15 Must-See Attractions At The Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival 2025: Your Ultimate Guide
The Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival is back for another spectacular season in 2025, solidifying its place as the premier fall attraction in the Pocono Mountains region. As of late December 2025, excitement is already building for the next iteration of this month-long celebration of all things autumn, hosted at the iconic Country Junction.
This comprehensive guide provides the freshest, most up-to-date information on what to expect, including the confirmed 2025 dates, a breakdown of the incredible free attractions, and a complete list of the must-try paid activities that make this festival an essential family tradition.
The Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival 2025: Dates, Location, and Core Details
The Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival is not just a weekend event; it is a full, month-long immersion into fall fun, drawing visitors from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. The festival's longevity and commitment to providing both free and paid entertainment have cemented its status as a regional favorite.
2025 Event Schedule and Venue
For 2025, the festival maintained its traditional schedule, running daily for an entire month to give every family a chance to visit.
- Official 2025 Dates: September 27 through October 26, 2025.
- Location: Country Junction, The World's Largest General Store, located in Lehighton, PA.
- Daily Access: The festival is open daily, though the full slate of activities, especially the carnival rides and live entertainment, are typically reserved for the weekends.
The venue itself, Country Junction, adds a unique layer of topical authority to the event. Known as the "World's Largest General Store," it provides a massive backdrop that includes shopping, various retail sections, and the expansive outdoor area dedicated to the festival.
Top 15 Essential Activities and Attractions
One of the main reasons for the festival's popularity is its blend of completely free, family-friendly attractions and its exciting, optional paid experiences. This balance ensures a fun day out regardless of budget.
Free Attractions (A Zero-Cost Day Out)
The festival proudly offers several high-value activities at no charge, making it one of the most budget-friendly fall festivals in the Pocono Mountains.
- Free Admission: There is no gate fee to enter the festival grounds.
- Free Parking: Ample parking is provided at no cost to all visitors.
- Unlimited Hayrides: Guests can enjoy the classic fall experience with free, unlimited hayrides. This scenic ride is a core part of the festival.
- The Free Petting Zoo: A favorite for younger children, the petting zoo allows kids to interact with friendly farm animals for free.
- Pirate Playship Area: A dedicated outdoor playground, often featuring a pirate-themed playship, is available for children to burn off energy.
- Spooks and Costumed Characters: Throughout the month, especially on weekends, you can encounter various costumed characters and spooky decorations perfect for family photos.
- Live Entertainment: Weekends are generally packed with free live musical performances and other stage shows, adding a vibrant atmosphere to the fair.
Must-Try Paid Experiences (The Full Festival Fun)
While the core experience is free, the full scope of the festival is unlocked with the paid attractions. These are often accessed via a Fun Card or individual ticket purchase, and prices can vary.
- Pumpkin Picking: The quintessential fall activity! While admission and hayrides are free, you pay for the pumpkin you select from the patch. This is the perfect opportunity to find your ideal jack-o'-lantern canvas.
- Midway Carnival Rides: The festival brings in classic carnival rides that operate mainly on the weekends, providing thrills for all ages. *Note: Restrictions and height requirements apply.*
- PA's "Best" Hayride (Themed): While the basic hayride is free, the festival often features a specialized, themed hayride—sometimes with spooky elements or a unique narrative—that requires a small fee.
- 3D Pumpkin Fun House: A unique attraction that uses 3D glasses to make the pumpkin-themed interior come to life, offering a disorienting and fun experience.
- Paint Ball Wagon: A popular interactive game where participants can shoot paintballs at targets or scenes from a moving wagon.
- The Gem Mine: A hands-on activity where children can pan for various gems and fossils, which they get to keep as a souvenir.
- Arcade and Attractions Fun Card: The indoor Family Fun Center at Country Junction contains a large arcade and other attractions, which are accessed by purchasing a Fun Card.
- The Corn Maze: A classic fall challenge, the corn maze offers a fun, navigational puzzle perfect for families and groups.
Tips for Navigating The World's Largest General Store
Attending The Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival means you are also visiting Country Junction, the massive retail complex. To maximize your experience and topical authority, understanding the venue is key.
Planning Your Visit to Lehighton, PA
The festival’s location is a major draw. Country Junction is situated in Lehighton, Pennsylvania, an accessible spot for many regional visitors. It’s important to note that the festival’s main activities are outdoors, so checking the Pocono weather forecast for late September and October is crucial for a comfortable visit.
Weekday vs. Weekend Experience:
- Weekdays: Ideal for smaller crowds, focusing on pumpkin picking, the free hayrides, and the petting zoo. Activities are more limited, but the atmosphere is more relaxed.
- Weekends: The full-throttle festival experience, featuring all the Midway Carnival Rides, live entertainment, and specialty food vendors. Expect significantly larger crowds and more energy.
Fueling Your Fall Adventure
No fall festival is complete without fair food. The Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival features numerous food vendors offering seasonal favorites. Look out for classic fair fare like funnel cake, fresh-pressed cider, and various pumpkin-flavored treats. Remember to save time for shopping inside the General Store itself, which offers everything from hardware to furniture and unique gifts.
The Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival continues its tradition of being one of the best and most comprehensive fall experiences in Northeastern PA. With its combination of free fun and exciting paid attractions, the 2025 event at Country Junction provided a memorable, month-long celebration that perfectly captured the spirit of the autumn season. Be sure to mark your calendar for the next iteration of this beloved event.
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