Fall is officially here, and Santa Barbara County is putting on tons of family fun! It’s a great time to head out on a quick road trip for the day: tourism has wound down, the weather is still gorgeous, and there’s plenty of space outside. You’ll get some great family memories plus cute fall décor for your home. There are Scarecrows, Haunted Hills, a Day in the Country, Clam Festival, Fall Carnival and much more.

Here are some fun fall events and farms within 30 minutes of Rice Ranch in Orcutt, California. Watch this space…Haunted Hills in Santa Maria will be coming soon!

4 Fall Events

Don’t miss these 4 Fall Events!

1. Saturday, Oct 12, Day in the Country in Los Olivos

The community of Los Olivos invites everyone to join in for a festive day filled with small-town charm. Los Olivos Day in the Country features over 150 craft vendors, a wine festival, an apple pie contest, pumpkin carving, a beer garden, live music, food trucks, and a town-wide scarecrow contest where visitors can vote for their favorite. This family-friendly, free celebration is a true reflection of the vibrant spirit of Los Olivos. And best of all, attendance is free!

The day begins at 10 a.m. with a delightful town parade showcasing local dance troupes, antique cars, horses, and more. Spectators can line the sides of Grand Avenue to enjoy the festivities. After the parade, visitors can explore over 150 artisan vendors selling arts and crafts, enjoy the apple pie contest and pumpkin carving in the park, relax in the designated kids’ zone, and listen to live music. The event also includes a beer garden, local shops, and a wine festival highlighting award-winning Los Olivos wines.

Get more Day in the Country info here.

2. October 19 – 20, Pismo Beach Clam Festival

A beloved community tradition since 1946, the annual Pismo Beach Clam Festival draws generations of families and visitors who gather for three days of festivities along the scenic Pacific Ocean in Pismo Beach. This family-friendly event kicks off with the Clam Festival Parade, taking place on Saturday morning at 10 a.m. on Price Street. The festival is free to attend and offers live music, local vendors, food trucks, and a large Kids Zone featuring bounce houses and inflatables at no cost.

Both mornings, AmpSurf will host its Operation Restoration Learn to Surf Clinic, providing opportunities for participants to experience the thrill of surfing.

Get more Clam Festival info here.

3. October 19, Santa Barbara Vintners Festival

The 40th annual Santa Barbara Vintner’s Festival is set to take place this fall in the stunning Santa Barbara Wine Country, a picturesque time of year that showcases the beauty of California. This year, the festival will be hosted at the historic Vega Vineyard & Farm.

Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the scenic property while sampling wines from over 70 wineries, meeting winemakers and winery owners, and enjoying gourmet food from more than 25 regional restaurants, chefs, farmers, and ranchers. Live music will provide a lively backdrop, and guests can sip sparkling wine in the Bubble Lounge or engage in interactive activities like the silent auction. Tickets are still available for this can’t-miss event!

4. Friday-Sunday, Nov 8-10, Fall Fest in Buellton

This is the ultimate family event: a Carnival and Fall Festival on Avenue of the Flags in Buellton. You will find carnival games and rides, including a vast Ferris Wheel right on on Avenue of the Flags, more than 25 Bands on 2 different stages, a fun Street Faire and awesome Food Vendors. Plus, admission is free for all!

Get more Fall Festival info here.

Pumpkin Patches, Farms & Mazes

Most pumpkin patches, farms, and maze/activity spots are open from October 1 to 31. Check their sites for times.

SYV Scarecrow Fest in Santa Ynez Valley

The 2024 SYV Scarecrow Fest will delight for the 12th time, including the SYV communities of Ballard, Buellton, Los Alamos, Los Olivos, Santa Ynez, and Solvang. Come visit anytime in October to play, stay, and enjoy the scarecrow sights and seasonal area activities like the renowned pumpkin patch and corn maze, plus Open Streets and Day in the Country.

Get more Scarecrow Fest info here.

U-Pick Blueberries (and Pumpkins) in Santa Maria

During the summer, this is a you-pick blueberry farm, and in October it transforms into a family pumpkin patch, scarecrow fest and craft spot for all ages. Check out their succulent workshops, hayrides, tractor rides, gallery of scarecrows, kid snacks, upcoming costume and jack-o-lantern contests and more. Make sure to watch their Facebook page for event and workshop announcements. Open Fridays – Sundays from 10am – 5pm through October.

Get more U-Pick Blueberries info here.

The Patch Santa Maria + Corn Maze

The Patch in Santa Maria provides an affordable, family-friendly fall attraction and free agricultural programs to high school students in Santa Maria. With the support of the Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department and Betteravia Farms, The Patch has provided local high school students with leadership opportunities and agricultural experiences that directly benefit the community of Santa Maria. Opening September 27!

Attractions include:

• Corny Corn Maze – Find your way through our acre corn maze. follow the friendly monsters as they help you find your way out!
• Educational Exhibit – Take a walk through our educational exhibit created by local high school students. from butterflies to pumpkins – there is an exhibit for everyone to enjoy.
• Photo Areas – Visit our many photo areas for your seasonal photos with your family.
• House Of Terrors – Enjoy a student-coordinated free spooky walk-through…if you dare!

Get The Patch Santa Maria info here.

Nipomo Pumpkin Patch

This down-home, relaxed farm has 50 kinds of pumpkins, specializing in Giant pumpkins and winter squash. They still have plenty of beauties in the field looking for forever homes. Carvers come in all sizes, even super impressive, extra-large ones. Whether you need to decorate, carve, or just eat them, they’ve got a pumpkin for you.

Get more Nipomo Pumpkin Patch info here.

The Solvang Farmer Pumpkin Patch + Corn Maze

One of the best corn mazes around is the 10-acre maze at the Solvang Farmer Pumpkin Patch. It’s a fun challenge, so ensure you have enough time to find your way out! They have a field of pumpkins, gourds, squash, corn stalks, hay bales, and even a maze for kids. They grow everything they sell and restock the pumpkins and gourds weekly to ensure you have access to the best selection. Open every day through November 1.

Get more Solvang Farmer Pumpkin Patch info here.

Apple Picking Just Outside Solvang

Tucked away in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley, The Yard Orchard & Co provides a one-of-a-kind farmer’s market experience where visitors can unwind, shop, and savor the simple joys of nature.Including family apple picking!

The folks at The Yard are dedicated to sourcing their produce locally, prioritizing not only the freshest, highest-quality ingredients but also supporting the community and promoting sustainable practices.

Get info about The Yard Orchard & Co here.