5 Family-friendly events as pumpkin mania strikes

The Greater Region has a cornucopia of events dedicated to the beloved orange vegetable, a gourd which comes in numerous shapes and forms (and which is in fact a fruit - but who cares, it's delicious!)

Here you can find pumpkin events where all its uses are displayed in wonderful and child-friendly ways, from food and decorations to sculptures, carvings, and even pumpkin boat regattas! It's everything pumpkin, guaranteed to delight your children.

(This article only includes pumpkin festivals and events. Pumpkin patches, fields to pick up pumpkins etc. will follow soon!)

1. Pumpkin Festival in Beringen, Luxembourg

© kürbis.lu, 2017

Our first visit last year was prompted by curiosity, and I don’t think I have ever seen so many pumpkins in one spot and so many different types and varieties. There is even a competition for the biggest pumpkin, an arts and crafts DIY fair, games for children, and more. It's also a nice opportunity to buy pumpkins from local producers. More info

When: 16 - 17 September 2023
Where: Beringen, Luxembourg (next to Mersch)

2. Pumpkimania Brussels, Belgium, at the Castle of Grand-Bigard

© Pumpkimania

If you're looking to treat your children to a one-of-a-kind pumpkin-themed adventure, this is a must-visit. Amidst the picturesque castle gardens, adorned with creative pumpkin decorations (including dinosaur-shaped ones for young paleontology enthusiasts), you'll find a range of activities on various dates. Weekends, in particular, offer a surprising array of options: pumpkin carving, an exciting pumpkin regatta, and, not to be missed, the production of Belgium's largest pumpkin soup (a whopping 555 liters!) More info

When: 8 September – 5 November 2023
Where: Castle Grand-Bigard's park (near Brussels), Isidoor Van Beverenstraat 5 - 1702 Groot-Bijgaarden, Belgium
Tickets: €8 for kids under the age of 15, €14 for everyone else

 3. Gartenschau Kaiserslatuern, Germany

© Gartenschau

Running from 1 September to 30 October, this gardening exhibition includes a special Halloween event for kids on October 31st. It's a very pleasant outdoor experience featuring artistic pumpkin installations centered around this year's theme: the sea and the underwater world. It's a fantastic outing for you and your children, emphasising the joys of the outdoors and pumpkin-inspired artistry.

And, of course, you can also buy pumpkins from local producers. More info

When: 1 September to 31 October 2023
Where: Gartenschau, Lauterstraße 51, 67659 Kaiserslautern, Germany
Tickets: 1-day family passes start at €12 and can be purchased online

4. Luneville Castle, France

© https://luneville.fr/

Fête du Potimarron

Why opt for this adventure (which is also ... an amazing market)?

1. Explore the enchanting gardens.
2. Revel in the splendid castle and its idyllic setting.
3. Enjoy the presence of local producers offering exquisite pumpkins on-site.
4. Try puddings, cakes, jams, compotes, tarts, and fritters all made from pumpkins...

More info

When: 23-24 September
Where: The Castle Courtyard, Luneville Castle, Pl. de la 2ème Division de Cavalerie, 54300 Lunéville, France

5. Blooming Baroque and Fairytale Gardens in Ludwigsburg, Germany

© Blooming Baroque and Fairytale Garden, Ludwigsburg

An annual event, this traditional pumpkin exhibition takes place in Ludwigsburg, Germany, until December 3rd. It is one of the biggest and best-known pumpkin festivals in Europe. Ludwigsburg is approximately a three-hour drive from Luxembourg.

Apart from pumpkin statues, there are pumpkin storytelling sessions, a pumpkin carving contest, the biggest pumpkin soup in Germany, and, of course, a pumpkin regatta. More info (and great pictures on their website!)

When: 25 August – 03 December 2023
Where: Blühendes Barock Gartenschau Ludwigsburg, Mömpelgardstraße 28, 71640 Ludwigsburg, Germany
Tickets: Can be purchased online, 1-day family passes start at €31

With these choices, all the pumpkin fun is guaranteed! Where will you go next? Enjoy and Let'z TravelmatKanner!