Fall Fun Returns to Riverview Pumpkin Festival in South Dakota
Fall has officially arrived, and one of the region’s favorite seasonal traditions is back in full swing. The annual Pumpkin Festival at Riverview Christmas Tree Farm in Canton, South Dakota, kicked off its 2026 season this past weekend, opening the gates for another month packed with family-friendly autumn festivities.
Located along the scenic Big Sioux River just a short drive from Sioux Falls, Riverview Tree Farm has long been a staple for local fall outings. This season, visitors will find major new additions along with historic special events on the farm grounds.
What to Expect at This Year's Pumpkin Festival
New Attractions & Festival Highlights
Brand-New Zipline: A major hit for kids this season, the new zipline spans roughly 30 feet, letting young visitors zip from one end to the other.
The Giant Pumpkin Cannon: Guests can test their aim with an enormous air cannon. Pick out a pumpkin, load it up, and launch it out into the valley below at targets set up across the landscape.
Apple Cannons: Alongside the giant pumpkin launcher, Riverview also features apple cannons for even more target practice.
Inflatables & Kids' Games: The children’s area is packed with entertainment, featuring a huge setup of inflatables, classic duck racing games, and face painting.
Pumpkin Patch: Pick from a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and colors, ranging from giant centerpiece pumpkins to lumpy gourds and mini display pumpkins.
Live Music & Food: Enjoy local food vendors and weekend entertainment while exploring the grounds.
Photo Ops & Pet-Friendly Grounds: Styled seasonal backdrops are set up throughout the farm for family photos, and friendly, leashed dogs are always welcome.
Special Event: Frank & Jesse James Day
History buffs and outlaw enthusiasts will want to mark their calendars for Saturday, October 10th. Riverview Pumpkin Festival will host a special event celebrating the 150th anniversary of the James-Younger Gang's escape through South Dakota.
The historic gang literally crossed through the very grounds where the festival takes place today. On October 10th, visitors can experience:
Live Reenactments: Two action-packed live shows scheduled for 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM.
Historical Display: An all-day exhibit featuring real period artifacts, detailed maps, and local stories documenting the gang's famous 1876 escape route.
Plan Your Visit
The Riverview Pumpkin Festival runs every Saturday and Sunday through late October.
Dates: Saturdays and Sundays through October 25
Festival Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Frank & Jesse James Day: Saturday, October 10 (Reenactments at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.)
Haunted Trail: October 10 and October 17 (7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.)
Location: 48392 278th Street, Canton, SD 57013 (Just south of Sioux Falls off Highway 11)
For more information, visit Riverview Tree Farm online.
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