Pie eating contestants and spectators. Photos courtesy of Miramar Events.

by Tim Beeman

The world-famous Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival is autumn’s signature event, drawing hordes of visitors to the “World Pumpkin Capital” for an epic festival on historic Main Street. This year’s 41st anniversary festival will be held on Oct. 15-16 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.

The big week launches with the 38th Annual Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-off, the Super Bowl of weigh-off events, on Monday, Oct. 10, at 7 a.m. on the I.D.E.S. grounds at 735 Main Street.

From there the Art & Pumpkin Festival goes all out with a spectacular lineup of attractions and events. There’s fabulous entertainment on three stages, including a stellar lineup of the Bay Area’s top bands. The Family Stage features talented young performers from Radio Disney’s “Next Big Thing” and also hosts Smashing Pumpkins: Battle of the Bands.

See Farmer Mike, “the Picasso of pumpkin carvers,” transform giant pumpkins into one-of-a-kind sculptures. Get your picture taken with the grand champion gourd to benefit the Cabrillo Education Foundation. Stock up on handcrafted items by America’s finest artists and craft makers while browsing among 250 booths featuring original work in glass, ceramics, metals, fiber, leather, wood, jewelry and fine art. Take a break in the Take 5 Lounge where sports fanatics will find their favorite sporting events on a giant screen LED TV.

Farmer Mike and his creative pumpkins.

Gobble up hot beef sandwiches, artichoke hearts, turkey legs, pumpkin ice cream and lots more. Sip and savor Mavericks Pumpkin Harvest Ale, luscious varietals from Half Moon Bay Winery, and refreshing margaritas and mojitos. Enjoy popular events like pumpkin pie-eating contests, a Halloween costume contest, pumpkin carving just for fun, the Young Actors Workshop’s haunted house, the Great Pumpkin Parade, a pancake breakfast, and the 5K and 10K Pumpkin Runs.

The festival is presented by the non-profit Half Moon Bay Beautification Committee as a community benefit. More than 30 local non-profit organizations raise a half-million dollars every year through participation in the festival. For information, call 650-726-9652 or check the festival’s Web site.