Mendocino County’s 2026 calendar includes a major Ukiah PumpkinFest, train rides through the redwoods from Willits and free Halloween-day farm activities. Unlike a generic destination list, these outings have specific dates from city and county tourism calendars.

Updated October 11, 2026. Confirm schedules, accessibility and admission with organizers. Some October events below already took place; they are identified as such.

6 Halloween and fall outings in Mendocino County

1. Ukiah Country PumpkinFest Street Faire

Where: Downtown Ukiah
Date: October 17–18, 2026
Time: Saturday 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Large fall festival with children’s activities, rides, a haunted house, food and crafts. Rides and some activities may be paid. Check organizer or official event details.

2. Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off

Where: Alex Thomas Plaza, Ukiah
Date: October 16, 2026
Time: 4–7 p.m.

A seasonal spectacle centered on enormous pumpkins before the main festival. Check organizer or official event details.

3. Ukiah PumpkinFest Parade

Where: Downtown Ukiah
Date: October 17, 2026
Time: 10–11 a.m.

Family parade held with the city’s festival weekend. Arrive early for a safe viewing spot. Check organizer or official event details.

4. Skunk Train Pumpkin Express

Where: Willits Depot, 299 East Commercial Street
Date: October weekends including October 31, 2026
Time: Ticketed rail departures; select times

Rail trip through the redwoods to a pumpkin patch, with seasonal treats and photo stops. Book through the operator and confirm the departure. Check organizer or official event details.

5. Testa Harvest Fest

Where: Testa Ranch, Mendocino County
Date: October 31, 2026
Time: 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

Free Halloween morning with farm animals, hay maze, children’s crafts, pumpkins and photo opportunities. Check organizer or official event details.

6. Magic Market

Where: Fort Bragg
Date: October 31, 2026
Time: 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

Free Halloween-themed local makers market, better for relaxed browsing than trick-or-treating. Check organizer or official event details.

How to plan the day

Ukiah’s largest family festival occurs before Halloween day itself, on October 17–18. Willits departures require advance rail reservations. Fort Bragg is on the coast and often cooler than inland Ukiah; allow travel time across the mountains.

Safety and tickets

Check reservations, age restrictions, weather and fees, and supervise children around roads, traffic and unfamiliar venues. A fall-themed destination is not necessarily a Halloween candy event.

Plan a California trip using OptionTrip. Find other county guides in the California Halloween directory.

Original and official sources

California58. Editorial selection, not a guarantee of events or ticket availability. OptionTrip is a related travel-planning service.

Explore Mendocino County beyond Halloween

Explore beyond Halloween: read our Mendocino County year-round travel guide for attractions, outdoor places and planning ideas.

For county-specific communities, public services and local knowledge, visit the Mendocino County reference profile. You can also browse all California58 travel guides. Halloween 2026 events are seasonal and may change; check each organizer’s current calendar before traveling.

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