As the days get shorter and the leaves turn different shades of red, October brings a whole new lineup of exciting fall events in Seattle. From autumn harvests at pumpkin patches to experiencing spooky thrills, this month offers a wide array of activities for everyone. If you want to find something new and fun to do this month, read on to plan your adventures with this guide.
Craven Farm Fall Festival & Pumpkin Patch
Tucked in the Snohomish countryside, Craven Farm transforms into a festive fall destination from late September through the end of October. The main attraction of the farm is the U-Pick pumpkin patch, where you’ll find pumpkins in every shape and size. While the pumpkins are the star of the show, there are a large variety of other activities to enjoy. Visitors can explore corn mazes, take a hayride, play mini golf, or engage in rubber duck races. The farm also features food vendors providing fall delicacies such as kettle corn, caramel apples, and apple cider donuts. While you need to purchase a wristband to take part in the fun activities at Craven Farm, you don’t need one to visit the pumpkin patch or the Harvest Market, which offers a diverse selection of seasonal produce. Craven Farm is open Wednesday through Sunday, and general admission wristbands are $15 on weekdays and $20 on weekends. Make sure to wear clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting muddy, as the fields can become messy after rain!
If you’re a music lover, get ready to dig for hidden gems at the Northwest Record Show on October 19. Held at the Seattle Center Armory, this event brings together dozens of music vendors from across the Pacific Northwest selling a vast selection of collectible vinyl records, CDs, and other music-related paraphernalia. From classic rock and jazz, to hip-hop and pop, you’ll find a wide range of genres to explore, whether you’re a seasoned collector searching for a rare find, or just starting your vinyl collection. With the reemerging popularity of record players and vintage vinyls, this show is a great place to connect with other music enthusiasts. The event starts at 10 a.m., so make sure to arrive on time if you want the first pick.
Experience a night of beauty at the Water Lantern Festival held at West Greenlake Beach. This event invites people to create their own floating lantern to release onto the water, joining hundreds of others as they light up the lake. This occasion also features food trucks, music, and various other activities to enjoy before the lantern launch. This year, the festival will be held on Oct. 11 and 12. Ticket prices range from about $30 to $55, depending on how far in advance you purchase them. Each ticket includes a floating lantern kit, and participants are encouraged to decorate their lantern with a message, wish, or in memory of a loved one. The festival is also environmentally friendly, as all lanterns are made from wood and rice paper.
For those looking for a good scare during this spooky month, Marris Farms in Buckley offers one of the area’s most popular haunted attractions. The Haunted Woods is a terrifying trek through a dark forest willed with elaborate scares and unexpected frights. It is not recommended for anyone under the age of 12, so don’t bring your younger sibling unless they are the type to not get scared. In addition to the Haunted Woods, Maris Farms has some daytime farm fun with a corn maze, pumpkin patch, and other family-friendly activities. However, it is a longer drive from Seattle, so if you are not there for the scare, it is recommended to find a more local pumpkin patch. The Haunted Woods operates on select weekend evenings in October, and general admission tickets are around $40, with a Fast Pass for $60 and a VIP pass for $100. Be sure to buy your tickets online in advance, as they are not available on site.
Get ready to lace up your running shoes and set sail with Captain Jack’s Treasure Run. This pirate-themed fun run invites participants to don their costumes and embark on a journey through scenic roads and trails in Redmond. The event offers distances for all levels, including a 5K, 8K, and 12K. The race takes place on Sunday, Oct. 26, and all participants receive a finisher’s medal and a race shirt. This event is a great way to kick off your Halloween festivities while also getting some exercise in. The race is working to raise money for the Eastside Firefighters Benevolent Fund, and there is also an option to donate at the race. Prices vary depending on the distance you choose, ranging from about $20-$60.