While Yakima is a great place to call home all year round, there’s something special about the crisp autumn air and colorful palette of fall foliage. Farmers have harvested their fields and crisp apples are being pressed for cider. And there is no shortage of fun fall festivals and events to celebrate the changing of the season. Here are just a few of our favorites.
Union Gap Corn Maze: A 12-acre corn maze is just one of the festive attractions at this fun farm. Enjoy snacks and beverages in the barn, take a hayride, snap some pictures in the photo booth, or watch fruit being launched from the apple cannon! Select the best-looking gourds from their you-pick pumpkin patch. The farm is open Wednesdays through Saturdays, but organizers recommend purchasing your tickets online if you plan on a weekend visit.
Airfield Estates 16th Annual Grape Stomp: Nothing quite matches the feeling of grapes between your toes. If you’ve never participated in the traditional method of grape maceration, now is your chance. The pressure from human force is strong enough to release the juice without crushing the seeds. While this practice has largely been replaced by machinery, Airfield Estates still celebrates the traditional method every fall. They offer a variety of packages suited to your grape-stomping interests. Advanced registration is required. Learn more information at https://www.airfieldwines.com/wine-shop/event-tickets/.
Yakima Arboretum: After a particularly hot summer, the fall leaves are even brighter shades of red and orange on the maple, oak, and sweetgum trees. A short walk around the property is enjoyable, but for a bit more exercise take the path up to the Yakima Greenway beside the Yakima River.
Imperial’s Garden: This 1,000-acre farm has been family owned since 1985. It features a huge hay pyramid covered in perfectly ripe pumpkins and gourds for your fall decorating and a ton of fresh fall produce.
Agricopia: Agricopia is an annual event that celebrates all things agriculture in sunny central Washington. There is something for everyone here—wagon rides, a pumpkin painting contest, s’mores kits, vintage tractors, and a horse-driven plowing bee. Don’t miss out on this free and family-friendly event Oct. 14 and 15 in Union Gap.
Source: IlluminAge with information from the Yakima Valley Tourism
