Things to do with friends and family to celebrate the changing season.

Looking for ways to embrace the seasons this year and spend some time with friends and family? Lane County has a plethora of fall and Halloween activities for you, ranging from the wholesome to the spooky. Here are events and destinations for you and yours to get into the spirit of autumn.

Whether you’re looking for pumpkins, fresh produce, or treats, many farms take the season of abundance and make it a worthwhile experience, enough to take a drive out to the country and visit. Here are some of my top picks:

Northern Lights Christmas Tree Farm

Heading out to ‘the farm’ is a must in the fall. If you’re searching for the perfect pumpkin to carve or classic Halloween activities, Northern Lights Christmas Tree Farm is exactly what you need. This Christmas tree farm is not only great for Christmas trees, but also for all of your Halloween needs. They have a pumpkin patch, farm stand with treats, decor, and produce. If you’re visiting during the day, you can go through the “family friendly” corn maze but if you visit at night, they have a mildly haunted, “Harry Potter” themed corn maze, for older kids and adults. 

36777 Wheeler Road – Pleasant Hill.  Hours: Open 10-5 for the month of October 

Detering Orchards

Now, for those looking for a farm equipped with all the pumpkins you need this season, as well as the option to pick the fruits from your wildest autumnal dreams, Detering Orchards is the “one-stop-shop” of farms.  At Detering Orchards you have access to a pumpkin patch (of course), farm stand with a variety of produce and treats, corn maze, and U-pick apples and pears. 

30946 Wyatt Drive – Harrisburg, every day, 9-5

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Going to events can also be a fun way to get into the Halloween spirit, so here are a few ideas that are in town this year: 

Haunted Hayride at Dorris Ranch 

The “haunted” ride through the trails at Dorris Ranch featuring live performance is great for all ages. If you want to have a spooky night with friends or family, you can register starting Oct. 3, at willamalane.org/halloween

Halloween in Downtown Eugene 

Events downtown are a great way to boost the community and share public spaces. Halloween in Downtown Eugene will offer a variety of activities including live music, food vendors, crafts, flash mobs and a pet parade. There is also trick or treating and a scavenger hunt for younger kids.

44 W. Broadway, Oct. 28, 12- 5 p.m.

Ghostly Golf At Camp Putt

Glow in the dark mini golf with friends or family, for a spooky night on the green, is a way to show your competitive side. Lights, gravestones, and a Halloween ambiance make this a great way to get into the Halloween spirit. There are multiple dates this October and you can find tickets and details at willamalane.org/halloween . 

4006 Franklin Blvd., Eugene  

Article by Alyssa Coffman