It’s that time of year where leaves turn shades of mustard, persimmon, and crimson and things just get cozy. Here’s four places celebrating fall with don’t-miss festivals featuring handmade wares and artwork, pumpkin patches, train rides, pumpkin-infused ales and more.
Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival
For 52 years, the lauded, free-to-attend event has lured locals and far-flung visitors for live music and entertainment, pumpkin carving, pie-eating contests, pumpkin patches, and a selection of artwork and wares by 275 California artists and makers. On October 19th and 20th, highlights at the free festival will include a Safeway World Championship giant pumpkin weigh-off (last year’s world-record-breaking 2,749-pounder fetched a grand prize of $30,000), a haunted house, and a Great Pumpkin parade.
Fall Harvest Festival at Tanaka Farms
The multi-generational, family-owned family farm in Irvine, producer of more than 60 different varieties of fruits and vegetables, pulls out all the stops at the festival with wagon rides, a corn maze, and a famous Pumpkin Cannon (a 10-pound pumpkin is catapulted every time a tractor goes by.) In November, the farm will also offer a barnyard educational exhibit showcasing chickens, goats, sheep, turkeys, a pony and a mini cow. Visit the website for reservations and detailed info.
Spina Farms Pumpkin Patch
Established in 1944, the family-run farm—in a new location in Morgan Hill approximately 22 miles from San Jose—features hayrides for the entire family, a petting zoo, an elaborate corn maze, massive dinosaur sculptures and a pumpkin patch.
Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm
At this working farm producing almonds, pumpkins and forage crops, spend the day listening to live music while feasting on fresh apple pie, pumpkin cake, and caramel popcorn balls from Mrs. B’s Bakery, or take a stroll in the pumpkin fields or sunflower fields. First opened in 1973 by Bill and Sandy Bishop, the farm is also home to the BDF Line, a diesel train that winds through a horse pasture and walnut and apple orchards, a carousel and a Farmhouse Mercantile stocked with décor and gift items spanning serving trays and table linens.
