While we might not have a “change of season” heralded with multi-colored leaves or chilly breezes signaling a prelude to winter, fall can be found in South Florida.
We just bring a lot of that autumn goodness by truck. That’s right, regardless of our latitude, Palm Beach County will be packed with pumpkins and pumpkin events this fall.
Those gorgeous orange gourds will be making appearances from Tequesta down to Boca Raton and maybe, just maybe, if you find that ‘most sincere’ patch, you could even see “the Great Pumpkin.”
(And in between those prime photo moments, you’ll still be able to hit the beaches, listen to the wind whip through the palm trees and never once consider a future of shoveling driveways or scraping windshields.)
Here are 14 places to find and fete the mighty pumpkin in Palm Beach County:
Tequesta Brewing Company’s annual Pumpkinfest
Get into the fall spirit with this highly-anticipated event that will once again feature the exclusive release of their Oh My Gourd Pumpkin Ale. Master Brewer and TBC owner Fran Andrewlevich said that once released they can go through up to 100 gallons of this popular beer per day until they run out. There will be five other beer releases with two, including the Cappuccino Pumpkin and Chocolate Vanilla Pumpkin, giving praise to pumpkins. The Cholo Soy truck will be on site from 2 to 8 p.m. and the Andrew Morris Band will get the joint country rocking from 7 to 10 p.m.
The event will be held from noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12. 287 US 1, Tequesta. Free. 21 and older after 6 p.m. Information: tequestabrewing.com
Tequesta Farmers Market Pumpkin Patch
Explore this pumpkin patch and seek out some semi-cylindrical, orange perfection while perusing other vendors during the event.
The pumpkin patch, which also ran Sept. 28 and Oct. 5, will return once more from 8 a.m. to noon on Sunday, Oct. 12 at 361 Tequesta Drive, Tequesta. Free. Information: instagram.com
Pumpkin Fest 2024 at Harbourside Place
Presented by the Chasin A Dream Foundation, this 8th annual event will feature live music by John Patterson and Jutt Huffman, food and drinks, a costume contest, trick-or-treating to over 50 vendors, stilt walkers, face painting, a haunted house by Dementa Graphics and, of course, a pumpkin patch. Chasin A Dream provides services to Palm Beach, Martin and St Lucie county children who are battling cancer, cystic fibrosis, heart disease, seizures disorder, traumatic brain injury and other life threatening illnesses and disabilities.
The event is 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19. 200 N. US 1, Jupiter. Free. Information: harboursideplace.com
Pumpkin Towne, Jupiter and Wellington
Enjoy bounce houses, hay bales for climbing, photo ops with pumpkins and three varieties of pumpkins. They include carving pumpkins, pie pumpkins and heirloom pumpkins. They are all sold by the pound.
Both locations will be open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week from Oct. 3 to Oct. 31. 14 N. Old Dixie Highway, Jupiter; 2635 State Road 7, Wellington. Information: pumpkintowne.com
JupiterFIRST’s Pumpkin Patch
There will be artists and crafters along with children’s activities including a bounce house, pumpkins, face painting, a picture booth, a bake sale and a plant sale. Food and drinks will be for sale from several food trucks that will be onsite.
The event is 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19. 1475 Indiantown Road, Jupiter. Free. Information: jupiterfirst.org/pumpkinfestival
Trinity Christian School Pumpkin Patch
This annual event in its 36th year will feature thousand of those great orange orbs of all shapes and sizes along with a variety of delicious baked goods. There will be plenty of areas for photo ops and, on opening night, the Christ Fellowship Food Truck will be onsite serving up some tasty treats.
The patch opens Friday, Oct. 11 and runs noon to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays; and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 31. 9625 N. Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens. Free. Information: tcspbg.org/community/pumpkin-patch
Pumpkin Stroll & Moonlight Concert, North Palm Beach
Enjoy a magical night of music under the moon with artists Peter Troup as well as a stroll across the MacArthur Beach boardwalk illuminated by dozens of creative and incredibly-carved Jack-o’-lanterns.
The event is 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26. 10900 Jack Nicklaus Drive, North Palm Bech. $5. Information: macarthurbeach.org/events-calendar
Mr. Jack O’ Lanterns Pumpkin Patch, West Palm Beach
Admission includes unlimited access to all games & activities, one mini pumpkin, and one session of pumpkin decorating. New this year will be the giant extreme wicked obstacle course; the Wee Be Little Bounce: bounce house for small kids only; bouncy house, bouncy slide; pumpkin decorating station; carving station and more.
The patch opens Friday, Oct. 4 and is open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Thursday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays. 419 Lakeview Ave., West Palm Beach. $25. Information: mrjackolanternspumpkins.com
St. Peter’s United Methodist Church Wellington Pumpkin Patch
Peruse the patch at St. Peter’s while searching for that perfect pumpkin and make sure to pick up a loaf of freshly-baked pumpkin bread at this annual event.
The event is 2 to 8 p.m. Monday to Friday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays; noon to 8 p.m. Sundays from Oct. 12 to 30. 12200 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington. Information: stpeters-umc.org/pumpkin-patch
Floating Pumpkin Patch Party at the YMCA of the Palm Beaches
Children and families are invited to this annual party that puts a South Florida spin on the old school patch. The pumpkins at this event float and kids dive into the pool in search of the perfect gourd. Supplies will be provided for carving, painting, and decorating.
The event is 5:30 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18. 2728 Lake Worth Road, Lake Worth Beach. Members $10, nonmembers $15. Information: 561-968-9622
Bedner’s Fall Festival 2024, Boynton Beach
This event will stretch from the end of September through Halloween and will feature a pumpkin patch, animal EDventure park, tractor rides, a corn maze, the butterfly & ladybug park and the sunflower field (weather and growing condition dependent). There will also be balloon animals, henna tattoos, face painting, axe throwing and much more. Come hungry and chow down on homemade ice cream, roasted sweet corn, smoked turkey legs, cider doughnuts and plenty more. No pets.
The festival runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (last ticket sold at 5 p.m.) Sept 28 to Oct. 31. 10066 Lee Road, Boynton Beach. Weekends $25.99, weekdays $20.99. Information: bedners.com/events
Pumpkin Patch Pop Up at Compson Place
From baseball-sized beauties to massive monsters that take two people to carry, pick the perfect pumpkin at this pop-up patch located in the fountain area adjacent to First Watch. Artists will be on hand to personalize purchased pumpkins with a monogram or a name, courtesy of Compson Place. All proceeds will benefit Cason United Methodist Church.
The event is 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 26. 1500 Gateway Blvd., Boynton Beach. Free. Pumpkin prices vary by size. Information: 561-413-5909
Ford Boca Raton Pumpkin Patch Festival
For the seventh year, celebrate the joys of the fall season with unlimited carnival rides, a kiddie cornstalk maze, a scarecrow dress-up village (where pumpkin-headed scarecrows await) and a massive pumpkin patch with over 2,500 gorgeous gourds. The annual event will feature two sessions on Saturday (10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.) and one on Sunday (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
The festival is 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct, 19 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20. 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton. $27.50. Information: bocapumpkinpatch.com
The Shops at Boca Center’s Pumpkin Pop-Up
Get in that patch and begin your quest. The perfect pumpkin is waiting for you, maybe even calling you (it’s usually faint, so you’ll have to listen closely). It could a softball-sized specimen or gargantuan gourd ready to impress all. Artists will be on hand to personalize those purchased pumpkins.
The event is 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26. 5150 Town Center Circle, Boca Raton. Free. Pricing varies by size. Information: bocacenter.com
Eddie Ritz is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at [email protected]. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Best pumpkin patches and fall festivals in Palm Beach County
