Halloween Festivities
Trick or treat
Sunday, october 25th, 2020 | 1pm - 5pm
Visit the Downtown Manhattan Beach Farmers Market booth during the Pumpkin Race Festivities for a few tricks and fun treats.
Guess the weight of the GIANT pumpkin and win
Decorate a bag for Trick or Treating
Take a picture with award-winning “Veggie Girl”
30th Annual world Famous Pumpkin Race
Sunday, october 25th, 2020 | 1pm - Sundown
Race a pumpkin down Manhattan Beach Boulevard and take part in the spectacle of the Manhattan Beach Pier area transformed into Pumpkin Race Land, where creativity runs wild and cheaters never prosper. Enjoy fun activities for all ages, make your own pumpkin racer and feel the thrill for what promises to be the most fun and unusual Halloween event your family has ever experienced! Don’t forget to show off your costume and bring your Halloween spirit!
Racing begin at 1 PM sharp.
Image courtesy of DigMB.com
Veggie Girl
Image courtesy of DigMB.com
The 30th Annual World Famous Pumpkin Race Festival is a FREE event! The day long Downtown Manhattan Beach Halloween Festival and Pumpkin Race will be filled with fun, excitement, surprises and laughter for all ages.
Let's Get Social
@downtownmanhattanbeach | #downtownmanhattanbeach | #pumpkinrace
#trickortreat | #happyhalloween
Pumpkin Race + trick or treating Years Past
History of the pumpkin race
It all started in 1990 when a few friends decided it would be fun to get together and race pumpkins down their street in East Manhattan Beach. Over the years, and as they each started families, it became an annual tradition to gather with families, friends and neighbors and celebrate Halloween in full costume and race mode. As the families expanded, the kids grew up, and the circle of friends got so large they couldn’t all fit on the street, the night became too big of an event for the neighborhood so they started searching for a new location. In 2007, the City of Manhattan Beach began to sponsor the event and thus the new location in Downtown Manhattan Beach. Racing the pumpkins down the last stretch of Manhattan Beach Blvd, where it meets the Manhattan Beach Pier and the Pacific Ocean became an epic location, ripe with fun, festivity, and memory making opportunity. Now, thousands of families come out each year to duke it out for the World Famous Pumpkin Race Winner, bragging rights. The rest is history. This is something you just have to see for yourself!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is the World Famous Pumpkin Race Location?
The annual event is held in Downtown Manhattan Beach, where Manhattan Beach Boulevard meets the iconic Manhattan Beach Strand, Pier & Pacific Ocean.
2. What time does the race start?
The Pumpkin Race Festival and Exhibitor area opens at 11am and racing usually begins at 12pm. Racing continues all day and until every last racer, big or small, fast or slow, has raced.
3. Where do I park?
Parking is scary… scarier than the Halloween costumes that you are encouraged to wear. Arrive early… like really early! Check in and take the time to have breakfast or shop in the Downtown Manhattan Beach area. For more parking tips, click on our parking link. Ride-share, walking, and biking is recommended!
4. Do I need a ticket to watch the races?
This is a FREE event to the community and there is no reserved seating. Come as you are and enjoy!
5. Where can I purchase the Racer Kits?
There are many ways to purchase the kits. Stop by the Manhattan Beach Farmers’ Market every Tuesday (11-4pm) in October, purchase and get building tips from the experts. Kits are also available for sale at City Hall and on Race Day.
6. What happens if I cheat?
Cheater pumpkins will be caught, examined, and smashed in public. Don’t be that guy!
7. What is the secret to winning?
Don’t take it too seriously!
Even the best engineers, race car drivers/builders, and TYPE A personalities are humbled on race day! There are no secrets…just when you think you have it figured out, your racer will hit a bump in the road or be taken out by an out-of-control pumpkin. Its all part of the fun!
8. Where can the kids Trick or treat?
The Downtown Manhattan Beach Business & Professional Association hosts safe Trick or Treating during the event. In between races, kiddos can traverse the businesses around town, and find treats. Costumes are recommended and don’t forget to bring your favorite treat gathering bag!
9. Its a long day, Is there food available?
YES! The restaurants are ready for you! You can also find snacks in the Exhibitor and Race Car Pit Zone.
10. What do winners receive?
A HUGE Trophy + Bragging Rights