A brisk reminder to get lost in fall
By Ashanti Velez, October 14, 2025
From pumpkins and corn mazes to festive treats and drinks, Cal Poly Pomona offers many fall-themed activities at its annual Pumpkin Festival, hosted by CPP Kellogg Ranch Saturdays and Sundays from Oct. 4 to Oct. 26 between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Students, parents and families were encouraged by @cpppumpkinfestival on Instagram to come out and enjoy quality time together.
Kids ran around the corn maze and pet farm animals while others gathered around the kettle corn pits or pumpkins for a photo.
“My favorite part about the festival is just being here with my family,” said CPP student relative Kamren Curiel. “We all took the train out here from Pasadena. It was nice just to journey here on the adventure to get here. We visited my nephew at the dorms and then checked this out. I feel like it’s a good introduction to fall.”
Festive music played in the background and food vendors set up throughout the festival grounds with a variety of treats. From classic to creative funnel cakes with additions like chocolate, strawberry, ice cream, Oreos, banana, Nutella and Fruity Pebbles, there were options for everyone.
For those who craved a savory option, vendors with pizza, popcorn chicken, tacos and more were also available.
Visitors who plan to stop by the festival during the day, should be prepared for some heat. Hats, sunscreen and water are recommended.
When the sun goes down and the sky darkens, the festival lights flicker on, children’s smiles rise as they hold their pumpkins under the glowing lights and families huddle up to capture all the memories made with friends and family.
There are multiple photo-worthy spots throughout the festival, like the stacked hay bales and giant inflatable pumpkins, tractor rides, hay wagons, and riding cow trains.
“I really like the corn maze, actually,” said mechanical engineering student Jennifer Hua. “I went there earlier, and it was kind of fun to just walk around, and of course, the food. I really like the food because some of the vendors here have some really crazy food options.”
The festival also features students from different clubs and organizations who use the event as an opportunity to display their creativity and experience to the community. The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists club set up a booth to show off their work and offered DIY activities for families like bracelet making, which engaged both kids and adults.
Visitors also have the chance to meet individuals like Cristina Wheeler, who teaches about natural fiber, and John Craig, who educates about composting and its benefits for soil, plants, people, and the planet.
“I love teaching kids about spinning yarns,” Wheeler said. “They’re like, ‘What? It goes from that to that?’ They kind of make that connection.”
There are many educational experiences at the festival that aren’t often sought out to be learned, but the pumpkin fest finds interactive ways to make these lessons enjoyable for the community. While the main attraction is being surrounded by pumpkins, the festival creates a space for learning and coming together in a unique way.
Cal Poly Pomona’s pumpkin fest offers special activities throughout October, including Cal Poly Pomona Pep Band on Oct. 4, The band Drivin’ Mama Crazy Oct.11-12, and Line Dancing Lessons on Oct 18-19.
General admission is $20, children 2 and under enter for free. CPP students can go to the Farm Store to purchase their tickets and can also request a seasonal pass of all eight days at the price of one when they show their student IDs to purchase their pass.
