Fireworks, a pumpkin carving contest, an antique car show, live performances, an array of vendors and plenty of food will be at this year’s Harvest Moon Festival on Saturday, Sept. 23.

The festival will take place at Onset Pier, 186 Onset Ave, and other locations from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The event, hosted by the Onset Bay Association, will celebrate its second year since its revival in 2022 where approximately 5,000 to 8,000 people attended.

According to Onset Bay Association Director Kat Jones, the festival was originally run by the Box 5 Association and maintained its popularity in Wareham around the 1960s and ’70s, but disappeared in the 1990s.

Jones said one of the main reasons the association chose to reimagine it in the 21st century was for the opportunity to have fireworks. 

Due to issues with security staffing, Wareham has been unable to host fireworks during the Fourth of July holiday, Jones added. 

Now, Wareham residents can get their firework fix this September. 

Along with the 7:45 p.m. fireworks display, the event will kick off with an antique and classic car show presented by The Rusty Nuts Car Club of Wareham. The lot can host up to 300 cars and the first 100 will receive Dash Plaques.

Throughout Prospect Park, located at the Bandshell, over 80 merchandise and service vendors will host tables throughout the day.

In Bay View Park, located at 184 Onset Ave, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. a number of vendors and festivities will be available.

There will be face painting, balloon art and live handicraft demonstrations and information with the SCA-Society for Creative Anachronism.

Free live performances will take place all day.

The bands this year include Daddy O! at the Gazebo from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. as well as Band of Brothers, CRANKIT!, Torche-High and Play it Again at the Bandshell from 12 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

A performance will also be given by the Move Makers 508-Local/Wareham Dance Studio at the Bandshell from 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.

In addition, the association is hosting a raffle for David Gurney’s handcrafted Yenrug Les Paul tribute guitar. Tickets can be purchased up until an hour before the raffle is announced at the festival. To purchase tickets, visit https://www.onsetbay.org/event-5065003.

A people’s choice pumpkin carving contest will also be held for a chance to win $100. Participants will bring their own pre-carved pumpkins to the Bandshell. To sign up, visit https://www.onsetbay.org/event-5393278. 

Jones said this year’s festival cost the association approximately $60,000, which is paid in part by sponsorships and the association’s GoFundMe Page — available through their website.

Free parking and shuttle service by GATRA will be provided from the Water Wizz parking lot at 3031 Cranberry Highway, East Wareham. Drop off will be at the corner of 10th and Union, by the Food Court. 

Handicap parking will be made available on the Onset Pier and by the Bandshell at first come first served. After 5 p.m., the Pier will be all handicap parking.

The Onset Bay Association is still seeking volunteers to assist with parking, checking in vendors, selling tickets for the 50/50 raffle, setting up the event and more. 

To sign up as a volunteer, visit signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/6339485600100/false#/invitation

Some roads may be unavailable for the duration of the event. Visit the association’s website for more information.