GOURDgeous: Sunny, fall weather expected for Laconia Pumpkin Festival

LACONIA — Organizers have been crossing their fingers for favorable weather for Laconia Pumpkin Festival, and all signs point toward a sunny fall day to welcome thousands of people to the highly anticipated event.

“It’s that one thing you worry about the whole year, and the weather this weekend looks like it will be gorgeous,” City Manager Kirk Beattie said Wednesday. “We think we’re in a position where it will be a fun family event, with a lot to do for all age groups.

Laconia Pumpkin Festival kicks off Friday afternoon, running from 4 to 10 p.m. Parks and Recreation Director Amy Lovisek said the main event really kicks off at 11 a.m. on Saturday, and goes through 10 p.m.

Last year’s event attracted an estimated 20,000 visitors in the first year it was organized by the city, and Lovisek said she'll be more than happy if they hit that number again.

Planning and preparation

Planning for Pumpkinfest started right when last year’s event finished. One thing the planning team learned from last year is the need to increase the number of attractions, and keep them diverse, for a wide range of appeal.

“That’s one thing that’s been on our radar from Day 1 of planning,” Beattie said. “We wanted a variety. We have a lots of food vendors, craft vendors, and I think there will be something for everyone.”

Lovisek said about 25 volunteers have been working hard to pull off the massive event. It has taken an all-hands-on-deck approach in the planning process, which continues this week.

A crew was out before the sun came up Tuesday morning, braving the cold as they set up the vending areas. It will be full steam ahead on Friday, as shipments of pumpkins make their way to Veterans Square to be placed on the tower, which will be lit up on Saturday night.

Lovisek thanked Joia Hughes, the city’s economic development director, and Nancy Brown, the administrative assistant to the city manager, for their instrumental efforts. The trio have affectionately been dubbed the “Pumpkin Ladies,” something they confirmed with a smile during their preparations Wednesday morning.

Brown said there is so much fun ahead, and fall in New Hampshire has a quintessential feeling attached.

“It’s a great community day, a fun family day that’s autumn at its best,” Brown said.

Hughes said she is excited to see the downtown come together. As economic development director, she is vested in seeing downtown succeed. Hughes said all merchants have helped with different events, or will be serving up specials.

“This really gets to spotlight what Laconia is all about, and maybe get some people here who normally don’t come here, and they can see how much Laconia has to offer,” Hughes said. “The Colonial, the shops, the different food offerings. It’s become a really great place to come.”

Lovisek said everyone in the city tends to lend a hand, and police, fire, public works and parks & rec department staff all have their tasks.

“Everyone is pitching in, and it is really nice to have that collaboration with the city departments,” Lovisek said. “My team is the world’s best.”

Fun for everyone

Lovisek stressed Friday will be a “soft opening,” and a fair-type atmosphere with live music and food vendors.

Dubbed “The Night Before Pumpkin Festival,” live music will be playing at the Franklin Savings Bank Stage throughout the night. Dancing Madly Backwards plays from 4 to 6:30 p.m., and Dred Buffalo follows from 7 to 9 p.m.

This is the first year the city's social district has been in effect, and Lovisek said the footprint and timing have been expanded.

“The social district rules apply, and the event footprint is now the social district footprint,” Lovisek said. “It has expanded, and the hours have expanded.”

The social district schedule is now noon to 10 p.m. on Friday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday.

“We’d like to remind everyone to be on their best behavior knowing this is a family event,” Lovisek said. “Enjoy a drink, but please be responsible.”

Friday night activities are new this year, and it will be centralized in the Main Street parking lot. The pumpkin tower will be set up on Friday, and into the evening, and will be lit Saturday.

“There won’t be any pumpkins lit on Friday, but come have dinner and watch some fantastic music,” Lovisek said.

The Colonial Theatre has Bat Out of Helloween hitting the stage, paying homage to the music of Meat Loaf and "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Music starts at 8 p.m. on Friday night, and tickets are still on sale.

The Pumpkin Express-Turkey Dinner Train will also be providing food from Hart’s Turkey Farm on a two-hour train ride starting at 5 p.m. on Friday. Tickets are available from Granite State Railway.

Saturday is when thousands of people are expected to pour into Laconia, and the city is prepared, with the downtown area shut down to traffic. There will be pedestrian traffic only on Main, Pleasant, Hanover, Canal, Church, and Water streets, along with Beacon Street West and Veterans Square.

Downtown businesses will be open, and Lovisek encourages people to check out all Laconia has to offer. The festival also features 175 vendors, including about 80 craft vendors and 40 food trucks, both local and from afar.

Food will range from the usual fair food to cuisine from all around the world. She said there will be a vendor coming along with ice cream made with dry ice, displaying a “cool, smokey flow.” Lovisek is also excited to have Cousins Maine Lobster, which once appeared on the popular television show “Shark Tank.”

“I guarantee we have something that everyone will love,” she said.

There will also be face painting and tarot card readings.

The fun includes a pie-eating contest from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and at 11:30 a.m. kids will march down Hanover Street to the pumpkin tower in Veterans Square. A dog costume parade and contest will follow at 1 p.m. on the same route.

The cornhole tournament starts at 2 p.m. on Beacon Street West, and attendees should also find their way to the pumpkin tower to see the Stormbirds Belly Dancers at 2:30 p.m. They will also be performing at 4 p.m.

Stein hoisting will take place at the nearby Franklin Savings Bank stage at 2:45 p.m., and then again at 4:45 p.m.

The Duck Derby is back this year, starting at 3 p.m. at the Belknap Mill, with hopes of 500 ducks hitting the water. Hundreds of yellow rubber birds will make their way down the Winnipesaukee River as spectators cheer them along, with cash prizes for first through third place. The proceeds benefit the Belknap Mill and the City of Laconia.

At the same time, the Wicked Witches of the Lakes Region will be performing in front of the pumpkin tower, and they’ll be back again at 4:30 p.m.

The hundreds of pumpkins — carved by area students, businesses, and residents — will be lit at the pumpkin tower by New Spectrum Lighting. Lovisek said this will be a sight to behold, and an exciting way to start up nighttime activity at Laconia Pumpkin Festival.

Beattie had a lot of fun with the music last year, and he expects it to be another big draw in 2026. Lovisek praised the work of Dan McLaughlin, owner of NH Vintage Vinyl, who helped bring in the talent. That includes the Miles to Memphis Band kicking Saturday’s music off at noon, followed by Supernothing at 3 p.m., Canyon Lights at 5 p.m., and two sets from Everway starting at 7 p.m.

After the first set by Everway, a laser show by New Spectrum Lighting starts at 8 p.m.

“We have a fantastic laser show planned,” Lovisek said.

Craft vendors will close up shop at 8 p.m., and shortly after at 8:30 p.m. the 50/50 raffle winner will be announced. Those who want to keep the festivities going can rock out to the second set of Everway, 8:30-9:30 p.m., or head over to the Colonial Theatre for an 8:45 p.m. showing of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show."

Parking shuttles will run from Laconia High School to Pumpkinfest starting at 11 a.m., running every 15 minutes. The final shuttle for the event will leave at 10:30 p.m.

Handicapped parking will be available in several spots, including the train station and the Beacon Street East municipal lot. There is no cost for street parking, and the two-hour parking limits won’t be enforced. Municipal parking lots, such as the parking garage across from City Hall, will be available for parking.

Lovisek is excited to see the influx of people coming to the city, and said while the sun will out, it will probably still be cool outside. She has the perfect remedy for that.

“You might just have to buy a Pumpkinfest sweatshirt.”

For a full schedule of events, visit laconiapumpkinfestival.com.