Join us with ‘Tala To-Go” as we take our coffee beyond the café and into the heart of our local communities. Whether it’s a festival, a neighborhood market, or popular spot, we’re there with a cup in hand, discovering what makes each area around our cafes unique. Together, let’s explore the places and events that bring our community to life, one sip at a time.

Before moving near Highwood, I had no idea how big of a deal Pumpkin Fest was. Last year, when people started talking about it in September, I wasn’t prepared for the full-on fall extravaganza that was about to hit the town. So when the buzz began again this year, I knew I had to be part of the fun—of course, not without enlisting a friend to tag along.

To kick off our Pumpkin Fest adventure right, we started at Tala, where ordering off the fall seasonal menu was a must. I grabbed the classic pumpkin spice latte to fully embrace the autumn vibes, while Grace stuck with a lavender latte, clinging to the last bit of summer warmth. With so much planned for the day, we wasted no time and headed straight across the street to the carnival we’d been watching come to life all week.

The Ferris wheel quickly became a favorite, giving us a perfect bird’s-eye view of the pumpkin fest below—pumpkins and orange hues stretched as far as the eye could see. After a few more rides, we joined the crowd for the main event: pumpkin carving! Naturally, we had to join in on the attempt to break the world record for the most pumpkins carved in one place. Grace and I grabbed our pumpkins at the carving stations scattered around the grounds. I went for the classic jack-o’-lantern face.

The energy around us was contagious as families, friends, and couples all carved away, hoping to contribute to the record-breaking effort. Watching so many pumpkins transform into glowing faces was incredible. Once we finished, we proudly added our creations to the pumpkin wall a block away from Tala. 

With carving done, we strolled back to the carnival for more fun, sipping hot apple cider as we wandered through the rides. The crisp fall air combined with the glowing carnival lights made it feel like the perfect autumn evening. As the sun dipped lower, the live music started, and we found a cozy spot near the main stage to listen to a local band play.

Between pumpkin carving, carnival rides, and live music, the Great Highwood Pumpkin Fest exceeded every expectation. Fueled by pumpkin spice lattes and fall spirit, it was one of those perfect autumn days that left us excited for more. Maybe next year, we’ll even carve more pumpkins and help break that world record!