One of the things that truly warms my heart about Reno is its vibrant holiday spirit & festive atmosphere as the seasons change.
Throughout the year, there's an abundance of exciting events and experiences in & around Reno that both locals & visitors eagerly anticipate. Many of these traditions result in cherished moments and unforgettable memories.
Fall in Reno is particularly enchanting, with its breathtaking scenery and perfect weather. There's no shortage of fantastic events, destinations, experiences, & delicious culinary delights that capture the essence of the season.
Whether you choose to explore all that the city has to offer or venture out of town, you're in for a memorable time.
Wishing you all the very best for an incredible upcoming fall season!
Sincerely, Kat
Notes
Guide Updates: I will be continuously updating this guide as I gather more information.
Suggestions Welcome: If you notice any omissions from my lists or would like to recommend places, events, or experiences, please feel free to reach out. You can message me on Instagram or email @ lovingreno775@gmail.com.
Ticket Availability: When it comes to events, it's advisable to secure your tickets as early as possible because they tend to sell out quickly.
Arrival Tips: To ensure a smoother experience, consider arriving early to events. This not only helps with finding good parking spots but also minimizes wait times.
Winter Advisory: Snow may come as early as the end of October. Check out my winter travel guide to stay on top of hazardous weather conditions.
Included in this Guide
*Fall Treats *Farms to Visit
*Spooky Activities for Littles *Fall Events
*Creepy Escape Rooms *Where to see Fall Folliage
*Family Friendly Halloween Movies
*Where to get Costumes
*Decorated Homes in Reno
The Chocolate Shoppe in Gardnerville
Fall Bucket List
-jump into a pile of fall leaves
-enjoy the colors of changing leaves
-do a fall craft
-watch a Halloween movie
-pick your own pumpkins & apples
-drink an apple milkshake made with apples straight from an orchard
-make a scarecrow
-have a fall photo session
-take a road trip out of town
-listen to Halloween music
-light up scented fall candles + buy fall scented soap
-read halloween books
-have a staycation
-tarot/palm reading
-learn an instrument
-indulge in delicious fall goods
-picnic in the perfect weather
-take to the trails
-carve jack-o-lanterns
-improve your photography skills
-camp outdoors or in your backyard
-gather around a campfire & make smores
-make s'mores and sip hot cocoa
-take a ghost tour
-bake fall/Halloween treats while watching a movie in the background
-Conquer a haunted house (Dark Corner & The Final Hour listed in events below)
-watch a Halloween movie at a farm
-ride bikes in fall glory
-ride a train
-dress up & go trick or treating
-visit a farm
-decorate your house
-drive around town and find the best Halloween decorated houses
Halloween cookie kits and pies are popular, so placing your order ahead of time is best.
-Cookie Decorating Kits
-Jack Skellington Jumbleberry Pie
-Seasonal/Halloween Cupcakes
-Seasonal Pies - Pecan, Pumpkin, Apple, Pumpkin Streusel, & more
If there's one place you can depend on for delicious year-round pies, Mix Bakeshop is the spot. Their crust is so flavorful and buttery and their fillings are made with quality ingredients.
They also have cutie sized pies that make sampling each flavor a breeze.
Also available are cookie kits and cupcakes in all sorts of flavors.
This shop has fun old fashioned vibes that make it fun to visit. I always look forward to my visits here, especially during the holidays.
Batch Cupcakery is a local bakery favorite that makes one of the best pumpkin cupcakes in town. This shop has been around for a while and was one of the first to cater to all diets, including paleo, vegan, and keto. Locations in Midtown and South Reno.
Great Basin Co-op is a local grocery store where you can find seasonal offerings, including an amazing pumpkin muffin. They usually have a daily gluten free/vegan treat on hand. Call ahead to see what they have in stock. This grocery store is so charming and one of the best spots to hang out to for community vibes. Seating in front of store and No City Coffee upstairs inside the store.
*The Chocolate Shoppe in Gardnerville (50 minutes away form South Reno) has the widest selection of holiday-themed chocolates. They can whip up custom baskets that fit your budget and have them sent out by mail.
*Bouchee Confections & Tandem Chocolates are craft chocolate shops in Reno that make gourmet edible art from scratch, with skill and expertise. The ladies behind these treats are both amazing people.
*Dorinda's has a wide array treats and makes delicious pumpkin truffles every fall that are so delicious. I also love adding them into a custom order of rolled ice cream. See my recipe below.
Tip: Add any of their chocolates from their case to make yourself a special ice cream concoction. You can also enjoy any of their flavors vegan style.
Pumpkin Truffle Custom Rolled Ice Cream
Ask for a vanilla base, add in a pumpkin truffle and top with graham crackers, caramel sauce, cinnamon, whipped cream, & another pumpkin truffle.
Three Locations
*727 Riverside Drive Ste. E, Reno, Nevada, 89503
This location is next door to Hub Coffee Roasters and across the street of the Truckee River. Their shared patio is a pleasant spot to hang around in a nice lively atmosphere. No indoor seating available.
Located at the Village at Rancharra, a stunning village made of modern farmhouse style buildings, all joined by a communal area that's super fun to hang around. Play human sized chess & bocce ball. If you get lucky, you'll catch an event and/or live entertainment during your visit.
*0191 Donner Pass Rd., Truckee, Ca 96161
Located on the main road of Downtown Truckee. Street parking $. The drive up to Truckee is always amazing and Truckee is a beautiful neighborhood that has million dollar views of the sierra mountains.
View in front of Dorinda's at the Village at Rancharra
*Sierra Nevada Chocolate Co. is a rad local shop that makes everything in house & has a fun selection of truffles, brittles, caramels and has delicious caramel apples on hand year-round. If you're pressed for time on gifts, they also have helium balloons for sale. Espresso bar + gelato in house. Despite being a more affordable option, these chocolates deliver on taste and quality since everything in made in house and with care.
If you're a serious party person, they have chocolate fountains available for rent.
*Fuzziwig's in Scheel's at the Outlets at Legends, Sparks, makes a good traditional caramel apple. I love that they're always fresh, huge, & not overly sweet. They always satisfy cravings, especially during the holidays.
*Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory also makes a wide variety of delicious caramel apples, along with other Halloween themed items. I LOVE their toffee caramel apple and always snag one whenever I see them at events.
Year-Round Riverside Farmer's Market
EVERY SUNDAY 8am-1pm
Our amazing Riverside Farmer's Market is the only year-round market in Reno and home to some of the most passionate vendors. Here you'll find seasonal local produce, made from scratch goods, entertainment, all natural products, handmade goods, educational activities for children, special events, and the most welcoming atmosphere and community.
This market is my medicine and a welcome addition to any day.
They're gearing up for their transition fall, so be on the lookout for the most amazing seasonal goods/products/crafts. Follow them on Instagram for the latest updates.
Subscribe to their newsletter on their website to learn more about the rad businesses that make this market one of the best in town. (Fill out form all the way at the bottom)
Old Riverside Farmer's Market @ McKinley Arts Center. New location @ Idlewild Park
Visit a Farm
Visiting a farm in the fall offers a delightful blend of natural beauty and seasonal activities. From vibrant foliage & pumpkin patches to the thrill of hayrides and corn mazes, it's a chance to savor the harvest season's charm. Families and individuals alike enjoy picking their own produce, indulging in farm-to-table dining, and partaking in educational experiences. These visits evoke a sense of tradition and nostalgia while providing a peaceful escape from urban life, making them a cherished autumn activity.
Andelin Farm is an absolute must-visit in the fall, run by a warm and welcoming family who appreciate all of their guests.
For a flat admission fee, you can partake in a wide array of exciting activities. Whether it's pony rides, gem mining, zombie paintball, conquering the popular haunted corn maze called "corn creepers," or simply gathering around fire pits, there's something for everyone.
Families with kids especially love the seasonal pass, offering unlimited access throughout the season. Safety is a top priority as the entire farm is enclosed with a gate, ensuring a secure and delightful experience for the whole family as you explore the grounds.
Some Activities on the Farm:
-pet farm animals
-food trucks (hot dogs, mini donuts, apple cider custard slushies).
-barn store (apple cider, crafts, pantry goods, souvenirs)
-Hamster Wheel (adult sized)
-pumpkin patch + other varieties on sale
-bull lassoing
-Pumpkin Shooters (slingshot corn kernels)
-water pump duck races
-barrel rides (tractor)
-hay rides around farm
-photo cutouts
-slides
-zip line
-zombie paintball and corn creepers at night (tickets sold separately)
(reserve early as spots tend to run out)
Notes:
-Andelin Farm gives out discounts of 15% off early in the season to email subscribers. Sign up for their newsletter on their website.
**Not eligible for discount are pony rides, field trips, craft classes, birthday parties, fire pits and season passes**
-Rent out a fire pit for nights (limited quantity available).
-Andelin Farm has a fun corn maze (day) that changes in theme each year
-Don't pass up their apple slushie. People wait so long for these at Apple Hill and Bishop Pumpkin Farm. Their hot dogs & mini donuts are also yummy.
-If you're lucky, they'll have apple cider from a local farm available in their barn store for you to purchase
Ferrari Farms has its own charm and while on the smaller side, brings lots of action each year. Admission is free. Pay per activity.
Some Activities on the Farm:
-Pumpkin picking (about 40 varieties)
-Photo opportunities
-Scenic hayride (short & sweet)
-Band Cover Show held at night in the barn (follow Holland Project for updates)
-Family-friendly Halloween movies on weekends (check calender) There are a couple of firepits outside the lawn area where you can roast s'mores. Bring your own ingredients, including sticks. Blankets & lawn chairs welcome.
-Corn mazes: Their daytime maze is 15-25 mins. depending on how fast you go. Separate killer clown maze available at night on weekends. Tip: put your hand on the right wall as you enter the maze and follow that wall all the way through for a no brainer way out of the maze.
-Barn Dance 10/14 @ 7pm
-Face paint
-Food Vendors
Not Going on This Year
-Trunk or Treat
-Carnival rides (super slide, funhouse, train ride, spinning cars): I suggest buying the wristband for unlimited use. My kids have so much fun going on the slides and running through the funhouse repeatedly.
Notes
*Parking is on a dirt lot
*Portable toilets at parking lot available
*Always check hour to hour weather and dress accordingly. October days can be bone chilling.
Fun House at Ferrari Farms will not be here this year, 2023
If you're looking for the ultimate farm experience with fun entertainment, great hot food, beautiful grounds, heaps of entertainment, and delicious apple goods, Bishop Pumpkin Farm is the ultimate spot.
When recommending this farm to others, I often describe it as the "Disneyland" of farms. It boasts a barn store, bakery, cookie shop, hot food vendors, a slushie barn, an abundance of play areas for children, a petting zoo, train, carousel, u-pick sunflower farm, and so much more.
Tips:
-Weekends in October are the busiest. Plan on arriving early or come on a weekday to beat the crowds. You can also visit mid september.
-Parking on weekends $20, weekdays free
-Free admission. Pay per activity. I highly suggest purchasing their ticket bundle. Tickets never expire. "value" ticket bundles are slightly discounted & can only be used on the weekdays
-Halloween movies only play during weekends in October
-They take cards here, but it's always good to have cash on hand.
-ATMs available
-Must be at least 45lbs for zipline
-Don't forget to check hour-to-hour weather to dress appropriately
-You may bring lawn chairs for watching movies in the pumpkin patch
-Fire pits are available by reservation only (follow their Instagram for when windows open. reserve early as they fill up fast)
-Movie screens located in the pumpkin patch next to the train
-Cider Mill and bakery can be found all the way at the back to the left (facing farm)
-Restrooms available with running water
-Hand washing stations available all around farm
-Seperate ticket required for facepaint
-This farm is perfect for photo shoots
-Pick your pumpkins at the end of the day so you don't have to carry them around. Or pick them early and place in your car right away.
-Pay for pumpkins at entrance using weighing scales
-The grounds are beautifully landscaped and are fun to walk around
-I would visit the farm even if I didn't have kids
-On weekend nights, enjoy fireworks & Halloween movies at their whimsical pumpkin patch
-Ride their tractor to the biggest U-Pick pumpkin patch in the country, at 90 acres
***Don't forget to bring cash. ATMs available on grounds next to Pigadeli Square
Other Activities on the Farm:
-Carousel
-Zipline
-Marble Dig
-Coyote Mountain slide
-playground with corn kernel room
-old west mini town with buildings children can enter
-Apple Slushie Float or Slushshakies (cider slush, soft serve, served in a caramel-dipped mug and topped with whipped cream, sprinkles, and a caramel apple).
-Tri Tip Sandwich & Garlic Fries
-Babe's Cookies
-Apple Dumplings with soft serve from Mrs. B's Bakery
-Caramel Corn Nuggets and fresh apple cider (from barn up front)
A visit to Apple Hill in Placerville is a sensory delight that beckons all. Nestled in the heart of picturesque California, this enchanting destination offers a cornucopia of orchards, wineries, bakeries, and artisanal craft shops. Here, you can handpick crisp, juicy apples, savor delectable pies and cider, and explore charming farms and vineyards, all set against the backdrop of stunning fall foliage. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a foodie seeking farm-fresh delights, or simply yearning for a serene escape, Apple Hill promises an unforgettable, autumnal experience that captures the essence of the season.
My poston Apple Hill with links & tips. Beat traffic & make the most of your time.
El Dorado Orchards, Placerville. Train Ride.
Notes
*The journey to Apple Hill is a scenic two-hour drive through the captivating landscapes of South Lake Tahoe & the winding trails of El Dorado National Forest along Highway 50.
*The busiest time to visit Apple Hill is in the month of October. Going early and on weekdays is suggested if you want to avoid lines & traffic.
*Follow farms on social media to keep up with their opening dates, coupons, offerings, specials, & giveaways.
Shoaf's ghost town is charming year-round walk-through in the Sawdust Trails store in Virginia City that my kids (5,7, & 9) have been enjoying for the past several years. No live actors or sudden scares, just cute haunting scenes.
The entrance to the ghost town is at the back of the shop.
Shoaf's Ghost Town, Sawdust Trails, Virginia City Escape Room, and Gem mining are all found next to one another and are owned by the same person. The deatils you'll find at the store and walk-through are insane.
Fresh popped kettle corn & BBQ sandwiches can be found next to these stores. Ice cream across the street.
Creepy & Spooky Displays at Spirit of Halloween and Home Depot
Spirit of Halloween has so many spooky interactive displays that me and my kids can't get enough of and the amazing thing is that they switch them up year to year.
Home Depot has upped their game this year and has outrageously cool decorations, from talking witches with moving eyes to one tall singing Jack Skellington.
Fall Events
There's no shortage of amazing events and experiences to get you into the holiday spirit. Have fun discovering new places and experiences and/or revisit your favorites.
I've been to so many of the events on my list and they're a big part of why I love our city so much. Experience so many settings, atmospheres, crowds, feelings, traditions, cultures, & so much more through attending these events.
*Events may get canceled due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather, so be sure to keep up to date with businesses by following them on social media.
Virginia City boasts a rich historical background, making it an ideal setting for an immersive Halloween experience. From ghost and cemetery tours to paranormal sleepovers and investigations, Halloween trains, and haunted escape rooms, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Main Street comes alive with Halloween parades, while you can also indulge your eerie creative side with creepy doll-making workshops. Don't miss the enchanting All Hallow's Eve Ball, and for the little ones, there's even a ghost town designed just for them.
Are you familiar with escape rooms? If not, allow me to introduce you to my latest obsession. I conquered my first escape room a couple of years ago and have been hooked ever since. There's truly nothing more exhilarating, exciting, empowering, entertaining, and cooler than escape rooms.
Escape rooms are immersive experiences where you and a group of friends, family, or even strangers get locked in a room to play a game. Your mission is to solve a series of intricate puzzles and "escape" your way out.
If you're in the mood for some spine-tingling Halloween vibes, look no further than Deadline's "Dead Silence" in Reno. Be sure to book your spot in advance - it's a hot ticket! Don't fret about your skill level; all are welcome, and you can choose to receive as many or as few clues as you desire, with guidance provided from an adjoining room.
Exciting news alert! They've just unveiled a brand-new room called "Freak Show," a circus-themed escape room set in a top tent complete with human cages, carnival games, and more. Can you believe it?
Fall Foliage in & Around Reno
Typically the second & third week of October are peak times, but it always depends on the weather.
Check out this fall foliage map to get a good idea of when leaves will hit their peak colors.
***You can download the AllTrails app on your phone and it will bring up the most popular hikes near you. Also, this app is useful for making sure you stay on trail by showing your current position in relation to the trail map. It has saved me and my family from getting lost on hikes many times.
Hope Valley
(1 hr away from Reno toward South Lake Tahoe. Drive another 26 mins. and you'll reach South Lake Tahoe.)
Visitors Admiring the Scenery
Photographers, artists, and tourists visit Hope Valley annually, attempting to capture its beauty. Only one hour away from Reno, this stop for fall foliage is a must, with South Lake Tahoe only 26 minutes away and Markleville only 15 minutes away.
Experience the charm of a Wylder Resort cabin nestled amidst picturesque aspen trees, turning your stay into a delightful vacation. Please note that a reservation is required to explore and wander their beautiful grounds.
For a culinary adventure, be sure to visit Hope Valley Cafe & Market, or take a short 15-minute drive to the quaint town of Markleeville from Wylder Resort. Both options offer a tempting array of baked goods, delectable food, refreshing drinks, and convenient snacks. While you're there, don't hesitate to inquire about local trail recommendations to enhance your outdoor experience.
Enjoy a scenic stroll along the Truckee River, lined with tall golden cottonwood trees in the fall. This park is dog friendly and has a paved path, porta-potty, two bridges, hiking trails, and leads to Dorostkar Park.
(Tours of Mansion start End of May - End of October)
Rentable Pavilion @ Bower's Mansion
Enjoy the reds, oranges, and yellows of fall here at the park while marveling at the beauty of Bower's Mansion. The park has a massive grass area, playgrounds, and picnic tables with BBQ grills.
One of my favorite parks found on Mt. Rose Highway before hitting Galena Park. The park is in the forest with a creek running through, two play structures, a grass area, and short and long hiking trails nearby.
The picturesque autumn foliage set against the waters of the Truckee River creates the perfect fall scene. There are plenty of dining options available along the riverbank. Parking is available at either Idlewild Park or Barbara Benette Park.