Fall is in full swing, and it’s evident around the Bay Area. With the changing of the leaves, so too are San Francisco establishments transforming. Farms are sprouting pumpkins, barns are being transformed into haunted houses, and pumpkins adorn every menu. 

We’ve put together a list of all the can’t-miss farms, pumpkin patches, and fall festivals in San Francisco this autumn.

Pumpkin Patches Near San Francisco

Nicasio Valley Pumpkin Patch

From September 23 through the end of October, explore 12 acres of land to find your perfect pumpkin. If that’s not enough of a draw, weekends in October feature fresh BBQ, hay rides, a petting zoo, live music, and more all-ages activities.

Where: 5300 Nicasio Valley Rd, Nicasio, CA
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Pastorino Farms

Pastorino's has a year-round retail nursery, but October is full of special activities, including a seasonal pumpkin farm. The farm includes food, gifts, hay rides, train rides—pretty much all the classic fall festival staples. And if you head over on a weekend, you can experience the farm’s haunted house.

Where: 12391 San Mateo Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA
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Smith Family Farm Pumpkin Harvest

Enjoy a day at the farm with your friends and family, and rest assured you’ll go home with the perfect pumpkin. You can also pick your own strawberries, tomatoes, zucchini, and other fall produce. The festivities include live music, farm animal experiences, and educational opportunities.

Where: 4350 Sellers Ave, Knightsen, CA
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Clancy’s Pumpkin Patch

Every day during October, Clancy’s will have everything for your fall decor and meal needs. Its first pumpkin patch opened in 1979, and today, there is an abundance of gourds, corn stalks, and Indian corn for you to peruse. This year, two locations are open for your convenience.

Where: 2101 Sloat Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94116 and 1620 7th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94116
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Arata Pumpkin Farm

If you’re looking for a stellar pumpkin patch, Arata’s is the place to go. With dozens of varieties in all different sizes, you can pick the perfect pumpkin here. Make sure to stop by the famous Minotaur’s Labyrinth, a two-acre hay maze. You'll find a cornfield and Pumpkin River that stretches for six acres and a haunted barn attraction! No matter what you’re looking for this fall, Arata has it all.

Where: 185 Verde Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA
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Lemos Farm

While Lemos Farm has fun events and activities year-round, Fall on the farm is arguably their best season. You can be one of the thousands of families each year that comes out to their Pumpkin Patch. Plus, catch live music, spooky, themed activities, and more.

Where: 12320 San Mateo Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA
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Alameda Point Pumpkin Patch

Open from September 29 through October, Alameda Point Pumpkin Patch will put on fun for the whole family. Festivities will include a petting zoo, human hamster balls, a mini train, inflatable slides and jump houses, and an adult “chill area.” While you’re there, try one of the tasty pumpkin shooters.

Where: 2453 Hancock St, Alameda, CA
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The Guardsmen Pumpkin Patch

Come one, come all to see the best pumpkins the Bay Area has to offer. Running from October 19 through October 29, you can show off your carving skills for a chance to win, stroll around listening to live music, or indulge in craft cocktails and local eats. One of the best parts of this event is that all of the profits will benefit at-risk youth in the Bay Area.

Where: 2 Marina Blvd, San Francisco, CA
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The Great Peter Pumpkin Patch

The Petaluma Creamery will transform its family farm into a fall wonderland from October 8 through October 31. You can pick your own pumpkin from their sprawling patch, get lost in corn and hay mazes, and say hi to all of the farm animals. But you can’t leave without trying the pumpkin ice cream, handmade on the farm!

Where: 4235 Spring Hill Rd, Petaluma, CA
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The Moreland Education Foundation Pumpkin Patch

The Moreland Education Foundation Pumpkin Patch will return this year with good eats, carnival games, and various Halloween and fall-themed activities. It's also home to one of the only family-friendly haunted trails around, so bring the kids along! 2023 dates TBA.

Where: 4835 Doyle Rd, San Jose, CA
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Farmer John's

Nestled in the heart of the Bay Area, Farmer John's Pumpkin Patch is a charming, family-run destination for all your autumnal adventures. With a wide array of pumpkins to choose from, including unique heirloom varieties, it's a pick-your-own paradise for both kids and adults. Enjoy tractor rides, corn mazes, and a petting zoo for a day filled with festive fun. Don't forget to grab a cup of their famous pumpkin spice latte before you leave.

Where: 850 North Cabrillo Highway (on the Ocean Side), Half Moon Bay, CA
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Spina Farms

For a classic pumpkin patch experience with a touch of nostalgia, Spina Farms is the place to be. Located just a short drive from the Bay Area, this rustic farm offers a picturesque setting to select your perfect pumpkin. Meander through their vast pumpkin fields, explore a challenging corn maze, and savor delicious homemade treats from their onsite bakery.

Where: Corner of Laguna Ave & Santa Teresa Blvd, Morgan Hill, CA
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Fall Festivals in San Francisco

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival | September 29 – October 1

The annual (and amazingly free) bluegrass music festival returns to Golden Gate Park this fall! The lineup features a mix of up-and-coming indie artists along with fan-favorite hall-of-famers (Emmylou Harris is back!). With over 70 artists and three days of performances, the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival will be redefining what defines American music once again. Catch it on September 29, 30, and October 1!

Where: Hellman Hollow, Lindley & Marx meadows in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA
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Castro Street Fair | October 1

Don’t miss this LGBTQ community street celebration founded by Harvey Milk in 1974, supporting multiple local non-profits. The fair is always on the first Sunday of October, which means it will fall on October 1 this year. Join in for a day of costumes, performances, vendors, and more!

Where: Market Street and Castro St, San Francisco, CA
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Fleet Week | October 2–10

Held annually between the GG Bridge and Alcatraz, the Naval Air Show attracts spectators from around the globe. The waterfront event is headlined by the Blue Angels and is the only air show in the US with a commercial airliner—the United 777—to perform a fully choreographed act. The show is free to watch, but ticketed seating options are available if you want a guaranteed prime waterfront spot and hospitality.

Where: Marina Green 200 Marina Blvd., San Francisco, CA
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Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival | October 14 & 15

The Annual Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival is back for its 51st year! The weekend will be jam-packed with incredible pumpkin carving, unique harvest-inspired art and crafts, live music, delicious food, and the planet's creamiest pumpkin pie. There will also be four stages of entertainment, a charming parade, and thrilling activities like bungee jumping—and that's not even the half of it.

Bonus: Don't miss The Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off, kicking off the festivities on Monday, October 9, on the IDES Grounds.

Where: Main Street, Half Moon Bay, CA
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City of Berkeley Harvest Festival | October 21

The Berkeley Harvest Festival is known for its annual food contest that celebrates the city's thriving culture of growing and making its own food. You’ll also find a designated Kids Zone that includes a climbing wall, obstacle course, pumpkin bowling, and scarecrow-making, to name a few.

Where: 1300 Rose St, Berkeley, CA
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Potrero Hill Festival | October 21

Come jam out to R&B music while celebrating the Potrero community. Happening on October 21 from 10am to 4pm, you can enjoy four blocks of live music, food, games, performances, family, and fun! The Potrero Hill Festival is a benefit for the Potrero Hill Neighborhood House, the local community center providing essential services to Potrero’s most in need.

Where: 20th Street, between Wisconsin and Missouri, San Francisco, CA
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Renegade Craft Fair | November 4 & 5

Get a jump on holiday shopping while also supporting over 250+ fantastic artists at the Renegade SF Craft Fair! Find the best artist-made gifts, creative small business goods, and handmade treasures at the scenic Fort Mason location on November 4 and 5.

Where: Fort Mason Center Festival Pavilion, 2 Marina Blvd., San Francisco, CA
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West Coast Craft | November 18 & 19

Explore over 275 vendors and booths from the best artists, designers, and craftspeople working today at West Coast Craft, coming to Fort Mason on November 18 and 19. Along with thousands of unique treasures to find, there will also be multiple food and beverage options to partake in.

Where: Fort Mason Center: 2 Marina Blvd, Landmark Building C, Suite 260, San Francisco, CA
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