Free Family-Friendly Festival Features 2,000-Pound Pumpkins, a Trebuchet Launch, and a Traditional Biergarten on Saturday, October 10th, from 10am – 6pm at Lakeside Park in Fond du Lac.
Fond du Lac Festivals, Inc. (FFI) is thrilled to announce the return of the Great Pumpkin Weigh-off. This unique event, which showcases 2,000-pound pumpkins and other giant fruits, will be a featured highlight at Fondy FallToberfest—a celebration of autumn and Oktoberfest traditions in Fond du Lac. Fusing these two themes together makes Fondy FallToberfest an original, one-of-a-kind, free, and family-friendly community festival.
Growers from across Wisconsin will bring their harvest to compete for the ultimate prize: The Great Pumpkin Champion Trophy and a first-place payout of $3,000. New this year, FFI introduced a $1,000 bonus for breaking the state record, currently held by Jim Ford for a 2,551-pound pumpkin grown in El Dorado in 2024. Youth growers are also encouraged to join the action in their own category, where first place receives a medal and $250.
In addition to the giant pumpkins, Fondy FallToberfest offers activities for all ages. Highlights include horse-drawn wagon rides, a Scary Scurry Kids Fun Run (half-mile), a 5K Run/Walk, a community trunk-ortreat, a kids’ costume contest, inflatable axe throwing, and a real trebuchet launching pumpkins into the air.
Adults can enjoy traditional Oktoberfest games like Hammerschlägen and Masskrugstemmen. FFI has also partnered with the Fond du Lac Beer Company to offer a traditional biergarten featuring a “Secret Beer Menu,” where five exclusive beer or cider options will be tapped for one hour only, while supplies last. Plentiful food choices will include traditional German-style fare alongside an array of popular local food trucks.
Live entertainment will run throughout the day, kicking off with the Dueling Accordions polka act, followed by crowd-favorite headliners D. Willy & The Souvenirs and Flannel Revival on the FallToberfest Stage.
“Lakeside Park is a beautiful setting to bring families and individuals together any time of the year, but autumn is especially stunning,” said Pete Wilke, Executive Director of FFI. “Since fall is such a wonderful time in the Lake Winnebago Region, we want people from all over to experience it. That’s why we created this festival with specific draws for both kids and adults.”
About Fond du Lac Festivals, Inc.
Fond du Lac Festivals, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating community through events that showcase the Fond du Lac area. FFI aims to enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors while assisting and supporting local charitable organizations in their fundraising efforts.
Date posted: September 23, 2026