Welcome to the Conservancy
Welcome to the Conservancy
Pumpkinpalooza is a celebration of fall, family, and the great outdoors at Millican Reserve. From pumpkin chunking and live music to hayrides and trail races, the event brings the community together for a weekend filled with seasonal traditions and outdoor fun. Whether you’re exploring Millican Reserve, enjoying local food, or simply taking in the crisp autumn air, Pumpkinpalooza is about making memories in a beautiful setting. More than just a festival, it reflects the Conservancy’s mission—connecting people to nature and to each other.
Join us in 2025 as “Fall Takes Flight!”
10:00 AM
Festival Gates Open
Day One10:00 AM
Good Fly Roundup
Fly casting | Fly tying | Presentations12:00 PM
The Pumpkin Games
Day One2:00 PM
Gates Close
(Until Tomorrow!)7:30 AM
Pumpkinpalooza Trail Run
10:00 AM
Festival Gates Open
Day Two10:00 AM
Mountain Bike Millican
Youth riding | Trails | Lessons12:00 PM
The Pumpkin Games
Day Two2:00 PM
Gates Close
(Until Next Year!)
NEW THIS YEAR: activities are centered around the Farm and the Lake, with a short hayride connecting the two locations!
4 - 12 YEARS
$20 before October
$25 October 1 to 17
$30 October 18 and 19
Includes access to all the fun of Pumpkinpalooza Weekend (2 days) PLUS one pie pumpkin for painting or chunking
13+ YEARS
$20 before October
$25 October 1 to 17
$30 October 18 and 19
Includes access to all the fun of Pumpkinpalooza Weekend (2 days)
Grab your tickets early to get the best pricing and to help us prepare for the best festival in the Brazos Valley
When your crew is three or more, you save 10%. Pumpkinpalooza is best enjoyed together.
Become an annual Conservancy member during our Pumpkinpalooza special and your membership includes your festival tickets and a full year of nature, trails, and programs. Special pricing ends with Pumpkinpalooza—don’t miss out!
Learn MoreFollow the Pumpkinpalooza Facebook event for the latest pumpkin news
It’s pumpkin time and you know what that means… pumpkin chunkin, pumpkin painting, pumpkin patches, pumpkin pictures and everything in between. You’ll find more pumpkin (and a few non-pumpkin) activities this year than ever before!
See above for the latest Pumpkinpalooza activities. On top of all the festival fun, you’ll have the opportunity to pick the perfect pumpkin for your home from our pumpkin patch!
Teams are comprised of four members, each of whom will compete in at least one of the stages. Winners will receive ribbons and prizes to take home.
The Pumpkin Games are held at 12 PM on both days of Pumpkinpalooza.
Choose between a Half Marathon, 10k, or 5k. The whole family can join in the trail run fun with our 0.5k fun run (open all day). Races are staggered and will begin with the Half Marathon at 7:30 am on Saturday. Everyone will receive a branded cup and custom finisher medals.
You must register for the Pumpkinpalooza Trail Run separately (click the registration link below). Trail Run participants will receive a discount on Pumpkinpalooza wristbands.
Try your hand at fly casting lessons—open to all ages and skill levels—or learn the art of fly tying at hands-on demonstration stations. Throughout the day, you can enjoy casting presentations from experienced anglers and connect with fly-fishing industry vendors offering gear, apparel, and expertise.
Whether you’re picking up a rod for the first time or honing your cast, GoodFly’s engaging and welcoming approach makes it easy to fall in love with the sport.
On Sunday, October 19, the trails come alive with youth mountain biking at Pumpkinpalooza’s lakeside Grove.
Young riders of all levels can enjoy a day packed with skills development, guided trail rides, and hands-on practice in the Skills Development Zone & Maintenance Station. Coaches and volunteers will be on hand to lead rides, share tips, and help riders build confidence on the trails.
Bring your bike and your sense of adventure—this is a perfect opportunity for youth to learn, ride, and connect with the biking community in a supportive, nature-filled setting.
This family-friendly activity is perfect for beginners and seasoned paddlers alike. Knowledgeable staff will provide basic instruction, ensure safety, and help you make the most of your time on the water.
"Pumpkinpalooza has become a fun family tradition at our house and an event we circle on the calendar each year!"
Pumpkinpalooza Attendee
The Conservancy connects our community to nature through health-focused education and outdoor experiences rooted in land and wildlife conservation, outdoor recreation, the arts, and sustainable agriculture. We protect, maintain, and promote the heritage and long-term, ecologically sound use of conserved land at Millican Reserve—ensuring that this special place remains vibrant for generations to come.
When you join us at Pumpkinpalooza, you’re helping protect the land, enrich the community, and inspire a lifelong love of the outdoors.
Camp Millican is the Conservancy’s week-long summer day camp for kids ages 4 to 14 which promotes healthy discovery and outdoor adventures. This summer we served over 200 children over eight weeks. Since 2013, Camp Millican has provided a fun, enriching experience aimed at strengthening a child’s sense of well-being and cultivating a bond with nature.
Last year, the Conservancy provided over 140 scheduled nature programs, serving over 1,600 adults and children in the Brazos Valley, and our partners served an additional 1,550 individuals with activities ranging from fly fishing to trail runs to outdoor classes. We provide access to extensive outdoor resources, including 30 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, wildlife training, and an ever-improving connection to nature.
The Conservancy cares for a vast swath of conserved land at Millican Reserve, protecting its post oak savannah and wildlife habitats. We maintain miles of trails, and work year-round to ensure this land remains a thriving home for native species—from pollinators and songbirds to deer and waterfowl. Through careful planning and hands-on conservation, we preserve the natural beauty and biodiversity of Millican Reserve for future generations.
30+ miles of private trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding Guided hikes, special events, and member-only programs Discounts on summer camp, riding lessons, and more
Annual Family Membership – $300 (includes up to 5 Pumpkinpalooza tickets)
Annual Individual Membership – $150 (includes up to 3 Pumpkinpalooza tickets)
Your membership supports conservation, outdoor education, and community programs—while giving you year-round access to the beauty of Millican Reserve.
Lowest ticket prices are in September and before the event
Families save 10% when they buy 3+ tickets
Become a Conservancy Member during our Pumpkinpalooza special and get festival tickets included PLUS a full year of trails, programs, and member perks.
Pumpkins will Fly!
Find us here: [Facebook event] Search for #PumpkinpaloozaBCS
The rain date, if needed, will be the following weekend. Pumpkinpalooza is a rain-or-shine event, but in the case of severe weather the festival will be rescheduled for the following weekend. All tickets will automatically transfer to the new date; tickets are non-refundable. Updates will be shared on the Pumpkinpalooza website and social media channels.
Bring yourself and all your friends! AND ... depending on the October weather, you may also want sunscreen, sunglasses, or … sometimes … a jacket. You may also need your wallet so that you can pay for wristbands, food, and pumpkins with cash or credit card.
We encourage you to support our local food trucks which will have delicious menu options available. Please do not bring your own food.
We appreciate our members! Annual paid Conservancy Members will receive Pumpkinpalooza tickets as part of their membership. Please claim your tickets at the VIP ticket tent at Pumpkinpalooza. Please help us by presenting your entire group for ticket redemption upon arrival. Member tickets are non-transferable. NOTE: Conservancy TrailPass holders will still need to purchase tickets to Pumpkinpalooza Weekend.
Children under the age of 4 may enter Pumpkinpalooza for free. Children between the ages of 4 and 12 must purchase a ticket to enter and will receive a pie pumpkin for painting, or for "pumpkin chunkin".
We recommend getting your tickets from this website as early as possible. This will ensure you receive the best pricing, and it helps us plan for the event. Tickets will be more expensive at the gate. Tickets are non-refundable and will automatically transfer if the event is rescheduled due to weather. Annual paid Conservancy members have a limited number of Pumpkinpalooza tickets included with their membership.
Friendly, leashed dogs are welcome. Pumpkinpalooza is a lively, family-focused festival, and well-behaved dogs on a leash are invited to join the fun. For everyone’s safety, dogs that are aggressive, disruptive, or uncomfortable in an active environment will be asked to leave with their owners. If your pup doesn’t do well with crowds, noise, or other animals, we recommend leaving them at home.
There are many ways to stay informed about Pumpkinpalooza! This website is updated periodically, so check it often. Be sure to follow Pumpkinpalooza on social media and sign up to receive the latest updates. Find us on Facebook and mark yourself as “going’ on our Facebook event.
#PUMPKINPALOOZABCS – Tell your friends!
Pumpkinpalooza weekend is an annual fall festival featuring family fun, local food and drink, entertainment, and much more. The weekend’s events benefit the Conservancy, a 501(c)3 nonprofit serving the Brazos Valley. Pumpkinpalooza happens at the farm entrance to Millican Reserve. The address is 19851 FM 2154 (Wellborn Road) in south College Station.
For its 6th year, the Community Foundation of the Brazos Valley is powering Brazos Valley Gives, bringing our region together as one community to raise critical funding and awareness for Brazos Valley nonprofit organizations like the Conservancy.
Thank you for helping us spread the word! We invite you to come alongside us this year and put COMMUNITY FIRST by giving where you live. Learn more and start giving today by clicking the button below
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