Underwood Family Farms opens its 29th Annual Fall Harvest Festival on Saturday, Sept. 26, in Moorpark. The festival runs daily through Saturday, Oct. 31, with five themed weekends at the farm's Sunset Valley Road location.

Weekend visitors should plan ahead. The farm sells weekend tickets online only with timed entry, and walk-ins are not guaranteed admission, according to the farm's festival page. Weekday admission during October is $16 at the gate.

A preview week running Monday, Sept. 21, through Friday, Sept. 25, offers $8 admission at the gate.

What's included

Admission covers tractor-drawn wagon rides, a corn maze, Farmer Craig's Chicken Show, a pumpkin patch, pick-your-own fields (produce priced separately), an animal center, hay climbing pyramids, photo spots and 50 acres of open space. Weekends add animal shows, pig races, live bands, demonstrations and roaming entertainment.

Some attractions cost extra, including gem and fossil mining, an electric train, horse-drawn wagon rides on weekends, face painting and animal petting areas.

Themed weekends and pricing

Opening weekend, Saturday, Sept. 26, through Sunday, Sept. 27 (Friends of the Farm/Public Safety Weekend), costs $30 online or $34 day-of if spots remain. The next four weekends carry different themes and prices:

  • Oct. 3-4: Farm Country Weekend, $30 online / $34 day-of
  • Oct. 10-11: Antique Tractor Weekend, $34 online / $38 day-of
  • Oct. 17-18: Wild West Weekend, $34 online / $38 day-of
  • Oct. 24-25: All About Pumpkins Weekend, $34 online / $38 day-of
  • Oct. 31: Halloween Day, $34 online / $38 day-of

Children under 2 and parking are free. Seniors 65 and older, military members, veterans and emergency first responders receive a $2 discount daily with valid ID.

Before you go

The farm advises that the 50-acre site has one entrance and exit, and visitors should expect slowed traffic. The Ventura County Sheriff's Office and California Highway Patrol assist with traffic flow on busy days. The farm says Fridays are the busiest weekday because of school tours; afternoon visits during the week tend to be less crowded.

No dogs or outside animals are allowed. Coolers are not permitted; only small backpacks, purses and diaper bags may be brought in.

Weekend food vendors serve tri-tip sandwiches, fish tacos, roasted corn, loaded potatoes, kettle corn, donuts and pumpkin pie. Season pass holders receive free weekday admission during the festival. Tickets can be transferred to another date of equal pricing through Saturday, Oct. 24.

Underwood Family Farms is at 3370 Sunset Valley Road, Moorpark. Festival hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Tickets are available at underwoodfamilyfarms.com or by calling (805) 980-9054.

Upcoming community dates

  • Saturday, Sept. 26 – Sunday, Sept. 27: Fall Harvest Festival opening weekend (Friends of the Farm/Public Safety Weekend), Underwood Family Farms, Moorpark
  • Saturday, Oct. 3 – Sunday, Oct. 4: Farm Country Weekend, Underwood Family Farms, Moorpark
  • Saturday, Oct. 31: Halloween Day and festival finale, Underwood Family Farms, Moorpark