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 Jazz and the Sunday Folkish Festival series there 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. 23 to Oct. 31, 2023, with barbecue, ice cream and live music on the weekends.

Open in October, all day every day at the Marin Country Mart
A variety of locally grown pumpkins are available at the Marin Country Mart Pumpkin Patch, in small, medium, and large sizes. This is an honor system pumpkin patch: there is a payment box at the patch, and prices are set as a flat rate by size.  marincountrymart.com

Open Wednesday to Sunday October 1–31, 10 am–5 pm weekends, 11 am–4 pm weekdays in Novato
Grossi Family Farm Pumpkin Patch offers a farm experience for the whole family. 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. Free admission and parking.

 

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 46th 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 5th to the 15th, 2023.

BiktoberFest returns to Fairfax Plaza this year on October 14th from 11:00am to 5:00 pm.
Savor delicious brews, see amazing bikes, hear incredible live music featuring Panoramic Highway, enjoy family activities, demo an e-bike, jump on a group ride and connect with over 50 bike exhibitors all while taking in the gorgeous Marin October weather. Bike, don’t drive. This is Biketoberfest, after all!

Step back in time on October 6th and 7th with Novato’s legendary custom car event, Nostalgia Days. This is the 27th 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 on September 23 and 24, 2023, 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.