Fall in Gilroy is a season filled with flavor, fun, and family traditions. From winery celebrations, lively festivals, pumpkin patches and outdoor adventures, here’s your guide to making the most of fall in and around Gilroy.
Family-Friendly Fun
For a fully immersive experience, Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park transforms weekends into a not-too-spooky adventure with The Great Big BOO! Kids are encouraged to come in costume for trick-or-treating every night, and families can enjoy themed rides, tasty eats, special character musical shows, pumpkin patch, and all the park’s favorite attractions, making it the ultimate fall outing in Gilroy. This seasonal event runns September 26 through November 2, 2025, every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (please note the park will be closed to the public on October 11 for a private event - plan accordingly).
Pumpkin season is in full swing at several favorite spots around Gilroy. At LJB Farms Pumpkin Patch (September 27–October 31), visitors will find a true farm-fresh experience with pumpkins and gourds of all shapes and sizes, seasonal produce, and charming photo ops surrounded by fields, flowers and cornstalks. You can also explore the whimsical Pumpkin Junction at Casa de Fruta, where Casa de Choo Choo, Casa de Carousel, and Casa de Miner's Sluice are open daily. Colorful displays, hay bales, and pumpkins galore make it a perfect stop for kids and grown-ups alike! For a classic adventure, Spina Farms Pumpkin Patch offers hayrides, a train through the corn maze, and more dino-themed fun than ever before!
Above photos - LJB Farms Pumpkin Patch and Casa de Fruta Pumpkin Junction
The Market Off First Street, held the first Saturday of each month is a monthly showcase of local fresh produce, artisan goods, and unique local finds. Stroll the market on October 4 and November 1 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Happening on October 17, Third Friday Art Walk in Downtown Gilroy gets a special twist with a Battle of the Bands edition! This free, all-ages event takes over The District Theater starting at 5 p.m. The Third Friday Art Walk has become a beloved monthly tradition celebrating local art and community, and this Halloween-themed musical edition turns up the volume with live performances from local talent competing in three divisions: singers, rappers, and group acts. Families and music lovers are invited to enjoy the performances at no cost, explore downtown during the Art Walk, and join in the fun with a Halloween costume contest open to all attendees.
The annual Food Truck Fly-In and Car Show brings more family fun on November 1 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., just north of Gilroy at the San Martin Airport and the Wings of History Museum. Spectators have a chance to see aircraft demos, skydiving, vintage planes and classic cars paired with a wide array of delicious eats, and so much more.
Annual Events
Gilroy’s fall calendar is packed with festivals and events that bring people together to celebrate art, community, culture. On October 12, Chalk Fest brings the pavement to life, where talented artists turn sidewalks into stunning works of art. This year's theme is “Uplift” and is open to artists of all ages and skill levels. Chalk Fest will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Christmas Hill Park.
In mid-October, Gilroy’s historic downtown transforms into a spirited Halloween playground for adults at the Annual Downtown Gilroy Beer Crawl, on October 18. Ticket holders gain access to 20+ pour stations throughout downtown, showcasing local and regional craft beer, a perfect way to sample craft brews while exploring local businesses. The atmosphere is festive, immersive, and fun - come as you are, or break out your best costume. Even your pets can join in!
Nearby at Casa de Fruta, the Northern California Renaissance Faire is well into its 26th season, with several weekends left: More Cottagecore on October 4–5, Oktoberfest on October 11–12, and Halloween Fantasy on October 18–19. Set in ye olde village of Willingtown, each weekend promises music, jousting, food, and costumes galore in a magical setting.
Mark your calendar for November 1, 2025, when downtown Gilroy becomes a vibrant tapestry of art, remembrance, and wellness at the annual La Ofrenda Festival & Wellness Fair. This free event is a Día de Muertos tribute filled with color, music, and meaning. Visitors can join the lively Calavera Bike Ride, explore an Arts, Culture & Wellness Mercado filled with local vendors and resources, and follow the Camino de Ofrendas leading to La Gran Ofrenda, a large-scale ofrenda designed by local artists..
La Ofrenda Festival Photos By: Alex Knowbody (@alexknowbody on Instagram)
Winery Celebrations
Fall is harvesting time in the Santa Clara Valley wine region, and wineries across Gilroy and beyond are celebrating with special tastings, concerts, and festive gatherings. With a robust calendar of events, here is just a sample of some seasonal happenings at some of the local wineries.
On October 11, Cinnabar Winery hosts its Harvest Festival & Grape Stomp with wine, BBQ, music by Simon Santiago, a guided tour, and barrel tasting, while Besson Family Vineyards presents a Centennial Harvest Dinner Celebration from 5–9 p.m. with live music, catered dining, and a raffle. Also on October 11, Verde Vineyards invites guests to a Howl-o-ween Party with live music, vendors, and a pet costume contest. Music lovers won’t want to miss Guglielmo Winery’s “Adventures Around the Globe” with the South Valley Symphony on October 12, an afternoon of global music for the whole family.
As the month continues, hauntingly good times are in store at winery Halloween parties: Lion Ranch Vineyards & Winery (October 25), J. Winston Winery (October 25), and Cordevalle Winery (October 31), all featuring DJs, food, photobooths, and plenty of costumes. Meanwhile, Sarah’s Vineyard keeps its popular Wine, Dine, and Dance series going on Friday nights, with the final show of the season set for Halloween night.
Rolling into November, Fortino Winery hosts a National Wine Tasting Day celebration on November 1 with live music and BBQ, then a Fall Pumpkin Succulent Workshop on November 6 from 6–8 p.m., where guests can sip wine while creating a seasonal keepsake.
Looking Ahead
As the leaves give way to cooler weather and twinkling lights, Gilroy is already gearing up for the holiday season. North Pole Nights return to Gilroy Gardens beginning November 28 and running through December 31. You won’t want to miss the Downtown Gilroy Holiday Festival and Parade on Saturday, December 6 - It’s the perfect way to welcome the holiday season in Gilroy!
Want more details or to plan your visit around these events? Check the Visit Gilroy Events Calendar for the latest updates, and more of what’s happening in Gilroy! Don't forget to book your hotel room, securing your home base for your Gilroy getaway this fall season.
