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.
Here are some fun fall events and farms within 30 minutes of Meadow View Townhomes at Rice Ranch in Orcutt, California. Our new homes are in Santa Barbara County’s only master-planned community, which is nestled in 580 acres of open space and hiking/biking trails and includes private access to the Summit Club.
Most pumpkin patches, farms, and maze/activity spots are open from October 1 to 31. Check their sites for times.
Oct 1-31, SYV Scarecrow Fest in Santa Ynez Valley
The 2021 SYV Scarecrow Fest will for the 9th time, include 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.
Fridays & Saturdays, Oct 13-29, Haunted Hills in Santa Maria
With fear-inducing scenes, creepy sounds, and scary interactions, the Cowboys of Rodeo’s past and restless equipment will come to life for a limited time. These frightful nights are not for the faint of heart! This year, you can choose to do the drive-thru in your own vehicle or you can be a part of the Ultimate Fright VIP Experience! Trade out the safety of your vehicle for an open-air hayride, if you dare. If you’re brave enough, you may survive the over 2 miles of up close and personal terrors. This event will be terrifying people from October 1-30 at the Elks Unocal Events Center just off Highway 101 in Santa Maria.
Get more Haunted Hills info here.
Saturday, Oct 21, Day in the Country in Los Olivos
Los Olivos’ most highly acclaimed festival of the year, the popular Day in the Country is back! Join us for a weekend of fun with the early-morning NatureTrack 5k & Fun Run, small-town parade, 100 vendors, specials, food trucks, live music, Wine Roundup through town, Beer Garden at Fig Mtn Brew, NatureTrack Film Festival and more. This special day is a wonderful opportunity for families to enjoy country living and everything you love about our small town. And best of all, attendance is free!
Get more Day in the Country info here.
Friday-Sunday, Nov 10-12, 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.
U-Pick Blueberries (and Pumpkins) in Santa Maria
During the summer, this is a u-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.
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.
About Meadow View Townhomes
Fall brings you and your family pumpkins galore and plenty of fall fun here in Santa Barbara County. So, come home to Rice Ranch, where location, luxury, and lifestyle become one. Visit our model homes today – we have limited quantities left!
