| Event / Participants | Bates Nut Farm Giant Pumpkin Patch | Event Date | Sep 17-Oct 31, 2026 |
| Event Location | Bates Nut Farm | Start Time | September 9:00 AM-5:00 PM; October hours vary. |
| Address | 15954 Woods Valley Rd, Valley Center, CA 92082 | Gate / Check-in | Admission is free; activity and parking charges may apply. |
| Phone | (760) 749-3333 | Official Link | Official 2026 Pumpkin Patch details |
The Bates Nut Farm Pumpkin Patch returns from September 17 through October 31, 2026, bringing pumpkin fields, family activities, live music and seasonal events to Valley Center.
More than 100 years ago, Bates Nut Farm was a family-owned and operated farm with groves of walnut trees. Over the years, much of the property has changed into approximately 100 acres of shade trees, a ranch house, corn fields, a country store, a petting corral and more than 15 acres of pumpkin fields.
During pumpkin season, visitors can grab a wheelbarrow and walk through thousands of pumpkins to choose their favorite size and shape.
Bates Nut Farm 2026 Event Schedule
| Date | Event / Show | Venue |
| August 15, 2026 | Summer Food Festival and Music by The Smokin Guns | Bates Nut Farm |
| August 29, 2026 | Wildfire Safety and Fire Safety Expo | Bates Nut Farm |
| September 17-October 31, 2026 | Pumpkin Fields Are Open! | Bates Nut Farm |
| September 19, 2026 | Valley Center Community Yard Sale | Bates Nut Farm |
| September 20, 2026 | American Truck Historical Society | Bates Nut Farm |
| September 26, 2026 | Celebrating Farm Life | Bates Nut Farm |
| September 27, 2026 | Early Gas Engine and Tractor Show | Bates Nut Farm |
| October 3-4, 2026 | Pumpkin Festival Craft Fair | Bates Nut Farm |
| October 10, 2026 | 34th Annual Scarecrow Contest | Bates Nut Farm |
| November 7-8, 2026 | Christmas on The Farm | Bates Nut Farm |
| November 27-28, 2026 | Craft Fair and Santa’s Coming | Bates Nut Farm |
Pumpkin Fields Are Open: September 17-October 31
The Bates Nut Farm pumpkin fields are open from September 17 through October 31, 2026.
Visitors can walk through more than 15 acres of pumpkin fields and choose from thousands of pumpkins in different sizes and shapes.
The Pumpkin Patch also gives visitors the chance to enjoy a full day at the farm with seasonal activities and family entertainment.
Pumpkin Patch Activities
Visitors can enjoy:
- Food trucks
- Hay rides
- Straw maze
- Petting corral
- Train rides
- Authentic Country Store
- Live music
- Fall photo opportunities
The activities make Bates Nut Farm a popular fall destination for families looking for a traditional pumpkin patch experience in San Diego County.
Bates Nut Farm Country Store
The Bates Country Store offers nuts from around the world, including varieties roasted by Bates Nut Farm.
The store also carries:
- Jams and jellies
- Sauces and spices
- Teas
- Glazed fruit
- Homemade fudge
- Candy
- Holiday gift baskets
Visitors can choose from ready-made holiday gift baskets or create their own.
Farmer’s Daughter Boutique
The Farmer’s Daughter Boutique offers a selection of home, seasonal and gift items.
Products include:
- Kitchenware
- Decorations
- Candles
- Clothing
- Unique gifts
Visitors can stop by the boutique while exploring the pumpkin fields and other areas of the farm.
Summer Food Festival and Music by The Smokin Guns
The Summer Food Festival and Music by The Smokin Guns takes place on August 15, 2026.
The event is part of the wider Bates Nut Farm seasonal calendar before the Pumpkin Patch opens in September.
Wildfire Safety and Fire Safety Expo
The Wildfire Safety and Fire Safety Expo takes place on August 29, 2026 at Bates Nut Farm.
The event is another community-focused activity taking place before the main fall season begins.
Valley Center Community Yard Sale
The Valley Center Community Yard Sale takes place on September 19, 2026.
The event falls just after the pumpkin fields open for the 2026 season.
American Truck Historical Society
The American Truck Historical Society event takes place on September 20, 2026 at Bates Nut Farm.
Visitors attending during this weekend can also explore the pumpkin fields and other farm attractions.
Celebrating Farm Life
Celebrating Farm Life takes place on September 26, 2026.
The event is part of the farm’s September calendar during the early weeks of pumpkin season.
Early Gas Engine and Tractor Show
The Early Gas Engine and Tractor Show takes place on September 27, 2026.
The event gives visitors another reason to visit Bates Nut Farm during the opening weeks of the Pumpkin Patch season.
Pumpkin Festival Craft Fair
The Pumpkin Festival Craft Fair takes place on October 3-4, 2026.
The event is held while the pumpkin fields are open, allowing visitors to combine the craft fair with pumpkin picking and other seasonal activities.
The craft fair is one of the major October events at Bates Nut Farm.
34th Annual Scarecrow Contest
The 34th Annual Scarecrow Contest takes place on October 10, 2026.
Participants can design and build scarecrows to display in the pumpkin fields and add to the farm’s collection.
Each entry receives:
- A free jack-o-lantern pumpkin
- A certificate of participation
Cash prizes and gift certificates are awarded to top entries in different categories.
The contest adds another seasonal attraction to the Bates Nut Farm Pumpkin Patch experience.
Christmas on The Farm
Christmas on The Farm takes place on November 7-8, 2026.
The event continues the Bates Nut Farm seasonal calendar after the Pumpkin Patch closes at the end of October.
Craft Fair and Santa’s Coming
Craft Fair and Santa’s Coming takes place on November 27-28, 2026.
The event brings holiday activities back to the farm later in November.
Bates Nut Farm Parking and Location
There is $5 parking on October weekends.
Bates Nut Farm is located at:
15954 Woods Valley Rd.
Valley Center, California
The farm is north on I-15, one exit past I-78.
For more information, call (760) 749-3333.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Bates Nut Farm Pumpkin Patch 2026?
The pumpkin fields are open from September 17 through October 31, 2026.
Where is Bates Nut Farm located?
Bates Nut Farm is located at 15954 Woods Valley Rd., Valley Center, California.
What activities are available at the Pumpkin Patch?
Visitors can enjoy pumpkin picking, food trucks, hay rides, a straw maze, petting corral, train rides, live music and the Country Store.
When is the Bates Nut Farm Pumpkin Festival Craft Fair?
The Pumpkin Festival Craft Fair takes place October 3-4, 2026.
When is the Bates Nut Farm Scarecrow Contest?
The 34th Annual Scarecrow Contest takes place October 10, 2026.
What do Scarecrow Contest participants receive?
Each entry receives a free jack-o-lantern pumpkin and a certificate of participation.
Cash prizes and gift certificates are also awarded to top entries.
How much is parking at Bates Nut Farm?
Parking is $5 on October weekends.
What events are happening at Bates Nut Farm in September 2026?
September events include Pumpkin Fields Are Open beginning September 17, Valley Center Community Yard Sale on September 19, American Truck Historical Society on September 20, Celebrating Farm Life on September 26 and Early Gas Engine and Tractor Show on September 27.
Plan Your Bates Nut Farm Visit
The Bates Nut Farm Pumpkin Patch runs from September 17 through October 31, 2026.
Visitors can explore more than 15 acres of pumpkin fields, enjoy hay rides, a straw maze, train rides, food trucks and live music, and shop at the Bates Country Store and Farmer’s Daughter Boutique.
The fall calendar also includes the Pumpkin Festival Craft Fair on October 3-4 and the 34th Annual Scarecrow Contest on October 10.
Note:
There is $5 parking on October weekends. Bates Nut Farm is located at15954 Woods Valley Rd., Valley Center. (N. on I-15 one exit past I-78) For more information call (760) 749-3333 or visit www.batesnutfarm.biz
