Nothing says fall quite like a day spent pumpkin-hopping through Stanislaus County. Whether you’re snapping photos, gathering gourds for your front porch, or hunting for that just-right carving pumpkin, these local farms deliver charm, color, and autumn magic in every row. Here’s where to find the best pumpkins and fall photo ops near Modesto in 2025:

Rodin Farm Stand grows their pumpkins right here in Modesto, and you can tell they love what they do. They share updates all season long, so you get to see the pumpkins take shape before they hit the stand. You’ll find big carving pumpkins, quirky gourds, and fresh fall produce. Keep an eye out for their Instagram Reels (like this one), which offer a peek into the pride they take in their homegrown harvest.

Every weekend feels a little different at SONS Farm Fresh. One week you might find live music and food trucks, the next a local vendor market and face painting. The corn pit and ride-on tractors keep kids busy, while the famous flower wall makes the perfect fall photo backdrop. Check their Instagram before you go so you don’t miss what’s happening.

If you want variety, RAM Farms delivers. They have an endless mix of pumpkins in all colors and shapes — including pink pumpkins. Fun fact: Disneyland buys their pumpkins from here, so you’re picking from the same source as the happiest place on Earth. The displays are beautiful and worth a wander, and the corn maze is always a hit if it returns this year.

Dutch Hollow is a local favorite for laid-back fall fun and festive flair. Their Pumpkin Patch opens the first weekend of October, offering colorful displays, family photo ops, and plenty of seasonal spirit. Mark your calendar for their Annual Fall Craft Fair on Saturday, September 20, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, where you’ll find handmade goods, cozy treats, and a perfect jumpstart to autumn vibes.

Chester’s is the kind of place that feels like a fall postcard. Horse rides, a petting zoo, hay maze, and rows of pumpkins ready for your porch. It’s a great spot for photos and a relaxed afternoon with the family.

October in Modesto brings more treats than tricks, with ghostly theatre, creative costumes, and community trunk-or-treats popping up across the county. Whether you’re in it for the scares or the sweets, these events offer something fun for all ages.

October 12 at the Graffiti USA Classic Car Museum is all about candy and chrome. Check out dozens of decorated trunks, watch the car limbo, and see who wins the costume contests.

Part murder mystery, part immersive theatre, this October show invites guests into a spine-tingling investigation. Step into the detective’s shoes and try to solve the case behind a chilling Modesto crime. Not for the faint of heart, but a must for true-crime lovers.

In addition to their pumpkin patch, Dutch Hollow Farms hosts a popular Trunk or Treat and their Annual Fall Craft Fair—a handmade market full of seasonal goods. Bring the whole family out to kick off fall early!

The museum’s adults-only After Dark series gets a Halloween twist in October with “Cosmic Curiosities.” Expect themed activities, hands-on exhibits, and an evening of fun for the 21+ crowd.

Stretch, sip, and celebrate spooky season with this fun twist on wellness. Show up in costume, grab a pint, and flow your way through a lighthearted yoga class with Halloween vibes and beer in hand.

When the air turns crisp, Modesto’s stages and screens come alive. From Hitchcock thrillers to Shakespearean wit, and from ballet to vaudeville, there’s something to inspire, entertain, and get you in the fall spirit.

Dial M for Murder – Sept. 30. Hitchcock’s classic mystery plus a post-film talkback.

Notorious – Oct. 19. More Hitchcock suspense on the big screen.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show – Oct. 25. Sing, dance, and time-warp with a live shadow cast.

Phantasm in the Footlights – Oct. 30–31. A Halloween variety show with music, comedy, and family fun.

Picnic at the Pops: The Music of Queen – Sept. 6. Queen hits under the stars with the Modesto Symphony Orchestra.

Twilight in Concert – Sept. 21. The film with live orchestral score.

Family Fun Festival – Sept. 28. Free chalk art, games, face painting, and more.

Dial M for Murder – Oct. 10-18. Stage adaptation of the Hitchcock classic by Gallo Center Repertory Company.

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow – Oct. 24-25. Central West Ballet brings the Washington Irving story to life.

Radio Cavalcade: Arsenic and Old Lace – Oct. 18, 2025
A radio play–style performance of the dark comedy favorite, complete with vintage flair.

Love’s Labour’s Lost – Fall 2025
Shakespeare’s witty romantic comedy in a lively, intimate production.

Fall tastes as good as it looks around here. Whether you’re in the mood for a cozy latte, a slice of pie, or a seasonal beer, Modesto and the surrounding towns have plenty to keep your taste buds happy.

A local favorite for fall drinks. Look for pumpkin pie lattes, maple mochas, and other seasonal specials. Their patio is perfect for a sunny autumn afternoon with friends.

This is where you slow down and enjoy the season. The grounds are beautiful, with picnic tables shaded by big oak trees. Their bakery fills the air with the smell of fresh pies, apple dumplings, and cookies. The fall photo setup is worth a stop before you head out.

Preservation is known for unique seasonal creativity and carrying coffee from small-batch roasters. In the fall, you’ll find herbal tea blends, local art, and warm, spiced drinks that feel like a hug in a mug.

A laid-back spot for lunch or dinner with seasonal dishes, charcuterie boards, and global wines. The menu changes often, making it a great place to end a fall day with something fresh and local.

This family-run farm stand is known for its fresh produce and bakery counter. Pick up seasonal pies, cookies, breads, and fresh-squeezed juices while you shop for fall fruits and vegetables.

A cozy café serving breakfast, lunch, and an ever-changing lineup of baked goods. Look for pumpkin bars, muffins, and cookies during the fall.

A bright, welcoming café serving pour-over coffee, fresh breakfast and lunch, and house-made syrups. It’s a community hub with plenty of space to linger over a latte or meet up with friends.

Small-batch bakery known for creative pastries and desserts. Fall specials often include pumpkin tarts, spiced cakes, and other seasonal favorites. Keep an eye out for the weekly special cinnamon roll, a local legend! Past flavors include Lemon Curd, Cookies & Cream, Orange Spice, Tutti Frutti and more.

Marsella Family Vineyards and Clark Ferrea Winery both offer tastings with a Central Valley twist, and fall weekends are the perfect time to sip outdoors.

Breweries like Blaker Brewing, 18Seventy Brewing, and Dying Breed Brewing often release pumpkin ales or Oktoberfest beers that pair well with a crisp evening.