Fall is rolling into Nevada County, and with it comes crisp mornings, golden leaves, and that irresistible pull to get outside (or tuck into a cozy café corner). Whether you’re looking for pumpkin patch adventures with the kids, scenic drives bursting with color, live music and art-filled weekends, or just the perfect latte to sip while the world turns amber, I’ve pulled together the ultimate list of outings for everyone this season.

Local Pumpkin Patches

Bierwagen’s Donner Trail Fruit & Pumpkin Patch
17473 Lower Colfax Rd, Grass Valley
The OG of fall outings—cider, free admission, and pick your own pumpkin patches filled with pumpkins perfect for carving. Don’t forget the weekend snack shack. Expect apple fritters and chili that play hard to get with your waistline.

The Haunted Pumpkin Patch
13808 Retrac Way, Grass Valley
Daytime pumpkins, nighttime shrieks: this one’s for families who love a dash of spook added to their squash. Opens October 1—and yes, it’s just scary enough to make you laugh afterward.

McCourtney Road Pumpkins
20267 McCourtney Rd, Grass Valley
Want pumpkins without the hoedown? Stop by a quieter patch on weekends—less fuss, more zen pumpkin-picking.

Don’t-Miss Fall Events

Strawberry Music Festival – Fall Return
Nevada County Fairgrounds, Grass Valley
After a long hiatus, Strawberry is serenading us again this October. No VIPs, spontaneous jam sessions, multi-gen family parades—like the neighborliest block party ever.

Fall Colors Open Studios & Art Tours
Countywide, weekends in October
Local artists open their studios for weekend tours—perfect for spicing up your living room walls with conversation-starting art.

Heart of Gold Gravel Grinder
Nevada City, early October
Cyclists, gear up: either you’re booking a cozy café visit while your ride finishes, or you’re that lung-powered hero. Your call.

Where to See Fall Colors

East Bennet Street
Grass Valley
The fall colors explode on this stretch of road that spans from just outside of downtown to 174 at Greenhorn. The winding drive is perfect for enjoying the beautiful colors as the speed limit is 35mph meaning you don’t have to worry about driving slow and really taking it all in.

Empire Mine State Historic Park
10791 E Empire St, Grass Valley
For that “I just climbed a hill and deserve pumpkin spice now” feeling—these views are worth the vertical.

Downtown Nevada City & Grass Valley
Especially Nevada Street & Neal Street—peak color mid-to-late October, lasting until Thanksgiving.

Top Cozy Cafés

Caroline’s Coffee Roasters
128 South Auburn St, Grass Valley
They roast their beans on site and are known for their “mom and pop” vibe. Bring a good book or a friend and enjoy people watching out their giant windows.

Three Forks Bakery & Brewing Co.
211 Commercial St, Nevada City
Grab organic drip coffee and a baked good that whispers “I’m fancy, but I’m also home.”

So whether you’re carving pumpkins, chasing colors, sipping local roasts, or soaking up creative vibes, consider this your official fall permission slip. IttyBitty4Life-approved, of course.