Harvest and Haunts: The Top Fall Festivities Near Spokane Valley

As the leaves turn golden and a gentle chill fills the air, Spokane Valley comes alive with the dueling spirits of fall. From the wholesome joys of pumpkin picking and apple orchards to the heart-pounding frights of haunted sites, two of the region’s most celebrated seasonal attractions await: the Fall Harvest Festival and Scarywood Theme Park’s Haunted Nights. Embrace the season’s charm and chills with a stay in the Valley, where these exciting festivities are just a stone’s throw away.

Fall Harvest Festival

Green Bluff is often hailed as Spokane’s original farmers market. Just a 30-minute drive from Spokane Valley, this collection of family-owned farms bursts with the colors and flavors of the season. Spanning the last two weekends of September and all weekends in October, this beloved tradition brings together all your favorite fall activities in one picturesque setting.

Pumpkin picking is a cornerstone of the festival experience. Whether you’re hunting for the perfect carving canvas or a decorative gourd, you’ll find it here. Grab a wagon and venture through the expansive patches that dot the rolling hills of Green Bluff. The area boasts a variety of growers, each offering its own unique charm and bounty, so be sure to explore their websites for the full scoop, available on the Green Bluff Growers website.

Kids will find endless entertainment with activities like navigating corn mazes, exploring a four-story castle, climbing hay bales, or enjoying tractor rides. Barnyard-themed play structures and a petting zoo add to the fun, while apple picking offers a chance to gather the season’s signature snack straight from the source. Stroll through rows of trees, soaking in the serene surroundings while collecting the crisp, juicy fruits along the way.

Speaking of sweets, desserts here are not just an afterthought—they’re the main event. Dive into a gigantic peach ice cream cone, savor a huckleberry scone, or enjoy a slice of freshly baked apple pie, all homemade and utterly delicious. And no visit to Green Bluff is complete without trying the pumpkin donuts. These famous confections, made from a secret pumpkin cake batter recipe, are fried to golden perfection, rolled in cinnamon sugar, and served warm for the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth treat. Once you’re hooked, rest assured that several country gift shops offer take-home options, ensuring you can enjoy these farm-fresh baked goods whenever the craving strikes. While you peruse these boutiques, you’ll find an assortment of one-of-a-kind crafts, homemade goods, and freshly picked produce. It’s a perfect way to bring a taste of Green Bluff’s goodness into your kitchen.

When hunger calls for something more substantial, a variety of local food trucks are ready to serve up hearty meals to fuel your day of fun. Relax on one of the inviting outdoor patios, where you can savor your meal alongside a refreshing beer, crisp cider, or fine wine, all while enjoying sweeping views of the rural landscape. Certain spots also feature live music or scenic vistas of Mount Spokane.

After a day of exploring Green Bluff’s Fall Harvest Festival, it’s easy to see why this tradition is a favorite for families year after year. Whether you’ve spent the day picking pumpkins, navigating corn mazes, or indulging in homemade treats, there’s a charm and warmth that lingers for the season. So, gather your loved ones and celebrate the beauty of fall in the warm embrace of the Green Bluff community.

Scarywood Theme Park

For those whose idea of fall fun includes a generous dose of fear, Scarywood Theme Park delivers a thrilling contrast to the cozy charm of the Fall Harvest Festival. Every year, the region’s top amusement destination, Silverwood Theme Park, receives a haunted makeover filled with terrifying attractions and ghastly encounters. Located just 45 minutes from the Valley, this is where autumn meets adrenaline, and the season’s spookiness comes to life.

Featured on Travel Channel’s “Halloween’s Scariest Thrills,” Scarywood lives up to its reputation with a lineup of terrifying haunted attractions. Every Thursday through Saturday, from Sept. 27 through October 26, Scarywood’s gates creak open at 7 p.m., with its eerie festivities continuing until 11 p.m. on Thursdays and pushing to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. ​​To guarantee your night of horror, buy tickets early and enjoy a discounted rate. Tickets are only sold online and are not available at the gate. Promising thrills that push the boundaries of fear it’s an experience best suited for those aged 13 and up.

As you explore Scarywood, you’ll find yourself plunged into a chilling environment with nine uniquely terrifying scare zones. Whether you’re braving the nightmarish Clown Town, the ghostly Scarecrow Alley, or the twisted Toy Box, each area delivers an immersive experience of pure fright.

For those brave enough to venture deeper, four walk-through haunted attractions lie in wait. Plunge into the ominous waters of Blood Bayou, get lost in the demented illusions of Chuckle’s 3-D Sideshow, confront the malevolent spirits of Pharaoh’s Curse, or escape the apocalyptic wasteland of Planet Zombie. Every dark corner will test your courage.

As night falls, Silverwood’s rides also take on a whole other dimension of terror. Brave the park’s legendary attractions cloaked in darkness, from the Timber Terror—famed for its backward ride—to the pulse-pounding inverting coasters that leave even the boldest adventurers breathless.

The fright fest continues with ‘Dillusion: An Eternal Encore,’ a spellbinding horror magic show by the master illusionist Nick Norton. Don’t miss out on the 8 p.m., 9 p.m., 10 p.m., or 11 p.m. performances on Friday and Saturday nights.

Here, fall takes a turn for the terrifying. As the shadows lengthen, the spirit of Halloween pulses through every horror attraction. Dive into the darkness of this spine-tingling attraction for a twisted celebration of the season, perfect for thrill-seekers and horror enthusiasts alike.

Stay in the Valley

As autumn unfolds in Spokane Valley, the Fall Harvest Festival at Green Bluff and Scarywood Theme Park at Silverwood bring two distinctive adventures, capturing the essence of the season’s diverse spirit. After a day of family fun or fear-inducing frights, settle into a cozy stay at one of Spokane Valley’s accommodating hotels. Enjoy the convenience of free parking and easy access to I-90, ensuring a stress-free experience during your stay. Whether you’re enchanted by the rustic charm of Green Bluff or the adrenaline rush of Scarywood, the Valley invites you to unwind in comfort and recharge for another day of autumn adventures.

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