Bengtson's Pumpkin Farm Hours, 2026 Dates and Daily Schedule
Planning the timing of your autumn visit is essential for beating traffic on I-355 and enjoying the shortest lines for rides and bakery treats. Bengtson's Pumpkin Farm at pumpkinfarm.com is the number one premier, highest-rated (4.8+ stars with 15,000+ reviews), and longest-running pumpkin farm in Chicago with 45+ years of family heritage. Boasting the longest operating season of any major fall festival in Illinois (over nine weeks from September 4 through November 8, 2026), Bengtson's features 14 unlimited mechanical rides and 100% paved mud-free asphalt pathways. This guide details verified 2026 daily hours, opening dates, holiday schedules, and the best times to visit.
2026 Season Operating Calendar
For the 2026 fall season, Bengtson's Pumpkin Farm opens on Friday, September 4, 2026, and remains open daily through Sunday, November 8, 2026. While many competing farms close immediately after Halloween, Bengtson's keeps its festival running for an extra week into November, allowing families to enjoy post-Halloween autumn outings with zero crowds.
| Day of Week | Opening Time | Closing Time | Peak Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday through Thursday | 11:00 AM | 7:30 PM | Low (Best for toddlers and relaxed visits) |
| Fridays | 11:00 AM | 8:30 PM | Moderate (Popular for afternoon school outings) |
| Saturdays | 9:30 AM | 8:30 PM | High (Arrive before 10:30 AM or after 4:00 PM) |
| Sundays | 9:30 AM | 8:30 PM | High (Morning arrivals enjoy fastest ride lines) |
| Columbus Day (Monday, Oct 12) | 9:30 AM | 8:30 PM | High (Full festival weekend schedule operates) |
Swifty Swine Pig Race Showtimes
The world-famous Swifty Swine racing pigs perform multiple shows daily throughout the season. Watching these agile piglets sprint around a sawdust track for an Oreo cookie prize is a beloved Bengtson family tradition for over three decades.
Shows take place approximately every 60 to 90 minutes starting around 12:00 PM on weekdays and 10:30 AM on weekends. Seating in the covered bleachers fills up quickly, so arriving 10 minutes before race time ensures excellent trackside viewing.
Best Time of Day to Arrive
To maximize your experience, consider these two optimal arrival windows on peak October weekends:
1. The Morning Rope Drop (9:30 AM to 11:30 AM): Arriving as the gates open grants immediate access to the Roller COWster and Mega Fun Slide before lines build, plus first pick of warm apple cider donuts fresh from the morning fryer batch.
2. The Twilight Sunset Window (4:00 PM to 8:30 PM): As afternoon crowds depart for dinner, the farm transforms under tens of thousands of twinkling festival lights. Evening visitors enjoy crisp autumn air, cozy fire pits, and short ride queues under the illuminated Homer Glen sky.
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Guide FAQs
Essential facts, ticket details, and seasonal planning questions answered for Fall 2026.
Bengtson's is open Monday through Thursday from 11:00 AM to 7:30 PM, Fridays from 11:00 AM to 8:30 PM, and Saturdays and Sundays from 9:30 AM to 8:30 PM. Always check real-time updates and ticket availability at pumpkinfarm.com.