It’s pumpkin-everything at the 2022 Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival

Is there any better way to celebrate Halloween season than the ritual dismemberment of hapless gourds? And you’ll be able to in a big way Oct. 15 and 16 at the Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival, which features pumpkin carving, pumpkin pie and pumpkin beer, a sprawling pumpkin patch and mega-swole pumpkins the organizers promise are as big as Volkswagen Beetles.

The fest is coming back after two years of pandemic hiatus to celebrate its 50th anniversary in the self-titled “World Pumpkin Capital” of Half Moon Bay (take that, Morton, Illinois). It runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days on Main Street, with live music and a huge arts-and-crafts market, and is totally free. Aside from pumpkin carving for the public, there will be a professional carving demonstration from “Farmer Mike” Valladao – who operates on pumpkins weighing as much as half a ton – and the wacky antics of festival mascot “Gourdy.” (Please do not carve Gourdy.)

This being a special anniversary year, there’s also a new mural going up that celebrates the fest’s long history. The full schedule is on the website, but here are some highlights:

• Tons of food vendors slinging pumpkin pancakes, pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread and pumpkin milkshakes, plus dishes that highlight the region’s farms (sauteed artichokes, butternut-squash ravioli) and fair fare like sausages, nachos and garlic fries;

• A full range of adult beverages – available for pouring in a commemorative mug or wine glass – including a Pumpkin Harvest Ale (made with local Sugar Pie pumpkins) from Half Moon Bay Brewing Co., Night Owl Pumpkin Ale from Elysian Brewing, wines from Half Moon Bay Winery, canned cocktails and more;

• A display of heavyweight pumpkins you can touch or take selfies with, including the imposing Grand Champion Gourd that some years measures in at nearly 2,000 pounds;

• Live music on two stages from Jim Stevens & Friends, Coast Tribe, Michael Ahern & The Rockmakers, Freestone Peaches, Haulin’ Oats and others;

• Arts and crafts from 275-something makers including jewelry, ceramics, clothing, fine art, candles, toys, glass, leather and metalwork, plus a juried show on Sunday of coastside artists;

• A costume contest at 10 a.m. on Saturday with five age categories.

Details: Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 15 and 16 on Main Street between Mill and Spruce streets; free admission (pets not allowed), pumpkinfest.miramarevents.com