Decorated pumpkins will barrel down Rotary Hill on Saturday, Oct. 24, for the 10th annual Naperville Pumpkin Race. A live drawing for a 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend SUV tops the day's lineup.
The Turning Pointe Autism Foundation (TPAF) hosts the free event from noon to 3 p.m. at Rotary Hill, next to Moser Tower and the Millennium Carillon along the Riverwalk, according to a press release.
The Bronco was donated by McCarthy Ford co-owner and president Ray LeFevour to benefit TPAF. The raffle winner will be announced live at the event.
How the race works
Participants build their own pumpkin racer using a kit that includes two axles, four wheels, eight bearings, eight wingnuts, two zip ties and a list of building rules. The pumpkin is not included. Kits and pumpkins will be available on-site while supplies last.
Every racing kit is assembled by Turning Pointe students, giving them vocational skills and real work experience. The nonprofit, based at 1500 W. Ogden Ave., has served children and young adults with autism since 2007.
Pumpkins race side-by-side in single-elimination heats. The winner takes home the Pumpkin Race Championship Trophy.
Saturday's schedule
Registration opens at noon. Turning Pointe classroom races begin at 12:30 p.m., followed by community heats from 1 to 2 p.m. A kids' costume contest and pumpkin decorating contest start around 2 p.m., with age groups for 0–5, 6–10, 11–15 and 16 and up. Business races, quarterfinals and semifinals follow, with the championship race wrapping up by 3 p.m.
Returning racers should note that Pumpkin Pit Row closes at 2 p.m. this year, an hour earlier than in past years.
Food and parking
Food vendors on-site include Boom Box Burgers, Chick-fil-A, Happy Lobster, Moose & Me and Nothing Bundt Cakes.
Parking has changed this year. Organizers recommend St. John's Episcopal Church at 750 Aurora Ave., the Naperville Municipal Center parking deck at 400 S. Eagle St., the Water Street Parking Garage at 130 Water St., Centennial Beach parking at 500 Jackson Ave. and street parking on S. Webster Street near Naper Settlement.
Turning Pointe Chairman and Co-Founder Randy Wolf announced the winners at the very first race in 2016. Details and map links are available at autismfoundation.org.
