October Events : San Diego County Backcountry!
Fall has arrived, and with it comes the excitement of pumpkin patches, harvest festivals, and spooky Halloween fun! Whether you’re looking to pick the perfect pumpkin, explore a corn maze, or enjoy some local seasonal festivities, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a roundup of family-friendly events happening in the San Diego Backcountry and surrounding areas this October.
Ramona: Pumpkin Patch at Mountain Valley Ranch
When: Every weekend in October
Where: Mountain Valley Ranch, Ramona
Kick off the fall season at Mountain Valley Ranch’s Pumpkin Patch! Take a hayride, wander through a corn maze, and pick out a pumpkin to carve. Perfect for a weekend family outing.
Lakeside: Halloween Festival at Lakeside Community Center
When: October 26th
Where: Lakeside Community Center
If you’re near Lakeside, don’t miss the Halloween Festival! With costume contests, candy, games, and more, it’s a fun and safe event for kids to get into the spooky spirit.
Fallbrook: Halloween Festival at the Community Center
When: October 26th
Where: Fallbrook Community Center
Celebrate Halloween with the whole family at Fallbrook’s Community Center Festival! Enjoy trick-or-treating, themed activities, and costume contests. It’s a great evening of Halloween fun for all ages.
Fallbrook: Harvest Faire in Downtown Fallbrook
When: October 20th
Where: Downtown Fallbrook
Get into the fall spirit with the Harvest Faire in Downtown Fallbrook! This family-friendly event offers live music, delicious food trucks, crafts, pumpkin painting, and face painting for the little ones.
Fallbrook: Pumpkin Patch at Family Christmas Tree Farm
When: Weekends in October
Where: Family Christmas Tree Farm, Fallbrook
Head to this quaint pumpkin patch for tractor-pulled hayrides, pumpkin picking, and more seasonal fun. Perfect for creating those Instagram-worthy fall family moments!
Temecula: Big Horse Corn Maze & Harvest Festival
When: Open Tuesday-Sunday in October
Where: Big Horse Feed & Mercantile, Temecula
Get ready for adventure at the Big Horse Corn Maze, Southern California’s largest corn maze! There’s so much to do with pumpkin patches, food vendors, and harvest-themed activities every day of the week.
Alpine: Lions, Tigers, and Bears Spooky Campover
When: October 25-26th
Where: Lions, Tigers, and Bears Animal Sanctuary, Alpine
For an unforgettable experience, camp out at this one-of-a-kind wildlife sanctuary. Enjoy a spooky night filled with trick-or-treating, campfire stories, and the chance to see big cats and bears up close!
Julian: Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures Harvest Hoedown
When: Saturday nights in October
Where: Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures, Julian
Ready for some old-fashioned fall fun? Head to Fort Cross for their Harvest Hoedown! Expect live music, dancing, and fun interactive farm activities for the whole family.
Julian: Build a Scarecrow at Wynola Junction
When: October 5th and 12th
Where: Wynola Junction, Julian
Get creative and build your very own scarecrow at this hands-on event. Whether you’re making a spooky scarecrow or a friendly one, it’s a fun activity for both kids and adults.
Julian: Haunted Harvest at Fort Cross
When: Saturdays in October
Where: Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures, Julian
Looking for a spookier adventure? The Haunted Harvest event at Fort Cross delivers eerie fun with haunted hayrides and ghost stories. It’s perfect for families with older kids or anyone who loves a good scare.
Julian: Haunted Forest at Banner Ranch
When: Every weekend in October
Where: Banner Ranch, Julian
Walk through the Haunted Forest at Banner Ranch if you’re feeling brave! This haunted attraction offers a thrilling experience for those who love the scarier side of Halloween.
Julian: Nature Wonderfest
When: October 26th
Where: Julian
Celebrate the wonders of nature at this fun-filled festival featuring wildlife exhibits, nature-inspired activities, and educational experiences for kids and adults alike. A wonderful way to spend a fall day outdoors!
Get Ready for some Family-Friendly Fall Fun!
There’s no shortage of exciting and family-friendly activities to enjoy in October. Whether you’re in the mood for some good old-fashioned pumpkin picking, Halloween thrills, or fall festivals, there’s something for everyone. Be sure to mark your calendars and make the most of this beautiful season!
Let us know in the comments which event you’re most excited about or share your favorite fall traditions with us!