Join Us at Pumpkintown 2026
Saturday, October 10, 2026 10:00 am - 5:00 pmFor 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.
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 Farms

Willsonthropic, Inc.

City of Athens

McMinn County Tourism Board

Make it in McMinn

Tennessee Arts Commission

Kiwanis

Tennessee Overhill

Karm Stores

Starr Regional Medical Center

Valley Oil

VEC Customer Shares

DENSO

Window Works

DRC Printing

East Tennessee Entertainment

Pendleton's Playground

Kona Ice

Let's Bounce Rentals

Simmons Bank - Private Wealth

Simmons Bank

Citizens National Bank

Warren Jackson CPAs

Athens Insurance

Tina Mathis - Re/Max Freedom

Wolfenden Family Pharmacies

Retirement Guys

River Valley Health

Smile More Orthodontics
Pumpkintown Schedule
Entertainment on THREE Stages!
Courthouse Steps
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Pumpkin Painting
11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Selfies at the Pumpkin House
11:00 am – 3:00 pm







