pumpkin Regatta

The main festival takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, October 22. The event is broken into four different pumpkin races that last 15-20 minutes. The first race is for the pumpkin growers. The second is for sponsors and special guests. The next race is usually the Tualatin Police versus the public or the local fire and rescue team. The races are held at noon and 2 p.m.

The fourth race may be the one that interests you the most. This is your chance to be one of the lucky few who get to paddle around the lake in a pumpkin. In early September, the event organizers will open a special lottery for the public. Those selected will get to participate in the final race of the day.

The types of races range from who’s the fastest around the lake to collecting an item in the lake and being the first to get it back to the starting line.

A 2023 schedule for events is coming soon.

Other activities at the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta include local vendor booths and food and drinks. Enjoy activities like face painting, pumpkin golf, pumpkin bowling, pumpkin checkers, pumpkin tic-tac-toe, pumpkin crafts, strolling entertainment, and more.

Photo courtesy of City of Tualatin.

The West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta is at the Tualatin Lake at the Commons. This family-friendly event is free to attend.

Pumpkins and Pints

To kick off the event, there will be a special Pumpkins and Pints at Stickmen Brewing Company in Tualatin. Swing by to watch Pacific Giant Vegetable Growers compete in the Terminator Weigh-Off and Giant Tomato Weigh-Off compete to win cash prizes. This event will include giant pumpkins and other larger-than-life vegetables.

While you’re there, grab a pint, wood fired pizza and delicious salad. You’ll get early access to Pumpkin Regatta merchandise and you can purchase a collectable Pumpkins and Pints pint glass.

Pumpkins and Pints is taking place Saturday, October 21, from noon to 5 p.m. at Stickmen Brewing Company, 19475 SW 118th Ave. in Tualatin. This event is free to attend and open to the public.

For more information about the 2023 West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta, visit the City of Tualatin’s website.

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