Harvest Happenings 2023

As the trees don their glorious fall colors, October is a wonderful time to celebrate the end of summer. All around the North State this month, families can enjoy special events and family farms with apple picking, pumpkin harvests and the fun of hayrides, dressing up in costume and visiting friendly farm animals. Here are our top picks for seasonal family fun this month.
-Pamela, North State Parent magazine publisher

Book Family Farm Pumpkin Patch

October 2-31, Mon-Sat, 9am-6pm
153 Heavy Horse Ln, Durham

This family-owned pumpkin patch beckons pumpkin enthusiasts throughout October. Pick by size from hundreds of pumpkins. The many animals at this old-fashioned family farm hold a special charm for young children. Little ones will love watching the antics of the cows Bossie, Ethel and Bucky, dozens of goats, and Henny Penny the chicken and her chicken friends! Free admission and parking. bookfamilyfarm.com. (530)342-4375.

Country Pumpkins

Open daily Oct. 1-31 10am-5pm
7152 Highway 32, Orland
Look for signs between Road P and Stony Creek

True to its name, Country Pumpkins in Orland has five acres of pumpkins and interesting gourds for visitors to explore, plus a country store with a variety of jams, jellies, local honey, pumpkin butter and syrup and other farm products. Families can have bales of fun on the hay pyramid and hay slide. This family-owned and operated farm also offers an observation beehive to introduce children to the important role these insects play in agriculture. One of the farm’s most popular attractions is its 10-acre corn maze, uniquely designed each year by the owner’s family. The proceeds of the maze benefit 4-H programs and other local nonprofit organizations. On select nights during October, the “brave at heart” (10 years and older) can visit the haunted version of the maze to get a dose of the Halloween thrills. Open daily October 1-31. Look for signs between Road P and Stony Creek. 7152 Highway 32, Orland. http://www.countrypumpkins.org.

Dairyville Orchard Festival

October 21, 10am-4pm
Lassen View School, 10818 CA-99, Los Molinos

Crisp morning air, harvest equipment on the move and leaves beginning to change. This means it’s time to mark your calendar for the Dairyville Orchard Festival The festival includes an antique tractor parade, handmade arts and craft vendors, food vendors, live entertainment, lil’ farmers corner, silent auction, raffle, and a large agricultural marketplace where attendees can purchase a wide variety of agricultural commodities. Plenty of parking and always free admission.

Hillside Poms’ Fall Harvest

Check facebook for hours and season length and text for availability 
1271 Capay Rd, Corning

Hillside Poms’ Fall Harvest invites guests to come pick their own pomegranates or simply purchase a pre-picked box of delicious, chemical-free pomegranates to juice, jelly, or eat fresh. This unique, seed-like fruit offers not only a refreshing, crisp flavor, but great health benefits, including high quantities of antioxidants and Vitamin C. Hillside Poms’ harvest has increased each year, and the season typically runs from October through late December. As a family-owned farm, Hillside Poms welcomes families with children of all ages. Kids love using the farm’s simple and effective juicer to squeeze the sparkling red juice from the fresh fruit. Ask about owner Suzanne’s wonderful makic rub. http://www.hillsidepoms.com. (530) 228-3050.

Hunter Orchard

Open daily in October, 10 am-6 pm
1441 Old Westside Rd., Grenada

Northernmost California’s original U-Pick pumpkin patch. Acres and acres of pumpkins to choose from, all sizes and shapes, way too many varieties of winter squash, hay maze for the kids, apples, pears, fresh cider, jam, and fall holiday decorations. With a tantalizing lineup of food trucks, BBQ, live music, and a thrilling pumpkin carving contest, every weekend promises excitement. Check their website in October for more info on these special events. hunterorchards.com. (530) 436-2532.

Johnny Appleseed Days

October 7, 10am-5 pm and October 8, 10am-4pm
Terry Ashe Park, 6626 Skyway, Paradise

First held in 1888, this is the oldest harvest festival in the state. The 2023 fall festival celebrates Paradise’s orchard heritage with apple pie and ice cream, and fresh apples from Noble Orchards. Artisans from all over the state and beyond will sell a variety of handicrafts. The children’s area, sponsored by Paradise Unified School District, will feature face painting, nostalgic games and Johnny Appleseed with fruit and stories. Continuous hometown entertainment graces the Gazebo Stage. A variety of delicious food will be available for purchase.paradisechamber.com/johnny-appleseed-days (530) 877-9356

Julia’s Fruit Stand

Daily, 8am-6pm, rain or shine, until October 31
11475 CA-99, Los Molinos

Nestled amid beautiful orchards, the stand has been a venue for fresh, delicious farm produce grown by the Brandt family and their neighbors for 23 years. In the autumn, get tree-ripened apples of several varieties, including Somerset, Granny Smith and Fuji, and find other seasonal fruits and vegetables for sale. Julia’s Fruit Stand Pumpkin Patch offers 20 varieties of colorful pumpkins that come in all shapes and sizes. juliasfruitstand.com. (530) 354-4775.

Maagic Mountain Farm

Call Leslie at (530) 925-6752 to arrange your tour
Mt. Shasta

Come to the farm for a tour of the land, creatures and all its abundance. You’ll see goats, ducks, chickens, bees, gardens and humans working together to feed each other. Learn where your food comes from and how to create your own at home. Hands-on family fun for all ages. Tours scheduled seven days a week for individuals, families and school groups or learning pods. Call ahead to schedule a tour. Every day is a new adventure on this Mt Shasta Farm. Mention North State Parent magazine for a discount on scheduled tours. maagicmtnfarm.com. (530) 925-6752.

Manton Apple Festival

October 7, 9am-4pm
Manton Elementary School, 31345 Forward Rd.

One of Northern California’s premier craft and art events, featuring live entertainment, apple pie baking and eating contests. Plenty of free parking is just a short walk away. Proceeds from booth rentals and the apple festival pie booth sales help support a variety of local Manton non-profit organizations and fund scholarships to support the educational goals of Manton area students. The festival is held on school grounds. Smoking, alcohol, and pets are prohibited. mantonapple.com. (530)474-5541.

Notre Dame School Fall Festival

October 7, 11AM–6PM
Notre Dame School , 435 Hazel St., Chico

Come one, come all to the annual Notre Dame School Fall Festival in Chico Saturday, Oct. 7, 11 am-6 pm. Join us for music, carnival games, a cake walk, a dunk tank, face painting and a bounce house. This year we will also have an interactive Reptile Room. There will be homemade Mexican food, tri-tip sandwiches, pizza and hot dogs to tempt you, along with beer, wine and soda. Come by the North State Parent booth and say hello. 435 Hazel St, Chico. (530)828-0081. ndschico.org.

North State Parent Celebrates 30 Years In Publishing – Come By And Say Hello!

October 29, 12pm-3pm
Museum of Northern California Art, 900 Esplanade, Chico

North State Parent Magazine is celebrating 30 years of providing valuable resources and information to North State families with a not-too-scary, colorful and safe Halloween afternoon at The Museum of Northern California Art (monca). Parent/child Halloween parade (children under age 10) storytelling and more. Chico Princess Parties will be painting faces, NSP will offer an art project and there will be treats to enjoy. Tickets are $5 at the door and the funds will be used for the monca building project. The whole community will benefit from the completed 9,000 square-foot facility with classrooms, auditorium, stage and kitchen. Call (530) 859-2309 for event information.

Patrick Ranch Museum Autumn Fest

October 7-29, Saturdays and Sundays, 10am-4pm
10381 Midway, between Chico and Durham

Children’s crafts and activities, hayrides for the entire family, pony cart rides, farm fun and tours of the historic Glenwood farmhouse. Acres of beautiful pumpkins for carving (more than 15 varieties), hundreds of gourds and fall decorations to choose from. Pick your own or buy pre-picked. The farmhouse is beautifully decorated for fall and the gift shop is fully stocked with fall items created by local artists and craftspeople, as well as educational gifts and books for that little goblin in your family. Walk through the Butte County Master Gardener Demonstration Gardens for tips on drought tolerant plants for your home garden. Enjoy snacks or lunch at the Midway Cafe. Admission $5 adults; kids 12 and under $3; 2 and under free. patrickranchmuseum.org. (530)3424359.

Trinity Lutheran Fall Festival

October 21, 4pm-7pm
2440 Hilltop Drive, Redding

Trinity Lutheran’s Fall Festival will transform the churchyard into a colorful, family-friendly festival. Kids can jump around in the bounce house, and the church welcomes people of all ages to enjoy face painting, jump house, food truck, bake sale, games and more. Everyone is invited to come dressed up in your favorite costume. We will be having trick or treat, a chili cook-off and a silent auction. Admission is free, and all visitors are invited to bring friends. 2440 Hilltop Dr., Redding. (530)221-6686. reddingtlc.org