Autumn is upon us, and that means one thing—it’s almost time for the highly anticipated West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta! This quirky, beloved event, organized by the City of Tualatin Parks and Recreation Department, has become the must-see spectacle in the Northwest. Last year, over 21,000 people gathered to witness the sight of costumed racers paddling 1,000-pound pumpkin boats in a series of wacky races.
Mark your calendars for Sunday, October 19! The festivities kick off at Tualatin Community Park with the 5K Regatta Run/Walk. Then, at 10:00 a.m., the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta festival begins at the Lake of the Commons with the Tualatin High School marching band. The day promises loads of family-friendly activities, including pumpkin bowling, pumpkin golf, pumpkin checkers, costume contests, pumpkin crafts, and a delicious assortment of food trucks and tasty treats.
Spectators will have the opportunity to catch the races at two different times! At noon, watch the Pacific Giant Vegetable Growers race followed by the Regatta sponsors. At 2pm Tualatin Police, Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue, and paddlers selected from the Pumpkin Paddling Quest battle it out in three more races.
Visit the City’s website for a complete list of activities, information on parking, the Pumpkin Shuttle, and the bike valet at TualatinOregon.Gov/PumpkinRegatta. Admission is free and so are most activities!
The fun doesn’t stop there—kick off the weekend on Saturday, October 18 with Pumpkins and Pints at Stickmen Brewing Company in Tualatin. Watch the Pacific Giant Vegetable Growers compete in the Terminator Weigh-Off, where massive pumpkins, gourds, and other vegetables take center stage. Stickmen’s craft beer and wood-fired pizza will be on hand to add to the celebration.
The Pumpkin Regatta would not be possible without the Pacific Giant Vegetable Growers. Thank you to Island Sponsor Toyota! Sasquash sponsors include Doja Tea Lounge, Emergency Veterinary Clinic of Tualatin, Explore Tualatin Valley, Harvest Snaps, Leafguard, New Seasons Market, OnPoint Community Credit Union, and Portland & Western Railroad. Gourdzilla Sponsors include AAA Oregon, Champion Home Exteriors, Firehouse Subs, LeafFilter, Nyberg Acupuncture and Wellness, NW Natural, Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace, Oregon Charter Academy, RECS Tualatin, Window Nation, Student Transportation of American, and Stickmen Brewing Company.
Treasure Hunters will enjoy the Regatta Medallion Hunt! Look for the bronze Regatta medallion that is hidden somewhere on City property. You can find a new clue every Thursday between September 25 and October 16 on the City of Tualatin website. The person that finds the medallion will win a Regatta prize package!
