Mesquite's PumpkinFest returns to Paschall Park this Saturday, October 17, running from noon to 5 p.m. with free admission, free parking, and a lineup that includes costume contests, a pumpkin pie-eating showdown, and a hayride. The festival's comeback carries extra weight this year: the 2025 staging never happened at all.
A Weather Rainout Gives Way to a Comeback
Last October, severe weather forced the city to scrap the annual event entirely, as Hoodline reported at the time. Saturday's festival marks PumpkinFest's return after last year's cancellation. The event is set at Paschall Park, 1001 New Market Rd.
The day's programming includes stage performances and contests.
Free Fun Plus Paid Extras
Beyond admission and parking, the city is offering free competitions, arts and crafts, the hayride, stage performance viewings, a selfie station, and trick-or-treat bags for attendees. Families looking for more can purchase activity wristbands priced at $12 for Mesquite residents and $15 for non-residents, covering unlimited access to face painting, balloon art, and inflatables, according to the City of Mesquite.
Vendors had their own deadlines leading up to the festival. Food trucks were required to apply through the city's pre-approved vendor roster by September 18, while local artisan booth fees started at $75, per details on the city's PumpkinFest page. Past years have also leaned on business sponsorships to keep signature contests free — Celebration Station has sponsored the pumpkin pie-eating contest, and PetSmart has supplied prizes for the pet costume contest, the city noted in a 2024 announcement.
A Park Built for the Crowd
Paschall Park's size makes it a natural fit for a festival this sprawling. The park spans 50.6 acres and includes a 1.55-mile trail system linking to the Bruton Soccer Complex and Hodges Park, along with an 18-hole disc golf course and a 72-seat pavilion. The park's interactive Butterfly Trail was transformed with new educational signage and opened June 21, as Hoodline previously covered in a piece on its butterfly trail overhaul.
The festival's family focus tracks with its programming, which includes free, kid-centered activities. PumpkinFest returns after last year's weather-related cancellation.
