SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Date: Saturday, October 24th, 2026

Location: Rotary Hill Park in Downtown Naperville by Millennium Carillon

*Parking for the event is available across the street at Naperville Central High School*

12:00 PM - Registration Opens

12:30 PM - *Turning Pointe Classrooms Racing Commences*

1:00 - 2:00 PM - Community Heats

2:00 - 2:15 PM - Costume Contest on Main Stage/Test Track area and Pumpkin Decor Contest at Award Showcase

2:15 - 2:30 PM - Business Races

2:30 - 2:45 PM - Quarterfinals

2:45 - 3:00 PM - Semi-Finals to the Championship Race

Pumpkin Pit Row will close at 2 PM.

All event times are subject to change, be sure to pay attention and stay near the announcers so you don't miss your event!

*Races during this time frame are for Turning Pointe students only*

Pumpkin Race FAQs

Pumpkin Race Sponsors:

Interested in Becoming a Sponsor for this Year’s Race? Click Here to sign up!

What is the Naperville Pumpkin Race?

Friends of all ages and abilities are invited to create their own Pumpkin Racer in the Annual Naperville Pumpkin Race. Race in a unique side-by-side single elimination race in a funky, hilarious, suspenseful, and dramatic display of American ingenuity. Excitement builds as Pumpkin Racers battle head-to-head for the coveted Pumpkin Race Championship Trophy. We also award other prizes for Best Decorations, and best costume.

Purchase Pumpkin Race Kits

When you purchase the Pumpkin Race Kits online we will ship them to you so you can run your own pumpkin race or join us at this year’s race! Each kit is assembled by our students at Turning Pointe.

Each Pumpkin Race Kit comes with:

2 - Axles

4 - Wheels - *wheel color may vary*

8 - Bearings,

8 - Wingnuts,

2 - Zip ties

1 - List of rules on how to build your pumpkin.

*Pumpkin not included*

ATTENTION: If shipping to the state of California, please allow 8 days for shipping.

How-To Assemble Your Pumpkin Racer

Pumpkin Race Kit Assembly Written Instructions

1. Gather your materials: Your Pumpkin Kit, a pumpkin (make sure the pumpkin is small enough so the wheels will have enough space to turn), a power drill, a hammer, and something to write with.

2. Roll your pumpkin on its side and, using the wheels, measure where you will place the axles and mark the spots.

3. Using the power drill with an axle attached, push the tip of the axles into the pumpkin’s markings and drill straight through the pumpkin.

4. Screw on 4 wing nuts, smooth side out, onto each leg of the axles.

5. Place a bearing on the center of each wheel, and tap with a hammer until flush. Repeat with the other side of the wheels.

6. Slide on the wheels to the axles and secure each with a second wing nut, smooth side in.

7. Finally, wrap the zip ties around the front and rear axle on the left and right sides, and pull until the wheels are aligned. Then, trim the tails of the zip ties.

8. Decorate your pumpkin and prepare to race!

Pumpkin Race Team-Building

The ultimate DIY fall team-building activity is building your own pumpkin racer. This is a great way to get coworkers, family, and friends involved in a little friendly competition all while supporting incredible students at Turning Pointe. Halloween is coming soon, so order your Pumpkin Race Kit before they sell out!With each purchase of a pumpkin race kit you provide the students at Turning Pointe valuable vocational educational opportunities with the focus of creating successful outcomes for students learning to live and work as neurodiverse adults.