Union County's Great Pumpkin Sail Returns At Echo Lake Park For 2026

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ — Union County will begin selling tickets for the 2026 Great Pumpkin Sail on Thursday, Oct. 1, at 9 a.m.

The annual fall event is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 1, at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside.

The Great Pumpkin Sail invites visitors to add a Jack-o-Lantern to a float and watch it sail on Echo Lake. The event is presented by the Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation.

"The Great Pumpkin Sail is one of those traditions that brings families together and makes fall in Union County feel special," said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. "There is nothing quite like seeing Echo Lake filled with glowing Jack-o-Lanterns, and we look forward to welcoming families back for another memorable evening."

This year's event will be held in three sessions. Session One is scheduled from 5:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Session Two will run from 6:45 p.m. to 8 p.m. Session Three is set for 8:15 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Tickets are sold on a per-family basis. One ticket covers up to six family members, and larger families may buy one additional ticket to cover up to six more family members. The county said there is a two-ticket limit per family.

Ticket prices are $12 for Union County residents and $16 for non-residents. Each family ticket includes the right to float one pre-carved Jack-o-Lantern with a lid that weighs no more than eight pounds after carving.

Tickets must be purchased in advance because space is limited, according to the announcement. In the event of inclement weather, the rain date is Monday, Nov. 2.

Tickets will be available at ucnj.org/ticket. For more information about the Great Pumpkin Sail and other Parks and Recreation events, the county directs residents to ucnj.org/parks, parksinfo@ucnj.org and 908-527-4900.