Get ready for Southampton’s most magical autumn celebration as Pumpkins in the Park returns to the stunning shores of Royal Victoria Country Park on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th October 2026! Running from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM BST each day, this vibrant two-day family festival brings together over 90 artisan stalls, live music stages, interactive crafts, and festive entertainment for all ages. From viewing the UK’s largest giant pumpkins and exploring the whimsical Scarecrow Village to watching live chainsaw woodcarving, flying falconry displays, and enjoying dog show competitions, this community-driven autumn event is the ultimate seasonal weekend out on the South Coast.
Pumpkins in the Park Dates
Schedule and timing details for Pumpkins in the Park at Royal Victoria Country Park:
- Event Dates: Saturday 17th October & Sunday 18th October 2026.
- Daily Hours: Gates open at 10:00 AM BST, last entry is at 4:00 PM, and the event grounds close at 5:00 PM both days.
Pumpkins in the Park Timings
Saturday 17th October Timings
- 10:30 AM — Halloween Flowers Demonstration (Academy of Floristry / Crafts)
- 11:00 AM — Chainsaw Wood Carving (Rusticmania / Arena)
- 11:00 AM — Live Music: Igloo Band (Main Stage)
- 11:30 AM — Learn to Line Dance (Dazzling Events / Arena)
- 12:00 PM — Bird of Prey Display (South Wilts Falconry / Arena)
- 12:00 PM — Live Music: Fraser Harper (Main Stage)
- 12:30 PM — Giant Pumpkin Weigh Off (Great Pumpkin Commonwealth / Field)
- 1:00 PM — Live Music: Soton Ukulele Jam (Main Stage)
- 1:30 PM — Chainsaw Wood Carving (Rusticmania / Arena)
- 2:00 PM — Live Music: Rob Green (Main Stage)
- 2:30 PM — The Big Hoedown (Dazzling Events / Arena)
- 3:00 PM — Live Music: Kazimouse (Main Stage)
- 3:30 PM — Award Ceremony (Express FM / Main Stage)
Sunday 18th October Timings
- 10:30 AM — Halloween Flowers Demonstration (Academy of Floristry / Crafts)
- 11:00 AM — Chainsaw Wood Carving (Rusticmania / Arena)
- 11:00 AM — Live Music: Isabel Saint (Main Stage)
- 11:30 AM — The Big Hoedown (Dazzling Events / Arena)
- 12:00 PM — Bird of Prey Display (South Wilts Falconry / Arena)
- 12:00 PM — Live Music: Charlie James (Main Stage)
- 12:30 PM — The Dog Show (Hamble Hounds / Field)
- 1:00 PM — Live Music: Panatic (Main Stage)
- 1:30 PM — Chainsaw Wood Carving (Rusticmania / Arena)
- 2:00 PM — Live Music: Mark Handley (Main Stage)
- 2:30 PM — The Big Hoedown (Dazzling Events / Arena)
- 3:00 PM — Live Music: Lilly Denyer (Main Stage)
The Dog Show Timings and Schedule (18 October)
- 12:00 PM: Puppy Parade (Pups Under 9 Months)
- 12:20 PM: Happiest Dog, Waggiest Tail (All Ages & Sizes)
- 12:40 PM: Fantastic Furry Females (Females)
- 1:00 PM: Wonderful Walking (All Ages & Sizes)
- 1:20 PM: Fabulous Furry Fellas (Males)
- 1:40 PM: Charm the Judges, Tricks or Licks (All Ages & Sizes)
What to Expect at Pumpkins in the Park
Key attractions and festival activities for attendees:
- Over 90 Stalls & Street Food: Artisan traders, local crafts, pumpkin picking, Halloween flower demonstrations, and street food and bar stalls.
- Giant Pumpkin Weigh Off & Carving: Hosting the UK’s giant pumpkin weigh-off with the Great Pumpkin Commonwealth alongside live chainsaw woodcarving by Rusticmania.
- Live Stage Performances: Acoustic acts and musical talent across both days, including Igloo Band, Fraser Harper, Soton Ukulele Jam, Rob Green, Kazimouse, Isabel Saint, Charlie James, Panatic, Mark Handley, and Lilly Denyer.
- Family Activities: Pumpkin catapults, pumpkin painting, children’s funfair rides, line dancing with Dazzling Events, South Wilts Falconry displays, and a Scarecrow Village.
- Sunday Dog Show: Hosted by Hamble Hounds from 12:00 PM covering Puppy Parade, Happiest Dog / Waggiest Tail, Fantastic Furry Females, Wonderful Walking, Fabulous Furry Fellas, and Tricks or Licks.
Pumpkins in the Park Tickets
Booking rules and ticket details for attendees:
- Adult: £9.80
- Concession (Over 65, Student, Blue Light): £7.50
- Under 16: £5.00
- Disabled & Enabler: £7.50
- Under 4: FREE
Pumpkins in the Park Address
Location and route details for visiting Royal Victoria Country Park:
Pumpkins in the Park Location
Royal Victoria Country Park, Netley Abbey, Southampton SO31 5GA.
How to Get to Royal Victoria Country Park
- By Car: Accessible via Victoria Road / Netley Abbey off the A3024, with roadside event signage directing drivers straight to the main park entrance gates.
- By Train: Netley Railway Station is located approximately a 15-minute walk from the main entrance of Royal Victoria Country Park.
- By Bus: Local Bluestar bus services connect Southampton City Centre directly to Netley Abbey village stop.
Pumpkins in the Park Accessibility
Important venue rules and entry policies for festival visitors:
- Dog Policy: Well-behaved dogs are welcome throughout the park grounds but must be kept on a lead at all times.
- Food & Drink Policy: Outside food and drink are not permitted into the event grounds, with an exception made for infant snacks.
- Restricted Items: Bicycles and e-scooters are strictly prohibited inside the event area.
Royal Victoria Country Park Parking
Parking information for event attendees:
- On-Site Country Park Parking: Free event car parking is provided within the country park grounds for all Pumpkins in the Park ticket holders (follow yellow event signage on arrival).
Discover More Local Events
Looking for more exciting things happening across the region? Check out our complete list of What’s On in Southampton to discover live music, community festivals, autumn showcases, and family activities near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is Pumpkins in the Park taking place?
- The festival takes place on Saturday 17th October and Sunday 18th October 2026, open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM BST.
- Where is Pumpkins in the Park located?
- The event is held at Royal Victoria Country Park, Netley Abbey, Southampton (SO31 5GA).
- What time do gates open and close?
- Gates open at 10:00 AM BST, last entry is at 4:00 PM, and event activities close at 5:00 PM both days.
- How much are tickets for Pumpkins in the Park?
- Adult tickets are £9.80, Concessions (Over 65, Student, Blue Light) are £7.50, Under 16s are £5.00, Disabled & Enabler tickets are £7.50, and Under 4s enter for free.
- Is parking free for ticket holders?
- Yes, free event parking within Royal Victoria Country Park is included for all Pumpkins in the Park ticket holders.
- Are dogs allowed at the festival?
- Yes, well-behaved dogs are welcome throughout the park grounds but must be kept on a lead at all times.
- When is the Dog Show taking place?
- The Dog Show, hosted by Hamble Hounds, takes place on Sunday 18th October 2026 starting from 12:00 PM.
- Can I bring my own food and drink into the event?
- Outside food and drink are not permitted inside the event grounds, with an exception made for infant snacks.
- Are bikes or e-scooters permitted inside the event area?
- No, bicycles and e-scooters are strictly prohibited within the festival boundary.
- Can I purchase tickets on the gate on the day?
- Tickets on the gate are subject to availability, so advance booking online is strongly recommended to guarantee admission.