This weekend kicks off the 10th Annual Operation Pumpkin Festival in downtown Hamilton, Ohio. This year’s festival will take place October 8 and 9th from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. and October 10th from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

“We are excited that Operation Pumpkin, consistently recognized as a premier festival in southwest Ohio, is back in 2021 with a great line-up of music and vendors,” said Jason Snyder, Co-Chair of Operation Pumpkin Festival. “The central focus of this festival continues to be the giant pumpkins that we showcase thanks to our partnership with the Southern Ohio Giant Pumpkin Growers and the extremely talented sculptors that make this festival a unique and special experience for everyone that visits.”

Operation Pumpkin opens on Friday, October 8 at 11 a.m. and runs through Sunday, October 10 at 5 p.m. Entertainment for the weekend includes the award-winning pumpkin and watermelon weigh-off. Operation Pumpkin currently holds the world record for watermelon, weighing in at 350.5 lbs.

Addition entertainment includes the Naked Karate Girls on Friday night, Don’t Tell Steve on Saturday night and Saffire Express on Sunday afternoon. We will host the crowd favorite Pet Parade on Sunday along with amusement rides, kids zone, petting zoo and more throughout the weekend. Arts and crafts vendors and Food Truck Alley will be lining High Street and surrounding the Butler County Courthouse.