Fondy FallToberFest

media release: Fond du Lac Festivals is excited to build on the success of the first two years of Fondy FallToberfest and share it with even more of the community. This festival finds its roots in Wisconsin’s love of fall and Oktoberfest style events. Fusing the two together makes Fondy FallToberfest an original and one of a kind free, family friendly festival.

In Year 3, Fond du Lac Festivals is partnering with The Great Pumpkin Commonwealth (GPC) and the Wisconsin Giant Pumpkin Growers (WGPG), to bring the first ever Wisconsin Great Pumpkin Weigh-off to Fond du Lac. This event is one of four GPC and WGPG sanctioned weigh-offs in 2025 across the state and will only be taking place at Fondy FallToberFest. Growers from across Wisconsin will bring their harvest to be weighed between the hours of 11am and 3pm. Divisions include Giant Squash, Field Pumpkin & Long Gourd, Tomato, Watermelon, Marrow & Bushel Gourd and most notably, The Giant Pumpkin with a 1st place prize payout of $2,500.

First Place in the Giant Pumpkin Category will receive the official trophy and be deemed the first (of many) Wisconsin Great Pumpkin Champion. Growers will also attempt to grow a state record, which is currently held by Jim Ford, for a pumpkin he grew on his farm in El Dorado, Wisconsin in 2024. That pumpkin weighed in at an official 2,551 pounds (heavier than a small vehicle).

There is also a Youth Grower’s Contest where growers ages 17 and under are encouraged to enter for a chance to win a plaque and $100 top prize award. Pumpkins must be grown (not purchased), but adult family members are allowed to assist with the growth of the pumpkins. All sizes, shapes, and colors of pumpkins will be accepted into the competition! All youth growers will receive an honorary membership to the Wisconsin Giant Pumpkin Growers Association. The ‘Perfect Pumpkin’ Award will also be given to the youth grower that brings the most picturesque, storybook pumpkin to the weigh-off, no matter the size.

Fondy FallToberfest offers loads to do with family, kids, and friends such as horse drawn wagon rides during peak fall season, a Scary Scurry Kids Fun Run featuring a 1⁄2 mile and 1 mile route for all ages, a trunk or treat event that features nonprofits and organizations from around the area, a kids costume contest, kids crafts and activities, inflatable axe throwing, and pumpkin launching using a real trebuchet! Come out and see how far these pumpkins will fly!

But that’s not all. There’s lots to do for adults too! Adult activities include axe throwing and traditional Oktoberfest games such as Hammerschlägen and Masskrugstemmen, bringing in more of a German influence to the event. Fondy FallToberfest will also offer a beer garden, special Oktoberfest pin keg tapping to get you into the spirit and a unique ‘Secret Beer Menu’ where, on the day of the event, a secret beer or cider will be announced and tapped for an hour and are available while supplies last.

Food options will be plentiful at Fondy FallToberfest, so there’s sure to be something for everyone. Look for delicious German style faire all day including schnitzel, bratwurst and sauerkraut, as well as other popular food trucks. There will be a taste to fit any and all of your cravings.

And finally, no event is complete without live music! Three bands will be sharing the Fondy FallToberfest stage - 2/5ths Party Band - a well-known polka band from Wisconsin that combines polka with popular music; Remington’s Ride - a fun and entertaining band that has a country & western sound; and D. Willy & The Souvenirs who will provide an amazing night of pop, rock and more!

“Lakeside Park is a beautiful setting to bring families and all individuals together any time of the year, but fall is especially beautiful. Since Fall is such a wonderful time in the Lake Winnebago Region, we want more people from all over to experience that. That’s why we created this festival for kids AND adults,” shares Executive Director Pete Wilke.

For more information about Fondy FallToberfest, please visit www.fdlfest.com