The Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Regatta
If you’ve never seen someone paddle a carved-out pumpkin across a lake — welcome to Germany’s most delightfully absurd sporting event: the Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Regatta. Every autumn, competitors use giant pumpkins to race around a small lake in the middle of Blühendes Barock — a genuinely beautiful park that surrounds the Ludwigsburg Palace.
This year marked the 20th edition of the regatta. When it first began, there were just three competitors testing the idea on a small lake. By 2005, organiser Mathias Gerber was still begging people to take part. Fast-forward to today, and the event now runs across two full days — qualifications on Saturday, finals on Sunday — and draws thousands of spectators. The idea even gained national fame after Gerber took it to the German TV show Wetten, dass..? in 2007, where he bet he could hollow out a 450kg pumpkin, get it into the water, and cross a lake within five minutes. He won — and the rest is quirky, pumpkin-powered history.
The Race
The race itself is chaotic fun. You kneel inside your carved-out pumpkin, grab a paddle, and try to steer your way around the course without falling in — which is harder than it looks. Despite making the final, I was the only one to stack it over the whole weekend, falling straight into the cold lake.
But this is where you see the best of the Germans — the people were incredible. One man immediately handed me his jacket so I wouldn’t freeze, while others clapped, laughed, and encouraged me back in. There weren’t flags waving or drums banging — just friendly cheers, smiles, and families picnicking along the shore, soaking up the fun. Hearing people say “we come every year” made it even better. You could tell this event wasn’t just a novelty — it was a genuine community staple.
Festival and Fan Engagement
Beyond the race, the festival atmosphere around Blühendes Barock was what really stood out. It wasn’t just about pumpkins in boats — it was about creating something that brought locals together. The park was lined with food stalls, pop-ups, and brand activations that gave people something to do while they watched or waited for races to start.
There were great photo opportunities, like the enormous pumpkin statue that everyone queued up to take pictures with — a perfect family shot. Kids could hop aboard a big branded bus filled with mini-games and activities, while parents enjoyed local food and drinks nearby.
There was even a car display and pop-up area, which helped attract even more people wandering through the park. It felt like every business in the area had a small presence — whether through food stands, branded tents, or interactive games.
What impressed me most was how well-organised everything was. Many of the volunteers were family or friends of local business owners, helping out not only with the regatta but also the surrounding stalls. Everyone seemed proud to be part of it, smiling and helping visitors find their way around or explaining what was happening next.
And for the kids, there was something to collect at every stop — from fluorescent vests and stationery to a frisbee (which was my personal favourite). It was smart engagement: fun for the kids, memorable for families, and great visibility for the brands involved.
Closing Thoughts
What makes the Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Regatta so special is that it isn’t just a gimmick — it’s a celebration of creativity, community, and local pride. From the beautifully maintained park to the smiling volunteers and the energy around the lake, everything felt genuine.
It’s the kind of event that reminds you how sport — even when it involves paddling a 100kg vegetable — can bring people together.
PS: I may not have won, but I did survive the cold water, scored a free jacket, and left with a frisbee — which I’m calling a fair trade.
