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Stone Mountain Pumpkin Festival Brings Fall Sparkle to Metro Families

Play by day and glow by night with pumpkins, parades, and family fun at Stone Mountain Park

By Kimberly Wright - Publisher of College Park Macaroni KID, Decatur Macaroni KID and East Atlanta Macaroni KID September 24, 2026


Stone Mountain Park’s Pumpkin Festival: 

Play by Day & Glow by Night

Fall in Metro Atlanta means crisp air, colorful leaves, pumpkin patches, and the return of one of the region’s most beloved traditions, Stone Mountain Park’s Pumpkin Festival: Play by Day, Glow by Night. Running Fridays through Sundays from September 19th to November 1st.  This family‑friendly celebration transforms the park into a glowing wonderland filled with pumpkins, lights, laughter, fun, and unforgettable memories.

🍂 Play by Day: Whimsical Fun for Kids

During the day, families can explore whimsical storybook scenes, meet beloved characters, and enjoy interactive shows that bring fairy tales to life.

Kid‑Focused Highlights

  • Character Meet‑and‑Greets — Say hello to Cinderella, the Mad Hatter, and other favorites.
  • Storytelling Shows & Comedic Performances — Interactive fun that sparks imagination.
  • Pie-Eating Contest — Join the Mad Hatter for a hilarious pie‑filled party.
  • NEW Hay Maze — A fresh fall adventure for little explorers.
  • Fairy Tale Scenes & Photo Spots — Perfect for capturing seasonal memories.

Families can also enjoy the park’s regular attractions included with admission:

  • Summit Skyride — Ride to the top of Stone Mountain for breathtaking views.
  • Dinosaur Explore — Walk among 20 life‑sized dinosaurs, then return after dark for the glowing Dino Glow Experience.
  • Mini Golf — Putt your way through the day, then watch it light up at night.
  • 4D Theater — Laugh along with Happy Family 4D as the Wishbone family tries to break a witch’s spell.

🌟 Glow by Night: A Magical Evening Experience

As the sun sets, Stone Mountain Park transforms into a glowing spectacle of lights, music, and color. Families can stroll through illuminated trails of pumpkins, play glow‑in‑the‑dark mini golf, and marvel at thousands of twinkling pumpkins.

Nighttime Highlights

  • Giant Glowing Pumpkin Tree — Watch Cinderella take flight and light the tree.
  • Enchanted Glow‑a‑Long Parade — A dazzling procession of floats, characters, and music ending with fireworks.
  • Pumpkin Drone & Light Show — The World’s Largest Pumpkin Drone Show featuring hundreds of choreographed drones, lights, and fireworks.
  • Enchanted Forest & Themed Areas — Wander through glowing trees, oversized flowers, and blacklight pumpkins.
  • Treasure Island & Fairy Tale Walk‑Throughs — Hunt for treasure, follow Dorothy to Oz, and help Alice through the Queen of Hearts’ maze.

💵 Tickets & Admission

All Pumpkin Festival activities are included with a Daily Attraction Ticket or Mountain Membership.

  • Daily Attraction Ticket: Prices vary by date; check Stone Mountain Park’s website for current rates.
  • Mountain Membership: Annual passholders enjoy unlimited access to seasonal events.
  • Parking: $20 per vehicle for daily parking; $40 annual parking pass available.

🧡 Plan Your Perfect Family Day

Morning

  • Ride the Summit Skyride for panoramic views.
  • Adventure to Dinosaur Explore and take photos with life‑sized dinos.

Afternoon

  • Enjoy storybook scenes and character shows.
  • Grab lunch at one of the park’s family‑friendly eateries.
  • Play mini golf and/or wander through the Hay Maze.

Evening

  • Watch the Pumpkin Tree Lighting ceremony.
  • Join the Glow‑a‑Long Parade.
  • End the night with the Pumpkin Drone & Light Show.

📍 Location & Details

Stone Mountain Park is located at 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083. 

Visit Stone Mountain Park for tickets, schedules, and updates.

✨ Why Atlanta Families Love It

The Pumpkin Festival is more than pumpkins and lights.  It’s a celebration with family, imagination, and fall magic. Whether your kids are chasing bubbles, meeting fairy‑tale storybook characters, or watching drones dance across the night sky, every moment feels like a storybook dream come true.