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Welcome to our
pumpkin land

An autumn spectacle for the whole family…
Step into a world full of colour and imagination, where the magic of the forest comes to life among thousands of colourful pumpkins. Be amazed by impressive sculptures, a fairytale autumn setting and plenty of activities for visitors of all ages.

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Open from
25 Sept till
1 Nov 2026

Welcome to our
pumpkin land

An autumn spectacle for the whole family…
Step into a world full of colour and imagination, where the magic of the forest comes to life among thousands of colourful pumpkins. Be amazed by impressive sculptures, a fairytale autumn setting and plenty of activities for visitors of all ages.

Buy tickets

Concept

Did you know that there are more than 800 varieties of pumpkins and squash, in an incredible range of shapes, sizes and colours? With this amazing diversity, Jucker Farm from Switzerland has been creating spectacular pumpkin exhibitions around a variety of fascinating themes for many years.

The impressive wooden and wired sculptures are decorated with thousands of colorful pumpkins which represent the shell of the art objects. Artists from the Jucker Farm compose the pumpkins in a way that creates astonishing views and selfie-points for the visitors.

In 2026, Pumpkimania invites you into the magic of the forest. 

Discover beautiful pumpkin sculptures of forest animals, from a curious fox and proud owl to a graceful deer. Thousands of colorful pumpkins create a warm and inviting setting, transforming the park into an autumnal pumpkin wonderland. 

Weekend Activities

Every weekend, there are plenty of activities to enjoy. Click on the items below to learn more about them.

Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off

Saturday 26/09

Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off

Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off

The first Saturday features the Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off. The world record for the heaviest pumpkin! All Belgian growers are invited to participate.

Date: 26 September 2026

Venue: Pumpkimania – Château de Grand-Bigard, Isidoor Van Beverenstraat 5 – 1702 Groot-Bijgaarden


Program:

• From 10.00 am: pumpkin drop-off and participant registration

• 12.00 pm: lunch break; food available on site

• 2.00 pm: start of the weighing competition

• Around 4.00 pm: official announcement of the winners and prize-giving ceremony


Access:

pumpkins can be delivered between 10.00 am and 12.00 pm via the gate at Isidoor Van Beverenstraat 5 – 1702 Groot-Bijgaarden. You can park your cars on the street.

Once again this year, there are some fantastic cash and non-cash prizes to be won:


1st place: € 1,000

2nd place: € 750

3rd place: € 500

4th place: € 300

5th place: € 200


Once again this year, the pumpkin whose weight is closest to 300 kg will win a prize of € 300!


You can get your seeds at the end of the exhibition early November.

Pumpkin Boat Ride

Every Saturday and Sunday

Pumpkin Boat Ride

Pumpkin Boat Ride

A truly unique experience! Paddle in a real giant pumpkin on the castle pond. Fun for both kids and adults. Available from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

This edition, there are a limited number of boats available for adults due to the poor harvest of pumpkin producers. Paddling is only permitted if the lifeguard deems it safe enough. It depends on the shape of the boat. The giant pumpkin is a natural product. It is possible that it may break after several hours of use in the water.

Thank you for taking this into account.

Carve Your Own Pumpkin

Every Saturday and Sunday

Carve Your Own Pumpkin

Carve Your Own Pumpkin

Pumpkin carving experience for young and old! A carving spot with tools is provided so you can carve your own pumpkin between 10:30 AM and 5:30 PM.

How to join in?

1.    Buy your pumpkin from our shop
2.    Enjoy carving it with the tools provided

Artistic Pumpkin Carving

Every Saturday and Sunday

Artistic Pumpkin Carving

Artistic Pumpkin Carving

The winning pumpkins will still be on display for visitors. Every Saturday and Sunday during the event, a talented pumpkin Artist will create stunning pumpkin art using knives and specialized tools. Since carved pumpkins only last about a week, weekends are the perfect time to visit!

Giant Pumpkin Slaughtery

Sunday 01/11

Giant Pumpkin Slaughtery

Giant Pumpkin Slaughtery

The castle’s giant pumpkins will be cut open so the growers can collect seeds for next year. Visitors will get a rare chance to see what these pumpkins look like inside. Meet the growers, buy seeds, and get tips on how to grow your own giant pumpkin. The flesh of the pumpkins, perfect for soup, will be handed out for free to visitors while supplies last.

Pumpkinsoup

The Pumpkimania Kitchen

In the mood for a delicious culinary pumpkin experience? Come and taste what the Pumpkimania Kitchen has to offer, where our chefs will surprise you with original and flavourful pumpkin dishes! Enjoy:

  • Fresh pumpkin soup
  • Pumpkin fries with a hint of sweet Marroni chestnut
  • The one-of-a-kind Pumpkipanini
  • ...

All dishes are freshly prepared using pumpkins from our own shop. Treat your taste buds and savour autumn at its best!

Practical

Pumpkimania - Pumpkin Festival | Castle Grand-Bigard | 25 Sept till 1 Nov 2026

Tickets

Adult (+ 15 years): 16 EUR
Person with disability: 14 EUR

Child (5 to 14 years): 9 EUR
Child under 5 years: free

Family pack - save on your day out!

  • 1 adult + 1 paying child: 23 EUR
  • Additional child: 8 EUR per paying child
  • Additional adult: 15 EUR

Group (min. 20 pers): 14 EUR per pers.

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You can change your visiting day by clicking on the link of your ticket

Where?

In the park of the castle Grand-Bigard (near Brussels)
Isidoor Van Beverenstraat 5 - 1702 Groot-Bijgaarden

The car park is available in the field across the entrance bridge.
If the meadows are too wet, you will be directed to nearby car parks.

  • The Alley across the entrance bridge
  • Parking places in the Gossetlaan (15 -20 min on foot)
  • Parking of Brico City Groot-Bijgaarden (15 min on foot) - only at weekends and on public holidays 
  • Parking of Hocké (30 min on foot) - only at weekends and on public holidays 

During weekends or holidays, it is recommended not to drive directly to the castle, but to the car parks mentioned above.

PLEASE NOTE: It is forbidden to park your car in the surrounding streets, on verges or on municipal grassed areas. The police will impose fines or have your car towed away.

TIP - use public transport: train station Groot-Bijgaarden. Follow this route.

When?

  • 25 Sept. to 23 Oct. - 10 am. to 6 pm. (Closed on Mondays untill Wednesdays)
  • 24 Oct to 1 Nov - 10 am. to 7 pm. (Open every day)

FAQ

Halloween during Pumpkimania

Experience the HALLOWEEN atmosphere from 24 Oct. to 1 Nov. 2026 during Pumpkimania, with openings until 7 p.m.

Halloween at Pumpkimania

From 24 October until 1 November , the park stays open one extra hour! 👻

Experience a Halloween event of almost a kilometre long - full of moving puppets, light and sound effects in spooky scenery.

🎃 Calling all monsters, witches and ghosts: put on your scariest outfit and come dressed up to Pumpkimania!

Closing time: 7:00 PM

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