Family-friendly events, photo ops, costumes, and pumpkins for sale—in the heart of Downtown
This October, Downtown Natchez transforms into a hub of fall fun as the Downtown Pumpkin Patch Festival returns October 11–31. Now in its fourth year, the Patch welcomes visitors of all ages from across the Miss-Lou community to enjoy pumpkin sales, themed photo backdrops, and a full calendar of free and low-cost family events.
Hosted by the Downtown Natchez Alliance (DNA), the festival takes place at the Biglane Building Courtyard at the corner of Main and South Pearl Streets (100 S. Pearl). Pumpkin sale proceeds benefit downtown revitalization projects led by DNA. “This event brings our community together in the most joyful way,” says Leah Hunter, Executive Director of DNA. “It’s about celebrating local pride, supporting small businesses, and giving families a reason to come downtown and stay awhile.”
“This event brings our community together in the most joyful way. It’s about celebrating local pride, supporting small businesses, and giving families a reason to come downtown and stay awhile.”
Leah Hunter, DNA executive director
The Grand Opening Celebration is Saturday, October 11 at 10 a.m., officially launching the season’s festivities. That same afternoon, leashed pets in costume will take the spotlight during the Howl-oween Pet Parade & Costume Contest, stepping off at 3 p.m. Natchez Pet Mayor Mary Frances of Darby’s, joined by other newly elected PAWficials, will serve as Grand Marshal and judge.
Families can also look forward to Storytime in the Pumpkin Patch, held every Tuesday at 10 a.m. in partnership with the Judge George W. Armstrong Library. Children, families, caregivers, and visiting classrooms are invited to enjoy Halloween stories, singing, and dancing among the pumpkins. Groups of 10 or more can schedule their group visit on a Tuesday or any other time by appointment by calling Leah Hunter, DNA Executive Director, at +(601) 571-8394 or director@NatchezDNA.org.
Another Downtown Natchez Pumpkin Patch Festival favorite is the Duck Hunt: Halloween Scavenger Hunt, happening Saturday, October 25 (10 a.m.–5 p.m.) and Sunday, October 26 (1–4 p.m.). In partnership with ArtsNatchez, families and adventurers of all ages search for rubber ducks hidden inside the display windows of downtown businesses. Find them all and take your score sheet to ArtsNatchez at 425 Main Street to select your own rubber duck.
Saturday, October 25 at 3 p.m. is the Downtown Natchez Witches Ride and Costume Contest. Costumed bikers of all ages are invited to cruise through downtown in festive flair.
Halloween Day, Downtown will be hopping with Trick or Treat for Little Feet on Friday, October 31 from 4–6 p.m. Sponsored by DNA, the Natchez Adams Chamber of Commerce, Downtown merchants, and the city, this event offers young ghosts and goblins a safe, walkable route to collect candy from downtown merchants. Starting at 5 pm at the bandstand on the Bluff, Live@Five will offer a free Halloween concert in conjunction with the Natchez Department of Parks & Recreation’s Annual Trunk or Treat with The Grinch on Broadway.
Throughout the month, businesses and organizations are invited to participate in the Battle of the Businesses—a friendly competition where teams “take over the patch” from 5 to 7 p.m. on a selected evening. Each group sells pumpkins and hosts themed activities, with the team generating the highest sales crowned the winner. It’s a fun and visible way for businesses and civic groups to showcase their creativity while giving back—supporting DNA’s revitalization efforts.
And that’s not all: the first week of October, DNA delivers free haybales to participating downtown merchants to decorate for the Storefront Decorating Contest, encouraging business owners to show their fall spirit. Those looking to enter the contest can do so online by clicking the button below.
“This is more than just a pumpkin patch—it’s a community celebration,” says Hunter. “Every pumpkin sold helps move Downtown Natchez forward.” The Pumpkin Patch Festival is one of many seasonal events helping DNA transform downtown into a place to live, connect, and thrive year-round—supporting its mission to foster preservation-based economic development, placemaking and long-term downtown living.
For a full schedule of events, volunteer opportunities, or to sign up for the Battle of the Businesses, visit natchezdna.org/pumpkin-patch-festival or follow on Facebook and Instagram.
Pumpkin Patch Hours for 2025
Mondays – Thursdays: 11:00am – 7:00pm
Fridays – Saturdays: 10:00am – 6:00pm
Sundays: 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Festival Highlights
OCTOBER 11: Grand Opening & Pet Parade
The Pumpkin Patch opens at 10:00am with family activities, photo ops, and pumpkins for sale. At 3 p.m., costumed pets will strut their stuff in the HOWL-oween Pet Parade and Pet Costume Contest, led by Natchez Pet Mayor Mary Frances of Darby’s and the newly elected PAWficials. Entry: $5 and a bag of cat or dog food to benefit local animal shelters
TUESDAYS AT 10:00am: Storytime in the Patch – Oct. 14, 21, 28
Presented in partnership with the Judge George W. Armstrong Public Library, these free Tuesday morning sessions invite children, caregivers, and visiting classrooms to enjoy read-alouds, songs, and stories among the pumpkins.
Groups of 10 or more may book an appointment on any day or time by contacting Leah Hunter at Director@NatchezDNA.org or (601) 571-8394.
OCTOBER 25 & 26: Duck Hunt: Halloween Scavenger Hunt
In partnership with ArtsNatchez, kids and families are invited to hunt for costumed rubber ducks hidden inside downtown storefront windows. Scavenger hunt sheets can be picked up at ArtsNatchez (425 Main Street) or downloaded online the week before the hunt. Children bring their completed sheets to ArtsNatchez to claim a prize rubber duck. The hunt hours are Saturday, October 25 from 10:00am to 5:00pm, and Sunday, October 26 from 1:00 to 4pm.
OCTOBER 25: Downtown Witches Ride and Costume Contest
Costumed riders of all ages will bike, stroll, or cruise through downtown in a festive, family-friendly ride starting at the Pumpkin Patch. Golf Carts are Welcomed! Entry: $5 and 4 canned goods per rider to benefit the Natchez Stewpot.
OCTOBER 31: Trick or Treat for Little Feet
In partnership with the Natchez Chamber of Commerce, young trick-or-treaters can collect candy along participating downtown storefronts. The celebration continues at 5:00pm on the Bluff with Live@Five and the Natchez Department of Parks & Recreation’s Trunk or Treat with The Grinch.
Ongoing Patch Activities
Throughout the month, festival-goers can enjoy:
- Face painting & pumpkin decorating, photo ops, costumes
- Downtown Storefront Decorating Contest
- The return of Battle of the Businesses, where local teams “take over the Patch” on select evenings from 5:00–7:00pm to sell pumpkins, host activities, and compete for the most funds raised.
