Events
Pumpkin Festivals in Romania
One of the most popular activities during the autumn months is attending pumpkin festivals. These events are not just about carved pumpkins, but also about shared experiences, delicious food, craft fairs, and good music. From Szeklerland to Țara Bârsei, you can find events almost everywhere where every member of the family can have a great time. In this article, we present three autumn pumpkin festivals and show you the famous tourist attractions worth visiting nearby if you plan a stay of several days.
1. Sovata
In the spa town of Sovata in Szeklerland, celebrating autumn with a huge festival has been a tradition for over a decade. Between October 9 and 11, the 11th edition of the Sovata Pumpkin Festival (Festivalul Dovleacului) takes place. During these three days, the entire town dresses up in festive attire. The festival center is Roses Alley (Aleea Trandafirilor), which is decorated with colorful autumn decorations, hay bales, and plenty of pumpkins. Restaurants cook special pumpkin-based dishes, while children and parents decorate the streets with homemade pumpkin figurines.
(Source: pontmaros)
The official opening of the festival takes place on Friday, October 9, at 11:15 AM, in Petőfi Park. During the day, activities take place at the Amphitheater, and in the evening they continue on the main stage located in the parking lot of Hotel Crystal. Visitors are welcomed with a craft fair, children's activities, a retro car exhibition, and even tethered hot air balloon rides. On Friday and Saturday, you can enjoy concerts on stage by popular artists such as Karaván, Suflete de Muzicieni, Szávuly Júlia, The URS, No Sugar, and Szőcs Reni. Sunday is dedicated to folk music and dance, when the "Tücsökraj" Children's Orchestra and the "Sirülők" Ensemble take the stage. Additionally, there will be beer pong competitions, zumba sessions, an escape room, and a running race.
(Source: marosvasarhelyiek.ro)
If you visit Sovata during the festival, it is worth booking a stay of several days, as the surrounding area is full of wonderful attractions. The most important local attraction is the famous Bear Lake (Lacul Ursu), which is the largest heliothermal salt lake in the world. On the nature trail around the lake, you can take a very pleasant walk through the colorful autumn forest. Near Praid lies Corund (Korond), a Szekler village famous for its traditional pottery. Here, at the fair stretching along the main road, you can buy hand-painted ceramics, wood carvings, and handcrafted items.
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2. Bran
In mid-October, the festival atmosphere also reaches the town of Bran, nestled between the mountains. Between October 16 and 18, 2026, the event Caravana Dovlecilor – Halloween Bran is organized in Regina Maria Central Park. The charm of this event lies in the fact that it takes place right in the park at the foot of the famous Bran Castle, and admission is completely free for everyone.
Over the three weekend days, many interesting activities are prepared for families and children. Pumpkin carving and painting workshops are set up for visitors to test their creativity. Children are entertained by costumed animators and fairytale characters. Meanwhile, adults can stroll through the craft fair, where over thirty Romanian artisans offer their handmade products. The festival features a special food area where tasty local dishes and seasonal drinks can be sampled. Plus, excellent photos can be taken in the autumn-themed photo corners set up in the park as a keepsake.
(Source: TransferCastel)
Bran and the surrounding mountain area offer many interesting places for nature and history lovers. The main attraction is, of course, Bran Castle, known to many as Dracula's Castle. The fortress built on a cliff can be visited inside, where you can see old furniture and weapon collections. Nearby is the town of Râșnov, where the Râșnov Peasant Fortress (Cetatea Țărănească din Râșnov) offers a superb view from the hilltop. For families with children, an unmissable stop is Dino Parc Râșnov, one of the largest dinosaur parks in Europe, featuring life-sized animated models set in a pine forest. If you love nature, it is also worth visiting the Libearty Bear Sanctuary in Zărnești, where rescued brown bears live in a protected natural environment.
3. Brașov
The series of autumn festivals concludes right in the heart of Brașov. Between October 29 and November 1, 2026, Council Square (Piața Sfatului) in Brașov transforms into a fairytale Halloween fair. The event named Halloween Fest Brașov expects thousands of visitors from all over the country and abroad again this year.
Over 60 artisans and vendors set up their stalls in Brașov's main square. Visitors can buy Halloween decorations, handmade jewelry, sweets, homemade syrups, jams, and quality wines. Over the four days, the fair is accompanied by impressive shows. There will be costume parades, giant puppet processions, glowing skeletons, and acrobatic acts. The Alley of Enchanted Lanterns (Aleea Felinarelor Fermecate) will be set up on the streets, while live concerts, dance performances, and cartoon projections alternate on stage.
Brașov boasts one of the most beautiful historic city centers in Romania, so besides the festival, there are plenty of things to see in the city. The Black Church (Biserica Neagră), located right in Council Square, is famous for its huge organ and rare collection of Oriental rugs. From the old town, you can reach Mount Tâmpa by cable car or along the winding walking trail, offering a magnificent view over the entire city. It is also worth taking a stroll down Rope Street (Strada Sforii), one of the narrowest streets in Europe. And if you crave some fresh mountain air, just twelve kilometers from the city lies Poiana Brașov, the renowned mountain resort where excellent hiking trails await you in autumn.
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Book Your Stay Easily on stayhere.ro!
If you want to visit the pumpkin festivals in Sovata, Bran, or Brașov and discover the wonderful attractions nearby, it is recommended to book your accommodation in advance. Whether you want to stay in a quiet guesthouse in Szeklerland, an apartment in central Brașov, or a mountain hotel, you can find the best offers on the stayhere.ro website. Choose the accommodation you like, book simply, quickly, and securely, and enjoy the finest moments of autumn in Transylvania!
