Transylvania University’s PumpkinMania presented by University of Kentucky Federal Credit Union returns to downtown Lexington with a family-friendly pumpkin carving event and festival Sunday, October 25, and a jack-o’-lantern display each night from October 25 – 29, 2026.
The return of PumpkinMania is made possible this year by the generous support of our sponsors.
PumpkinMania Festival: Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026, 11 am – 3 pm — Pumpkin carving, games, food trucks and activities for all ages. Reservations required for carving.
Jack-o’-lantern display: Every night Oct. 26–30
PumpkinMania is back for its 16th year at Transylvania University, and Lexington is ready to glow again. Each October, the steps of historic Old Morrison — a National Historic Landmark — come alive with the light of hundreds of carved jack-o’-lanterns. Families, alumni, students and community members gather to create one of the region’s most breathtaking Halloween traditions.
For nearly 250 years, Transylvania University has been part of Lexington’s story, and PumpkinMania is one way we continue that tradition by bringing generations of Pioneers and the broader Lexington community together. With family-friendly activities, creativity, and plenty of fall fun, PumpkinMania celebrates Transy’s past while creating new memories for the students, families, alumni, and future Pioneers who make our community special.
The Halloween spirit continues into the evening with Transylvania’s Spooktacular Concert. At 5 p.m. on Oct. 25, the Transylvania Choir, along with the Paul Lawrence Dunbar and Martha Lane Collins High School choirs will take the stage in Haggin Auditorium at the Mitchell Fine Arts Center for an evening of music and Halloween fun. It’s the perfect way to extend the PumpkinMania celebration and make a full day of fall festivities at Transy.
Sponsored by Black Soil KY Charitable Fund, Inc., ESG, Forcht Bank, L. Young, Lexington Event Company and University of Kentucky Federal Credit Union.
Location
The carving will be in front of Transylvania’s Old Morrison administration building off Third Street.
Reserve your pumpkin to carve
PumpkinMania is free and open to the public, but pumpkins for carving go fast. Don’t miss your chance to take part in one of Kentucky’s most unique Halloween traditions.
Parking
Parking will be available in the Transylvania lots and on streets surrounding campus. Please read all signs and abide by parking limitations posted by the city.
View the jack-o’-lanterns!
The PumpkinMania display will be lit for five nights — rain or shine — Oct. 26‑31, 2025.
On Friday, Nov. 1, the pumpkins will be collected by local farmers and used to feed farm animals — meeting our university’s sustainability goals.
(For more information visit Transylvania University’s website about the event)
