Pumpkinfest in Montague
The 29th Annual Pumpkinfest is set for Saturday, October 11, 2025, in downtown Montague. Events run from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with the famous pumpkin freestyle roll starting at 11:00 a.m. on Dowling Street Hill. Organized by the White Lake Area Chamber & Visitors Bureau, the event has become a major fall tradition for the White Lake community.
Activities and Contests
Pumpkinfest offers something for all ages. Families can enjoy an Arts & Crafts Festival, hayrides, and kids’ activities. Contest lovers will find the Biggest Pumpkin Weigh-In, pumpkin painting, carving contests, and a seed-spitting competition. The Best Pumpkin Pie Contest and bake sale remain long-time favorites. The pumpkin launching event adds an exciting twist, while live entertainment, cider demonstrations, and food vendors round out the day.
Pumpkin Roll and Pricing
The highlight of Pumpkinfest is always the Pumpkin Roll. Participants bring a pumpkin or purchase one at the event. In 2025, prices are listed as $3 to $4 per pumpkin, depending on the source. However, organizers note that prices are subject to change on the day of the event. Over the years, costs have varied — with some years offering rolls for as little as $1 if you brought your own pumpkin and on-site sales ranging from $3 to $5. On average, most years fall around $3 to $4 per pumpkin.
Current Sponsors (2025)
The 2025 Pumpkinfest is supported by several local sponsors. Northland Insurance Services is this year’s Gold Sponsor. Durga Insurance Group, Hope Bible Chapel, Scheid Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, and Shoreline Restoration & Construction are listed as Silver Sponsors. Aludyne, MasterTag, Shelby State Bank, and the White Lake Beacon are the Bronze Sponsors. Local businesses also join in the fun — for example, Jimmy’z Pub announced it will open early on Pumpkinfest day to welcome festival-goers.
Past Sponsors and Community Supporters
In past years, other businesses and organizations have also played a role in making Pumpkinfest special. Groups like Greenridge Realty, Studio 2 Gallery, and the White Lake Senior Center hosted contests and bake sales. Book Nook & Java Shop rewarded blue ribbon winners with cocoa, while Tri-County Feed provided weigh-ins for the giant pumpkin contest. Local clubs such as the Greater Muskegon Optimist Club sponsored events like pumpkin painting. Student volunteers from Montague High School DECA helped manage registration, and entertainment groups such as the Cedar Creek Cloggers performed live. While these names are not current sponsors for 2025, they reflect the long history of community involvement that keeps Pumpkinfest thriving.
History and Tradition
Pumpkinfest traces its roots to a quirky local tradition of rolling pumpkins down hills — sometimes in unsanctioned late-night gatherings. Over time, this evolved into a structured, family-friendly festival. The first official Pumpkinfest was held nearly three decades ago, and since then the celebration has grown each year with more vendors, contests, and entertainment. Today, it remains one of Montague’s signature fall events, drawing visitors from across West Michigan while holding onto its small-town charm.
Note to Readers
We work hard to keep information about Pumpkinfest accurate and up to date. Details like prices, times, or sponsors may change as the event approaches. If you notice anything missing or incorrect, please share your updates with us. Together, we can keep this community tradition recorded as accurately as possible.
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