Fall in Love with Walla Walla

Adam West Day

As the hustle and bustle of summer fades, fall breathes new life into the scenic Walla Walla Valley. From crisp morning strolls through Pioneer Park and along the trails of Bennington Lake, to afternoons filled with family fun at local pumpkin patches and festive harvest celebrations, autumn wraps Washington wine country in cozy, seasonal magic.

Farms, Orchards & Pumpkin Patches

Fall is the perfect time to explore the Walla Walla Valley’s vibrant farms and orchards, and this season begins with Walla Walla’s inaugural Tour D’Farm (Sept. 20–21). Offering an up-close look at Walla Walla’s rich agricultural heritage, Tour D’Farm provides a chance to meet the makers behind locally grown and raised food, while exploring an array of participating farms. This self-guided tour gives unprecedented access to nearly 15 farms, vineyards, and orchards, many of which are not typically open to the public. Visitors can enjoy tastings, live demonstrations, and animal encounters for a hands-on look at the region’s agricultural roots. Kids under 10 are free.

No autumn visit is complete without a trip to a local orchard for some fresh-picked apples and other produce, such as Edwards Family Farm, which has been in operation for over 50 years and offers more than 14 different varieties of apples. The nearby Ron Lefore Apple Farm also provides an authentic taste of the season’s bounty with crisp, just-harvested apples straight from the orchard. As October sets in, beloved spots like Frog Hollow Farm become the epicenter for fall family fun, featuring heirloom vegetables, a children’s play area, and a chance to view farm animals.

For a touch of adventure, the Walla Walla Corn Maze opens on Sept. 26 and unveils a new themed maze each year. Regular hours are Friday 6-10 p.m., Saturday 12-10 p.m., and Sunday 4-8 p.m., with extended hours beginning on Oct. 10 as the maze transforms into a ‘spine-tingling’ scary maze after dark. Day maze admission is $15 for adults (ages 12 and above), and the scary maze is $20 for all visitors. Veterans and first responders enjoy free entry. For updates and details as opening day approaches, visit www.facebook.com/WWcornmaze.

Fall Festivities & Celebrations

The beloved Adam West Day returns on Sept. 20, promising a full day of superhero-themed fun in honor of the Walla Walla native who famously portrayed Batman in the 1960s. Just follow the Bat Signal to Walla Walla.

On Saturday, Oct. 4, the Port of Columbia will host a Sesquicentennial Celebration in Dayton to mark Columbia County’s 150th anniversary. The event will feature a ceremonial stagecoach arrival of dignitaries, living history vignettes, and a new commemorative mural honoring the region’s Indigenous roots. That evening, Grammy-nominated soul artist Allen Stone takes the stage at The Motor Co in Walla Walla for Dossier Wine Collective’s debut concert event. The following weekend, take your mark as the Falla Walla Half Marathon & 10K welcomes runners and visitors alike for a scenic day of racing and community spirit on Oct. 11.

In the ultimate harvest season celebration, the annual Airport District Harvest Festival returns on Oct. 18 to showcase the district’s distinct wineries, breweries, food purveyors, and artisan community. The free and family-friendly event features pumpkin painting, tractor displays, tastings, live music, and more.

Día de los Muertos Festival

Walla Walla’s Día de los Muertos Festival returns on Nov. 1, as Eastern Washington’s only Day of the Dead parade and cultural celebration. Founded by local restaurateur Manuel Perez, the event has grown into a vibrant Main Street gathering featuring mariachi music, folklórico dance, ofrendas, traditional art, and authentic cuisine—honoring Latino heritage and fostering community connection. Now in its third year, the festival draws more than 1,000 attendees and continues to grow in both cultural impact and regional significance.

Harvest Season in Wine Country

At the heart of every season in Walla Walla is the wine, and with fall being the prime harvest season, the valley is abuzz as grapes are hand-picked, sorted, and crushed by some of the nation’s top winemakers. It’s the perfect time to stroll through rolling vineyards, sip wine on patios overlooking the Blue Mountains, and witness the magic of a vintage in the making. The season culminates with Fall Release Weekend (Nov. 7 – 9), where local wineries debut their newest releases. The weekend presents a rare opportunity to meet the winemakers, enjoy exclusive blends, and take home bottles that genuinely capture the essence of Walla Walla.

For a full calendar of Walla Walla’s fall events, visit wallawalla.org/events/calendar. To learn more or plan a fall visit to Walla Walla, visit wallawalla.org.