UPDATE
This list was put together before the worldwide Coronavirus pandemic. Every event after the 15th of March has or most likely be cancelled.
I’ve put together a list of all the 2020 giant pumpkin events (or events that have a giant pumpkin competition within them) from around the country. This year I’ve decided to list them in alphabetical order of the location. Let me know if you prefer this, or in the order of the date of the event.
Also let me know if you know of an event I do not have listed below, and if you see me at an event come say hi.
Bushmere Arms Giant Pumpkin
Date
29th March 2020
Location
Bushmere Arms, Gisborne
Notes
One of the longest running events in the country, lots of activities to do all while raising money.
More Information
Bushmere Arms Website
Kuaotunu Pumpkin and Harvest Festival
Date
29th March 2020
Location
Kuaotunu Sports Domain (on State Highway 25 by the playground and tennis courts)
More Information
This great festival at Kuaotunu near Whitianga is a great family event that helps with fundraising for the Kuaotunu Rudolph Steiner Kindergarten.
Giant pumpkin weigh in 11.30am
Prize giving at 2pm
Kuaotunu Pumpkin and Harvest Festival Info Page
Kumeu A&P Show
Date
14th March 2020
Location
Kumeu Showgrounds
Notes
This is a really big A&P show with a lot of things to see and do. For me this is the best example of a pumpkin event within a larger event, it’s run really well, has some great pumpkins. I’ve been a couple of times and will be going to this event this season.
More Information
Kumeu Show Website
Little River Country Bumpkin
Date
26th April 2020
Location
Little River
Notes
The festival aims to be a family fun-filled afternoon in a stunning country setting. Entertainment including music and dance, competitions (such as childrens races, gumboot throwing, bottle stalls and chocolate wheels), country stalls and sideshows, food – especially the famous Little River Pumpkin Soup – and of course some amazing pumpkins.
More Information
Little River Country Bumpkin Giant Pumpkin Festival
Mitre10 New Plymouth – Big Pumpkin Weigh In
Date
29th March 2020
Location
Mitre10 New Plymouth
Notes
Once held all over the country, it now appears it is up to each Mitre10 store if they are going to run a giant pumpkin event. This is the only prominent one I can find advertising for. Prizes for the heaviest, best dressed and the ugliest.
More Information
Mitre10 New Plymouth – Big Pumpkin Weigh In Website
Marton Harvest Festival
Date
29th March 2020
Location
Marton
Notes
The Marton Harvest Festival is on again. Come and celebrate the harvest season in true country fashion. With over 160 quality stalls, food, music and fun. A day to bring the family, join your friends and neighbours and celebrate our history and our harvest.
More Information
Marton Harvest Festival Website
Rai Valley A&P Show
Date
7th March 2020
Location
Located between Nelson and Blenheim off of SH6.
Notes
Giant pumpkin judging will take place at 10:30am.
More Information
Rai Valley A&P Show Website
South Otago A&P Show
Date
26th April 2020
Location
South Otago
Notes
More Information
South Otago A&P Show Website
Tamahere School
Date
4th April 20020
Location
Tamahere
Notes
The biggest fund raising night for Tamahere school, lots of activities for kids to take part in. Utilising a great ticket system for everything.
More Information
Tamahere School Website
Te Kowhai School Harvest Festival
Date
20th March 2020
Location
Te Kowhai School
Notes
A great school event I’ve been to a couple of times now as a guest judge. Lot of things for the kids to do at this event and a real community event with a lot of great decorated pumpkins.
More Information
Te Kowhai School Website
The Great Pumpkin Carnival
Date
29th March 2020
Location
Hamilton Gardens
Governors Green <— NEW LOCATION
Notes
The biggest pumpkin event in the country of which I’ve been to every single year it has been run. The only GPC weigh off site in the country and home of the heaviest pumpkin ever weighed in the Southern Hemisphere.
More Information
The Great Pumpkin Carnival Website
Wanaka A&P Show
Date
14th March 2020
Location
Wanaka Recreational Reserve
Notes
Another A&P show that has pumpkins as part of it’s produce you can enter competitions. Most A&P shows have something for pumpkins, it pays to check on what you can enter.
More Information
Wanaka A&P Show Website
Growing giant pumpkins is a passion that I love sharing. 🎃 If you’ve found my content helpful or entertaining, why not say thanks with a coffee? ☕
It’ll fuel my next giant pumpkin adventure!
