World Famous Pumpkin Race

Manhattan Beach's World Famous Pumpkin Race returns on Sunday, October 18, 2026, turning the street leading to the pier into a racetrack for homemade pumpkin cars. Families decorate their pumpkins, add wheels and send them racing toward the finish line while the crowd cheers them on.

The festival opens at noon, and qualifying races begin at 2 pm. Kids can race their own creations, compete for prizes in different categories, or simply line the course and cheer. Costumes are encouraged, and the festival also includes family-friendly activities for all ages.

Admission is free. Families who want to race can buy a pumpkin racer kit ahead of time or at the event, and an optional Turbo Pass offers timed race entries.

📅 Dates & Times

Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026

Festival: noon–5 pm

Qualifying races begin at 2 pm.

📍 Venue

Manhattan Beach Pier

Manhattan Beach Boulevard and Manhattan Beach Pier

Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

The races run down Manhattan Beach Boulevard toward the pier.

👨🏻‍👩🏻‍👦🏻‍👦🏻 Age Requirement

All ages are welcome.

🎟️ Tickets/Price

This is a free event.

Pumpkin racer kits cost $35 in advance or $40 on event day.

An optional $7 Turbo Pass provides two race entries with timed access.

GET RACE KIT AND TURBO PASS DETAILS

🍔 Food

Please check with the website for more information.

🚙 Parking

Please check with the website for more information.

🌐 Website Link

City of Manhattan Beach

🧭 Directions

Click on "Google" on the map for directions.

📢 Disclaimer

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