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Explore the most engaging preservation project in America.
 
 

October 23 - 25, 2026

5PM - 9PM

Pumpkins Illuminated, a glowing harvest festival celebrating the cornucopia of the Northern Neck. Lighted pumpkin sculptures, a lantern parade, engage in kid-friendly activities, food & drink.

Entry: $10/carload (Early Bird Special)*

Friday, Oct 23
Saturday, Oct 24
Sunday, Oct 25

*Early Bird Special ($10/carload) & online registration is open until October 16, 2026. Ticket cost will be $15/carload after Oct. 16 where attendees will need to pay CASH ONLY at the gate.

Entry is valid for 1 day only. Please pay separately if interested in visiting multiple days.

 

Event Schedule

October 20-22

12PM - 6PM Pumpkin Carving at Menokin

Help us carve 1,000 pumpkins for the event! This is a free activity to attend.

Friday, October 23

5PM - 9PM Pumpkins Illuminated trail open to explore. Food & drink.

Saturday, October 24

2PM - 6PM Chesapeake to Cat Point Creek Conservation Festival

An afternoon of hands-on family activities & demonstrations! Enjoy nature hikes, guided kayak paddles, a craft marketplace, and maker demonstrations. Don’t miss: Lantern making, the Lifecycle of a Pumpkin, celebrating our Tidewater waterways, the Great Pumpkin Patch, pumpkin paintings, & more. Music, food & drink.

2PM - 7PM Under the Big Tent: Activities include bird mask-making ($5/each), paper lantern making ($5/each), button designing ($1/each) & face painting (free)

3PM - 5PM Autumn Paddle on Cat Point Creek* (Register Here!)

7PM Lantern Parade!

5PM - 9PM Pumpkins Illuminated trail open to explore. Food, drink, & music.

Sunday, October 25

3PM - 5PM Autumn Paddle on Cat Point Creek* (Register Here!)

5PM - 9PM Pumpkins Illuminated trail open to explore. Snacks & drink.

*Guided paddles are a separate purchase from the events. If interested in attending the Festival/Pumpkins Illuminated, please purchase a separate ticket.

 

Thank you to Garner’s for donating 1,000 pumpkins!

 
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Conservation Festival Makers, Demonstrators, & Activities

Activities Under the Big Tent:

  • Paper lantern making ($5/each)

  • Bird mask-making ($5/each)

  • Button designing ($1/each)

  • Face painting (free)

 Thank You to Our Sponsors!

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Help bring Pumpkins Illuminated to life by volunteering! It’s with community support where we can continue to host these special events, and there are many ways to volunteer. Click below for volunteer options.

  • Register Here

    Come help us create a unique experience that the Northern Neck has deemed a fall fan favorite: Pumpkins Illuminated & Conservation Craft Festival.

    Volunteers will help with carving pumpkins and scene set ups for this outdoor museum adventure. 

  • Friday, Oct 23 Registration

    Sat, Oct 24 Registration

    Sun, Oct 25 Registration

  • Register Here

    The fun still hasn't ended just yet. Come help us tidy up the grounds after this outdoor museum experience at Menokin.