Local Bay Area News & Announcements: October 2022
The Local Beet: October 2022
When picking your pumpkins this October, there’s no denying that farms along Highway 1 from Pescadero to Half Moon Bay are the place to pick what’s fresh and locally grown. Our coastside farm stars sell homegrown pumpkins and gourds—including edible pumpkins that can do double duty on the menu and decorate for the holidays.
This year we invite you to take a pumpkin field trip with your family—maybe two trips!—to meet the farmers and get the best picks of the season. And there’s even more festive happenings down by the coast: After two years of hiatus, the Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival returns triumphant this October for its 50th anniversary!
PICK FROM THE VINE. TAKE A U-PICK PUMPKIN FIELD TRIP TO BIANCHI'S FLOWERS & FARM
Once a year, Bianchi's family farm opens their fields in Pescadero and invites you to pick pumpkins straight from the vine. Come pick your own pumpkins—plus, on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, meet the farmers who are ready to share their expert picking tips. Those who want to pile on the fun can opt for Wagon Pricing—one flat fee to fill a whole wagon of self-picked pumpkins! Take a family field trip that’s off the beaten path and away from the crowds to see where the pumpkins grow.
THE CLASSIC EXPERIENCE. GET THE CLASSIC PUMPKIN PATCH EXPERIENCE AT FARMER JOHN'S PUMPKINS
Farmer John’s reputation as a phenomenal pumpkin farm truly needs no introduction, and the new owners are just as enthusiastic and ready to provide the famous Farmer John’s experience with on-the-farm hayrides, Bernese Mountain Dog Day, and a wide selection of pumpkins with the know-how to help you make your picks whether you plan to carve ’em, cook ’em, or do both. Visitors, be on the lookout for the behemoth Atlantic Giants, each weighing anywhere from 250 to 1,500 pounds—wowza!
Hours: 9am–6pm, Open daily October 1–31
Getting There: 850 North Cabrillo Highway, Half Moon Bay
More Info: Instagram | Facebook
A FALL FAMILY TRADITION. ANDREOTTI'S SHOWCASES COLORFUL FALL PICKS
Third-generation Andreotti Family Farms continues its fall tradition with their famed corn maze, hayrides, sunflower groves, family photo ops, and—most importantly—locally grown pumpkins straight from the farm. Over 30 varieties of pumpkins can be picked from the farm stand including some unique edible varieties. Look for the green- and blue-skinned Marina di Chioggias and Blue Hubbard pumpkins that many are surprised to find some of the best tasting orange pulp on the inside! Farm Stand sales open daily, and ticket reservations for on-the-farm visits are available now.
Hours: 10am–5pm, Open daily October 1–31
Pumpkin Patch: 800 North Cabrillo Highway, Half Moon Bay
Farm Stand: 329 Kelly Ave #1633, Half Moon Bay
More Info: Facebook
HIGH TIME FOR PIE. PICK UP PIES AND PUMPKINS AT PIE RANCH
For those on the road after a full day of farm adventures… well, there’s always room for some pie!
Pie Ranch starts baking and selling their pumpkin pies now until the end of October, as well as selling carving pumpkins from local Pescadero farm Brisa Ranch. Pumpkins aside, fall decor and kitchen goodies galore can be found at the farm stand with shelves of squash staples like Delicata, Acorn and Kabocha as well as jams and pies made from autumn-harvested apples and pears.
Hours: 12pm–5pm Weekdays (Closed Tuesday), 10am–5pm Weekends
Getting There: 2080 North Cabrillo Highway, Pescadero
More Info: Instagram
CELEBRATE THE GREAT PUMPKIN. THE 50TH HALF MOON BAY ART & PUMPKIN FESTIVAL IS OCTOBER 15–16
It’s back! The World Pumpkin Capital aka Half Moon Bay celebrates its Golden Anniversary Art & Pumpkin Festival, with a smashing lineup of heavyweight champion pumpkins, The Great Pumpkin Parade, harvest-inspired art, and delicious food and drink. Show off your pumpkin flair with creativity and a little friendly competition with pie-eating and costume contests on the docket. And don’t miss out on witnessing expert pumpkin carver's pumpkin monster masterpieces and getting photo ops with the 2022 grand champion mega-gourd. Festival admission is free!
Hours: 9am–5pm, October 15 & 16
Getting There: Main Street, Half Moon Bay
More Info: Website
Announcements, descriptions and details in The Local Beet newsletter have been provided and shared by sponsoring local businesses and locations. Edible has not tasted everything on this page—yet! If you have questions or corrections, please contact the local businesses featured here.
