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2026 season guide
When does pumpkin patch season start?
Short answer: most pumpkin patches open in late September, and almost everything is open by the first weekend of October. But openings stretch from late August to early October depending on the farm and the state — here are the real 2026 numbers, from the dates farms have posted so far.
2026 opening dates by state
| State | Earliest 2026 opening | Typical opening | Typical closing | Farms with posted dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio | September 1 | September 19 | October 31 | 24 |
| Pennsylvania | August 14 | September 12 | November 1 | 11 |
| Illinois | June 28 | September 15 | October 31 | 61 |
| Michigan | August 15 | September 5 | — | 19 |
| California | August 15 | September 26 | October 31 | 61 |
Based on the 176 farms that have posted 2026 season dates as of August 21, 2026. Many farms announce dates near Labor Day — this table updates as they do.
The 2026 season at a glance
Late August: the earliest orchards and farm stands open — mostly apple farms with early varieties, plus a handful of early pumpkin patches.
Labor Day weekend (Sept 5–7): the first big wave. Apple Hill in California opens association-wide, and many midwest orchards start their season.
Last weekend of September (Sept 26–27): the main event — the single most common opening weekend for pumpkin patches across all five states we track.
October 1–31: peak season. Every farm that's going to open is open. The first two weekends have the best pumpkin selection; the last weekend before Halloween is the busiest.
November: most patches close Nov 1–2. Farms with Christmas trees, markets, or late-fall festivals stay open longer.