The road into and out of Half Moon Bay has been lined with cars headed to the pumpkin patches since mid-September, an unusually early start for pumpkin picking, according to festival organizers.
However, don't expect traffic to ease up anytime soon, as the 46th annual pumpkin festival will go all weekend, through Sunday, Oct. 16.
Starting with a pancake breakfast at 7 a.m., followed by a parade at noon and various contests scattered in between, the festivities will go through the day.
The weekend festival also features bands playing on stage at 3 p.m. on both days in “Smashing Pumpkins: Battle of the Bands.”
The 38th annual pumpkin run will be held this weekend on Sunday at 8 a.m. Registration for any of the races can be found here.
A full schedule with details can be found on the event website.
Pumpkin farmers have also been preparing for the crowds by setting up corn mazes, haunted houses, pony rides and more.
Local
Here is five Half Moon Bay pumpkin patches nearby:
Bob's Pumpkin Farm, Highway 1, 5 miles south of Half Moon Bay
Farmer Bob and two helpers place pumpkins inhis pumpkin patch in Half Moon Bay. (October 10, 2016) - Spherical Image - RICOH THETA
Farmer John's Pumpkins, 800 N. Cabrillo Hwy., Half Moon Bay, CA
Many customers walking through the pumpkin patches at Farmer John's Pumpkin Farm in Half Moon Bay. (October 10, 2016) - Spherical Image - RICOH THETA
Arata Pumpkin Farm, 185 Verde Rd., Half Moon Bay, CA
Customers walk through the Arata Pumpkin Farm in Half Moon Bay. (October 10, 2016) - Spherical Image - RICOH THETA
Repetto's Pumpkins, 12592 San Mateo Rd., Half Moon Bay, CA
Kids play on a mound of hay at Repetto's Pumpkins in Half Moon Bay (October 10, 2016) - Spherical Image - RICOH THETA
HV Produce Stand, Hwy 92, Half Moon Bay, CA
People pick their pumpkins at HV Produce Pumpkins in Half Moon Bay. (October 10, 2016) - Spherical Image - RICOH THETA
