Haunted Pumpkin Festival in Villa Badessa
Edition 2026 Gastronomy Local produce Folk traditions

Haunted Pumpkin Festival in Villa Badessa

The Halloween celebration featuring pumpkins, witches, and autumn flavors in Villa Badessa di Rosciano

Rosciano — Pescara (068) Since 2022
Dates 25 Oct โ€” 25 Oct 2026
Location Rosciano (068)
Prices Free
Status โ€”

Edition 2026 not confirmed to date

This edition has not been confirmed by the organiser to date. We recommend checking before going.

About Haunted Pumpkin Festival

In the picturesque village of Villa Badessa, part of the municipality of Rosciano (Pescara province), the Haunted Pumpkin Festival transforms the town into an enchanted realm dedicated to pumpkins and Halloween vibes. A day designed especially for children and families, featuring pumpkin carving workshops, a spooky tombola, a monster fishing game, entertainment, and food stalls filled with the scents of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine. Admission is free, and dressing up in costume is highly encouraged.

An autumn festival on the eve of Halloween

The Haunted Pumpkin Festival is the annual autumn event that brings the small village of Villa Badessa, in the municipality of Rosciano (Pescara province), to life. Just days before Halloween, the village dresses up with pumpkins, lanterns, cobwebs, and themed decorations to welcome guests of all ages into a festive and slightly spooky atmosphere in the heart of the rolling Abruzzo hills.

Pumpkin fun and children's entertainment

The true heart of the event lies in the pumpkin-themed workshops: children can try their hand at pumpkin carving to create classic Halloween lanterns, guided by professional entertainers. A variety of games and surprises for families revolve around this activity.

  • Spooky tombola with themed prizes
  • Monster fishing game for the little ones
  • Terrifying selfie corner for memorable photos
  • Entertainment and games for children
  • Owls and barn owls from the "Guferia" farm for a close-up encounter with nocturnal birds of prey

Food stalls in the haunted park

Strolling through the "haunted park," you will find food stalls showcasing the flavors of the Abruzzo autumn. Among the most popular treats are roasted chestnuts and mulled wine, gnocchi with pumpkin and sausage, hot dogs and fries, wines and drinks, as well as themed sweets like monster donuts, popcorn, and other delicacies. Live music accompanies the evening festivities.

A free event for the whole family

The festival takes place in the late afternoon and continues into the evening, with free admission. Organizers encourage participants to arrive in costume to contribute to the magical atmosphere of the party. The initiative is the result of a collaboration between the Pro Loco of Rosciano, the Villa Badessa Cultural Association, the Rock Committee, and the Municipality of Rosciano, who renew this appointment every year by involving the entire community.

Villa Badessa, a village with a unique history

The festival is also a great opportunity to discover Villa Badessa, a hamlet of Rosciano known for its Arbรซreshรซ-Italo-Albanian roots and its 18th-century village center, one of the most distinctive spots in the Pescara province. A charming setting that makes the festival an authentic experience, blending folk tradition, taste, and fun for the entire family.

Haunted Pumpkin Festival โ€” edition 2026

The 2026 edition of the Haunted Pumpkin Festival in Villa Badessa, in the municipality of Rosciano, does not yet have an official date announced. Following the tradition of previous years, the event is expected to return on the last weekend of October, close to Halloween, with pumpkin workshops, children's entertainment, and food stalls. Detailed dates and programs will be communicated by the organizers in the weeks leading up to the event.

The dates for the 2026 edition of the Haunted Pumpkin Festival in Villa Badessa have not yet been announced. Based on previous editions, the event is expected to take place in late October, near Halloween. The program with times, workshops, and stalls will be published by the organizers at a later date.

Practical information — Haunted Pumpkin Festival

Location

The event is held in Villa Badessa, a hamlet of the municipality of Rosciano (PE), in Abruzzo.

How to get there

By car: Villa Badessa can be reached via the A25 motorway (Chieti-Pescara exit) and the road connecting the Val Pescara to the hillside villages; parking is available near the center. By train: the reference station is Pescara Centrale, from where you can continue by car or local transport.

Admission and tips

Free admission. The event takes place from late afternoon until evening and is particularly suitable for children and families. It is recommended to participate in costume and dress in layers due to the autumn temperatures.

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Where does it take place โ€” Haunted Pumpkin Festival

Villa Badessa

Haunted Pumpkin Festival in brief

Gastronomy Local produce Folk traditions Folklore Family Children Playful Outdoor Free Pescara

History of Haunted Pumpkin Festival