Washington boasts beautiful weather year round—but the fall season possesses a certain magic and charm that just can’t quite be replicated in any other season. While COVID-19 restrictions are still being maintained all throughout the Pacific Northwest, there are a number of annual festivals and events that will be moving forward with the fall celebrations—in a safe manner, of course. Here are some of Washington’s best fall festivals.
Beck’s Fall Harvest Festival
Spokane
Beck’s Fall Harvest Festival will take place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Oct. 25. Guest can wander through the PAPÉ Machinery #beKIND Giant Corn Maze, stroll through Pumpkin Land in search for the perfect pumpkin gourd, savor the world famous pumpkin donuts paired with a glass of fresh-pressed apple cider, and admire the views of scenic Green Bluff. The farm is operating at limited capacity due to state regulations, so attendance will be by reservation only. For more information, visit www.greenblufffarms.com.
Tacoma Moon Festival
Tacoma
The 8th annual Tacoma Moon Festival will not be a live, in-person event this year—however, the celebration will continue virtually. Visitors attending this year’s festival can take a video tour with docents that have intimate knowledge of the park and its history, stop by the “Ting” to watch a wide selection of dance and musical performances from Tacoma’s most beloved heritage groups and local talents, learn about the moon festival at educational booths, and pick up a mooncake recipe or download a kid’s activity at the vendor booths. For more information, visit www.tacomamoonfestival.org
Meeker Mansion Annual Apple Squeezing
Puyallup
While Meeker Mansion remains closed due to COVID-19 restrictions, the beloved property will still play host to their annual apple squeezing celebration—in the form of a unique drive-thru setup, this year. On Saturday, Oct. 17, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., visitors can purchase local award-winning apple cider, hard apple cider from Puyallup’s Cockrell Hard Ciders, locally made pre-packaged caramel apples and apple fritters, cider squeeze T-shirts and hoodies. You can also enjoy a model car show featuring the Gallopin Gertie Car Club, hear from Ezra and Eliza Jane Meeker in their Oregon Trail covered wagon, play the Oregon Trail game from the safety of your vehicle, or even watch your progress on the event trail on the Meeker Mansion Facebook livestream. For more information, visit www.meekermansion.org.
Fall Harvest Pumpkin Festival
Carnation
Remlinger Farms opens their gates every fall for five full weeks of old-fashioned, harvest entertainment beginning in late September and going all the way through October. In addition to the Farm Market Fall specials, the Gift and Craft Shops, the Farm Restaurant and the U-Pick pumpkin fields, the Northwest’s largest Fall Harvest Festival continues every weekend in October. Admission includes all park rides, live entertainment and attractions, tractor drawn hay rides and more, plus a discounted pumpkin price of only 10 cents per pound in the Fun Park/Market. For more information, visit www.reminlingerfarms.com.
The Harvest at Tulip Town
Mount Vernon
The Harvest at Tulip Town will continue their annual fall celebrations—with a few safety precautions in place, of course. Families can enjoy a U-pick pumpkin patch and all-weather pumpkin market, corn maze, hay rides, gifts, and a plethora of tasty treats and snacks, espresso, and a beer and wine garden. The Harvest is open every weekend in October on Friday from noon to 6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.tuliptown.com.