Best pumpkins patches from Jupiter to Boca Raton, also includes fall festivals; mazes
Though our South Florida weather, with it's endless supply of sunshine and blue skies (and equal amounts of soul-crushing heat, humidity and rain), might not exactly scream "fall," those gorgeous orange gourds known as pumpkins make the season's arrival loud and clear.
Whether you see them as sign of fall, a canvas on which to create a masterpiece, a deity that rises from the most sincere patch or an amazing ingredient for pies, breads, cheesecakes and more (fried pumpkin seeds!), they have arrived.
From Jupiter down to Boca Raton, there are more than a dozen locations giving this gourd its due with patches, live music, mazes, baked goods, rides and much, much more.
More: Bucket list: 55 fun must-try things to do in Palm Beach County
Chasin A Dream Annual PumpkinFest
Happening at Harbourside in Jupiter, this sixth annual event will feature music (with sets by Ricky Young and That Man and Robin), trick-or-treating, a costume contest, stilt walkers, a beer tent, over 50 local vendors and, of course, a pumpkin patch. Chasin A Dream Foundation's mission is to ease the burden on families with children battling cancer, cystic fibrosis, heart disease, and other life-threatening illnesses and disabilities, by offering individualized assistance that promotes healing and hope.
Where: Harbourside Place, 200 US 1, Jupiter
When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21
Cost: free
Information: e.givesmart.com/events
JupiterFIRST's 3rd Annual Pumpkin Patch Arts & Crafts Festival
JupiterFirst's third annual event will feature artists and crafters along with children’s activities including a bounce house, pumpkins, face painting, a picture booth, a bake sale and a plant sale. Food and beverages from Chick-fil-A and The Scoop Coop will be for sale in the café.
Where: JupiterFIRST Church, 1475 Indiantown Road, Jupiter
When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14
Cost: free
Information: jupiterfirst.org
Trinity Christian School Pumpkin Patch
This annual event will feature pumpkins of all shapes and sizes along with a variety of baked goods. Opening night will feature cider and donuts.
Where: 9625 N. Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens
When: opening 3 to 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13; weekdays noon to 7 p.m. and weekends 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Oct. 31
Cost: free
Information: tcspbg.org
Weekend dining suggestion: Modern steakhouse brings high-end meats, loungey vibes to Boca Raton
Pumpkin Stroll and Moonlight Concert at MacArthur Beach State Park
Take a moonlit stroll on the boardwalk with Jack-o-lanterns lighting the way. In addition to the amazing carved pumpkins, festivities will include viewing animal artifacts and a mystery box activity from our education team. There will also be live music by Giant Pander, who will be bringing the classic rock and pop, along with a 15-minute intermission for star- or moongazing on the boardwalk. Anyone who wants to contribute a carved pumpkin should drop it off between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on the day of the event. One person/family may submit multiple pumpkins. Submitted pumpkins must be family-friendly (no politics, no religion, no offensive language, etc.).
Where: MacArthur Beach State Park, 10900 Jack Nicklaus Drive, North Palm Beach
When: 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28
Cost: members free, nonmembers $5
Information: macarthurbeach.org/events
Fall Pumpkin Patch at The Square
Launching Oct. 13, this downtown hot spot's annual pumpkin patch will have scores of gorgeous gourds, along with plenty of family-friendly activities and events.
There will be the Pink Pumpkins for Promise Fund of Florida event on Oct. 14, 22, 29. It will feature a selection of 100 specially-painted pink pumpkins that will be for sale in support of Breast Cancer Awareness month.
There will be a pumpkin spice candle making class 5 to 6 p.m. on Oct. 21 that will offer pumpkin patch enthusiasts the chance to curate scents reminiscent of the season with local artisan, Lighthouse Candle & Scent Bar, during an immersive pumpkin spice candle making class.
Finally, feel good about all the pumpkin pie, custard, scones, cheesecake or whatever you've consumed by turning it into high-octane fuel during the three 1 Fitness HIIT Pumpkin Pump classes that will be held 9 to 9:45 a.m. Oct. 15, 22 and 29.
Finally, get dressed up and strut your costumed self during the festive costume contest on the last Sunday of the month.
Where: The Square, Rosemary Ave., West Palm Beach
When: 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13, 20, 27; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, 21, 28 and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15, 22, 29
Cost: free
Information: thesquarewestpalm.com
More: Halloween: Where to find the best events with fun, fright, gore in Palm Beach County
Mr. Jack O' Lanterns Pumpkin Patch, West Palm Beach
This family-owned business has a mission to provide quality and service that exceed the expectations of what a pumpkin patch should be. They offer large variety of pumpkins ranging from cute jack-be-little pumpkins to the biggest pumpkins weighing over 50 pounds. In addition to pumpkins of all shapes, colors and sizes, they have games and activities including pumpkin bowling, pumpkin decorating, farm animals viewing and more.
Where: 419 Lakeview Ave., West Palm Beach
When: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Saturday Oct. 1 to 31
Cost: free
Information: mrjackolanternspumpkins.com
Pumpkin Towne, Wellington and Jupiter
Find your perfect pumpkin at one of Pumpkin Town's locations in Palm Beach County. Take advantage of the amazing fall photo opportunities, let the kids bounce until they can bounce no more in a bounce house and then hit the hay bales for climbing. They sell three varieties of pumpkins: mini pumpkins for less than a dollar, pie pumpkins, and carving pumpkins.
Where: Whole Foods parking lot, 2635 State Road 7, Wellington; NW corner of Indiantown Road and Old Dixie Highway, 14 N. Old Dixie Highway, Jupiter
When: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Oct. 5 to 31
Cost: free
Information: pumpkintowne.com
St. Peter's Pumpkin Patch Wellington
Featuring over 3,000 gorgeous globes of orange, this pumpkin patch is a great way to spend time with family and friends. There will be homemade pumpkin bread for sale.
Where: St. Peter's United Methodist Church, 12200 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington
When: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday; noon to 7 p.m. Sunday Oct. 8 to 31 (or until pumpkins run out)
Cost: free
Information: stpeters-umc.org/pumpkin-patch
Bedner's Farm Fresh Market Fall Festival 2023
This event will feature a pumpkin patch, an animal EDventure park, tractor rides, a corn maze, a sunflower field and a butterfly and ladybug park. There will also be balloon animals, henna tattoos, face painting, axe throwing and more. For food there will be homemade ice cream, roasted sweet corn, smoked turkey legs, cider doughnuts, grilled cheese, hand-tossed pizza, fresh lemonade and much more.
Where: 10066 Lee Road, Boynton Beach
When: Sept. 23 to Monday, Oct. 30 (closed Tuesdays)
Cost: weekends $25.99, weekdays $20.99 (children under 2 free)
Information: bedners.com/events.html
Boca Raton Pumpkin Patch Festival
Picking the perfect pumpkin is easy when there are literally thousands in all shapes and sizes. Want a giant to carve and place on your front porch? Done. Want a baby for a centerpiece for a holiday feast? They've got those as well. Need a few for your catapult or trebuchet? You'll have to stop by for yourself. There will also be a scarecrow village with pumpkin-headed scarecrows, pumpkin decorating, a corn maze, a food court featuring pumpkin delights, beer bars, and carnival rides with everything from kiddie coasters to bumper cars.
Where: Mizner Park Amphitheater, 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton
When: 4 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday Oct. 15
Cost: $27.50 ages three and older includes unlimited rides, corn maze, more
Information: bocapumpkinpatch.com
Eddie Ritz is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at eritz@pbpost.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Pumpkins, best pumpkin patches near me: Jupiter, Boca Raton, West Palm
