Our fall season wraps up Sunday, November 8, and the last few weeks are packed: one more round of Pumpkin Nights, trick-or-treating on Costume Weekend, the last of the apples, and a pumpkin smashing send-off. Here's everything left on the calendar.
The Short Answer
Center Grove Orchard's fall season runs through November 8, 2026. The final Pumpkin Nights are Friday and Saturday, October 23 and 24. Costume Weekend is October 24 and 25. Apple picking runs through November 2, Pumpkin Fest runs through November 6, and Pumpkin Destruction closes the season November 7 and 8.
We're a family-owned farm in Cambridge, Iowa, about 35 minutes from Des Moines and 20 from Ames.
What's Left This Fall in Cambridge, Iowa
- Oct 23 to 24The final Pumpkin Nights, open until 9 PM, with fireworks Saturday night.
- Oct 24 to 25Costume Weekend: trick-or-treat across the farm and visit with the Pumpkin Princess.
- Through Nov 2Apple picking, or until the trees are picked clean.
- Through Nov 6Pumpkin Fest, with pumpkin games and the Pumpkin Princess.
- Nov 7 to 8Pumpkin Destruction, the season finale.
- Nov 8Last day of the fall season.
The Final Pumpkin Nights: October 23 and 24
This is your last chance to see the farm after dark this fall. On Friday, October 23 and Saturday, October 24, we're open 9 AM to 9 PM. Explore the farm after dark, discover seasonal photo opportunities, and enjoy games and special activities. Saturday night ends with fireworks.
Tickets are required. If you have a Fall Season Pass or Farm'All Pass, your pass covers admission. Get the details on our Pumpkin Nights page.
Costume Weekend: October 24 and 25
Come dressed in your best costume for a weekend of friendly fall fun. Trick-or-treat across the farm and visit with the Pumpkin Princess, and bring a bag for collecting candy. Details are on our Costume Weekend page.
Saturday is also the last Pumpkin Nights, so you can trick-or-treat and stay for the fireworks. For more Halloween ideas, see our Halloween guide.
Last Call for Apples and Pumpkins
Apple picking runs through November 2, or until the trees are picked clean. What's ripe changes week to week, so check our calendar before you drive out. Our month-by-month variety guide shows what we expect late in the season.
Pumpkins are available to pick right now. Check the patch status on our pumpkin patch page before your visit.
Pumpkin Fest runs through November 6, with pumpkin games and the Pumpkin Princess, and the four-acre corn maze is included with admission.
Pumpkin Destruction: November 7 and 8
We're closing out the season with a smash. Watch pumpkins fly, splatter, and crumble across two days of contests and grand finale moments.
November 7 and 8 is the final weekend of fall at Center Grove, so it's the last chance to visit before the season ends. Details are on our Pumpkin Destruction page.
Plan Your Visit from Des Moines, Ankeny, and Ames
- Hours: 9 AM to 7 PM, and until 9 PM on Pumpkin Nights. We're closed Tuesdays.
- Tickets: online admission is $14.95 on weekdays and $19.95 on weekends. Ages 2 and under are free. Buy tickets.
- Pass holders: the Fall Season Pass and Farm'All Pass cover admission, including Pumpkin Nights.
- Getting here: we're five miles east of I-35 at Exit 102, about 35 minutes from Des Moines, 25 from Ankeny, and 20 from Ames. See drive times on our directions page.
After Fall: Holiday Events
Once fall wraps up, the farm gets ready for the holidays. Holiday Events run November 28 through December 23, with Winter Wonderland, Brunch with Santa, PJ's with Santa, and more. Details are coming in November, so keep an eye on our Holiday Events page.
Final Weekends of Fall: Questions
When does the fall season end at Center Grove Orchard?
The fall season runs through Sunday, November 8, 2026. Pumpkin Destruction on November 7 and 8 is the final weekend.
When is the last Pumpkin Nights?
Friday, October 23 and Saturday, October 24. The farm is open 9 AM to 9 PM both nights, with fireworks Saturday night.
Is there trick-or-treating at the farm?
Yes. Costume Weekend is October 24 and 25. Come dressed in your best costume, trick-or-treat across the farm, and visit with the Pumpkin Princess.
When does apple picking end?
Apple picking runs through November 2, or until the trees are picked clean. Check the calendar for what's ripe before you drive out.
What is Pumpkin Destruction?
It's how we close out the season, November 7 and 8. Watch pumpkins fly, splatter, and crumble across two days of contests and grand finale moments.
Is the farm open on Tuesdays?
No. We're closed Tuesdays. The rest of the week we're open 9 AM to 7 PM, and until 9 PM on Pumpkin Nights.