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 28 – October 30, 2024. 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).
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 guests. 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 28 – October 31, 2024, Open Every Day, 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Cost: Admission is a $7 suggested donation per person ages four 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 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 at the Gardens: Harvest Illuminated
October 17 - 19, 2024, 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 five years old are FREE
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. 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 will also 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 26, 2024, 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm.
Cost: FREE
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 the Official Grand Junction Visitor Guide.