Introduction

There’s something about fall on the Eastside that makes you want to slow down and enjoy the season. Whether you’re in Kirkland, Woodinville, Redmond, Bellevue, or nearby, there are plenty of ways to make the most of autumn, from local harvest festivals and scenic foliage walks to pumpkin patches, apple picking, family activities, and a leisurely day exploring the Sammamish Valley. Whether you're planning a family outing, a weekend adventure, or simply looking for a reason to enjoy where you live, this Eastside Fall Bucket List has plenty of ideas to add to your calendar this season..

Fall Festivals & Community Events

Fall is a great time to get out and experience the Eastside. From community celebrations to harvest season in Woodinville, these are a few events and seasonal experiences worth adding to your calendar.

1. Kirkland Harvest Festival | Kirkland

The Kirkland Harvest Festival is a classic way to celebrate the season with the community. The 2026 festival is scheduled for October 3 at Juanita Beach Park, with food and craft vendors, food trucks, contests, pony rides, and activities for kids. Admission is free, making it an easy fall outing for the whole family. Learn more at Kirkland Harvest Festival.

2. Oktoberfest | Redmond

Looking for something a little more festive? Add Oktoberfest in Redmond to your fall calendar. It's a fun way to get out, enjoy the seasonal atmosphere, and spend time exploring another side of the Eastside.

3. Kelsey Creek Farm Fair | Bellevue

For a classic fall farm experience, head to Kelsey Creek Farm in Bellevue. The annual Farm Fair brings the community together with farm animals, a pumpkin patch, wagon rides, children's activities, and other seasonal experiences. Learn more at Kelsey Creek Farm.

4. Harvest Season | Woodinville

Fall is harvest season in Woodinville, making it one of my favorite times to explore the Sammamish Valley. From winery crush events and seasonal celebrations to the Pumpkin Farm and Puzzle Patch, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the area as the season changes. See what's happening at Visit Woodinville.

Best Places to Enjoy Fall Foliage

You don't need a special event to enjoy autumn. Sometimes a walk through the changing leaves is the perfect fall activity.

1. Juanita Bay Park | Kirkland

Juanita Bay Park is a beautiful place to slow down and enjoy the outdoors. The waterfront trails and wetlands make it an easy spot for a peaceful fall walk and a chance to take in the changing scenery.

2. Marymoor Park | Redmond

With tree-lined trails and plenty of open space, Marymoor Park is a great place to spend an afternoon outside. It's also a fun spot for a family fall walk or a leaf scavenger hunt with the kids.

3. Bellevue Botanical Garden | Bellevue

For beautiful seasonal color and peaceful garden paths, add Bellevue Botanical Garden to your list. It's a great place to take a slower walk, enjoy the changing leaves, and get a few fall photos along the way.

4. Sammamish River Trail | Woodinville

The Sammamish River Trail is another easy way to experience fall around the Eastside. Walk, bike, or scooter along the trail while taking in the changing leaves, farms, and scenery throughout the Sammamish Valley.

Pumpkin Patches & Apple Picking

Of course, no fall bucket list would be complete without pumpkins and apples. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly afternoon, a corn maze, or the perfect pumpkin to take home, these are a few seasonal spots to consider.

1. The Pumpkin Farm & Puzzle Patch | Woodinville

The Pumpkin Farm & Puzzle Patch at JB Family Growers offers much more than pumpkin picking. The property features a large corn maze, trails through the sunflower fields, pumpkins, and other seasonal activities, making it a great choice for families who want to turn pumpkin picking into a full afternoon adventure. Learn more at The Pumpkin Farm & Puzzle Patch. Current 2026 listings show the season beginning September 19.

2. McMurtrey Farm | Redmond

Located on Redmond-Woodinville Road, McMurtrey Farm is another local option for fall fun. The farm's 2026 information lists pumpkin season beginning September 23, along with a pumpkin patch and corn field hunt. Learn more at McMurtrey Farm.

3. Kelsey Creek Farm | Bellevue

Kelsey Creek Farm is another great option for families looking for a traditional fall experience. Along with its farm animals and seasonal activities, the farm's fall programming includes a pumpkin patch and other family-friendly experiences. Learn more at Kelsey Creek Farm.

4. Remlinger Farms | Carnation

If you're willing to venture a little beyond the core Eastside cities, Remlinger Farms is a great option for a full day of fall fun. The farm's fall season includes pumpkins, a corn maze, hayrides, family attractions, and other seasonal activities. Learn more at Remlinger Farms.

5. Swan's Trail Farms | Snohomish

Apple picking is another classic fall tradition. Swan's Trail Farms in Snohomish is a little farther from the Eastside, but it's worth adding to your list if you want to pick apples and bring home the ingredients for a homemade fall treat.

Fall Like a Local: A Day in Woodinville

If you want to make a full day out of your fall weekend, Woodinville makes it easy to combine coffee, outdoor activities, food, seasonal stops, and wine country.

9:00 AM | Coffee at Farine

Start your morning slowly with coffee and a pastry at Farine.

10:00 AM | Sammamish River Trail

Walk, bike, or scooter along the Sammamish River Trail and enjoy the changing leaves and views of the valley.

Have Kids? Add JB Family Growers

Make a detour to the Pumpkin Farm & Puzzle Patch for pumpkins and the Puzzle Patch.

12:30 PM | Lunch

Stop for lunch at Heritage or Vivi Pizzeria.

2:00 PM | Explore the Sammamish Valley

Spend some time exploring the valley and stop by 21 Acres or Tonnemaker for seasonal produce and local finds.

4:00 PM | Wine Tasting

Try a smaller Woodinville producer, especially around the Warehouse District.

6:00 PM | Dinner

Finish the day with dinner at Von's or DeLille.

Woodinville's official seasonal guide also highlights the Sammamish Valley Harvest Celebration, the Pumpkin Farm and Puzzle Patch, and winery crush events as part of the area's autumn activities. Learn more at Visit Woodinville.

7 Things to Check Off Your Eastside Fall Bucket List

Sometimes the simplest fall activities become the traditions you look forward to every year.

1. Go apple picking and bake an apple crisp

Let everyone pick their favorites, bring them home, and make dessert together.

2. Have a fall leaf scavenger hunt at Marymoor Park

See who can find the biggest leaf, brightest red leaf, pinecone, acorn, and the perfect fall leaf.

3. Pick pumpkins at JB Family Growers and carve them that night

Tackle the Puzzle Patch while you're there, then head home for pizza and pumpkin carving.

4. Visit the animals at Kelsey Creek Farm and have a cozy fall picnic

Pack something warm in a thermos, visit the animals, and enjoy an easy afternoon outside.

5. Take your annual family fall photo

Find peak color at Bellevue Botanical Garden, Juanita Bay Park, Marymoor Park, or along the Sammamish Valley. Professional photos are optional. A tripod and timer absolutely count.

6. Get lost in a corn maze

Let the kids lead the way through a corn maze and try not to take over.

7. Have a backyard fall night

Fire pit, blankets, s'mores, apple cider, and a family movie afterward. Sometimes the best fall activity is staying home.

Conclusion

From local harvest festivals and scenic fall walks to pumpkin patches, apple picking, and a full day exploring Woodinville, there are so many ways to enjoy fall around the Eastside. Whether you're planning a family outing, looking for a new weekend tradition, or simply want to spend a little more time enjoying the communities you call home, Kirkland, Woodinville, Redmond, and Bellevue all have something to offer this season. So grab your calendar, pick a few favorites from the list, and make the most of fall close to home.