What does the fall season make you think of? For most people, it’s probably apple and pumpkin picking, and Halloween.
Luckily, there’s plenty of places to celebrate the season right here, from Fondy FallToberFest to paranormal-themed events at The Grand to apple and pumpkin picking.
Here are a few ideas to check out.
Celebrate Fall with Fondy FallToberFest
Fondy FallToberFest is set to take over Lakeside Park Oct. 21. Celebrate all things fall-related, from jack-o-lanterns, pumpkin painting, jumping in leaves, costume contests, horse-drawn carriage rides and many more events for kids and adults alike.
The event also will celebrate the German tradition of Oktoberfest, including brats, beer gardens, and the games Hammerschlagen and Masskrugstemmen.
Live music will be provided throughout the day by Brent Bel & The Boys, Copper Box and The Nix.
Activities begin at 10 a.m. Although most activities are free, there is a charge for some of the games. For a full schedule of events, visit fdlfest.com.
The Grand offers paranormal-themed events in October
The Grand Oshkosh has scheduled paranormal-themed events throughout October. Built in 1883, the theater has a reputation for being one of the most haunted in the state.
The “Haunted Happenings” series will include events such as ghost tours, an escape room, tarot card readings, spooky co*cktail classes, an overnight paranormal sleepover and more.
The community favorite Spirits of The Grand Tours also return this season. Interactive actor/tour guides take guests throughout the theater to the most haunted areas where a “spirit” will tell the story.
Other main-stage events include Peter Boie’s “Summoning Spirits” séance-meets-magic-show and Psychic Medium/Paranormal Investigator Chris Moon’s discussion on communication with the other side.
For more information or to purchase tickets to any of these events, visit TheGrandOshkosh.org, call 920-424-2350, or stop by the box office at 100 High Ave., Oshkosh. Regular hours are 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.
Spirit Halloween in Oshkosh:Spirit Halloween is now open in Oshkosh. Here's what's in store for costumes and decor.
Pick your own pumpkins and apples
Pick your own pumpkins and apples at several farms around the area. Some only offer pre-picked apples, but also offer other produce and homemade goodies.
Sunny Acres Farm, 4759 County GG, Oshkosh
- Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Oct. 31.
- Admission: $7 for children, includes a pumpkin; $2 for parking and $1 for feed. Adults are admitted free.
- What you’ll find: A bounce castle, train rides, mini golf, paint a pumpkin, gifts and more.
- Contact: 920-582-7146 or facebook.com/upickpumpkinfarm
Kelley’s Farmstead, N4149 Kelley Rd, Fond du Lac
- Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekends through Oct. 22
- Admission: $12 per person, children up to 23 months admitted free. Includes ride to the pumpkin patch.
- What you’ll find: A corn maze, farm animals, a slide, pumpkin bowling, duck races and more. Food and sweet treats also are available.
- Contact: 920-979-0955 or kelleysfarmstead.com
Petals & Plows, 9129 Kaufman Road, Ripon
- Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, through Oct. 31
- What you’ll find: See the barnyard animals on the weekends. The greenhouses and corn maze are open every day. Corn maze admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children (ages 2 to 12), and free for younger than 2.
- Events: This year’s special events include a Friday Night Lights event at 5 p.m. Oct. 6. “Hocus Pocus” will be shown outdoors and the corn maze will be open. A not-so-scary Halloween party and pork roast will be 3 to 6 p.m. Oct. 15. And enjoy the corn maze after dark from 7 p.m. to midnight Oct. 28.
- Contact:petalsandplows.com or facebook.com/PetalsPlows
The Little Farmer, N9438 U.S. 151, Malone
- Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
- Admission: Free, though some activities have a fee.
- What you’ll find: Pick your own apples and pumpkins or buy them already picked. There’s a playground, corn maze, barnyard animals, hay rides and more. Some of the items for sale in the store include pies, muffins, apple butter, handmade gifts and more.
- Contact:mytlf.com
Armstrong Apples, W853 County B, Campbellsport
- Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.
- What you’ll find: Pick your own apples, a jumping pad, apple slingshots, playground, disc golf, giant frisbees, apple toss and more. Products available from the store include cider, bakery, caramel apples, preserves, salsas and jams.
- Contact: 616-540-0792 or armstrongapples.com
Pineapple Hill Orchard, W3220 Princeton Road, Green Lake
- Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday
- What you’ll find: Not a you-pick orchard, but gardens and orchards are open to walk through. Saturdays and Sundays, visitors can enjoy caramel apples, apple cider donuts and apple pie pockets, along with homemade jams and honey. Apple cider is available in October.
- Contact: 920-294-3731 or pineapplehillorchard.com
Redmond’s Apple Basket, N9025 Custer Road, Ripon
- Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday
- What you’ll find: The retail store offers fresh-picked apples and pears, freshly pressed cider, locally produced honey and maple syrup, and unique seasonal gifts. They grow 19 varieties of apples and six kinds of pears.
- Contact: 920-239-8917, redmondsapplebaske.wixsite.com/website or redmondsapplebasket@gmail.com
Spirit Halloween in Fond du Lac:Spirit Halloween is open in Fond du Lac with licensed costumes from Barbie, TMNT and more
Halloween-related events
Fright Fest
Sawdust City Fright Fest 2023 is a horror film festival, primarily by Wisconsin filmmakers. A variety of short films and full-length films will be shown over two days at the Time Community Theater, 445 N. Main St., Oshkosh.
Films begin at 7 p.m. Oct. 13 and run 12:30 to 9 p.m. Oct. 14. Admission is free Oct. 13, but seats may be served online. An all-day pass for Oct. 14 is $12, or feature film only is $5. For more information or to reserve seats, visit timecommunitytheater.com.
Brews at the Leach
Adults can enjoy a Halloween party at the zoo. Brews at the Leach includes craft beer, food trucks and live music by Conscious Pilot. Costumes welcome for the costume contests. Note the event was moved from Menominee Park due to trail construction.
The event will be 5 to 9 p.m. Oct. 20 at the Leach Amphitheater, 303 Ceape Ave., Oshkosh. Admission is free.
Zooloween Boo
Kids and adults are invited to come in costume and enjoy trick-or-treat stations, concessions, games, prizes and more. It will be 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 21 at Leach Amphitheater. Admission is $5 adults, $3 children 2-12 and free for 1 and younger. Tickets available Sept. 29 at https://tinyurl.com/bdezxk2z. For more information, contact 920-236-5082 or facebook.com/OshkoshParks.
Halloween Spooktacular
A Halloween Spooktacular event will be 1 to 6 p.m. Oct. 21 at UWO's Albee Hall, 776 Algoma Blvd., Oshkosh. Play games and go trick-or-treating. There’s also a spooky area for those who wish to enter. Admission is free, but donations are welcome.
Warriors Haunted Asylum
The Warriors Haunted Asylum haunted house will be open at N5758 County W, Mt. Calvary. Hours are 7 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Sept. 29-30, all October; and 7 to 9 p.m. Oct. 26. Black-out nights are Oct. 26 to 28. Family day is 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 7. For more information, visit “Warriors Haunted Asylum” on Facebook. Admission is $16. Get $2 off if you bring in two non-perishable food items.
Contact Mara Wegner atmwegner@gannett.comor 920-996-7241.
