There is plenty of fun to have with family and friends throughout Southeast Nebraska as the air gets crisper and the leaves begin to turn color.
From wandering through picturesque apple orchards to selecting the perfect pumpkin, the Cornhusker State has an abundance of festivals and events to look forward to and patches and orchards to visit this autumn.
Here's a guide to all the fall fun:Â
Festivals and events
Vala’s Pumpkin Patch Festivals, Gretna, Sept. 13-Nov. 3.
This fall, there are three different festivals at Vala’s Pumpkin Patch. The Bluegrass & BBQ Festival runs until Sept. 29 with barbecue and food specials across the farm. On Sept. 30, the Pumpkin Harvest Festival takes over until Oct. 27 during which guests can ride out to the pumpkin patch and enjoy live entertainment and pumpkin-inspired food specials. After Halloween, a three-day festival for Pumpkin Destruction and Day of the Dead runs Nov. 1-3. For tickets and more information, visit .
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AppleJack Festival, Nebraska City, Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 28-29.
For the 56th year, all things apple are celebrated at the AppleJack Festival in Nebraska City. Visitors can taste apple desserts, participate in competitions, watch the parade, visit markets and pick apples. A complete list of events can be found at .
Cosmos & Cocktails: Dreaming of Autumn, Morrill Hall, Saturday.
A planetarium show, appetizer buffet and drinks are in store for adults at the Cosmos & Cocktails event at Morrill Hall on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln City Campus. Activities will include trivia, giveaways, hands-on activities and learning opportunities. For more information, visit .
Harvest Moon Festival, Antelope Park, Sunday.
From 4-7 p.m. on Sunday, the Asian Community and Cultural Center is hosting its annual Harvest Moon Festival at the Antelope Park bandshell, 1630 Memorial Drive. The event will include music, food and activities. The family-friendly event is free and open to the public.
Sip Nebraska Fall Festival, Haymarket Park, Sept. 27-28.
Blur Events is hosting its fifth annual fall festival at Haymarket Park. Wine, ciders, beers, spirits, food trucks and art vendors will be available along with live music and activities. For tickets and more information, visit .
Oktoberfest, Bierhaus Maisschäler, Sept. 28.
Lincoln’s second Oktoberfest will take place in the Haymarket on Eighth Street between O and P streets. The event will include beer, cocktails, German food, games, merchandise and live music. For more information, visit .
Boo at the Zoo, Lincoln Children’s Zoo, Oct. 26-30.
More than 40 booths are signed up to hand out candy, coupons and more to trick-or-treaters at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo. Tickets go on sale Tuesday for zoo members and Thurday for the general public. For tickets and more information, visit .
Apple orchards
Kimmel Orchard & Vineyard, 5995 G Road, Nebraska City.
Kimmel Orchard & Vineyard has a large selection of apples, pumpkins and gourds each autumn. Admission ranges from $3 to $6 and children under 3 get in free. Tickets include admission into the orchard and access to the hayrack ride. Apples are weighed at the time of exit for $2.50 per pound. For more information, visit .
Martin’s Hillside Orchard, 2024 Ashland Road, Ceresco.
Apples, pumpkins and flowers are available at Martin’s Hillside Orchard. Both apples and pumpkins are sold by the pound while flowers come with a vase purchase. Admission is $6 and children under 2 get in free. The orchard is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. For more information, visit .
Picnic Hill Orchard, 10500 Yankee Hill Road, Lincoln.
Nearly 20 different apple varieties are available at Picnic Hill Orchard. There’s no entrance fee and guests only have to pay for their selected bag to fill with apples. Bag sizes range from $8 to $48. The orchard is open for picking Friday through Sunday. For more information, visit .
Union Orchard, 2405 South U.S. Highway 75, Union.
Apples and pumpkins are ready for picking at Union Orchard. A hay wagon transports guests every weekend to the apple orchards where a variety of apples can be found. Picking hours for the apple orchard run daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit .
Vala’s Pumpkin Patch and Apple Orchard, 12102 S. 180th St., Gretna.
More than 45 apple varieties can be found at Vala’s Apple Orchard. Guests must purchase a bag of apples for a tractor ride to the apple shed. Bags start at $13. Pumpkins are available during the Pumpkin Harvest Festival from Sept. 30 to Oct. 27. For more information, visit .
Pumpkin patches
Bellevue Berry and Pumpkin Ranch, 11001 S. 48th St., Papillon.
The Great Pumpkin Patch is open every day. Admission is $12 on weekdays and $20 on Saturday and Sunday. Children under 2 get in free. Most pumpkins range from $2 to $15. After 6:30 p.m., the Ranch of Terror and Haunted Hayrack Ride are available for an additional $20 per person. For more information, visit .
Bloom Where You’re Planted Farm, 911 108th St., Avoca.
The Avoca pumpkin patch celebrates its 20th year and is open Friday to Tuesday starting Saturday to Oct. 27. Admission is $10 and activities include hayrides, pumpkin picking, scavenger hunts, visits with farm animals and games. For more information, visit .
Pearson’s Pumpkin Place, 1357 N. Sixth Road, Eagle.
Pearson’s Pumpkin Place is open Wednesday to Sunday and admission ranges from $11 to $17. In addition to the pumpkin patch, activities include a corn maze, jumping pillows, kiddie karts and a sunflower field. For more information, visit .
Roca Berry Farm, 16531 S. 38th St., Roca.
Fun for the whole family awaits at Roca Berry Farm. Guests can ride a hayrack to the pumpkin patch to pick out their own pumpkin. The last ride on weekdays is at 6:30 p.m. For more information, visit .
Haunted houses and tours
Roca Scary Farm
When the sun sets, Roca Berry Farm becomes Roca Scary Farm. Every weekend beginning Friday, guests can take a ride on the haunted hayride, and go through haunted houses and the "Psycho Path." Tickets range from $25 to $33 and all guests under the age of 16 must have an adult 19 years or older with the group. For more information, visit .
James Arthur Vineyard
James Arthur Vineyard has several haunted opportunities this season. Guests can partake in a ghost tour with ghost stories and paranormal investigation on Fridays from Sept. 27 to Oct. 25 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tickets are $45 and include cold appetizers and a glass of wine, cider or beer. Haunted Hayracks are scheduled for the first three Sundays in October from 6-8:30 p.m. Tickets are $60 and include a steak meal, wine, storytelling, live music and a hayrack ride. For more information, visit .
Candy apples, mini pumpkin pies, and other sweet treats to make this fall
1. Bite-size Pumpkin Pie Recipe
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These are the perfect bite-size sweet treats for fall. Make them for your next autumn party, whether it’s a Halloween bash or family Thanksgiving.
2. Old-Fashioned Candy Apples Recipe
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This 1908 from Under a Tin Roof will have you swearing off new-fangled treats.Â
3. Halloween Peanut Butter Spider Cookies
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These cute use Reese's mini cups to create a spider-shaped topping. They're easy to make, which is great because they're sure to go fast.
4. Franken-Krispies Recipe
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These are as fun to make as they are to eat. This gluten, dairy, egg, soy, peanut, and tree nut free recipe from Allergy Awesomeness also has a vegan option, so it's great for big parties where a few children have food sensitivities.
5. Old-Fashioned Baked Apple Cider Donuts
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A warm, freshly baked apple cider donut is the perfect way to start a fall Sunday. This comes together in less than 30 minutes, no frying required.