A pumpkin-spice cornucopia of fall foodie getaways awaits in Marin County, northern California’s premier destination for farm-to-table food. The “backyard of the Bay Area” is ripe for picking great seasonal outdoor activities during the autumn months when the celebrated Marin County Agri-tourism hotbed gets cool and crisp with pumpkins, apples and harvest festivals. 

Marin County shows its true colors when the autumn leaves turn, and the fruits and vegetables are plump and bountiful. Here are some of the finest fall activities in Marin County.

 

Farmers markets

You’ll find world-class fresh seasonal produce any season of the year in Marin County, but Marin County Farmers Markets are especially magical during autumn. The Marin Civic Center Certified Farmers Market is one of the largest and best-recognized farmers' markets in the country, with more than 200 chefs and organic farmers presenting their finest organic foods from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Thursday and Sunday, rain or shine. The market goes into full Fall mode in October when a pumpkin patch is open every day.

Another can’t-miss culinary boutique food shopping experience is the Marin Country Mart’s Farmers Market, which is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday at Larkspur’s outdoor shopping and restaurant bazaar Marin Country Mart. Youngsters will enjoy the pony rides, petting zoo, and face painting, while the grown-ups will want to make dates for Friday Night movies with wine and nibbles through October 31 to bookend the weekend.

 

Pumpkin patches

To get your pumpkin from a genuine pumpkin farm, the Nicasio Valley Farms pumpkin patch is open every day from Sept. 26 to Oct. 31, 2025, with barbecue, shaved ice and live farm animals on the weekends.

Open Wednesday to Sunday, September 27 to October 14, 10 am–5:30 pm weekends, 12 noon–5:30 pm weekdays in Novato
Grossi Family Farm Pumpkin Patch offers a family-friendly farm experience. Pick your own pumpkins and gourds, and have a picnic. Make friends at the petting zoo, explore the toddler hay maze, climb the hay pyramid, and try out the mini pumpkin slingshot (extra charges). Food truck available on weekends.

 

Fall Festivals

There is always room for a great film festival in the Fall, and Marin County has one of the best. The California Film Institute invites you to experience the best in US and world cinema at the 48th Mill Valley Film Festival. Join us for a carefully curated program of the year's most highly anticipated films, presented in theaters and online, from October 2nd to the 12th, 2025.

Step back in time on October 10th and 11th with Novato’s legendary custom car event, Nostalgia Days. This is the 29th anniversary of this classic car and hot rod get-together, and you don’t need to own either to get in on the fun. Just head to Novato and soak up the ambiance, at an event that’s an Autumn highlight for local residents and a must-attend for West Coast auto aficionados.

Don't forget the Mill Valley Fall Art Festival. Stroll under giant redwood trees while viewing a variety of creative works by local and international artists. Listen to music, theater, and story-telling while sipping your favorite beverage or grabbing a healthy prepared snack. Head to Old Mill Park this year on September 20 and 21, 2025, and be inspired!  

 

Visit Us Soon

You can make an autumn weekend or getaway with a range of places to stay in Marin County that fit every budget. So come enjoy the unique harvest charms of Marin County, and you’ll fall hard for a feast of unforgettable autumn attractions and celebrations.

 

For all you need to plan your Marin County vacation, visit the Marin Convention and Visitors Bureau’s website or Facebook page.