By Tim Bauer | 10/04/2023
The leaves are changing, mornings are brisk, and sweater weather has officially arrived. It’s fall in Redding, California and we’ve got eight group events that’ll be sure to “pumpkin-spice” up your October!
There’s nothing better than pumpkin picking to truly start the season off right and searching to find that perfect pumpkin is what October is all about. With two local farms that grow thousands of pumpkins every year, we’re sure you’ll find the pumpkin of your autumn dreams!
Boasting their biggest pumpkin crop harvest in the last thirty-three years, Nash Ranch has all the pumpkins you’re looking for. Come explore the twenty acres of plump pumpkins, winter squash, and festive gourds. They also feature many other attractions such as a corn maze, obstacle course, kids’ playground, food and vendor booths, farm animal petting zoo, and pillow bounce.
Starting September 30th throughout the month of October.
No general admission cost on weekdays. Saturdays and Sundays, a $4.00 per car suggested donation.
More info: Nash Ranch Pumpkin Patch
Want to ride a train or roller coaster this October? Then head over to Hawes Farms Fall Festival as they are putting on an epic event filled with fun and festive activities. General admission includes entrance to the farm pumpkin patch, a daytime corn maze, zip lines, barnyard animal petting zoo, bouncing pillow, playground and slides for kids 7 and under, a cow train, and a grain train. For an additional fee you can ride the Hawes Express 24-gauge train, pony rides, go karts, bumper cars, Silver Spur roller coaster, and Harley the bull. Whatever you’re looking for in your pumpkin hunts, Hawes Farms has it.
Starting October 1st throughout the month of October.
Prices are $12 for Friday, Saturday, Sunday. $10 Thursdays. Kids under 3 Free.
More info: Fall Festival | HawesFarms
Get your prost on! Celebrate beer and all things German culture at Turtle Bay's Oktoberfest. Held inside the Paul Bunyan Adventure Camp, you’ll be surrounded by good brews, festive patrons, and live music. Wear your favorite lederhosen as costumes are highly encouraged. Beer will be on tap from many local breweries and food vendors will be on site. Come roll out the barrel with the group this October at Turtle Bay’s Oktoberfest.
Turtle Bay’s Oktoberfest is Saturday, Oct 14th from 5 pm – 8 pm.
More info: Oktoberfest — Turtle Bay
Creepy crawlies and things that slither! If you love cold blooded creatures, then you’ll love this reptile expo being held by Redding Reptiles at the Red Lion Hotel. Vendors from all over the state will be there showing off their exotic creature collections and you can get up close and personal with them as well as shop around for some new scaley companions. It’s all ages fun for the entire weekend.
Reptile Expo is October 20th - 22nd, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
More info: Redding Reptile Expo
Calling all comic book fans and lovers of geek culture! Get ready for two days of superheroes, evil villains, and everything in between. From sci-fi to fantasy, you’re sure to see it here at this once-a-year event. Check out the goods from all the different vendors selling toys, artwork, comics, and collectibles. There will also be movie and tv actors, cartoon voice actors and comic book artists you can meet and greet with, such as Sean Schemmel from Dragon Ball Z, Edward Furlong from Terminator 2, and Cesar Garcia from the Fast and Furious movies. Sunday will also feature a cosplay contest with cash prizes for the best costumes. Tickets are sold at the door and doors open at 10 am.
October 14th - 15th, Saturday and Sunday, starting at 10 am to 5 pm each day.
More info: Sundial Bridge Comic Con
Are you ready to experience darkness in the daytime? Get ready for the October 14th eclipse that will block the sun for several hours. The eclipse path will be traveling across the northeastern tip of California and the city of Alturas in Modoc county will have one of the best views on the west coast! If you’re heading up to Alturas to be right in line with the eclipse and experience “The Ring of Fire,” make Redding your base camp the day before and stay in one of our many lodging options. If you don’t want to embark on the 2 ½ hour drive to Alturas, you’ll still be able to experience the eclipse right here in Redding as we will get to see roughly 80% coverage. Remember to get your ISO certified glasses now and beat the rush. You won’t see an eclipse travel over California again until 2025, so don’t miss it.
Eclipse happens on October 14th, Saturday.
More info: 2023 Annular Eclipse - NASA Science
Here are some of the scarier events taking place this month. Be warned, they are for mature audiences and not for the faint of heart!
Ghouls, goblins and ghosts, oh my! Spooky season is here, and we have the frights that will terrify your nights! Starting in October, you can visit Hawes Haunts where you’ll be scared from all sides as you navigate a creepy cornstalk maze when you enter the “Field of Terror.” Hop aboard a Halloween hayride while taking shots at the undead as they try to chase you down in “Zombie Paintball.” Test your nerves as you tip-toe through a haunted house filled with eerie dolls and other oddities in “Sinister Workshop.” We’re sure you’ll find all the jump scares you’ve been waiting for all year long.
This event features fright actors, blood, gore, and may contain partial nudity. Intended for mature audiences. Fright actors are not allowed to touch you.
Open Friday and Saturday night, Oct. 6th and 7th, starting at 8 pm. Friday and Saturday night, Oct. 13th and 14th, starting at 7:30 pm. Friday and Saturday night, Oct. 20th, 21st, 27th, and 28th starting at 7:00 pm.
More info: Hawes Haunts
Redding Rotary is holding their haunted house at the historic Monolith in Turtle Bay Exploration Park. Navigate your way through this stone labyrinth as you encounter scary clowns, wicked creatures, and menacing madmen all with one mission; to make you scream! There will also be a beer garden and food trucks on site. Bring the gang and test your nerves together!
This event features fright actors but no blood and gore. Attractions will have flashing lights. Fright actors are not allowed to touch you.
Open Thursday through Sunday, Oct. 19th – 22nd and Oct. 26th – 29th.
Location: Sheraton parking lot. Tickets are $15 online, $20 at the door and $30 fast passes will be available.
More Info: Redding Haunted House at the Monolith
Event Type: Live Music Show
"Shakey Graves | LIVE at Cascade Theatre"
When: October 6, 2023 at 7:30 pm
Where: Cascade Theatre, 1731 Market St, Redding, CA 96001
What: Austin, Texas native, Shakey Graves, is bringing his eclectic mix of blues, folk, and rock music to lay upon your Redding ears! Having toured with Mumford & Sons and Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, you've may have heard his hit songs such as "Roll The Bones" and "Late July" as they've garnered over 50 million views on YouTube. A true music performer, you're in for a treat as you experience his blend of soulful, southwest ballads and unique live performance style. Opening musical act: flipturn.
Website: Cascade Theatre - Shakey Graves
Event Type: Gem and Mineral Show
"Gem and Mineral Show | Shasta Fairgrounds"
When: Saturday, October 7th @ 9 AM - 5 PM, Sunday, October 8th @ 9 AM - 5 PM,
Where: Shasta District Fair & Event Center, 1890 Briggs St, Anderson, CA 96007
What: Rocks, Gems, Minerals and even Meteorites will be on display at the Gem and Mineral Show held by Shasta Gem and Mineral Society. It's 2 days of wall-to-wall vendors, exhibits and displays where you can come see, touch and learn all things gemology, geology and even out-of-this-world astrogeology. Free admission and open to all ages!
Website: Shasta Gem and Mineral Society
Event Type: Live Music Show
"Shane Smith & the Saints | LIVE at Cascade Theatre"
When: October 7, 2023 at 7:30 pm
Where: Cascade Theatre, 1731 Market St, Redding, CA 96001
What: As seen on the hit TV show Yellowstone, Shane Smith & the Saints, are taking over the Cascade Theatre and bringing their uniquely Austin sound to the stage. Four-part harmonies and melodic fiddle playing are just some of the reasons you'll be dancing and singing all night long. Special guest: Matt Koziol.
Website: Cascade Theatre - Shane Smith & the Saints
Event Type: Live Musical
"The Rocky Horrow Show | LIVE at Axiom Repertory Theatre"
When: Friday, October 6th @ 7:30 PM, Saturday, October 7th @ 7:30 PM,
Friday, October 13th @ 7:30 PM, Saturday, October 14th @ 7:30 PM,
Friday, October 19th @ 7:30 PM, Saturday, October 20th @ 7:30 PM, Sunday, October 21st @ 7:30 PM,
Friday, October 26th @ 7:30 PM, Saturday, October 27th @ 7:30 PM, Sunday, October 28th @ 7:30 PM.
Where: Axiom Repertory Theatre, 2613 Bechelli Lane, Redding, CA 96002
What: This musical follows a young couple who get a flat tire in the middle of storm who take shelter at the home of a mad scientist, Dr Frank-N-Furter, where they encounter a parade of wild characters. Full of singing and dancing along with a classic rock twist, you never know what to expect next. A wild ride for all those looking to do the "time-warp" this October.
Website: The Rocky Horrow Show | Live at the Axiom Repertory Theatre
Event Type: Live Music Show
"ONE OF THESE NIGHTS – Songs of The Eagles presented by Starbright Entertainment | LIVE at Cascade Theatre"
When: October 14, 2023 at 7:30 pm
Where: Cascade Theatre, 1731 Market St, Redding, CA 96001
What: Hailing from Folsom, California, ONE OF THESE NIGHTS re-creates the legendary sounds of the Eagles. With brilliantly blended five-part harmonies and amazing guitar play, ONE OF THESE NIGHTS seamlessly executes beautiful renditions of familiar Eagles hits such as “Best of My Love”, “Witchy Woman”, “Lyin’ Eyes”, “The Long Run”, and the always crowd pleasing “Hotel California”. You'll be captivated by their performance that you'll think you're back in the 1970's at an actual Eagles concert!
Website: Cascade Theatre - Starbright Entertainment presents: ONE OF THESE NIGHTS – Songs of The Eagle
Event Type: Fish Spawning / Nature & Conservation / Ecology
"29th Annual Coleman National Fish Hatchery - Return of the Salmon Festival"
When: October 21st, 2023 at 9 am to 3 pm
Where: 24411 Coleman Fish Hatchery Road, Anderson, CA 96007
What: Join us at the Coleman National Fish Hatchery for a fun filled and educational day where you can watch the spawning of the eggs out of the female Chinook salmon. This is a family friendly event as well as educational as you'll learn firsthand about this important part of the Chinook salmon's life cycle.
Website: Coleman National Fish Hatchery
Want to be featured in a future blog post? Reach out to us at: Tim@ChooseRedding.com
