Houston Pumpkin Festival is back at Discovery Green with new attractions added to its annual lineup of pumpkin displays, rides and photo ops.
The festival takes over a section of the downtown park through early November. Here’s a first look at this year’s setup and everything to know before you go.
Where and when is Houston Pumpkin Festival?
Vanessa Fernandez poses among colorful pumpkin houses at the Houston Pumpkin Festival at Discovery Green. (Karla Mariz Caranay)
Houston Pumpkin Festival runs Sept. 19-Nov. 8 at Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney St. The festival is set up at Lindsey Waterside Landing, along Kinder Lake on the northeast side of the park.
Hours are 3-11 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
How much are Houston Pumpkin Festival tickets?
A colorful walkway greets visitors at the entrance to Houston Pumpkin Festival at Discovery Green. (Karla Mariz Caranay)
Tickets are $18 per person Monday through Thursday and $28 Friday through Sunday. Children 3 and younger get in free.
Tickets purchased online do not require a reserved time slot. Walk-up admission may be limited depending on capacity, and the festival may stop admitting visitors up to an hour before closing.
Rides and boats are included with admission. Food and drinks cost extra.
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What’s new at Houston Pumpkin Festival this year?
The new Mary Poppins Experience spins during a preview of Houston Pumpkin Festival at Discovery Green. (Karla Mariz Caranay)
The festival has several new attractions this year, including the Mary Poppins Experience, a new carousel and Tunnel of Wonders.
The Pumpkin Mosaics have also been updated with new designs, including one featuring Houston’s “Be Someone” message.
What other rides and attractions are there?
Visitors bounce around the Jumpkin’ Pumpkin at Houston Pumpkin Festival at Discovery Green. (Karla Mariz Caranay)
Other attractions include a 30-foot slide, Jumpkin’ Pumpkin, pumpkin houses, a hay maze, Sunflower Walk and Pink Trees of Life.
Admission covers the rides and boats. Food and drinks cost extra, and onsite purchases are card-only.
How much does food cost at Houston Pumpkin Festival?
Food options at Houston Pumpkin Festival at Discovery Green. (Karla Mariz Caranay)
Food trucks have a designated area at the festival.
During a first look, we spent $35.42 on four items. At Space City Snacks & Good, an agua de Jamaica was $6.69, nachos with queso and beef were $11.15 and Tostitos with elote were $8.92.
A fruit Tornado cocktail from El Deleite Gaspachos cost $8.66.
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Where can I park for Houston Pumpkin Festival?
Visitors swing beneath the Pink Trees of Life at the Houston Pumpkin Festival at Discovery Green. (Karla Mariz Caranay)
According to Discovery Green’s website, parking around the park is more limited because of construction at the George R. Brown Convention Center. The Avenida Central Garage is currently closed to the public, and the parking lane along McKinney Street next to the park has been converted into a bike lane.
Houston Pumpkin Festival
When: Sept. 15-Oct. 18
Where: Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney
Details: $18 Mon.-Thu., $28 Fri.-Sun., free for ages 3 and under; discoverygreen.com
Metered street parking is still available on La Branch and other nearby streets. Other options include the Avenida North Garage, 701 Avenida de las Americas, and nearby surface lots, including the lot at 1515 Rusk St. Rates vary.
METRORail is another option. The Green and Purple lines stop at Convention District, near Discovery Green.
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This article originally published at Houston Pumpkin Festival is back at Discovery Green. Here’s what’s new.