John Patrick Pullen

people in costumes paddle boats made of giant pumpkins on a lake while spectators watch on the shore people in costumes paddle boats made of giant pumpkins on a lake while spectators watch on the shore
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Each year thousands of spectators show up to cheer on their favorite captains piloting the giant pumpkin boats.

West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta

When jack-o'-lanterns just aren't festive enough, take in this annual contest.

John Patrick Pullen

Just when you think you’ve seen everything, you realize you’ve been missing the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta.

people in costumes paddle boats made of giant pumpkins on a lake while spectators watch on the shore
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Paddling the giant pumpkins is harder than it looks, but perseverance is rewarded, with prizes going to the victors.
people in costumes paddle boats made of giant pumpkins on a lake while spectators watch on the shore
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The giant pumpkins are grown over the summer and can weigh over 2000 pounds (907 kg).
a person paddles a boat made out of a giant pumpkin with spectators watching on the shore
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The West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta is one of the most unique fall festivals in Oregon.
people in costumes paddle boats made of giant pumpkins on a lake while spectators watch on the shore
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Since 2004, people from around the country have gathered to witness costumed characters paddling inside giant pumpkins in a series of races at the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta.
a person paddles a boat made out of a giant pumpkin with spectators watching on the shore
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Pumpkins are buoyant and will even float with a person inside.
people in costumes paddle boats made of giant pumpkins on a lake while spectators watch on the shore
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Costumed racers paddle their giant pumpkins while spectators cheer them on at the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta.
people in costumes paddle boats made of giant pumpkins on a lake while spectators watch on the shore
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Courageous seafarers race their giant pumpkins across the Lake at the Commons every year.
people in costumes paddle boats made of giant pumpkins on a lake while spectators watch on the shore
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The competition can get fierce with racers trying to outmaneuver each other on the Lake at the Commons.

Since 2004, this cherished local free event has returned to the Tualatin Commons every October with a series of races. The races are exactly what they sound like: costumed competitors piloting a gaggle of gigantic gourds through a watercourse on Tualatin Lake at the Commons. The regatta kicks off the day before the races with a pumpkin weigh-off at the Pumpkins and Pints event at Stickmen Brewing Company. The following day consists of a full day of pumpkin paddlers plying the shallow lake in giant pumpkin boats.

people in costumes paddle boats made of giant pumpkins on a lake while spectators watch on the shore
Dressed in quirky costumes, paddlers at the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta compete for prizes in a series of races.

Questions About Giant Pumpkins

What is the world’s biggest pumpkin?

Competitive giant vegetable growing has participants all over the world. And, interestingly enough, 2020 saw somewhat of a resurgence in the hobby. New records were set in many areas, such as the heaviest red cabbage at 70 pounds (32 kg) and a four-foot-long (1.2 m) leek. That year, the biggest pumpkin was grown in California and weighed 2350 pounds (1066 kg). However, it didn’t beat the all-time world record, weighing in at 2,819 pounds (1,278 kg) grown in 2025.

Can you really use a pumpkin as a boat?

Pumpkins, like apples, are buoyant. Meaning they are less dense than water and, therefore, float. As a matter of fact, the world record for the longest pumpkin boat journey is held by a man in Oregon who skippered his stupendous squash a whopping 58.57 miles (94.26 km) down the Red River — in fact, he got his start in the world of giant pumpkins by participating in the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta!

How long does it take to grow a giant pumpkin?

It can take anywhere from 140 to 160 days to grow a giant pumpkin. The general rule is 60 days of plant growth and 90 days of fruit growth. However, growing the biggest possible pumpkin involves getting the perfect balance of nutrients, light and fertilization. Find some tips here from a member of the Pacific Giant Vegetable Growers.

On dry land, a kid’s costume contest and other seasonal festivities will keep the laughs coming at this free, family-friendly event. Located just 13 miles (21 km) southwest of downtown Portland, Tualatin is a great starting point for an autumn adventure in the Willamette Valley, complete with foliage and farm stands — but the most eye-popping sight of the day will definitely be those massive pumpkins.

Events, Fall, For Kids, Halloween, Weird

Favorite Fall Events

The arrival of autumn in Portland brings plenty of things to do and see in and around Portland.

Go to Events
gamers and onlookers gather around a vintage television set in a living room setup at a retro gaming conference

A Guide to Portland Retro Gaming Expo

This annual celebration of classic video and arcade games features expert panels, cosplay competitions, dozens of local and international exhibitors with rare finds, and a 30,000-square-foot “retrocade” with hundreds of games to play.

A woman and three children find their way through the tall corn at the Corn Maize at The Pumpkin Patch on Sauvie Island.

The Corn Maize on Sauvie Island

The Corn Maize, located on Sauvie Island north of Portland, offers visitors eight acres of physical and mental challenges in a cornfield.

two people sit together in the sunshine in the middle of a crowd

Portland Date Ideas for Every Season

Fun things to do in Portland for adults out on a date night abound! Whatever the season, find gardens to wander through or sweet treats for your sweetie.

two race car drivers hold up their winning trophies

Grand Prix of Portland

Every fall since 2018, Portland International Raceway has hosted the celebrated open-wheel racing with the Grand Prix of Portland.

a woman creates art in a studio

Portland Open Studios

For two weekends every October, Portland Open Studios invites visitors to explore the houses and offices of artists across the city.

three people standing near a food cart carrying books

The Portland Book Festival

Portland Book Festival (formerly “Wordstock”) returns every November with an impressive (and extensive) lineup of local and national authors.

people tasting wine surrounded by wine barrels

Wine Country Thanksgiving

During Oregon’s premier tasting and cellar-stocking event, many local wineries open their doors to the public, offering samples of favorite selections.

a giant pumpkin sculpture is lit on the inside sitting in front of a town hall building

The Spirit of Halloweentown

Get into the Spirit of Halloweentown, an October event in St. Helens, Oregon, that features haunted tours, celebrity appearances, costume contests and more.