Transylvania University Hosts 16th Annual PumpkinMania
Hundreds of carved jack-o'-lanterns illuminated the steps of the historic Old Morrison building.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Seasonal Events

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Transylvania University celebrated its 16th annual PumpkinMania event in Lexington. The tradition featured a display of hundreds of hand-carved pumpkins on the university grounds.
Why it matters
The annual gathering serves as a community-wide tradition that brings together students, alumni, and local families for seasonal festivities. It highlights the university's role in fostering connections within the Lexington area through collaborative public events.
This year marked the 16th consecutive staging of the PumpkinMania event. The display featured hundreds of jack-o'-lanterns created by students, alumni, and local residents.
The players
Transylvania University
A private liberal arts college based in Lexington, Kentucky, that hosts annual community traditions.
Old Morrison
The historic landmark building at Transylvania University that served as the primary site for the pumpkin display.
The details
Participants from across the university and the broader community contributed to the event by carving the hundreds of pumpkins on display. The festivities included various family-friendly activities and live musical performances on the steps of the Old Morrison building.
Timeline
The 16th annual PumpkinMania took place on October 25, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The 16th annual PumpkinMania continues a long-standing tradition of community engagement on the Transylvania University campus. Large-scale seasonal events like this reflect a broader trend of universities leveraging campus landmarks to strengthen ties with their local community.
Residents and students were able to view the pumpkin display and participate in the provided family-friendly musical performances. The event provided an open-access opportunity for the public to engage with the university campus during the seasonal festivities.
The takeaway
Participating in long-standing community traditions helps foster a stronger sense of connection between local residents and regional institutions. Engaging in seasonal activities like pumpkin carving offers a accessible way to support campus life and enjoy local culture.
Further reading
Learn more about local traditions in our Seasonal Events section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KYMA.
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