Pumpkin season is here, and Sacramento knows how to do it right. Whether you’re after a quick photo op for Instagram, a family hayride tradition, or a pumpkin spice donut straight from the farm stand, there’s no shortage of pumpkin patches near the capital city.
This 2026 guide breaks down the top Sacramento-area pumpkin farms, complete with activities, costs, and tips for making the most of your fall weekends.
Confirmed 2026 Season Dates
Most guides you will find this month are still running last year’s dates. These came straight off each farm’s own site, checked September 18, 2026.
| Farm | Where | 2026 season | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm | Wheatland | September 4 to November 15, 2026 | Their 54th harvest. Open 7 days a week. A bonus weekend ran August 28 to 30. Hours shift through the season: 9am to 10pm Friday and Saturday from September 18, and 9am to 7pm on Halloween itself. |
| Dave’s Pumpkin Patch at Vierra Farms | West Sacramento | September 19 to October 31, 2026 | Giant jumping pillow, corn maze, hay pyramid, hay maze, pumpkin chunkin, pig races, and movie nights under the stars. Wristbands are $12 weekdays and $20 weekends for ages 3 and up. |
| Cool Patch Pumpkins | Dixon | Opens September 19, 2026 | Open every day, 9am to 8pm, weather permitting. |
| Little Field Farms | Loomis | Opens September 19, 2026 | Every pumpkin is grown on the farm. Corn maze, photo spots and a mini-pumpkin slingshot. |
| Keema’s Pumpkin Farm | Elk Grove | September 25 to November 1, 2026 | Back after sitting out 2025. Tuesday to Friday 11am to 6pm, weekends 10am to 6pm, closed Mondays. |
| Fog Willow Farms | Wilton | Opens Saturday, September 26, 2026 | Their 24th season. $12 general admission for ages 3 and up. |
Also worth the drive, though they had not posted 2026 dates when we checked: Uncle Ray’s in Sacramento (its site says 2026 details are coming), Zittel Farms in Folsom, Bobby Dazzler’s in Woodland, and Plenty O’ Pumpkins in Old Sacramento, which has run Thursdays to Saturdays in October to benefit the Children’s Receiving Home of Sacramento. Call before you load the car.
Why Sacramento Loves Pumpkin Season
Sacramento sits right in the heart of farm country. Drive 30–60 minutes in any direction and you’ll hit rolling orchards, vineyards, and family-run farms. Pumpkin patches here aren’t just about buying a pumpkin — they’re full-day experiences with:
- Corn mazes
- Hayrides
- Pumpkin cannons
- Petting zoos
- Fall food (apple cider, kettle corn, donuts)
It’s a fall tradition that blends NorCal’s farm-to-fork vibe with small-town charm.
Best Pumpkin Patches Near Sacramento
| Farm / Patch | Location | Highlights | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm | Wheatland | Farm train, carousel, corn mazes, apple cider doughnuts, u-pick patch | Free entry, pay per activity |
| Dave’s Pumpkin Patch | West Sac | Corn maze, hay rides, pumpkin chunkin, pig races, cider donuts | $12 weekdays, $20 weekends |
| Apple Hill | Placerville | Pumpkins + apple pies, cider mills, wineries, family fall fun | Free entry, activities vary |
| Cool Patch Pumpkins | Dixon | Billed as the world’s largest corn maze, u-pick patch, corn bath, hay rides | Maze tickets online; 5 and under free |
| Fog Willow Farms | Wilton | Petting zoo, hayrides, pig races, school field trips | $12 (ages 3+) |
Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm – Wheatland
Bishop’s is basically the Disneyland of pumpkin patches. A 40-minute drive from Sacramento, this farm is massive and offers:
- Pumpkin Train – the BPF Line farm train.
- Corn Mazes – a kiddie maze plus 2-acre and 7-acre mazes.
- U-Pick Pumpkins – fields filled with every size imaginable.
- Foodie Heaven – apple cider doughnuts, caramel apples, BBQ.
- Extras – a carousel, slides, a petting zoo, and free climbing at Fort AlotAFun and the hay jump.
💡 Pro Tip: Go early on weekends or midweek to avoid insane crowds.
Dave’s Pumpkin Patch – West Sacramento
Dave’s is famous for its corn maze, with a new design each year. Located just across the river, it’s close to the city and great for families who don’t want to drive far.
- Pumpkin cannon (yes, they actually launch pumpkins) on weekends.
- Haunted corn maze nights for teens + adults. Last year’s ran October 24 to November 1, 2025; 2026 dates were not posted when we checked.
- Dave’s apple cider cinnamon donuts. Food and pumpkin picking don’t need a wristband.
Cool Patch Pumpkins – Dixon
Home to what it bills as the world’s largest corn maze, Cool Patch is a legend. The design is drawn by hand and changes every year, and it’s no joke — plan on 1.5 to 2 hours to get through.
- Mega Maze – maze entry stops at 8pm, but the gates stay open until 10pm so you can finish in the dark.
- Photo Ops – giant pumpkins + farm backdrops.
- Food Court – tri-tip sandwiches and coffee drinks.
💡 Pro Tip: Bring water and a flashlight if you attempt the maze at night.
Fog Willow Farms – Wilton
If you’ve got little ones, Fog Willow is your best bet. It’s about 10 minutes from Elk Grove, opens September 26, 2026, and skips the mazes and scary stuff on purpose.
- Petting zoos and more than 50 farm animals.
- Unlimited old-fashioned hayrides.
- U-pick pumpkins small enough for toddlers to carry.
- Pumpkin farm field trips for schools.
Apple Hill – Placerville
Not just pumpkins — Apple Hill is an entire fall experience. High Hill Ranch’s pumpkin patch opens September 19, 2026, per the Apple Hill Growers calendar.
- Fresh apple pies, donuts, and cider.
- Orchards and vineyards with wine tastings for adults.
- Pumpkin patches + craft fairs.
- Scenic fall foliage for family photos.
💡 Pro Tip: Go early in the morning to avoid Highway 50 traffic.
What to Bring to a Pumpkin Patch
| Must-Have Item | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Comfortable Shoes | Corn mazes + fields = lots of walking. |
| Cash & Card | Some vendors don’t take cards. |
| Reusable Bags | Easier to carry multiple pumpkins. |
| Camera/Phone | Instagram-worthy backdrops everywhere. |
| Layers of Clothing | Mornings are chilly, afternoons get warm. |
Sacramento Pumpkin Patch Events 2026
- Elk Grove Giant Pumpkin Festival (Oct 3–4, 2026): Giant pumpkin weigh-off, pumpkin regatta, carnival rides and contests. Free admission, $20 parking.
- Boo Clues at Sacramento Zoo: A Halloween scavenger hunt through the zoo. Last year’s ran October 26, 2025 ($30, zoo admission included); the 2026 date was not posted when we checked.
FAQs: Sacramento Pumpkin Patches 2026
When do Sacramento pumpkin patches open?
Most open in mid to late September. Bishop’s opened September 4, 2026; Dave’s, Cool Patch and Little Field Farms open September 19; Keema’s opens September 25 and Fog Willow September 26. Most run through Halloween, and Bishop’s stays open until November 15.
Which pumpkin patch is best for kids?
Fog Willow Farms in Wilton, about 10 minutes from Elk Grove. No mazes, cannons or scary creatures, just farm animals, hayrides and pumpkins.
Which pumpkin patch has the best food?
Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm wins with apple cider doughnuts, caramel apples and BBQ. Dave’s apple cider cinnamon donuts are a close second.
What’s the scariest corn maze?
Dave’s Haunted Corn Maze in West Sacramento. Last year it ran on select nights from October 24 to November 1, 2025, and 2026 dates were not posted when we checked. For sheer size, Cool Patch in Dixon bills its maze as the world’s largest.
Do I need tickets in advance?
Bishop’s admission is free and you only pay for attractions. Dave’s sells wristbands online ($12 weekdays, $20 weekends), and Cool Patch sells corn maze tickets online.
Final Thoughts
Pumpkin season in Sacramento is more than a photo op — it’s a tradition. From Bishop’s cider doughnuts to Apple Hill apple pies, from corn mazes in Dixon to Halloween at the Sacramento Zoo, fall here is packed with flavors, fun, and family time.
Grab your boots, your pumpkin spice latte, and your sense of adventure. Sacramento’s pumpkin patches are calling.
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