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October is here, with a riot of fall colors, the sweet scent of autumn, and a cornucopia of fun festivities that everyone can enjoy. Oktoberfest is in full swing, so get your gemütlich game on. Ready for some apple picking? Apple Hill Growers, a group of over 50 farms in the scenic Sierra foothills, is just an hour from Cyrene at Meadowlands. These family farms offer more than just apple picking, with attractions that include pumpkin patches, fresh baked goods, cider tasting, train and tractor rides, corn mazes, wineries, and more. And if you like your pumpkins with a side of suds, be sure to visit Dora Dain Pumpkin Patch at Dueling Dogs Brewing Co., right here in Lincoln. 

Oktoberfest 2023 Gold Country Fairgrounds & Event Center, 209 Fairgate Rd. Auburn, CA 95603

Oct 6 Get ready for the ultimate celebration of beer, food, and fun, and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of this iconic German festival. With a traditional German dinner, ice-cold brews, and live German music and dancers, the event promises an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a beer aficionado or simply looking for a good time, Oktoberfest 2023 is the place to be. Grab your friends, put on your lederhosen or dirndl, and get ready to raise your steins in cheer. Prost! 

Oktoberfest Kathrin’s Biergarten 4810 Granite Dr. Rocklin, CA 95677

Kathrin’s is a family-run biergarten that offers a wide range of German imported draft and in-house brewed beers, and authentic German home-style cooked meals. During the month of October, Kathrin’s will be presenting a series of Oktoberfest events, with live music and plenty of Gemuetlichkeit, a German word used to convey the idea of a state or feeling of warmth, friendliness, and good cheer. 

53rd Annual Oktoberfest Turner Hall 3349 J Street Sacramento, CA 95816

Oct 13 & 14 The Sacramento Turn Verein will hold its 54th Annual Oktoberfest at Turner Hall, a celebration patterned after the world-famous Oktoberfest in Munich. For over 160 years, the Turn Verein has served as the center for German traditions in Sacramento. Enjoy traditional German music, food and drink, and kegs of authentic Oktoberfest beer shipped directly from Munich. Entertainment includes German band Gruber Family Band in the Main Hall , AKA LIVE the rock-& roll band upstairs in the Festhall, the Alpenmeisters in the Biergarten, and performances by the Alpentänzer Schuhplattlers. 

Oktoberfest Brickyard Kitchen & Bar 1475 Eureka Rd. Roseville, CA 95661

Oct 21 Join Brickyard Kitchen & Bar for their Second Annual Oktoberfest. Festivities include outdoor live music, costume contest, beer stein holding contest, cornhole tournament, photo booth, beer tastings, tons of brewery swag, complimentary .5 liter beer steins, food specials, and lots of prizes. Brickyard has been serving awesome food, beer and cocktails since they first opened their doors in 2017. In a sea of corporate chain restaurants, they strive to maintain a family style, authentic local restaurant, with a feel we all grew up with.

Harris Family Farm 2640 Blair Rd. Pollock Pines, CA 95726

Harris Family Farm is a peaceful historic farm going back over 150 years and seven generations. The ranch is located far from the city’s crowd and traffic, and gives you a relaxing experience in a bucolic setting. Seasonally, you’ll find you-pick berries, flowers, apples, and pumpkins. They also have apple cider, vegetables, fresh eggs, and a bake shop with pies, turnovers, strudel, and jams. Enjoy the picnic area in the orchard and nature trail through the woods. 

O’Halloran’s Apple Trail Ranch 2261 Cable Rd. Camino, CA 95709

In 1968 Pat and Donna O’Halloran made this ranch their home and raised their five children here. The family has been working in just about every aspect of farming ever since and is now into the third generation. Apple picking season is here, and whether you’re looking for something sweet, tart, crispy, juicy or tannic, they have you covered. They also grow a variety of fun and unique specialty gourds, squash, and pumpkins galore. Additional offerings include a grassy picnic area, nature trail, fresh apple cider, applesauce, apple butter, and a grafted tree from an original Johnny Appleseed tree.

Apple Ridge Farms 1800 Larsen Dr. Camino, CA 95709

Visit Apple Ridge Farms and experience the bounties of country living. Indulge in the flavors of fresh-baked pies and pastries, expertly smoked and grilled BBQ dishes, and so much more. Browse and shop for boutique handmade goods, seasonal home décor, homemade jams, and decadent candies and fudge. And delight in fresh-picked apples from their lush orchards surrounded by the natural beauty of the Sierra foothills.

Abel’s Apple Acres 2345 Carson Rd. Placerville, CA 95667

This four generation family ranch offers outdoor fun for all ages, from pond and picnic areas to kids activities including Mining Adventure, Maze, and Horse Rides. Enjoy the Craft Fair, Apple Barn with Bake Shop, Candy Counter, Apple Pantry, gifts, book nooks, deck and Terri’s Country Cuisine & BBQ with view and dining tables.

Dora Dain Pumpkin Patch Dueling Dogs Brewing Co. 3030 Barrett Park Ln. Lincoln, CA 95648

Move over summer and bring on the fall. Dora Dain Farm’s pumpkin patch is back and ready for you to come out and explore at Dueling Dogs Brewing Co. There are pumpkins on the vine, specialty pumpkins, corn stalks, and straw all available down in the brand new pumpkin patch. There will also be fall brews, caramel apples, apple pies, and fun fall activities. Grab an ice cold brew or sip on some wine. Stroll through the pumpkin vines, enjoy the season, and don’t forget to take your picture with Ol’ Blue.

Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm 1415 Pumpkin Ln. Wheatland, CA 95692

In 1973, Bill and Sandy Bishop planted the first pumpkins and invited local schools to come visit the farm. Since then, the Bishops have added delicious homemade foods, authentic farm fun, and the largest U-Pick pumpkin field in the world. A day at the farm can start with a made-from-scratch Pumpkin Apple Muffin, a visit to Weeland Petting Zoo to feed the goats, a trip around the park on the BPF Line, and a hand-dipped golden corn dog with garlic fries for lunch. The fun continues with a hayride to the pumpkin field to search for the perfect pumpkin, getting lost in the Corn Maze, and taking a spin on Charlie’s Carousel or flying high at Bishop’s Flying Service. 

Photo Credits:

Photo #1: Apple Hill Growers

Photo #2: Oktoberfest Gold Country Fairgrounds

Photo #3: Kathrin’s Biergarten

Photo #4: Sacramento Turn Verein

Photo #5: Brickyard Kitchen & Bar

Photo #6: Harris Family Farm 

Photo #7: O’Halloran’s Apple Trail Ranch

Photo #8: Apple Ridge Farms

Photo #9: Abel’s Apple Acres 

Photo #10: Dueling Dogs Brewing Co

Photo #11:Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm