Join Us at Pumpkintown 2026

Saturday, October 10, 2026 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

For over 24 years, Pumpkintown has become one of East Tennessee’s most beloved festivals, drawing 25,000 attendees each year. As one of the largest events in McMinn County, it offers a wealth of activities for all ages while celebrating the rich cultural heritage of East Tennessee. The festival features engaging displays that highlight Native American traditions and local history, ensuring a captivating experience for visitors of all ages. Pumpkintown is a completely free, family-friendly event taking place on Saturday, October 10, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in historic downtown Athens, Tennessee. Presented by Friendly City Festivals, this cherished event is made possible by the generous support of our sponsors.

Save the Date!

Pumpkintown Countdown

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Exciting Festival Highlights

Live Entertainment

Crafts and Info Vendors

Food Trucks

Appalachian Road Show

Local Shopping

Scott Crisp Memorial PowWow

A wide variety of fun activities for all ages

  • Petting Zoo
  • Pumpkin Painting
  • Pumpkin Plinko

McMinn County Living Heritage Museum’s Annual Quilt Show

McMinn Regional Humane Society

  • Mutt Strutt
  • Doggie Costume Contest
  • Adopt-a-thon

THANK YOU, 2026 SPONSORS!

The 2026 Sponsor Form is available now. Click the “Save the Date” button at the top of this page.
Mayfield Dairy - Presenting Sponsor for Moofest - Downtown Athens, TN

Mayfield Dairy Farms

Willsonthropic Compassionate Community

Willsonthropic, Inc.

City of Athens - Friendly City Festivals Sponsor - Downtown Athens, TN

City of Athens

McMinn County Tourism - Friendly City Festivals Sponsor - Athens, TN

McMinn County Tourism Board

Make it in McMinn - Friendly City Festivals Sponsor - Downtown Athens, TN

Make it in McMinn

Tennessee Arts Commission - Moofest Sponsor

Tennessee Arts Commission

Kiwanis Club of Athens - Sponsor for Friendly City Festivals - Downtown Athens, TN

Kiwanis

Tennessee Overhill - MooFest sSponsor

Tennessee Overhill

Karm Stores - Friendly City Festivals Sponsor - Downtown Athens, TN

Karm Stores

Starr Regional Medical Center - Sponsor Friendly City Festivals - Athens, TN

Starr Regional Medical Center

Valley Oil Company - Sponsor for Friendly City Festivals - Downtown Athens, TN

Valley Oil

VEC - Friendly City Festivals Sponsor - Downtown Athens, TN

VEC Customer Shares

DENSO - MooFest Sponsor

DENSO

Window Works - Friendly City Festivals Sponsor - Downtown Athens, TN

Window Works

DRC Printing - Friendly City Festivals Sponsor - Downtown Athens, TN

DRC Printing

East Tennessee Entertainment - Friendly City Festivals Sponsor - Downtown Athens, TN

East Tennessee Entertainment

Pendleton's Playground - Friendly City Festivals Sponsor - Downtown Athens, TN

Pendleton's Playground

Kona Ice - Friendly City Festivals Sponsor - Athens, TN

Kona Ice

Let's Bounce - Friendly City Festivals Sponsor - Downtown Athens, TN

Let's Bounce Rentals

Simmons Bank - Sponsor for Friendly City Festivals - Downtown Athens, TN

Simmons Bank - Private Wealth

Simmons Bank - Sponsor for Friendly City Festivals - Downtown Athens, TN

Simmons Bank

Citizens National Bank - Friendly City Festival Sponsor - Downtown Athens, TN

Citizens National Bank

Warren Jackson CPAs - Moofest Sponsor

Warren Jackson CPAs

Athens Insurance - Friendly City Festivals Sponsor - Downtown Athens, TN

Athens Insurance

Tina Mathis Remax Freedom - Friendly City Festivals Sponsor - Downtown Athens, TN

Tina Mathis - Re/Max Freedom

Wolfenden Family Pharmacies - Moofest Sponsor - Downtown Athens, TN

Wolfenden Family Pharmacies

Retirement Guys - Friendly City Festivals Sponsor - Downtown Athens, TN

Retirement Guys

River Valley Health - Friendly City Festivals Sponsor - Downtown Athens, TN

River Valley Health

Smile More Orthodontics - Friendly City Festivals Sponsor - Downtown Athens, TN

Smile More Orthodontics

Pumpkintown Schedule

Entertainment on THREE Stages!

Courthouse Steps

Courthouse Steps Stage Entertainment at 2026 Pumpkintown -Friendly City Festivals Historical Athens, TN
Jim Brooks and his talented grandson Rafe Paul bring the spirit of the mountains to life with Appalachian folk music.
Tom Cordle brings decades of musical storytelling to the stage. His musical years has included song writing, cover bands and opening for Willie Nelson!
Austin Conner, proud Navy veteran with a passion for music, brings an authentic, heart-led approach to every performance, connecting with audiences through genuine acoustic storytelling and song.
With more than 20 years of touring across the United States and Canada, Josh Gilbert is a soulful singer, songwriter, and guitarist with unique sound blends Americana, Pop/Rock, Blues, and a little Rock 'n Roll.
Trevin Wade is passionate about faith, family, music, and community, and he's thrilled to be part of this year's celebration.
Retired physician, podcaster, and talented harmonica player, Doc Shelley is well known throughout McMinn County for sharing his love of music with audiences of all ages.

Market Pavilion Stage

Market Park Stage Entertainment at 2026 Pumpkintown -Friendly City Festivals Historical Athens, TN
JUST US
Just Us Bluegrass Band is known for their engaging performances and crowd-pleasing sound. Their performance is the perfect way to spend a fall morning at Pumpkintown.
Madelyn Tallent
You may have seen Madelyn in her recent appearance on America's Got Talent. She is making waves with her heartfelt songwriting, powerful vocals, and captivating stage presence.
Appalachian Road Show
This band is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the culture of Appalachia through exceptional musicianship, powerful songwriting, rich harmonies, and heartfelt storytelling.

Madison Avenue Stage

Stop by to enjoy thrilling performances by Inspiration Dance.

Madison Avenue Stage Entertainment at 2026 Pumpkintown -Friendly City Festivals Historical Athens, TN
Inspirations Dance Studio
Get ready for a spooktacular performance as Inspirations Dance Studio brings their popular Wednesday-themed showcase to the Pumpkintown stage!
Raw Art Dance Studio
Known for their creativity, energy, and passion for dance, Raw Art Dance Studio will showcase the talent and dedication of their dancers in a performance that is sure to entertain festival-goers of all ages.
Jacoby Allmon
Jacoby Allmon is a Michael Jackson dance impersonator and tribute performer.

Activities

Pumpkintown PowWow in Memory of Scott Crisp

The Scott Crisp Memorial PowWow is dedicated to the memory of Scott Crisp. He was a beloved committee member of Pumpkintown until his untimely death in 2016. The beat of a native drum and the notes of a flute will lead you down to Market Park, where you will experience tribal dances, Native American crafts, and the famous Potato Dance!

10:00 am Gates Open – MC – Robert Redhawk  
10:15 am Native Flute Player – Jack Lynn
10:45 am Native Flute Player – Kyle Coatney
11:45 am Drum Warm Up – Calling all Dancers
12:00 pm Grand Entry – All Dancers
12:30 pm Intertribal – 1 round – All Dancers Welcome
12:40 pm POW WOW TIME 

Dance Categories 
Men’s Traditional – Men’s Fancy – Men’s Straight – Grass – Hoop Dancer
Women’s Traditional –  Women’s Fancy – Jingle – Candy Dance 

1:30 pm Aztec Dancers – Javier Alfaro & Family
DANCERS BREAK UNTIL 3:30 PM

2:30 pm Native Flute Player – Jack Lynn
3:00 pm Native Flute Player – Kyle Coatney

3:30 pm Drum Warm Up – Calling all Dancers
3:50 pm Intertribal – 2 rounds – All Dancers Welcome
4:00 pm POW WOW TIME 

Dance Categories
Men’s Traditional – Men’s Fancy – Men’s Straight – Grass – Hoop Dancer
Women’s Traditional –  Women’s Fancy – Jingle – Broom Dance 

Intertribal – All Dancers Welcome – Draw final 1 Names 

5:00 pm Retire Flags – Close Circle
5:30 pm Gates Close – See you next year! 

*Times are approximate and subject to change based on availability, inclement weather, or other factors. 

PowWow Pumpkintown Downtown Athens, TN
Pumpkintown PowWow - Athens, TN
Pumpkintown PowWow - Athens, TN

McMinn County Regional Humane Society

Mutt Strutt and Doggie Costume Contest
Market Park

10:00 – 10:45 am – Water Wheel Registration
10:30 am Line up at Market Park by the water wheel
10:45 am The infamous Mutt Strutt!
11:00 am Judging (at the end of Mutt Strutt)
12:30 pm – Market Pavilion Stage Contest Winners Announced
10 am – 3 pm – MRHS at Market Park Booth

Adopt-a-thon
Fuller’s Frame Shop & Gallery

10 am – 3 pm
Dogs/Puppies & Cats/Kittens

Mutt Strutt is open to all pets. The costume contest requires an entry form.

Pumpkintown Mutt Strutt and Costume Contest - Downtown Athens, TN

McMinn County Living Heritage Museum Annual Quilt Show

McMinn County Living Heritage Museum
10:00 am – 1:00 pm

The McMinn County Living Heritage Museum’s 4nd Annual Quilt Show will be available to Pumpkintown attendees free of charge on the day of Pumpkintown.  This award-winning show is produced by the Heritage Quilt Guild.  

522 West Madison Avenue, Athens, TN 37303

More information: (423) 745-0329   www.livingheritagemuseum.org

Quilt Show - McMinn Living Heritage Museum - Athens, TN

USS Ware Commemorative Brick Dedication

Veterans Park
10:00 am

At Veterans Park, we honor the brave men and women who have served our country, creating a serene oasis where their sacrifices are etched in time. As you stroll along the brick walk, where the names of thousands of veterans stand as a testament to their courage, take a moment to reflect on the powerful monuments and the striking court of flags that pay tribute to their service. The park’s centerpiece, a magnificent six-hundred-pound floating granite globe, symbolizes the unity and strength of our nation, serving as a reminder that the spirit of camaraderie thrives here. This peaceful haven invites veterans and their families to gather, remember, and find solace in shared stories and experiences, all while fostering a deep sense of community that embodies the very essence of our commitment to honor and support those who have given so much.

Lt. Charles R. Ware is a World War II hero who enlisted in the U.S Navy in 1929, when his mother, Arva Zena Ware, lived on Ohio Street in Athens. He was over a squadron of six Dauntless SBD Dive Bombers assigned with many others to the USS Enterprise during the Battle of Midway. His decision to stay and fight the unexpected incoming Zeros made a decisive turn in favor of the U.S. in this battle, but it cost him and his gunner, ARM1/c William Henry Stambaugh, their lives.

Lt Charles R. Ware
U.S.S. Charles R. Ware

Pumpkin Painting

Athens Art Center
11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Stop by The Arts Center during Pumpkintown and paint a pumpkin with us in our creative arts wing (while supplies last).

Selfies at the Pumpkin House

Knight Park
11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Athens Art Center - Pumpkin painting - Friendly City Festivals Pumpkintown Historic Downtown Athens, TN