Fall Festivals, Pumpkins & Hayrides
Fall in Raleigh is the perfect time to get your family outside for pumpkin patches, hayrides, and seasonal festivals. We've rounded up the best autumn activities happening around the Triangle where you can pick pumpkins, enjoy fresh cider, and make memories in the crisp fall air. From vineyard harvest celebrations to classic hayride adventures, there's something for every age and budget.
Love Local Fall Into Downtown - Fall Harvest Night
Love Local Fall Into Downtown - Fall Harvest Night at Apex, NC 27502
Harvest Festival
Celebrate autumn at Duke Gardens with activities, music & demonstrations for all ages.
Yarn Pumpkins, Grades 6-12
Grades 6–12 craft colorful yarn pumpkins—a cozy fall art project at the library.
Harvest Festival
Multi-day harvest celebration in Clayton with seasonal fun for the whole family.
Curiosity Crew, K-2 - Pumpkin Guts and Goodies
K–2nd graders explore pumpkin anatomy through hands-on science & art at the library.
Historic Halloween Turnip-o-Lantern Contest
Carve a turnip-o-lantern & enter the contest at Hillsborough Main Library for prizes.
Good to know
- When do fall festivals and pumpkin patches open in Raleigh?
- Most pumpkin patches and fall festivals in the Raleigh area open in late September and run through October and early November. Check individual venues for exact opening dates and hours, as they vary by location.
- Are fall festivals in Raleigh free to attend?
- Many fall festivals offer free admission, though some charge a small entry fee—and most have paid activities like hayrides, pumpkin picking, or food vendors inside. Always check ahead to see what's included with admission.
- What age kids enjoy hayrides and pumpkin picking?
- Hayrides and pumpkin patches are fun for toddlers through tweens, though very young children may need extra attention during picking. Most venues are stroller-friendly, and many offer smaller pumpkins perfect for little hands.
- What should I expect at a Raleigh-area harvest festival?
- Typical harvest festivals feature pumpkin patches, hayrides, live music, fall food (cider, caramel apples, kettle corn), and sometimes petting zoos or corn mazes. Some are farm-based while others are community events, so activities vary by location.
- Can I pick my own pumpkins near Raleigh?
- Yes, several local farms and orchards around Raleigh offer u-pick pumpkin patches during fall season. Call ahead to confirm availability and any size or quantity limits.