It’s that time again! If’ you’ve been following the blog you’ll know I’m a holiday lover and my family loves taking in all the holiday fun. I’m excited to share a local fall and Halloween events guide for fellow families in the Okanagan to enjoy! This post includes the following sections: Farm & Orchard Fun; Pumpkin Patches; and Family-Friendly Activities.

FARM & ORCHARD FUN

The two Okanagan pumpkin patches and farms most often recommended are Davison Orchard (Vernon) and McMillan Farms (Kelowna). Both places offer lots of fun activities for kids and a hay or tractor ride; Davison also offers a u-pick option. Also be sure to check out Don-O-Ray farms, offering a ton of activities for the kids, a haunted (family-friendly) maze, and lots of pumpkins!

DAVISON ORCHARDS

Location: 3111 Davison Road, Vernon, BC

Apple Harvest Festival
What: Experience the farm by picking your own apples fresh from the tree. Enjoy a tour of the orchard on the Jonny Popper Train, then fill your bag with your favourite variety of apples. There will also be free apple tastings, caramel apples, apple cider donuts, fresh cold pressed apple juice and dozens of fresh-picked apple varieties to choose from in the market.
When: Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in September from 10 am – 4 pm
Cost: $12 per adult which includes a 10lb bag of apples and a tour, kids are $7 which includes a mini bag of apples and a tour. The farm is open from 8am – 6pm daily.

**Make a Mini Pie takes place from 2-3:00pm on Saturdays and Sundays in September. For$5 kids can make their own apple pie, take it home and bake it fresh.

Tuesday Harvest Tours 
What: Take a tour of the orchard and pick some apples! Perfect for young families, Tuesday Tours are available for those who can’t make the Apple Harvest Festival on weekends or  those who prefer a quieter pace.
When: 10 am and 11 am.
Cost: $12/adults (includes a 10lb bag of apples), $7/children 2-12 years (includes a mini bag of apples).

October Family Pumpkin Fest
What: Take a ride out to the Pumpkin Patch and pick your favourite pumpkin right from the field. Visit the farm animals, run and play in the Crazy Cow Corral, enjoy the fall displays, relax with a Pumpkin Steamer or Spiced Apple Cider, taste pumpkin cake, muffin or pie, listen to the music from the Pumpkin Butter Band.
When: Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in October. Train rides run from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays and from 10:30 am – 4:00 pm on Sundays.
Cost: Pumpkin (any size) and a tractor ride (all ages) $9, tractor train ride only adults $6, children $4.

**On Sunday October 6 you can have a free professional family photo taken from 11:30 am -3:30 pm.

DON-O-RAY FARMS

MCMILLAN FARMS

PUMPKIN PATCHES

If you are looking for a great pumpkin patch experience, two highly recommended farms are The Pumpkin Patch (St. Anne’s, Armstrong) and Bilga Farms (Kelowna). Pro Tip: buy your pumpkins early and store them outside (in garage or cold room) until closer to Halloween. Then you will get pick of the crop (and it will last until Halloween)!

Bilga Farms 

You can’t miss this place when driving down Rutland Road. Also home to strawberry sales in the summer time, this is a popular Kelowna pumpkin patch!
Location: 1900 Rutland Rd. North, Kelowna, BC
When: Open daily!

St. Annes Pumpkin Patch

This place has thousands of pumpkins, in addition to gourds, ornamental corn, and a variety of squash. Pick your own pumpkin and take some fall pictures on the hay wagon (no rides). There is also a small play area for the kids to enjoy!
Location: 642 St. Anne’s Road Armstrong. Follow the pumpkins past O’Keefe Ranch!
When: Dawn til Dusk, October 1-31.

FALL FAMILY EVENTS

September Events

Kikinee Salmon Festival 
Date: September 22, 11 am – 3 pm
Location: Mission Creek Regional Park, Springfield and Durnin Roads
What: Check out the displays and watch the Kokanee salmon spawning in Mission Creek. The festival will include lively performances from local entertainment, ‘fishy’ displays, and activities. This is a free family event.

Family Glow Night
Date: September 28,  6:00 pm  – 8:30 pm
Location: Parkinson Activity Centre, 1700 Parkinson Way, Kelowna,
What: Enjoy dancing, prizes, games and music from DJ Rick! All ages are welcome and admission is free. Dress up in your favourite white or neon clothing and get your glow on! Please bring your own water bottle.

Harvest Moon Market 
Date: September 29, 10 a, – 2:30 pm
Location: East Kelowna Hall 2704 East Kelowna Road
What: This fun fall market includes a Salsa Making workshop, Apple Painting prints, Acorn felt essential balls creating, caramel apple pop decorating, live bluegrass music, local art, crafts, food and winery vendors!

October Events

Family Daze in the Corn Maze
Date: Every weekend in October from 11 am – 4 pm
Location: O’Keefe Ranch, Vernon
What: Family-friendly corn maze, farm animals, pony rides, Saturday markets, and a weekly colouring contest. $10 per person or $30 per family (2 adults, 3 kids). Stagecoach Rides are $2.50 for Children, $5 for Adults.

Kelowna Corn Maze
Date: October 1-31
Location: 539 Valley Road, Kelowna
What: A new location this year to bring you their biggest corn maze yet! Also onsite: a bonfire, a concession selling hot drinks, and a large selection of pumpkins. Pricing details and hours of operation coming soon!

11th Annual Rutland Scarecrow festival
Date: October 6
Location: Rutland Lions Park (205 Grey Road)
What: Family activities, kids games and crafts, food trucks, vendor market, and scarecrow displays and competition. This event does not have admission.

Thanksgiving Centrepiece & Cider Workshop
Date: October 11, 5:15 pm – 7:30 pm
Location: Scenic Road Cider Co. 770 Packinghouse Rd, Kelowna
What: Floral Designer Ellen Geber of Peak Flowers will guide you through a fun night learning the basics of making your own Thanksgiving Centrepiece. Hosted at Scenic Road Cider Co. this event will also have a private tasting and the opportunity to purchase some of the Okanagan’s finest ciders. All supplies and product included. $70.00

Kelowna Rockets Candy Scramble
Date: October 12, 7 pm
Location: Prospera Place, Kelowna
What: Fans are invited to dress up in their favourite costume for the London Drugs/Hershey Candy Scramble when the Rockets host the Kamloops Blazers. During one of the intermissions kids 12 and under will be invited to the ice to collect candy scattered. Kids are organized into age groups and there is plenty for everyone!

Annual Halloween Family Dance
Date: October 18, 5:30 pm -8:00 pm
Location: George Pringle Elementary, 3770 Ellliot Road, West Kelowna
What: Wear your costume to this family dance! Bring your best carved pumpkins for judging. Also check out the haunted house, crafts, and concessions. $3 per person or $10 per family. Kids must be accompanied by an adult.

DIY Halloween Tote Bags
Date: October 19, 12 pm – 1 pm 
Location: Rustic Chalk Decor, 1974 Moss Court Kelowna
What: Experience an afternoon of creativity and a fun DIY making a customized tote bag for Halloween candy! All supplies provided, $30 per bag.

Pre Halloween Hospital Visit 
Date: October 19, 11 am – 12:30 pm
Location: Kelowna General Hospital, 2268 Pandosy Street, Kelowna
What: Try out your costume and bring some joy to the KGH patients and staff!

Fall Pumpkin Photos
Date: October 20, 10 am – 2 pm
Location: Don-O-Ray Farms, 3442 Benvoulin Rd
What: Bring the Family, Kids or your Dog (on leash). Kids are welcome to come in their Halloween costumes!
No Need to prebook. $25 includes 3 photos and a pumpkin!

Chute Lake Halloween Dance
Date: October 24, 6 pm – 8pm
Location: Chute Lake Elementary School, 5240 Lark Street, Kelowna
What: Tickets are only $5 which includes entry to the dance and one glow stick. All proceeds from the dance are going towards the Chute Lake Elementary PAC’s to help the music department purchase more instruments this year. There will be refreshments for sale from the PAC kitchen for $1.00 each as well as extra glow sticks.

Hallowe’en Nightwings
Date: October 25, 10 am – 1 pm and 29th 3 pm – 6 pm
Location: Okanagan Heritage Museums (470 Queensway Avenue)
What: Get up close to some friendly and feathered night fliers and learn about what they get up to in the dark! You never know what you will uncover at this fun-filled Hallowe’en event. Entry is by donation. For more information contact education@kelownamuseums.

Kettle Valley Halloween Train 
Date: October 25 – 27, 5 p.m. (family-friendly) or 7:30 p.m
Location: Kettle Valley Steam Railway, 18404 Bathville Road, Summerland
What: Wear your costumes and enjoy a spooky ride on the Kettle Valley Railway! Price: Adults (19-64): $28 | Seniors (65+): $26 | Youth (13-18): $23 | Children (3-12): $19 | Children (0-2): Free

Indigo Halloween Weekend 
Date: October 26, 11 am
Location: Indigo, Orchard Park Mall
What: Dress up in your best costume for a Halloween parade! Plus, make your own colour changing slime and hunt for treasure in the Foam Alive demo. This event is perfect for children aged 5+ and tickets are free.

YMCA Halloween Spooktacular
Date: October 26, 1 pm – 4 pm
Location: 375 Hartman Road, Kelowna
What: Dress up the whole family and enjoy fun Halloween activities like pumpkin carving, games, face painting, crafts, and more! This annual event at the Kelowna Family Y is guaranteed to be a safe and terror-ific time for all. Free for members. $5/person or $15/family for non-members.

Halloween Spooktacular (Peachland)
Date: October 26, 1:30-3:30 pm
Location: Peachland Community Centre, 4450 6th St, Peachland
What: Bouncy castle, carnival games, photo booth, face painting, haunted house, pumpkin carving, crafts, story time, entertainment and a family dance party. $7 per child (1-12 years) or $8 at the door (cash only). Parent admission by Food Bank donation. Pre-registration is recommended, call to register: 250-767-2133 Children must be supervised by adults.

Monster Mask Jam (Vernon)
Date: October 26, 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Location: Tidal Elements Studio, 3410-B 31 Avenue, Vernon
What: This is a fun family event for children 6 – 12. Come in costume and craft a mask! Snacks provided and take home treats. $10 drop-in.

Halloween Cookie Workshop 
Date: October 26, 6 pm – 8:30 pm
Location: Sandhill Wines 1125 Richter Street
What: A beginners cookie decorating workshop where you’ll learn about icing consistencies and how to outline and flood sugar cookies! Each ticket includes one glass of Sandhill Wine.

Nightmare Before Christmas Market 
Date: October 27, 10 am – 2:30 pm
Location: East Kelowna Hall, 2704 East Kelowna Road
What: Celebrate the season of Halloween with a decorated haunted room, free pumpkins and pumpkin donut decorating! A live Performance from Kinshira Performance Troupe  from 12-1 PM. Over 40 local, creative vendors! Art, Crafts, Food & Music!

Halloween Skate (Vernon)
Date: October 27, 5:15 pm
Location: Kal Tire Place, 3445 43rd Avenue, Vernon
What: Join us for a SPOOK-tacular good time! Admission: $2/skater. Sun, Oct 27 | 5:15-6:45pm

Spooktacular Pumpkin Walk 
Date: October 27, 5 pm – 8pm
Location: Mission Creek Regional Park, 2363 Springfield Rd, Kelowna
What: This family friendly event lights up Mission Creek Park! Drop off a carved pumpkin with an LED light at the EECO from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Then walk through the park and check out all the carved pumpkins and vote for your favourite!

The Howl Masquerade Concert
Date: October 28, 7 pm – 9 pm
Location: Kelowna Community Theatre,  1375 Water Street, Kelowna
What: Ready Set Howl with Juno award Winner Norman Foote. The Howl Masquerade concert is where music, costumes and Halloween all come together in an event for youth and families. Juno and WCMA winner Norman Foote leads the  theatre with his engaging songs and stories. The concert is all about the fun and friendly spirit of this neighbourly celebration. Norman shares the stage with the an amazing colourful animated wall of costumed howlers from Springvalley, Belgo Elementary and Ellison school. $15 per person plus fees.

Halloween Family Dance
Date: October 29, 5 pm – 7 pm
Location: Okanagan Boys and Girls Clubs Martin Avenue, 1434 Graham Street, Kelowna
What: Wear your costumes for a fun Halloween Family Dance. All ages and admission is free. There will be a concession with pizza, drinks and snacks for purchase. Please RSVP to the office.

Just4Fun Halloween Party
Date: October 31, 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
Location: 2374 Bering Rd # 105 West Kelowna
What: Come dressed in your costume to play! $2 off admission, goodie bags and chances to win a punch card!

Halloween Costume Party
Date: October 31, 3:30 pm
Location: Quest Martial Arts Academy, 1634 Harvey Ave – unit 108, Kelowna
What: Dress-up come learn about being safe as you trick or treat and wander through the haunted dojang.

Pacific Top Team Kids’ Halloween Party
Date: October 31, 4 pm – 5 pm
Location: Pacific Top Team Kelowna, 1825 Gordon Drive Kelowna
What: Make this a fun stop on your ‘Trick or Treating’ adventure! Stay for the whole hour, or just stop in to enjoy games, goodies, and fun! Ages 3+

Fall Festival
Date: October 31, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Location: Willow Park Church
What: This free family fall festival includes an indoor candy trail, a bouncy castle, a fun maze, carnival games, and food trucks.

Trick or Treat

Mission Park Shopping Centre Halloween Treat Trail
Date: October 26, 11 am – 2 pm
Location: 1626 Richter Street, Kelowna
What: Trick or treat at the Mission Park shops, enjoy family-friendly activities, and bring along donations for the food bank!

Halloweenie at Grizzli Winery
Date: Oct 31 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Location: Grizzli Winery, 2550 Boucherie Road, West Kelowna
What: Be on the lookout for bats and broomsticks that fly, Ghosts, witches, and zombies, oh my! This is an indoor, ‘lights on,’ family and pet friendly event, that includes facepainting, a colouring in station, and trick or treating! Dress up in your best costumes!

Trunk or Treat
Date: October 31, 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Location: Willowstone Academy, 4091 Lakeshore Rd. Kelowna
What: Trunk or Treat is a safe, family-friendly alternative to trick-or-treating for families with children up to 10 years of age. Climb aboard a firetruck, see the Turner VW Fire Bug, and receive treats from over 50 Willowstone Academy/First Lutheran Church member’s decorated car trunks! Parents can stay warm with coffee supplied by Mission Creek Starbucks.

Treat Trail Presented by Tolko (Vernon)
Date: October  31, 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Location: Downtown Vernon- Start your journey at Justice Park (across from Tolko and Nixon Wenger LLP) to pick up a Halloween bag and treat map from the Downtown Vernon Association tent.
What: Over 50 downtown businesses will be handing out candy and treats to trick-or-treaters under the age of 12 during the annual Treat Trail presented by Tolko and the businesses of Downtown Vernon.

Fall Festival
Date: October 31, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Location: Willow Park Church
What: This free family fall festival includes an indoor candy trail, a bouncy castle, a fun maze, carnival games, and food trucks.

Orchard Park Mall Trick or Treating
Date: October 31
Location: Orchard Park Shopping Centre, Kelowna
What: 2019 details haven’t been released yet, but most years indoor trick-or-treating starts at 3pm. Candy goes FAST so be sure to arrive early!

DONATIONS

If you are looking for places to donate pumpkins after Halloween, consider taking them to the Warren Peace Bunny Sanctuary for their animals. They will have a pumpkin drop-off party on Saturday November 2nd from 11 am – 3 pm. Please make sure you are taking quality pumpkins (nothing rotten, painted, or wax filled please) for the animals to enjoy.

Please note that many of the events listed above will accept Food Bank donations, so be sure to bring along some non-perishable food items!

Do you know of more local events? Add them in the comments below and I’ll update this list so that everyone can enjoy them! Happy Fall! xo