October, 2025
By Jennifer Macedo, Heidi Rodriguez, and Eloy Rebollar, Staff Reporters
Every fall Texans start searching for the best way to celebrate the season, whether it’s through cozy drinks, Halloween decorations or family-friendly pumpkin patches. One of the most popular events in the Austin area that enhances the fall vibes is the Texas Pumpkin Fest.
The Texas Pumpkin Fest is located in Leander, TX, which is 30 minutes away from the center of Austin. Texas Pumpkin Fest is family-friendly for all ages. As you drive into the location there is free parking within the premises and it is located in an outdoor field surrounded by more fields which sets the mood for fall vibes.
When you walk into the Pumpkin Patch, you have to pay a $15 dollar admission fee, which includes: Pumpkin Patch (with photo ops), live music, entrance to the Hall Of Monsters, magic shows, and access to rides like the Giant Pumpkin Spinner, the Pirate Ship Ride, Super Slide, Pumpkin Bounce House, and the Sit n’ Spin Ride. There is also a Pumpkin Pie Eating Contest and Costume Contest. Any other attractions cost $3 per token, and most rides require two tokens.
What makes the Pumpkin Patch stand out is the good atmosphere and the friendly, helpful staff. You could just tell there was good vibes all over the place, and the live music helps it tie all together.
Our experience
Our experience was overall fun and memorable. During our visit, the Pumpkin Patch had a welcoming, family-friendly energy that made it feel like we were welcomed into the Pumpkin Patch as soon as we walked in. It felt sort of like a small fair but fall version. There was some small vendors set up with their (slightly overpriced) booths by the entrance. The food was also not cheap: a 16-ounce cup of lemonade was priced $11, which for some people may not be that bad, but for the cup to be filled to the brim with just ice and the rest lemonade, you basically just paid for ice. However, other booths just charged more reasonable prices of $2 for a soda or canned drink.
We also tried rides and games which added on to the fun of the Pumpkin Patch. Some games, like the Super Slide, were worth it, but other attractions weren’t as good. For example, the Spinning Ferris Wheel didn’t even spin. It just felt like a waste of money and to be honest the Giant Pumpkin Spinner was better and it was free.
The pumpkin area and photo ops made up for the attractions, though. They had a variety of photo options around the pumpkin patch which made it easier for the customers because we didn’t have to wait around just for one photo op. All the photo ops were entirely made for everyone from couples to family and groups of friends. In our opinion they had good, Instagram-worthy pictures that were also comfortable for the family. Although there might have been a bunch of people there it never felt crowded; there were never super long lines and it never felt unorganized, and the trash cans were conveniently placed through the pumpkin patch so there wasn’t trash on the floor and the place still looked clean.
As we left the pumpkin patch after a good experience and hearing the music in the distance it was clear that the Texas Pumpkin Fest offers more than entertainment; it’s a full experience that brings people together. Overall, the Texas Pumpkin Patch was a great way to start off the fall season, and a good reminder of why this season is one of the most loved in Texas.
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