Bauman’s pumpkin patch and festival opens 2026 season with 30+ kid-friendly activities

Fall festival season is getting underway in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, and one of the region’s longtime farm events is now open for 2026.

Bauman’s Harvest Festival opened Saturday, Sept. 19, at Bauman’s Farm & Garden in Gervais.

The 39th annual festival runs through Oct. 31 and offers pumpkins, mazes, farm animals, rides, seasonal food, and more than 30 activities available during weekend festival days.

The farm is located about 15 miles north of Salem, making the festival an option for families traveling from both the Salem area and the Portland metro region.

What can families do at Bauman’s Harvest Festival?

There’s quite a bit to keep kids busy here.

More than 30 activities are included with festival admission, ranging from corn mazes and hayrides to jumping pillows, farm animals, obstacle courses, slides, and other play areas.

The farm’s Apple Cannon gives visitors a chance to launch apples at targets, while kids can visit animals in the barn or make their way through the farm’s different activity areas.

New additions for 2026 include a mechanical rooster ride and a 20-foot spider web added to the ropes course.

Visitors can repeat included activities during their visit, so families planning to see and do most of the festival may want to set aside several hours.

Is the festival a good option for younger kids?

Bauman’s has put a lot of its focus on families, including children experiencing some of these fall traditions for the first time.

For younger kids, a visit can be as simple as picking out a pumpkin, going on a first hayride, seeing animals in the barn, getting a warm cider donut, and participating in the younger kid-friendly activities.

Families hoping for a quieter visit may want to consider going during the week. Bauman’s recommends Tuesday through Friday for families with younger children, when crowds are typically smaller, lines are shorter, and parking is easier than on fall weekends.

Weekday visits also offer a different experience than the larger weekend festival, so families should check which attractions are operating before heading to the farm.

How did Bauman’s pumpkin patch get started?

The festival’s focus on kids has been part of the farm’s story from the beginning.

According to a 2026 press release from Bauman’s, owner Brian Bauman traces the pumpkin patch tradition back to a visit from his second-grade class. His family had grown pumpkins for seed, and his classmates came to the farm to pick pumpkins.

His father built a straw maze for the children, while his mother made treats.

“That trip was magical for me and now we’ve spent decades building on that moment,” Bauman said. “It’s very exciting watching a new generation discover it.”

What started with that school visit eventually developed into the annual Harvest Festival, which is celebrating its 39th season this year.

Can visitors go to the pumpkin patch without buying festival admission?

Visitors who just want to pick out pumpkins do not need to purchase admission to the Harvest Festival.

Access to Bauman’s pumpkin patch is free, with visitors paying for the pumpkins and produce they take home.

That gives visitors a couple of options. Families can buy festival admission and spend much of the day exploring the attractions, or stop at the farm for pumpkins without paying to enter the activity areas.

What fall food can visitors find at Bauman’s?

Cider donuts are one of the familiar fall treats at Bauman’s, along with fresh apple cider pressed at the farm.

Visitors can also find caramel apples, kettle corn, ice cream, sandwiches, tacos, and other food during the festival.

The Farm Store has its own bakery, coffee shop, and deli and remains open throughout the week.

Food and drinks are not included in admission.

What special events are happening Bauman’s in 2026?

Several additional events are planned during the festival’s six-week run.

Family Rewards Weekend kicks off the season Sept. 19 and 20, followed by Farm Days on Sept. 26 and 27.

The Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off and Giant Pumpkin Drop are scheduled for Oct. 3. The annual event brings enormous pumpkins to the farm before some are hoisted into the air and dropped.

Later in the month, Bauman’s Cider Festival is scheduled for Oct. 24 and 25.

The Harvest Festival continues through Halloween on Oct. 31.

Is Bauman’s dog-friendly?

Well-behaved dogs are allowed in the Harvest Festival and pumpkin patch at no additional charge.

Dogs must remain leashed and under control, and owners are responsible for cleaning up after them. Pets are not permitted in some indoor and food-service areas, including portions of the Farm Store.

Visitors bringing a dog should check Bauman’s current pet rules before making the trip.

How much does Bauman’s Harvest Festival cost?

Opening weekend comes with discounted admission as part of Bauman’s Family Rewards Weekend on Sept. 19 and 20.

The price of admission during opening weekend is

• $25 for ages 3 to 25

• $15 for ages 26 to 99

• Children age 2 and younger are admitted free with a paying adult.

After opening weekend, the price of admission on a regular Saturday and Sunday:

• $30 for ages 3 to 25

• $20 for ages 26 to 99

• Children age 2 and younger are admitted free with a paying adult

Friday, Oct. 9, is also scheduled to operate as a weekend festival day, with the larger lineup of activities and weekend admission prices.

Tickets are available online and at the farm. Parking is free.

What are Bauman’s hours?

Festival hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with admission and ticket sales ending at 4 p.m.

The festival is closed Mondays, although the Farm Store and garden center remain open seven days a week.

Where is Bauman’s located?

Bauman’s Harvest Festival is located at 12989 Howell Prairie Road NE in Gervais.