Coconut Grove's Pumpkin Patch Festival Returns October 26

Seasonal changes in South Florida are clandestine, especially when temperatures soar into the mid-80s in November. Nonetheless, Miami denizens still enjoy the delights of autumn in the form of pumpkin spice lattes, fall-scented candles, and the Coconut Grove Pumpkin Patch Festival.

Voted one of the top harvest festivals by O, the Oprah Magazine, the beloved event returns to its original location in Peacock Park October 26 and 27.

Some new additions to the festival are a gourd-centric food court with bites such as spicy pumpkin and chicken shish kebabs dressed in curry; pumpkin arugula flatbread; sweet potato fries sprinkled with pumpkin spice; and a variety of pumpkin-stuffed tacos. Naturally, dessert options will include pumpkin pie.

This year's celebration will also tout a pumpkin-themed bar pouring Sam Adams Octoberfest and Angry Orchard hard ciders. Patrons can also get their hands on two fall-themed cocktails: The Angry Bomb contains Angry Orchard hard cider and Fireball whiskey, and the Pumpkin Pie is made with pumpkin-spiced rum, cinnamon schnapps, and heavy cream.
"We are looking forward to another fun-filled Pumpkin Patch Festival that truly captures the spirit of the season,” organizer Vanessa Goodis says. And the more than 2,500 pumpkins on display for sale will instantly transports guests to a fall wonderland.

As for activities, there's no shortage. The event boasts a slew of carnival rides, a cornstalk maze, face painting, a pumpkin-decorating tent, and multiple photo opportunities for the whole family. But the best part for many attendees remains scouring the lot for the perfect soon-to-be jack-o'-lantern to decorate the front stoop.

Tickets costs $20 per person, and children under 24 months old get in free. Carnival rides are included with admission. Food, drinks, pumpkins, and pumpkin-decorating accessories are pay as you go.

Coconut Grove Pumpkin Patch Festival. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, October 26, and Sunday, October 27, at Peacock Park, 2820 McFarlane Rd., Coconut Grove; coconutgrovepumpkinpatch.com. Tickets cost $20; children 24 months or younger get in free.