It’s pumpkin season!
From church sales to pick-your-own and giant fall festivals, here are a few places to find your gourde for decorating, carving or even cooking.
Some fall festivals have admission fees, and for those we recommend getting tickets online before heading out. Some of these festivals are very popular and you may encounter long lines, so arrive early!
Immanuel Church on the Hill — This Alexandria church at the intersection of Seminary Road and Quaker Lane celebrates its 25th anniversary pumpkin patch from Sept. 30 to Oct. 31 this year. From tiny “spookies” to gourdes and large carving pumpkins, the pumpkin patch proceeds support church activities and outreach, including support for non-profit organizations. Learn more at www.immanuel-on-the-hill.org. Free.
Nalls Produce — Pumpkin Hill opens on Sept. 29! Apple cider, mums, gourds, pumpkins and much more. Nalls Produce in Kingstowne is at 7310 Beulah Street. For more information, call (703) 971-4068. Learn more at nallsproduce.com.
Looking to pick your own or make a day-trip of it? Here are a few more options:
Burke Nursery Pumpkin Playground in Burke — Great for younger kids, the Burke Nursery Pumpkin Playground includes slides, tunnels, swings, play areas and more. Food and live entertainment are included on the weekends. Learn more at
Cox Farms in Centreville — one of the region’s most beloved fall festivals, Cox Farms fall festival includes slides, haunted hayrides, a pumpkin patch, cider and much more. It’s open Sept. 22 to Nov. 6, and includes the Fields of Fear attractions. Learn more at www.coxfarms.com or fieldsoffear.coxfarms.com. (We recommend arriving early in the day to avoid traffic and crowds!)
Greenstreet Gardens (Lothian, Maryland location) — Greenstreet Gardens hosts an annual fall festival with hayrides, a tire tower, corn maze, slide, corn box and, of course, pumpkins. The festival runs from Sept. 28 through Oct. 28, daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. More information on it is available at greenstreetgardens.com/fall-festival.
Sky Meadows State Park — From Oct. 6 to Oct. 28 on the weekends, Sky Meadows State Park about an hour away near Paris, Virginia, features food, music, pumpkins and more. Learn more at www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/sky-meadows.
