Costumed paddlers will climb into hollowed-out giant pumpkins and race across Tualatin's Lake of the Commons on Sunday, Oct. 18. The West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta, held since 2004, spans two days this year.

The weekend opens Saturday, Oct. 17, with Pumpkins & Pints at Stickmen Brewing Company, 19475 S.W. 118th Ave. The free event runs noon to 5 p.m. and features the Pacific Giant Vegetable Growers' Terminator Weigh-Off, where growers weigh their massive pumpkins and compete for top honors.

Many of those same pumpkins become the boats paddlers race the next day. Wood-fired pizza and craft beer round out the afternoon, according to the city of Tualatin.

Sunday's main festival runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Lake of the Commons, 8325 S.W. Nyberg St. Admission is free. Pumpkin races launch at noon and 2 p.m.

About 20 costumed paddlers were selected from online entries, Valley Times reported in August. Paddlers must be at least 18, and every one must wear a family-friendly costume they can swim in. Life jackets, paddles and pumpkins are provided.

This year's selected paddlers hail from Tualatin, Portland, Sherwood, Hillsboro, Newberg, Hood River and Davis, California. One entrant comes from Morehead, North Carolina, and another from Saint Ouen l'Aumône, France, according to the official regatta page.

Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue and the Tualatin Police Department will paddle as special guests. Corporate sponsors sending paddlers include Toyota, New Seasons Market, OnPoint Community Credit Union and Adventist Health.

Beyond the races, Sunday's lineup includes a costume contest, roaming pirates, professional pumpkin carvers, pumpkin bowling, pumpkin golf and food vendors. Tualatin artist Brenna White, who has designed the regatta's official posters and T-shirts since 2010, will sell prints and artwork at her booth.

The Pacific Giant Vegetable Growers will also have a booth with oversized produce displays and giant vegetable seeds. A 5K Regatta Run/Walk hosted by the Tualatin Rotary Club starts at Tualatin Community Park, 8513 S.W. Tualatin Road. A treasure hunt sends participants searching for a hidden bronze medallion using posted clues.

Upcoming: Pumpkins & Pints, Saturday, Oct. 17, noon–5 p.m., Stickmen Brewing Company, 19475 S.W. 118th Ave., Tualatin. Free. West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta, Sunday, Oct. 18, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Lake of the Commons, 8325 S.W. Nyberg St., Tualatin. Free.