Sunday, November 2 | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Maria Hernandez Park, Brooklyn
Celebrate community, culture, and the season at our annual ¡CalabazaFest! This family-friendly event brings together the traditions of Día de los Muertos, Halloween, and the fall harvest for a day filled with music, art, and togetherness in the heart of Bushwick.
Enjoy live performances starting at noon, a pumpkin-themed culinary competition, and a costume contest that honors creativity and cultural expression. You’ll also find local vendors, community partners, and fun activities for all ages.
Join us as we celebrate the vibrant cultures that make our neighborhoods thrive and the people who bring them to life.
Live On Stage at ¡CalabazaFest! 2025:
Mariachi Tapatio de Alvaro Paulino Jr. – World-Renowned Musicians
Jonathan Cazares – Young and Gifted Mariachi
Mazarte Dance Company – Spirited Dances & Traditional Costumes
L Train Brass Band – Fun and Funky Modern Marching Band
Bushwick’s Got Talent! – An Adorable Army of Pint-Size Dancers from RiseBoro Youth Center’s Compass Program
Los Lil’ Kumbia – Talented Cumbia Septet of Bushwick Youth
Ñukanchik Llakta Wawakuna – Ecuadorian Mountain Music & Dance from The Andes
With Your Emcees: Ricardo Steven & Smiley Burbujita
Note: Above Program is subject to change
Day of the Dead Costume Contest @ 2:00pm
Prizes will be awarded!
The special theme this year is – you guessed it – Day of the Dead!
Rain Location: RiseBoro Youth Center
The CalabazaFest Pumpkin Food Contest celebrates culinary creativity and community pride. Participants are invited to create a dish where pumpkin is the central ingredient. All dishes will be sampled and ranked by attendees to determine the winner of Best Pumpkin Dish in Bushwick 2025.
Contest Rules
- Eligibility: Participants must be 18 years of age or older.
- Portions: Each contestant must prepare 50 sample-sized portions for tasting.
- Main Ingredient: Entries must feature pumpkin as the primary ingredient.
- Ingredients List: An ingredient card listing all components must be provided so judges can review for potential allergens.
- Dish Type: Any style of food is permitted—sweet, savory, or otherwise—as long as pumpkin is the focus.
- Setup: Tables, paper plates, and plastic forks will be provided. If your dish requires a specific vessel or serving equipment, you are responsible for bringing it.
- Preparation: All food must be made in a sanitary environment and brought ready to serve.
Judging and Award
Each attendee who participates in the tasting will receive a scorecard and vote for their favorite dish.
The entry receiving the highest number of votes will be awarded the ribbon for Best Pumpkin Dish in Bushwick 2025.
Entry
To participate, please sign up here: https://forms.gle/rggkCN2PdSnJf5RK7
