Killarney Pumpkin Festival

Friday

Festival Opening & Samhain Kick-off
The festival will officially open on Friday afternoon, setting a spooky yet inviting atmosphere.

:: 3PM-S5 PM: Radio Kerry Live from Main St.

The Radio Kerry OB unit will set up in the town square, kicking off the festival with live broadcasts, interviews with local businesses and organisers, and competitions. This will create a buzz and draw crowds from the start.

:: 4PM - 6PM: The bewitching hour... fire eaters, ghouls and witches around Main St

:: 6PM-5 PM: Storytelling (Easons) A traditional Irish storyteller, or seanchai, will share tales of Samhain, the Puca, and other local folklore. This will be an enchanting experience for all ages, honouring the ancient roots of Halloween.

Saturday

The Great Pumpkin Trail & Family Fun Day

Saturday is all about family engagement and celebrating the pumpkin.

10AM - 5PM: Pumpkin Patch Shuttles. A continuous shuttle service will run from the main festival site to a nearby pumpkin farm, such as Killarney Pumpkin Farm or Church View Farm. Tickets for the shuttle will include entry to the pumpkin patch.

11AM - 4PM: Pumpkin Carving & Decoration Workshops. Led by iocal artists, these workshops will teach visitors how to carve intricate jack-o'-lanterns and decorate
pumpkins using natural materials. A small fee will apply to cover the cost of materials, but the pumpkin itself will be included.

Live music outside the hours of the Radio Kerry OB.

Ceili for witches and wizards in the Grand, prizes for best dressed

12 PM - 2 PM: The Great Killarney Bake-Off. Local bakers will compete for the title of "Best Pumpkin Pie in Kerry." Judges from the community and the Radio Kerry team will taste and score entries, with a prize for the winner.

3 PM - 4 PM: Storytelling {Easons)

4PM - 6PM: The bewitching hour... fire eaters, ghouls and witches around Main St
All Day: The Spooky Scavenger Hunt. A free-to-enter scavenger hunt will have
participants explore the main festival site, searching for clues related to Irish folklore and
Halloween. The trail will lead to various stalis and activities, promoting engagement with
vendors.

Sunday

Music, Mists & Magic

The final day will focus on live entertainment, music, and a magical finale.

:: 11 AM -1 PM: Radio Kerry's “Live in Kiliarney” Show, The Radio Kerry OB unit will host a live show featuring local musicians, bands, and performers. The focus will be on traditional Irish music with a spooky twist.

:: 1PM -3 PM: The Witches’ & Wizards’ Costume Contest. A fancy dress competition with different categories for children and adults. Prizes will be awarded for the most creative, scariest, and most Killarney-themed costumes.

Live music outside the hours of the Radio Kerry OB.

:: 4PM - 6PM: The bewitching hour... fire eaters, ghouls and witches around Main St

:: 3 PM - 5 PM: The Harvest Market. A special market featuring local artisans and producers will be a key part of the festival. Stalls will sell everything from
pumpkin-themed baked goods and crafts to unique, witchy wares and Halloween decor.

:: 4PM -5 PM: The Grand Fire Show Finale. The festival will conclude with a spectacular fire show. Performed by professional fire artists, this will be a mesmerizing spectacle that symbolises the ancient Samhain traditions of fire and tight, providing a fitting and memorable end to the weekend.