Pumpkin Festivals in California 2026
9 pumpkin festivals this year.
Pumpkin season in California runs September through October, with peak availability and the most farm activity in October. Half Moon Bay on the San Mateo Coast is the most famous pumpkin destination — the annual Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival draws tens of thousands each fall. Pumpkin patches and harvest festivals are found statewide; varieties range from classic Jack-o'-lantern types to Cinderella, Jarrahdale, and sugar pumpkins for cooking. Below are the 9 pumpkin festivals on California's 2026 calendar — each with its dates, location, and a map.
Want to pick your own pumpkin in California?
U-pick Pumpkin farms in California →Full season guide: when to go, what to look for, and tips for your visit.
Read guide →Still to come
Nicasio Valley Pumpkin Patch
September 26 – November 2, 2026
Nicasio
A family-run organic pumpkin patch and fall farm experience in Marin County's Nicasio Valley.
Bierwagen's Farm Pumpkin Patch & Harvest Festival
October 1–31, 2026
Chicago Park · Free
A century-old Sierra foothills farm where families pick pumpkins and apples all October long, free admission.
Lakeport Harvest Festival
Saturday, October 10, 2026
Lakeport · Free
A free fall street fair in downtown Lakeport blending pumpkin harvest fun with Dia de los Muertos festivities.
Great Pumpkin Race & Family Harvest Festival
Saturday, October 10, 2026
Penn Valley · Free
A free fall festival where families decorate pumpkins and roll them down a race course in Penn Valley.
Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off
Monday, October 12, 2026
Half Moon Bay · Free
Giant-gourd glory: growers haul half-ton pumpkins to Half Moon Bay's world-record weigh-off.
Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival
October 17–18, 2026 · Sat–Sun
Half Moon Bay · Free
The world-famous "Pumpkin Capital" throws a giant fall street party along Half Moon Bay's Main Street.
Ukiah Country PumpkinFest
October 17–18, 2026 · Sat–Sun
Ukiah · Free
Downtown Ukiah's free fall street fair with a giant pumpkin weigh-off, crafts, food, and family fun.
Plymouth Foothills Rotary Harvest Fest
Saturday, October 17, 2026
Plymouth · Free
A free Amador County harvest celebration with grape stomp, chili cook-off, and live music in downtown Plymouth.
Calabasas Pumpkin Festival
Sunday, October 18, 2026
Calabasas
A pumpkin-packed fall celebration with a patch, marketplace, live music, and family fun in the Santa Monica Mountains.
Frequently asked
- When is pumpkin season in California?
- Pumpkin season in California runs September through October, with peak availability and the most farm activity in October. Half Moon Bay on the San Mateo Coast is the most famous pumpkin destination — the annual Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival draws tens of thousands each fall. Pumpkin patches and harvest festivals are found statewide; varieties range from classic Jack-o'-lantern types to Cinderella, Jarrahdale, and sugar pumpkins for cooking. Harvest events and U-pick windows follow the same window — check each listing for exact 2026 dates.
- Can you pick your own pumpkin in California?
- Yes — California has pick-your-own pumpkin farms where you can harvest your own. See the Gather Grove U-pick pumpkin guide for locations and seasons.
- Are pumpkin festivals in California free?
- It varies — many are free community events, while others are ticketed. Each festival's page on Gather Grove lists its admission.