Fall is officially here, folks!

The annual autumnal family event is right around the corner on October 17-18 with jack-o’-lantern displays, contests, and live music. There will also be seasonal treats available from local food trucks and a variety of arts and crafts for all ages.

Those wishing to participate in this year’s jack-o’-lantern contest will be able to pick up a free pumpkin from the arboretum, carve and decorate it themselves, and watch it glow during the festival.

Free pumpkin pickups will be on October 12 from noon until 1 p.m. for groups and noon until 4 p.m. for individuals. If you want your carved pumpkin to be judged, jack-o’-lantern drop-offs are from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on October 16 and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on October 17. Those who enter their jack-o’-lantern late can still be displayed, but won’t be judged. Contest rules and further information are available online here.

As for activities at the festival, on October 17, there will be pumpkin decorating while supplies last from 5-7 p.m. Folks wishing to participate can reserve a spot here at either 5 p.m. or 5:45 p.m., or join the walk-up session at 6:30 p.m. Live music by 91 Stitches will also be playing from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. along with food from a variety of trucks and vendors.

On October 18, there will be activities all day. There will be story time from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Those wishing to just stroll around the arboretum and enjoy the displays without the festival noise can do so from 10 a.m. to noon, and the winners for the jack-o’-lantern contest will be announced at noon. After the winners are announced, there are a variety of events and vendors throughout the afternoon and evening popping up that can be found here. The festival will be wrapping up around 9 p.m.