Fall is a time for crisp air, vibrant foliage, and the best seasonal celebrations across the country. Harvest festivals and pumpkin patches are at the heart of this magical season, offering everything from hayrides to corn mazes, apple picking to artisanal treats. Whether you’re a pumpkin enthusiast, a lover of all things autumn, or looking for family-friendly fun, we’ve rounded up five of the most iconic fall festivals and pumpkin patches in the U.S. These events are packed with festive activities and scenic autumn backdrops that are sure to inspire your next fall getaway!
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1. Circleville Pumpkin Show
Location: Circleville, Ohio
The Circleville Pumpkin Show is one of the largest and longest-running pumpkin festivals in the U.S., drawing in over 400,000 visitors annually. Known as “The Greatest Free Show on Earth,” this event is a pumpkin lover’s dream! Expect to see pumpkin displays featuring massive gourds weighing over 1,000 pounds, pumpkin-flavored treats, and even pumpkin art. You’ll also enjoy live music, parades, and contests for everything from baking to pumpkin carving.
What to Expect:
- Giant Pumpkins: See towering pumpkins that weigh over 1,500 pounds.
- Parades: Daily parades showcase local bands, floats, and, of course, pumpkins!
- Contests: Join in on the fun with pie-eating, pumpkin carving, and other competitions.
- Family-Friendly Fun: Enjoy carnival rides, games, and various food stands serving fall favorites.
Best Time to Visit: Mid-October.
Plan Your Trip:
Find accommodations in Circleville on Hotels.com or HotelPlanner. Book your flights or car rentals through Trip.com or Expedia. Explore festival tours and local experiences through Viator or Tours4Fun.
2. Dallas Arboretum’s Autumn at the Arboretum
Location: Dallas, Texas
The Dallas Arboretum’s annual autumn celebration is a must-see fall spectacle. With over 90,000 pumpkins, gourds, and squash creating stunning displays in the Pumpkin Village, this event is as picturesque as it gets. Alongside pumpkin-themed photo ops, visitors can enjoy the Texas fall weather while exploring the lush gardens, fall foliage, and vibrant floral displays.
What to Expect:
- Pumpkin Village: A visually stunning collection of over 90,000 pumpkins and gourds in a village-like setup.
- Gardens: Explore the 66-acre garden with seasonal floral displays.
- Family Fun: Enjoy themed events for children, live music, and educational programming.
- Seasonal Food and Drink: Savor fall-inspired treats at on-site cafes and food stands.
Best Time to Visit: Late September through November.
Plan Your Trip:
Book your stay in Dallas through Hotels.com or HotelPlanner. Find flights and rentals on Trip.com or Expedia. For tickets and tours, browse Viator or Tours4Fun.
3. Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival
Location: Half Moon Bay, California
Known as the “World Pumpkin Capital,” Half Moon Bay hosts one of the most famous pumpkin festivals in the U.S. The Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival features everything pumpkin-related, from giant pumpkin weigh-offs to pumpkin carving contests. Guests can enjoy pumpkin-flavored food and beverages, live music, and artisan crafts. The coastal setting adds an extra touch of charm to this vibrant autumn celebration.
What to Expect:
- Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off: Watch enormous pumpkins compete for the coveted prize.
- Artisan Crafts: Shop unique, handmade items from local vendors.
- Live Entertainment: Enjoy local bands and performances throughout the festival.
- Pumpkin Food & Drinks: Try pumpkin-flavored treats and drinks, including pies and ales.
Best Time to Visit: Mid-October.
Plan Your Trip:
Reserve your stay in Half Moon Bay via Hotels.com or HotelPlanner. Book flights and rentals on Trip.com or Expedia. Discover local tours and activities on Viator or Tours4Fun.
4. The Great Pumpkin Farm Festival
Location: Clarence, New York
The Great Pumpkin Farm Festival in Clarence, New York, offers six weeks of fall fun, with pumpkin-themed activities, live music, and seasonal eats. This festival is perfect for families and features a pumpkin weigh-off, zombie mud run, amusement rides, and a costume contest. Stroll through the giant corn maze, pick your perfect pumpkin, or enjoy delicious apple cider donuts.
What to Expect:
- Pumpkin Weigh-Off: Watch local growers compete for the heaviest pumpkin.
- Amusement Rides: Enjoy rides for kids and adults, including a classic carousel.
- Family Activities: Corn mazes, pumpkin picking, and Halloween-themed games await.
- Fall Food & Drinks: Feast on traditional fall favorites like apple cider and pumpkin pie.
Best Time to Visit: Late September through October.
Plan Your Trip:
Find accommodations in the Clarence area on Hotels.com or HotelPlanner. Book flights or car rentals on Trip.com or Expedia. Check out fall festival tours on Viator or Tours4Fun.
5. Underwood Family Farms Fall Harvest Festival
Location: Moorpark, California
Underwood Family Farms hosts a beloved fall harvest festival that’s perfect for families, located just outside of Los Angeles. This festival runs through September and October and features an incredible variety of pumpkins, live entertainment, tractor-drawn wagon rides, a corn maze, and a petting zoo. With themed weekends focusing on everything from western days to antique tractors, there’s always something new to explore.
What to Expect:
- Pumpkin Picking: Choose from a wide variety of pumpkins grown on the farm.
- Family Activities: Enjoy farm animals, pig races, and tractor-pulled rides.
- Live Entertainment: Watch live music and farm-themed shows throughout the festival.
- Themed Weekends: Special weekend events, including live demonstrations and hands-on activities.
Best Time to Visit: Late September through October.
Plan Your Trip:
Book your stay near Moorpark with Hotels.com or HotelPlanner. Find flights and car rentals on Trip.com or Expedia. Explore local experiences and tours through Viator or Tours4Fun.
These five can’t-miss fall festivals and pumpkin patches across the U.S. offer unforgettable experiences for visitors of all ages. From picturesque pumpkin displays to exciting family-friendly activities, they are perfect for making the most of the autumn season. Plan your trip to one (or more) of these incredible events to celebrate fall in style!
When you’re ready to plan your fall getaway, be sure to use our recommended travel platforms like Hotels.com or HotelPlanner for accommodation, Trip.com or Expedia for flights and rentals, and Viator or Tours4Fun for local tours and activities. Fall fun is just a click away!
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