In anticipation of Halloween on Oct. 31, pumpkin patches, haunted houses, and pumpkin spice lattes have sprung up in the Tri-Valley.

Joan’s Farm and Pumpkin Patch in Livermore is a popular selection among families and friends for autumn activities. Located in the town’s countryside, Joan’s offers many activities. There is a snack bar and picnic area among the pumpkins and gourds for sale.

“Before high school, I remember going to pumpkin patches a lot,” said James Obert (‘23). “Now that I’m older, it hasn’t really occurred to me to go.”

There are more than just pumpkins here, however, and the attractions are for all ages. Younger children enjoy the “little blue train ride” and the large inflatable side. For older children and even adults, there is a hay bale maze and the opportunity to feed animals. The old equipment museum has Halloween decorations and more pumpkins and gourds to choose from.

“Opening the patch and corn maze every year is always a great way to keep up with the Halloween and fall spirit and welcome the holiday season,” said employee Dave Simmons at Joan’s Farms.

At G & M Farms, also located in Livermore, people come from all over the area for the massive corn maze. The six green acres can be navigated in daylight or dark. At dark, however, the maze is infested with zombies and creatures—a “fright” maze.

“My kids like the corn maze the best, especially at night when actors dressed up as scary clowns or zombies hide in the corn stalks,” said mother Anne Li at G & M Farms in Livermore.

The pumpkin patches in the Tri-Valley are bustling with families looking to carve jack-o-lanterns and begin the festivities as fall temperatures drop. The pumpkin patches will be open until October 30.

“My parents always took me to get pumpkins to carve with my siblings,” said Shaelyn Buress (‘23).

Haunted Houses

Pirates of Emerson typically attracts teenage and young adult audiences. Operating from hours 7:05 to 11 pm and prices ranging from 38 to 78 dollars, Pirates of Emerson is a Bay Area tradition.

“I can’t remember a year when it wasn’t at the fairgrounds here,” said Obert.

Located at the Alameda County Fairgrounds, Pirates will be open from Sept. 30 to Oct. 31. Many guests say certain rooms and houses are more scream-worthy than others, but all come to a common ground that the costumes and makeup are the best part. Actors dress up as zombies, chainsaw killers, possessed dolls, and other creepy personas.

“This year I ran out of one of the rooms because something grabbed my shoulder,” said Olivia D’Onofrio (‘23). “I think it was a lot scarier than last year, and some people were wearing these creepy masks.”

Changes since COVID

During COVID-19, October 2020 was a drive-through experience, where the costumed people walked up to car windows to induce fright. 2021, things went back to normal. This year is the second year that Pirates of Emerson is operating under regular guidelines.

“I think it’s important to bring back all the activities from before COVID because it has pretty much gone away now,” said D’Onofrio.

The Tri-Valley Bay Area is full of autumn activities in full swing for all ages and preferences for Halloween.