Best Pumpkin Patches Near Sacramento: Top Farms and Corn Mazes to Visit this Fall

When I was a kid, nothing felt more like fall than heading out to the pumpkin patch. I grew up in Citrus Heights and we'd make our annual trip to The Pumpkin Farm on Old Auburn Road (which has unfortunately closed, sigh). 

The thrill of finding and choosing the pumpkin that would become my jack-o’-lantern was pure magic. Then scooping out seeds and carving it with one of those special dull pumpkin knives was so fun! Now, as an adult, I have gotten to experience the magic through the eyes of the kiddos in my family. There’s something super cool about chaperoning kids through corn mazes, watching them climb hay bales, or hearing their absolute excitement when they spot a pumpkin that’s “the one” no matter how imperfect it is. 

The greater Sacramento region is blessed with plenty of pumpkin patches that capture that same childhood wonder. Here are some of the best spots to explore this fall: 

• Dave’s Pumpkin Patch / Vierra Farms (West Sacramento): A local favorite with something for everyone, like hay rides, a corn maze, pig races, and even pumpkin chunkin’. I went to my good friend's 30th birthday party here (in like 2008, don't judge!) and it is full of adult fun opportunities too.
• Nick & Ray’s Pumpkin Patch (Sacramento) Set on historic Bastiao Farms, this spot offers more than just pumpkins. Kids love the haunted “mining town,” corn maze, corn cannons (!), and giant straw bale pyramid. 
• Cool Patch Pumpkins (Dixon): Home to the world’s largest corn maze, this is the patch to visit if you’re up for adventure. I am not ashamed to admit I have been lost in this corn maze a few times in my life. Beyond the record-setting maze, there’s a “you-pick” pumpkin field, hayrides, and plenty of Instagram-worthy photo ops (as evidenced by my pic above).
• Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm (Wheatland): A true fall destination. Bishop’s has it all—U-Pick pumpkin fields, petting zoo, carousel, corn maze, hayrides, and a bakery filled with seasonal treats. It’s the kind of place you can spend the whole day and still not do it all. 
• Keema’s Pumpkin Farm (Elk Grove): A smaller, family-owned farm that feels more personal and low-key. With tractor rides, farm animals, and a cozy corn maze, it’s perfect if you want a quieter, less crowded patch experience. 
• Rickey Ranch (Granite Bay): Rustic charm defines this patch. Vintage tractors, farm animals, and a hay pyramid set the stage, while hidden skeletons among the vines add a playful twist to the search for pumpkins. 
• Boa Vista Orchards (Apple Hill, Placerville): Pair pumpkin picking with apple cider, pies, and gorgeous orchard views. This stop turns into a full fall day trip, especially if you want both pumpkins and the full Apple Hill harvest vibe. 
• Fog Willow Farms (Wilton): A charming farm with a picture-perfect setting. Visitors enjoy hayrides, friendly farm animals, and a climbing haystack. The on-site sugar shed with fudge and lemonade is a sweet bonus.

2024 Independence Day fireworks celebrations in the Sacramento region...

Carmichael - Red, White & Blue Celebration 

• Location: La Sierra Community Center, 5325 Engle Rd. Carmichael, CA 95608
• Cost: FREE
• Time: June 29th, 6-9pm, fireworks at 9:30pm

Citrus Heights - Stars & Stripes Celebration

• Location: Van Maren Park, 6601 Thalia Way, Citrus Heights, CA 95621
• Cost: Free
• Time: July 4th, event starts at 6pm, fireworks at 9:45pm

Elk Grove - Salute To The Red, White And Blue 

• Location: Elk Grove Regional Park, 9950 Elk Grove-Florin Road, Elk Grove, CA 95624 
• Cost: Free Admission – Parking $10 - Free Shuttle Service beginning at 4:30pm from SacRT No in/out parking privileges after 3 p.m. 
• Time: July 4th, 5pm-10pm, fireworks at 9:40pm

West Sacramento - 11th Annual Fourth on the Field 

• Location: Sutter Health Park, 400 Ballpark Drive, West Sacramento, CA 95691 
• Cost: Advance tickets are $15 and increase to $18.50 on the day of the event. Family four-pack tickets are available for $12.50 per day ticket ($16 day of). Club level for 21-and-over attendees are available for $25 ($30 day of) 
• Time: July 4th, Gates open at 6pm. Fireworks show begins at 9:30pm 

Rancho Cordova - 4th of July Celebration

• Location: Hagan Community Park; 2197 Chase Drive, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 
• Cost: $5 online ($10 the day of). Parking is $10 (cash only) 
• Time: July 3rd, gates open at 4pm, fireworks at 9:45pm; July 4th, gates open at 10am, fireworks at 9:45pm 

Folsom - Folsom Pro Rodeo

• Location: 200 Wool Street, Folsom, CA 95630
• Cost: $30 general admission, $45 reserved seating, $75 corral club, $110 family pack. 
• Time: July 3rd & 4th, gates open at 5:30pm, rodeo begins at 7:30pm, fireworks at 9pm.

Davis - 2024 Fourth of July in Davis 

• Location: Community Park, 203 East 14th Street 
• Cost: Free admission 
• Time: July 4th, 4pm-10pm, fireworks at 9:35pm

Woodland - Fireworks Celebration

• Location: Woodland High School; 21 N West Street, Woodland, CA 95695 
• Cost: Free admission 
• Time: July 4th. Pre-fireworks festivities begin at 6pm, fireworks at 9:15pm

Galt - Fireworks Spectacular

• Location: Veterans Field: 900 Caroline Avenue Galt, CA 95632
• Cost: Free admission
• Time: events start at 7:30am, fireworks at 9:30pm

Sacred Heart Holiday Home Tour - December 2 - 4, 2016

It's holiday home tour in East Sacramento again! 2016 marks the 43rd annual Sacred Heart Holiday Home Tour through the Fabulous 40's neighborhood. The homes showcase some amazing renovation and style while still preserving historic detail. All of the homes are decked out for the holidays too. Advance tickets can be purchased online or at a number of local stops (like William Glen, Emigh Hardware, Kerrie Kelly Design Lab, Pottery World, East Sac Hardware, Parkside Pharmacy, RodWorks, and others) until the Thursday night prior to the tour start for $30. This year's tour is Friday December 2nd from 11am to 8pm, Saturday December 3rd from 10am to 7pm, and Sunday December 4th from 11am to 5pm. Funds raised benefit Sacred Heart School.

My Husband was one of the Sacramento Business Journal "CFO of the Year" honorees for 2015!

Allow me to brag for a few minutes, if I may. My husband is awesome. He was one of the honorees in today's Sacramento Business Journal "CFO of the Year" awards for 2015! He has worked for nearly two years at the California District Attorneys Association and was recognized for his work there and for his contributions to his profession as incoming President for the California Society of Association Executives. Needless to say I am a super proud wife! Here we are along with our 16-year old Cameron at the awards luncheon at the Hyatt.

Road Closures due to USGA Senior Open Golf Tournament in Sacramento

The California Highway Patrol would like to remind everyone who plans to drive this week in Sacramento near Marconi Avenue near the Del Paso Country Club; the following information pertains to the road closures due to the USGA Senior Open:

MARCONI AVENUE: 4 lanes CLOSED from Lacy Lane to Watt Ave. One lane OPEN eastbound for “Resident Traffic Only”

MORSE AVENUE: CLOSED (Resident Traffic Only) from Pope Ave. to Marconi Ave.

POPE AVENUE: CLOSED (Resident Traffic Only) from Morse Ave. to Watt Ave.

**All residents affected directly will receive hanging tags to display in their vehicles in order to access streets around their homes.

It's time for this year's Taste of Land Park!

This year's annual Taste of Land Park event is taking place this coming Sunday afternoon; June 7th, 2015 from 4pm - 7pm. The cost to attend is $35 in advance or $40 at the event. This is one of my absolute favorite events! There are always lots of great local restaurants, breweries and wineries, crafts, live music, and all of your neighbors!

2014 Taste of East Sacramento - Shepard Garden and Arts Center in McKinley Park

On Sunday June 29th, from 5pm - 7pm at the Shepard Garden and Arts Center in McKinley Park (3330 McKinley Blvd - near the McKinley Rose Garden) is the 6th Annual "Taste of East Sacramento" -- this is a great event!

This year's "Taste" will include yumminess from more than 15+ local East Sac restaurants, wineries and breweries. There will also be art for sale and live music by The Brian Dougherty Trio.

Tickets for the event are $30 in advance, and the price goes up at the door...if they are even still available. I'd suggest buying your ticket well in advance! They can be purchased at Selland's Market-Cafe, by phone at 916-452-8011 or via email eastsacchamber@aol.com.

2014 David Lubin East Sacramento Garden Tour coming up in May!

It's almost time yet again for the 2014 East Sacramento Garden Tour! May 10-11, 2014 you have the rare opportunity to tour seven amazing residential gardens in East Sacramento’s “Fabulous 40s” neighborhood! Stroll along serene tree-lined streets and beautiful homes to view a variety of lush and creative gardens. Then enjoy a delicious luncheon at the Tea Garden at Sutter Lawn Tennis Club. Lunch will be catered by Curtis Catering, and this year food trucks will be parked at David Lubin Elementary School. All proceeds benefit academic and arts enrichment programs at David Lubin Elementary School.

Garden tour tickets are $20.00 in advance and $25.00 on the day of the event. Luncheon tickets are $15.00. Tickets can be purchased online here.

It's time for the 2013 Sacramento Banana Festival!

It's time for Sacramento's 4th Annual Banana Festival at William Land Park! It will be held on the Village Green (the area located on the corner of Freeport Blvd and Sutterville Road - basically right across from my Dunnigan Realtors office). This year's event is coming up on Saturday, August 10, 2013 10am - 7:30pm and Sunday, August 11, 2013 from 10am - 5pm. General Admission is $5.00 and children under 7 get in free. Events at this year's Banana Festival include a 5k walk/run, "Banana-Mania" youth art exhibit, a Carmen Miranda hat contest, live music, a wide assortment of banana-foods, and more!

2013 Curtis Park Summer Concert Series is starting this month!

The first show for the 2013 Curtis Park Summer Concert Series is coming up! This year they will be held on the last Sunday of June (the 30th), July (the 28th) and August (the 25th). Music in the Park is a free and takes place in the evenings at the north end of Curtis Park -- think where 26th Street dead-ends into the park. I love this series. It is so relaxing! I usually bring a picnic, blanket, and some canvas chairs.

It's time for A Taste of Land Park!

It's time for A Taste of Land Park again! I can't believe this is the 12th annual event...I must be getting old! the 2013 event will be on Sunday, June 9th, from 4pm - 7pm. There is a VIP hour from 3pm - 4pm for members of the Land Park Community Association. This year's event will be located on 14th Street between Vallejo Way and Markham Way.


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As usual, there will be several local restaurants, breweries, wineries, and more serving great food and drink! There will be a "Wall of Wine", local craft vendors, and live music as well!

Pre-sale tickets are $30 each and available for purchase online, ($35 at the door) or you can buy them in-person at Vic’s Ice Cream, Espresso Metro, Parkside Pharmacy and Riverside Clubhouse.

Wells Fargo and NeighborWorks introduce the NeighborhoodLIFT! $15,000 downpayment assistance for eligible Sacramento home buyers...

The folks at Wells Fargo, Wells Fargo Foundation and NeighborWorks have introduced a new downpayment assistance program! For a limited time eligible home buyers may receive $15,000 for down payment assistance for the purchase of a primary, owner-occupied residence in the City of Sacramento. This amount you receive from the program is fully forgivable after you live in the home for five years. The program is available if you are approved for home financing and your household income is equal to or less than 120% of the area median income. See the NeighborhoodLIFT eligibility requirements here.

The program will launch in Sacramento, California on November 16 and 17, 2012 with an educational event where buyers can be pre-approved for the program. RSVP to come to the NeighborhoodLIFT launch event where you'll be able to:

• Find out if you are eligible for up to $15,000 of down payment assistance on qualified properties.
• Sign up for education programs that can prepare you for finding and financing a home and managing the financial responsibilities of homeownership.
• Make an appointment for one-on-one counseling session to set up an individualized plan to work towards homeownership.
• Go on a neighborhood home tour featuring homes for sale.

To register for the launch event or to learn more about NeighborhoodLIFT, click here. All attendees MUST bring the required documents to the event. Required documents include things like your last month's paystubs, last two years of tax returns and W-2's, bank statements, etc. To see the checklist of required documents, click here.

Not able to attend the launch event on November 16 & 17? You may still have an opportunity to become eligible for up to $15,000 in down payment assistance if funds are still available after the event. AND although Wells Fargo is the sponsor of the NeighborhoodLIFT program, you may seek financing for the remaining balance of the home purchase from any lender who accepts the NeighborhoodLIFT down payment assistance program.

If you are interested in receiving email notifications of new listings within the City of Sacramento, visit SacHomeList.com and fill out your home search criteria.

14th Annual Race for the Arts - August 25th, 2012

The 14th Annual Race for the Arts benefiting California nonprofit performing, cultural, and visual arts organizations and school music, drama, and art programs is coming up on Saturday, August 25th, 2012 at William Land Park in Sacramento!

The race starts at the intersection of 15th Avenue and Land Park Drive, in the heart of Land Park in Sacramento. The 5k run starts at 8:30am and there are a few kids' fun run events at 9:30. The cost is $30 for adults and $15 for kids. You can register online, or entry forms are are also available at all Fleet Feet locations, Raley's and Bel Air locations, California Family Fitness Centers, and Hobrecht Lighting.

California nonprofit arts organizations and school programs have benefited from Race for the Arts over the past 13 years. They received 100 percent of pledges designated to them. See the list here...Sounds like a fun event!

Independence Day Events in Sacramento for July 4th, 2012

11th Annual Arden Arcade 4th of July Parade; Begins at 10:30am at the Sacramento County Building (2700 Fulton Avenue, Sacramento 95821). The route goes south past El Camino Avenue and turns on Cottage Way continuing west to Bell Street where it will turn north and finish at Howe Park. Afterward there will be food, fun, and family activities at the park.

54th Annual Carmichael 4th of July Parade & Fireworks;  The day begins with a pancake breakfast sponsored by the Kiwanis Club at Carmichael Park from 7am - 11am, followed by the 54th Annual Elk's Club Parade starting at 10:30am. The parade route begins at Marconi/Fair Oaks and continues down Fair Oaks Boulevard to Cypress/Manzanita. The parade features floats, antique automobiles, marching bands, equestrian entries, and much more. Around 9:30pm fireworks will light up the evening sky over Carmichael at the La Sierra Community Center.

City of Elk Grove's 16th Annual "A Salute to the Red, White, & Blue" & Fireworks; The festivities begin in the evening with live music and food. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket and have a picnic or BBQ while enjoying the concert in the park. Gates open at 7pm and fireworks start at 9:30pm.

Sacramento Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks 2012 at Cal Expo; The celebration begins at 6pm with music provided by 107.9 The End, followed by a spectacular live performance by the United States Air Force Band of the Golden West. Poppy, the State Fair Mascot, is always on hand to entertain the crowd. Fireworks start at 9:30pm.

Funderland Military Appreciation Day; In honor of the 4th of July, and those who have served or are currently serving with the US Military, Funderland (1350 17th Avenue in Land Park) would like to say thank you by extending some very special offers and discounts for you and your family. Remember that Military ID will be required to obtain these offers. Come in early as there are limited quantities of vouchers to give away!

Rancho Cordova 4th of July Celebration & Fireworks; The parade begins at 10am at Coloma Road and Cordova Lane. Beginning at 12pm, all-day carnival at Hagan Park and festival featuring Kymmi & the Diamondbacks, Rancho Cordova River City Concert Band, The Somebodys and Superlicious, plus Fireworks Spectacular! Free Kid’s Zone! Admission $2, parking $10. Fireworks show at Hagan Park at 9:45

Pocket/Greenhaven 4th of July Parade; The parade starts at 10am on Wednesday, July 4th and runs down Windbridge Drive from Lisbon School to Garcia Bend Park. After the parade there will be an awards ceremony and local business fair at Garcia Bend Park.

Sacramento Active 20-30 Spring Party Fundraiser "SactoPalooza" is Saturday, June 16, 2012!

My younger brother has been involved with the Sacramento Chapter of the Active 20-30 Club for several years now, and this year is the Chairperson for their annual spring party fundraising event. It just so happens that this year's event is also being held in my 'hood -- Land Park! This year's "SactoPalooza" will be at the Sacramento Zoo on Saturday, June 16th from 5pm - 10pm. Tickets are just $30...you can enjoy live music from cover bands No Duh, and the Red Not Chili Peppers, try your hand at mechanical bull riding, gladiator-style jousting, and more! Attendees must be 21 and over. Buy your tickets online here, and don't forget all funds raised will benefit local charity. I will be riding my bike and taking advantage of the bike valet and close proximity to my house! Hopefully I will see ya'll there.

19th Annual Sacramento SPCA "Doggy Dash" & "Bark at the Park Festival" -- June 9, 2012

The 19th Annual Sacramento SPCA "Doggy Dash" and "Bark at the Park Festival" is happening this Saturday, June 9th, 2011 in William Land Park. About 5,000 pet-lovers will gather with (and without) their favorite doggy friends to raise money that benefits the Sacramento SPCA. This is so much fun! I was lucky enough to attend for the first time two years ago, and the event is so much fun! I "borrowed" one of my good friend's dogs since I lost my sweet boy Harold in 2010...The walk is a blast, and I also really enjoyed seeing all of the other dogs (including a Great Dane club with about 50 gorgeous Great Danes)! You can choose to participate in a 2k or 5k walk with your pooch. Registration opens at 7:30am and the walks begin at 9am.

The "Bark at the Park Festival" takes place in the park after the "Doggy Dash." Register your hound to compete in the Pup Show, high-flying Disc Contest, or the Pug Races (and if you have never witnessed the Pug Races, that alone is a MUST SEE!)!! Then be sure to visit the participating sponsors and exhibitors with pet-friendly businesses, see a Sacramento PD K-9 Unit demonstration, learn about Sacramento-area animal rescue organizations, or just enjoy some food while taking it all in.

Register here! Whether you choose to bring a 4-legged friend, or invite a two-legged friend along, mark your calendar for the "Doggy Dash" and "Bark at the Park Festival" and help make a difference in the lives of homeless animals sheltered at the Sacramento SPCA. Register as a solo participant, start a team or join an existing team.

It's time for East Sacramento's 2012 "Pops in the Park"

The East Sacramento 2012 "Pops in the Park" concert series begins tonight! Tonight and the next three Saturday's in the month of June, you can check out great live music in different East Sac park locations.

Tonight (June 2nd), Pops in the Park is taking place at McKinley Park, and features "The Nibblers." June 9th's concert will be at Glenn Hall Park in the River Park neighborhood in East Sacramento, and feature "The Chris Gardner Band." June 16th's concert will be at East Portal Park and feature "The Q-Balls." The final concert of the series will be on June 23rd at Bertha Henschel Park and feature "Ivan Najera & Friends."

All concerts begin at 6pm and they are FREE to attend! I like to bring a blanket and a picnic when I attend, but there are usually several food vendors and a beer and wine garden. I highly recommend riding your bicycle there since parking is usually pretty limited as well, so there is free bike valet parking. All funds raised at these events benefit different East Sacramento neighborhood projects. This is one of my favorite summer community activities!

2012 "A Taste of Land Park" is right around the corner!

The Land Park Community Association is excited to announce the details for the 11th Annual "A Taste of Land Park" on Sunday, June 10 from 4pm-7pm!  This year’s event will take place along a small section of 3rd Avenue, between Regina Way and 14th Street. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at-the-door. They can be purchased online or at local Land Park businesses -- Capital Nursery, Riverside Clubhouse, Track 7 Brewing, and Vic’s Ice Cream.

This Land Park tradition is a wonderful opportunity to mingle other Land Park residents (or visitors!), taste food from favorite neighborhood restaurants, and sample regional wines and brews, and enjoy live music.  A bike valet will be provided as well. This is one of my favorite neighborhood events -- I hope to see a great turn-out this year!

May is Bike Month in Sacramento!

May has been dubbed "Bike Month" in the Sacramento Region! Pretty cool...occasionally I can be seen riding my pink cruiser bicycle around town, or my sweet significant other and I can be seen riding our tandem bicycle. My sweetie is a hard core cyclist, having completed the California Triple Crown, and he was invited to compete in the 2012 Furnace Creek 508...but for those of us who are not cycling gods and goddesses, for the month of May we are all challenged to ride our bicycles more, and drive our cars less.

Want to challenge yourself or a friend to ride a bike more during May? Visit the Sacramento Bike Month website here. I have signed up to ride 100 miles this month...should be a little challenge. While I am an avid runner, my bike cruising is mainly for pleasure and not for commuting or exercise...yet.

There are several events for Sacramento Bike Month -- and you can view their calendar here. A few notable events;

May 1st "Sacramento Bike Month" Kick-Off event from 11am - 1pm at Fremont park: You can enjoy a few short presentations on topics like how to pick a bike, how to properly lock a bike, how to fix a flat, basic smart cycling skills and more. Local bike shops will be there to provide free bike safety checks. As a bonus it's the first day of the farmers' market at Fremont park so you can stock up on locally grown fruits and veggies while you are there.

May 10th -- Capitol Bike Fest from 11am - 1pm on the West Steps of the Capitol. Hosting organizations include the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) and its outreach partners, the regional Transportation Management Associations (TMAs), and the Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates (SABA). This annual event promotes bicycling and other clean air transportation and celebrates Sacramento's "May is Bike Month."  Check out information tables on transit and transportation-related services in the Sacramento region and outlying areas serving downtown Sacramento, booths for bicycle advocacy groups, bike clubs, safety experts and retail shops, walking advocacy groups, walking clubs, and retail shops, commuter buses and shuttle service, enjoy music and more! Free valet bike parking will be available.

So...I will see if I can ride my bike 100 miles...can you?

Curtis Park Home & Garden Tour 2012 -- Saturday April 28th!

It's that time of year again! The Sierra-Curtis Neighborhood Association is having its 26th Annual Curtis Park Home & Garden Tour on Saturday, April 28th, 2012. This event is one of SCNA’s largest fundraising activities. This year approximately 7 homes in the Curtis Park neighborhood open their doors to the public. The featured houses honor the pre-war built neighborhood, which include bungalow, Spanish revival, Tudor and  Storybook style homes. Tickets are available online now - in advance for $20 (SCNA members get a $5 discount) or $25 the day of the event! If you are thinking about buying a home in Curtis Park, this is a great chance to get out and meet your potential neighbors and see different homes...