3 Minute Read
Photo: Bobby Segurola
Make plans to celebrate the fall season! From hayrides and corn mazes to petting zoos and a wicked pumpkin carving event, Grand Junction has planned some of the best fall festivities just for you. Grab your flannel and family and create new autumn memories including a visit to Colorado National Monument, also known as the mini Grand Canyon!
Studt Farms: September 30 – October 29, 2023. Tuesdays – Thursdays, 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Fridays, 12:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Saturdays & Sundays, 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Cost: Tickets are $12 on weekdays (Tuesday – Friday) and $16 on weekends (Saturdays & Sundays).
Photo: Visit Grand Junction
Ranked as one of the best pumpkin patches in the country by Fox, Studt Farms has been a favorite fall experience in Grand Junction for locals and visitors. While they do have the expected classics like a giant pumpkin patch, an intricate corn maze, and horse-drawn hayrides, Studt Farms goes above and beyond to celebrate this colorful season. Hop in one of the pedal cars and zoom around the straw bale track or watch the daily pig races and choose the one that you think will be the winner. Take aim while shooting the corn cannons, follow the story trail in the corn maze or simply relax by one of their cozy fire pits. You can also visit the bird aviary, where they have native and exotic birds on display or wander around the petting zoo and give your furry friends some love. There's more! They also have pony rides, three giant inground bouncy pumpkin inflatables, hay mountain slides and an animal barrel train for the kiddos. So, if you’re looking to get in the mood for the fall season, Studt Farms is the place to go.
Moon Farm: September 24 – October 31, 2023, Open Every Day, 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Cost: Admission is a $7 suggested donation per person ages 4 and older
Moon Farm is another fall favorite and has been around for over 50 years. What started as a family playhouse project has expanded to include over 30 exhibits from a gingerbread house and a Spanish castle to a Viking ship and even a house that’s shaped like a shoe! While the exhibits are open most of the year (April – October), Moon Farm also creates new fall activities and attractions to keep things fresh and fun. If you’re looking for a good scare, weave your way through the haunted straw maze or cautiously walk the haunted castle. For those who are just looking to enjoy a beautiful Grand Junction fall day, Moon Farm also provides hayrides and a pumpkin patch where you can pick your own jack-o-lantern.
Fall Day on the Farm – October 21, 2023, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Cost: $7 for adults, $6 for seniors, $5 for children
Photo: Visit Grand Junction
Immerse yourself in the harvest season at Cross Orchards Historic Site for Fall Day on the Farm. This 12-acre apple orchard and historic site celebrates the harvest with fresh-pressed cider made onsite. Local vendors offer their produce and handmade products, while interactive games and performances add even more entertainment to this family-friendly event. Take the youngsters on a train ride and join a docent-led hay ride to get the full experience of this historic apple orchard and learn the rich history of this land. Local food trucks are onsite, so there is no need to worry about lunch and there are plenty of exhibits to peruse while you sip a fresh-pressed cup of cider.
Fall at the Gardens: Harvest Illuminated - October 26, 2023, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. October 27, 2023, 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm. October 28, 2023, 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm.
Cost: $25 for adults 18 years and older, $15 for children 5-17 years old & seniors 65+, children under 5 years old are FREE
Photo: @systemofachad
As one of the premier pumpkin carving and lighting events, Harvest Illuminated hosts some of the most renowned food artists and carvers in the country – two of whom were expert contestants on Food Network’s “Outrageous Pumpkins” during the 2020 season - Willy Tuz and David Smith. Join in on the fun as these professional sculptors take pumpkin carving to the next level including Grand Junction’s own, Willy Tuz. Alongside him are other greats like Mujii Tsagaan Munkh-erden, the director of the Mongolian National Ice Carving Association, and Keith Martin, the owner of Snice Carvings and captain of the Breckenridge International Snow Sculpting team. This event includes live pumpkin carving demonstrations followed by an auction for the jack-o-lantern masterpieces that were carved before your eyes. The Western Colorado Botanical Gardens is also going to have some lights of its own. The professionally designed display will illuminate the gardens and give light to the beauty of the botanicals that fill this space. Plan to join us and leave with new carving techniques or just capture some great photos of real-life tv stars creating works of art that will blow your mind!
Downtown Spooktacular - October 22, 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm.
Cost: FREE
Photo: @chowdown_gj
There’s nothing like experiencing how excited the kiddos get when planning their Halloween costume, let alone an actual night of trick or treating. Downtown Grand Junction makes it an even bigger deal when bushels of candy are given out at the annual Downtown Trick or Treat Spooktacular. Main Street is closed off from traffic so kiddos can safely run around filling up their bags while enjoying the live performances that are arranged for this spooky celebration. Plan to attend this fun and safe Halloween event, especially since Halloween is on a school night this year. Arrive a little early and treat yourselves to dinner before the festivities begin!
Grand Junction always has an abundance of events, concerts, and festivals throughout the year, so join us for these exciting activities as well!
For more ways to experience Grand Junction, check out pages 16-23 of the Official Grand Junction Visitor Guide.