West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta
When jack-o'-lanterns just aren't festive enough, take in this annual contest.
John Patrick Pullen
Know Before You Go
Trying to plan ahead? The West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta is on the third Saturday of October each year.
Just when you think you’ve seen everything, you realize you’ve been missing the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta since 2004. This cherished local event returns to the Tualatin Commons every October with a series of races. The series is exactly what it sounds like, consisting of paddlers piloting a gaggle of gigantic gourds through a watercourse on Tualatin Commons lake. The event kicks off with a giant pumpkin parade and weigh-off, followed by a full day of costumed contestants plying the shallow lake in 1,000-pound pumpkin boats.
This annual race series consists of paddlers piloting a gaggle of gigantic gourds through a water course.
On dry land, a costume contest, live music, face painting, pumpkin carving, pie-eating contest and pumpkin golf 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 paddling pumpkins.