The Pumpkin Festival in Ivanić-Grad returns this autumn, with the event taking place from 2 to 4 October. Over those days, the town will once again be filled with pumpkins, local produce, and excellent music, as the festival marks its 22nd year.
Visitors will encounter several novelties this year. Streets, parks, and squares will be decorated in orange and gold hues, with as many as 15 tonnes of pumpkins used for the decorations. A large throne for the 'Queen of Autumn' will be a particular highlight, where visitors can take photos.
The culinary offerings will include a wide range of pumpkin-based dishes, from traditional pumpkin cake to less common combinations such as pumpkin cream pie, pumpkin beer, and pumpkin-floured pralines. The ice cream will be made according to the original Italian gelato recipe, which is highly praised.
Up to 300 exhibitors will take part in the festival, drawn from various parts of Croatia. Among the exhibitors will be 40 oil pressers, alongside numerous producers of local products. Visitors will be able to watch the 'Pumpkin & Flower' competition, in which participants create various decorations from pumpkins and flowers in front of the audience.
A significant portion of the programme is dedicated to music. On Friday, the local square will host an appearance by Marko Škoro, on Saturday by Urban & 4, and on Sunday, the final day of the festival, by Magazin. The 'Music in the Streets' programme will take place on the square in front of the town hall, the Maznica market, and along Moslavačka Street and King Tomislav Street. Throughout the day, visitors can expect various musical and folk performances.
The Little Pumpkin Festival will take place on Saturday and Sunday in the Zelenjak sports park, located a short walk from the town centre. Children will be able to enjoy workshops, plays, and play areas. For those arriving by car, free parking is available at several locations, with most events taking place in the town centre or a short walk away.
