When autumn arrives in New Orleans, pumpkin patches start popping up across the city, providing festive fun for families and pumpkin lovers alike. From school-hosted pumpkin patches to bustling local markets and nearby farms, here’s where to find the perfect pumpkin for Halloween.
Local Schools Hosting Pumpkin Patches
Several New Orleans schools host annual pumpkin patches, making it easy to find a festive pumpkin while supporting local education.
- St. Andrew’s Episcopal School
Located in the Garden District, St. Andrew’s Episcopal School hosts one of the most popular pumpkin patches in the city. This school brings in hundreds of pumpkins each fall, transforming their grounds into a charming pumpkin patch where visitors can choose their ideal pumpkin. All proceeds go toward school programs, so your purchase goes back to the community. - St. Paul’s Episcopal School
Situated in Lakeview, St. Paul’s Episcopal School also organizes a delightful pumpkin patch, featuring pumpkins of all sizes and shapes. Families often visit to enjoy the decorations and photo opportunities as they pick out the perfect pumpkin. This patch is a wonderful spot for families to enjoy fall festivities close to home.
Local Markets for Fresh Pumpkins
In addition to school patches, several markets around New Orleans offer pumpkins and other fall produce, perfect for setting the Halloween mood.
- Crescent City Farmers Market
Known for its selection of local produce, Crescent City Farmers Market also sells pumpkins during October. Stop by one of their weekly markets in the Warehouse District, Uptown, or City Park to find fresh pumpkins from Louisiana farmers. You’ll be supporting local agriculture while bringing home a vibrant pumpkin for your Halloween décor. - French Market
The French Market in New Orleans typically sells pumpkins during the fall season. The market features a variety of local vendors, especially around October, who offer seasonal produce, including pumpkins of various sizes, shapes, and colors. This historic market also brings a lively autumn atmosphere, often accompanied by fall decorations and themed events. It’s a convenient and festive spot to pick up a pumpkin, especially for those in the French Quarter or nearby neighborhoods.
Nearby Farms Hosting Pumpkin Picking
For a full day of fall fun, head just outside New Orleans to one of the nearby farms hosting pumpkin picking. These farms often offer additional activities like hayrides, corn mazes, and petting zoos, making them a perfect destination for families.
- Mrs. Heather’s Pumpkin Patch (Hammond, LA)
About an hour’s drive from New Orleans, Mrs. Heather’s Pumpkin Patch is a favorite autumn destination. It offers a classic pumpkin-picking experience, along with other kid-friendly activities like zip-lining, face painting, and even milking a cow! Their extensive pumpkin fields provide an authentic fall experience with plenty of photo ops and activities for children. - Liuzza Land (Amite, LA)
Also located near Hammond, Liuzza Land offers a fun-filled fall experience. They have pumpkin picking, a corn maze, and hayrides, along with farm animals to pet and a variety of interactive activities. This family-friendly spot offers an immersive farm adventure that will get everyone in the Halloween spirit. - Sugar Roots Farm
Located just a short drive from New Orleans in Lower Coast Algiers, Sugar Roots Farm offers a unique pumpkin-picking experience with a community-oriented twist. During the fall season, the farm hosts a pumpkin patch and Fall Festival, where visitors can pick pumpkins, enjoy farm tours, and learn about sustainable agriculture. In addition to pumpkins, families can explore farm animals, participate in hands-on activities, and enjoy hayrides across the scenic property. Sugar Roots Farm, a nonprofit organization, emphasizes educating visitors about local farming practices and environmental stewardship, making it a perfect autumn outing that supports local sustainability
City Park’s Pumpkin Patch and Spooky Activities
While City Park doesn’t offer traditional pumpkin picking, it transforms into a Halloween haven each October. The park hosts several spooky events, including Storyland Pumpkin Patch and Ghosts in the Oaks, where families can purchase pumpkins, decorate them on-site, and enjoy other Halloween activities like trick-or-treating, crafts, and costume contests. Proceeds of Ghosts in the Oaks benefit the continued beautification and preservation of New Orleans City Park’s 1,300 acres.
Audubon Park’s Boo at the Zoo
Each October, Audubon Park hosts Boo at the Zoo, an annual Halloween event benefitting the New Orleans Children’s Hospital. Held at the Audubon Zoo, this family-friendly festival offers Halloween fun in a safe, festive environment, making it a beloved tradition for local families.
During Boo at the Zoo, kids can enjoy trick-or-treating, pumpkin decorating, and festive games. The zoo is transformed with Halloween decorations, making it a perfect spot for costumed children to celebrate the season. Special attractions include a spooky train ride, a haunted house for braver visitors, and even a “Ghostly Graveyard” to explore. Additionally, children and families can get up close with the zoo’s animals, who are often more active in the cooler fall weather.
All proceeds from Boo at the Zoo benefit the New Orleans Children’s Hospital, supporting its mission to provide care and resources for children in need. This partnership not only makes Boo at the Zoo a fun Halloween event but also a meaningful way to give back to the community. With proceeds going toward healthcare services for local kids, Boo at the Zoo lets families celebrate Halloween while making a difference.
Whether you’re looking for a small pumpkin to decorate or a giant one to carve, New Orleans and its nearby areas offer plenty of options for pumpkin picking this Halloween season. From school pumpkin patches to bustling markets and nearby farms, you’ll find the perfect pumpkin spot to kick off your fall festivities. Grab your favorite pumpkin, enjoy a hot cider, and let the Halloween fun begin!
