Spend the Weekend at Mellano Farm Stand’s Harvest Festival
Fall is officially in the air, and Mellano Farm Stand is celebrating with six straight weekends of autumn charm, colorful blooms, and family fun.
Between the marigold fields, the pumpkin patch, and an endless corn maze, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re after photo ops or the full harvest experience, this fall tradition is worth adding to your list.
Pumpkins, Marigolds, and a Corn Maze
Browse a wide selection of pumpkins available for purchase and snap photos throughout the farm-grown pumpkin patch, then wander the fields for a round of U-Pick Marigolds, picking your own golden blooms to bring home.
Find your way through the sprawling corn maze, or slow things down with a relaxing tractor-drawn farm ride through the fall air. Each activity offers its own pace, so whether you’re looking for adventure or a leisurely stroll, the farm has you covered.
It’s easy to spend hours here without ever running out of things to do.
Live Music, Food, and Seasonal Treats
Local live performances fill the air every weekend, alongside food trucks and local vendors serving up seasonal bites and goods.
Sip on refreshing lemonade or a festive spooky mocktail, and don’t skip the apple nachos, a crowd favorite for good reason. Grab a bite, find a spot to sit, and let the music set the tone for the afternoon.
It’s the perfect excuse to slow down and make a whole day of it.
A Little Something for Every Age
The Kids Zone keeps little ones entertained with bounce houses, gem sluicing, and more, while free kids crafts like bee baths and Jack O’ Lantern fans run throughout the day.
Adults can get in on the learning too, with free educational talks and demos covering DIY worm bins for vermicomposting, honey, bees, and pollinators (complete with farm-fresh honey samples), and the history behind traditional marigold garlands.
A Sweet Contest and a Special Thank You
Think you’ve got what it takes to take home the crown? Step up or cheer on the competitors during the pumpkin pie eating contest, held in multiple rounds throughout the day.
Past and present military members and their families also receive BOGO tickets for tractor rides and the corn maze, so don’t forget to bring a military ID for the discount.
See you there!
Between the pumpkins, the marigolds, and a full day of fall activities, Mellano Farm Stand’s Harvest Festival is a perfect way to kick off the season, running weekends all the way through early November.
📆 Saturday, September 26 – Sunday, September 27, 2026 | 10 AM – 4 PM
📍 5714 N River Rd, Oceanside
🎟️ Free admission
ℹ️ Additional details can be found here
See you there, San Diego!
