Milford Pumpkin Festival
Welcome Halloween and fall with a bang by being a part of the Milford Pumpkin Festival. Load up your RV in the direction of Milford, New Hampshire.
Event information
Since 1989, the Milford Pumpkin Festival has graced the small township of Milford. This annual festival is brought to life by a dedicated volunteer committee who spend countless hours making sure it’s a must-attend event.
Traditionally, festivals are held in one location, but this one spans several areas of Milford. The central point of the festival, with the committee booth, is Milford Oval, but all the action surrounds this area. Craft stalls, entertainment, food, and more, line Elm Street, Emerson Park, the Town Hall, and Middle Street.
Over three days in October, vendors set up to celebrate fall, Halloween, and their creative talents. You can dance the night away to the music and entertainment, or spook yourself silly on the Haunted Trail at Emerson Park.
If you haven’t yet purchased a pumpkin to carve for Halloween, then the Milford Pumpkin Festival offers this opportunity as well. Once your shopping is complete, you can then enjoy wine, spirit, and beer tasting on the Community House Lawn.
Attractions and events change every year, so why not make Milford, New Hampshire, your next RV holiday destination? Plan a weekend away with the family and enjoy everything this quaint little town has to offer.
Tickets
The Milford Pumpkin Festival is brought to you by the Granite Town Festivities Committee. They are a volunteer committee and traditionally have not charged visitors to enjoy the fruits of their labor. You will, however, need cash to purchase goods from vendors. Visit the organizer’s website for updated schedule information.
Explore Milford Pumpkin Festival RV Rentals
Transportation
Driving
Making your way to Milford is a pleasant and scenic journey. You can take Route 101A west from Nashua, Route 101 east from Keene, and Route 101 west from Concord. From all directions, take Route 13 and follow the signs to the festival parking at Milford High School and Milford Middle School. Motorists can expect narrow mountain roads in some areas along the way.
Parking areas
Limited parking is available in both the Milford High School and Milford Middle School parking lots. Sizing limitations may apply, so you may like to consider off-street parking around the open streets of Milford. Alternatively, settle into your accommodation for the night and make your way to the shuttles available at Milford High School.
Public Transportation
The streets surrounding Milford Oval will be closed for the three-day festival, which limits how close you can get to the event in your RV and by public transportation. Fortunately, there is a shuttle service in operation throughout the weekend to take you from Milford High School to the action around Milford Oval.
Where to stay
Onsite
Because of the style of event that the Milford Pumpkin Festival is, there are no opportunities for onsite camping. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t make your visit to Milford an RV holiday. There are dozens of camping grounds within a 25-mile radius of Milford. Book in advance to ensure you get your first pick.
Nearby
While there are few camping opportunities in the heart of Milford, there are plenty on the outskirts. Milford is central to many other townships that boast a range of RV parks and campsites with various service hookups. While you might need to travel into Milford daily, it’s an opportunity to see the sights and spend your weekend as a tourist.
Getting around
The festival runs from the Milford Oval to Elm Street, Union Square and around Middle Street. You can make your way around the site on foot, on your scooter or skateboard, or by making use of the shuttle. However, there’s no rush. Take your time and wander around on foot, so you don’t miss a thing.
What to pack
Clothing
Fall in Milford is traditionally accompanied by cool weather. There’s a chill in the air that may require a jacket and a few layers. Pack a pair of weather-resistant footwear, a thick winter jacket, a sweatshirt, and comfortable pants. A hat and gloves may also be necessary as the day draws to a close.
Gear
Many of the campsites around Milford require you to be self-contained. With this in mind, make sure you pack all your camping and cooking gear, but leave it in your RV before you head to the Milford Pumpkin Festival. Take a light backpack to carry your purchases, and pop over to the ATM located throughout the event site to withdraw cash for vendor sales.
Health & Safety
Before you leave for Milford, make sure you pack medication and medical supplies you need for three-plus days away from home. A small first aid kit and bug spray may also come in handy as well. Once you’re in town, fill a water bottle that will keep you hydrated as you wander throughout the streets of Milford.
Where to eat
Cooking
Each campsite has a different set of rules for what you can and can’t use for cooking. Make sure you’re aware of the regulations, such as no bonfires, before you haul out the charcoal. In most cases, you will be able to use your onboard RV gas cooker. If you run low on supplies or need to stock up, there’s a market within a five-minute drive of the Milford Pumpkin Festival.
Restaurants
While there are plenty of vendor offerings to pique your curiosity, sometimes something with a bit more substance is in order. If that’s the case, you don’t have to wander far from the Pumpkin Festival. There are pubs, bistros, restaurants, and cafes on the same streets as the festival. These are also all proximate to the Milford Oval.
Vendors
Whether you’re hoping to stock up on Christmas gifts or purchase something to eat, the vendors at the Milford Pumpkin Festival have you covered. There’s something for everyone, but make sure you withdraw cash to have the correct payment method. Arts, crafts, food, beverages, and more, are all available at the dozens of vendor booths lining the streets.
Safety
Security
There’s a police presence throughout the Milford Pumpkin Festival, and they are there to have as much of a good time as you are. If you have any questions or concerns at any time, feel free to approach them for help. There may also be security at the sites of main entertainment.
Weather
The sun isn’t always going to be beaming down in fall, and that’s the reality in Milford. You can expect cold temperatures as low as 38, but warmer days that even reach the high 70s. Prepare for any eventuality by packing plenty of blankets and having clothing to cater for all seasons.
Medical
There are restrooms and portaloos throughout the festival site, ensuring everyone can remain comfortable throughout their visit. If you have a minor injury to tend to, there’s a pharmacy a six-minute way away from the Milford Oval. In an emergency, dial 9-11 or make your way to the nearest hospital about a 20-minute drive away.
