KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Pumpkins, parades, and plenty of fall cheer are set to fill downtown Keene this Saturday, Oct. 18, as the city’s beloved Keene Pumpkin Festival returns with an afternoon of family fun and live entertainment. The festivities begin at 2 p.m. and run through the evening, with activities spread throughout Central Square, Main Street, and surrounding areas.

The celebration kicks off at 2 p.m. with the costume parade, which invites children and adults alike to don their Halloween best and march through downtown. At the same time, free pumpkin carving begins in Central Square, and the Colonial Showroom on Commercial Street will feature free family cartoons from 2 to 5 p.m.

Performers will take to multiple stages throughout the afternoon. The Bandstand Stage will feature a lively lineup including Splatter at 2:30 p.m., Modern Fools at 4 p.m., and Isness Ensemble at 5:30 p.m. Additional acts include MoCo Arts, Chock Full of Notes, New Hampshire Dance Institute, A Company of Witches, and the Keene State College Dance Team, all adding to the day’s energy.

Festival organizers, Let It Shine, say they’re excited to expand their partnerships this year with the Colonial Theatre and Kringle Candle. The organization is co-presenting the April Cushman show after the festival, along with free cartoons at Showroom and Kilted Colin performing on Main Street. Organizers said Kringle’s chemists created six custom candles that will be available for sale at the festival and in select stores around town.

For those seeking a little spookiness, the UCC Haunted Alley will run from 2 to 7 p.m., while downtown trick-or-treating happens from 3 to 5 p.m. Pumpkin bowling follows from 4 to 6 p.m. at Railroad Square, leading up to the evening’s musical finale.

As the sun sets, festivalgoers can enjoy April Cushman live at the Colonial Theatre at 6:30 p.m. (tickets required), while the glowing pumpkin displays and creative carvings illuminate downtown.

Throughout the day, visitors can browse local vendors selling food, crafts, candles, jewelry, and handmade goods, with maps available at pumpkinfestival.org to guide attendees to attractions, vendors, and shuttle parking.

Main Street will be closed to traffic from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. between Central Square and Emerald Street, and free shuttles will run from lots on Optical Avenue.

For the full schedule, maps, and volunteer information, visit pumpkinfestival.org.