Family-Friendly Autumn in McMinnville — 2025 Edition

When the air turns crisp and leaves glow golden and crimson, McMinnville transforms into a fall wonderland perfect for families. Whether you’re chasing pumpkins, embarking on leaf-strewn walks, or soaking up arts and culture, autumn in this town invites you to make lasting memories.

Start your day at one of McMinnville’s family-run farms—such as Draper Farms, Farmer John’s, Neck Road Produce, Heiser Farms, or Koch Family Farms—where you can search for the perfect jack-o’-lantern, gather decorative gourds, and maybe enjoy a hayride or a steaming cup of cider. Each farm brings its own seasonal charm, making the simple pleasure of choosing pumpkins a sweet autumn ritual.

Next, head outdoors to immerse yourself in the fall colors. Meander through City Park or the tree-lined paths of Linfield University’s campus for a mellow stroll. Families craving more open space can roam Galen McBee Airport Park or Joe Dancer Park. For a wilder outing, follow the meandering trails in Miller Woods, or retreat into the peaceful foliage of Tice Woods Rotary Park and Ed Grenfell Park. Along the way, the crunch of leaves beneath your boots and a thermos of cocoa are ready to elevate every step.

As autumn light fades, spend an afternoon exploring McMinnville’s cultural offerings. Spark curiosity at the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum, then step back in time at the Yamhill Heritage Center. The Art Harvest Studio Tour Preview at Rose of Third Gallery invites visitors into the creative process, while a stroll through McMinnville Art Alley presents an evolving canvas of murals. If your timing aligns, join the monthly McMinnville Art Walk for the opportunity to mingle with local artists and witness new creations inspired by the season.

As the day nears evening, head into historic downtown McMinnville to experience its golden-hour magic. Third Street becomes a portrait of fall—with light filtering through red and amber foliage, and storefronts casting inviting warmth across the sidewalks. All October long, the street is enlivened by the Scarecrows on a Lamp Post tradition. In 2025, registration opens on September 15, with forms due by October 1. Scarecrows must be installed by October 14, and public voting runs October 19–29, with winners announced on October 31—Halloween night McMinnville Downtown Association.

Then, on October 31, 2025, Third Street shutters to traffic from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. for Trick-or-Treat on Third Street, a free and festive event where costumed kids roam between shops for “all treats, no tricks” McMinnville Downtown Association, Instagram). It’s a delightful, safe occasion that caps off the season with laughter, community spirit, and candy buckets held high.

Bundle up and add in these traditions—fragrant pumpkin patches, brisk walks in leafy parks, creative spark in galleries, and the glow of downtown festivities—and you’ve got an autumn day (or full weekend) bursting with joy. McMinnville in fall, especially in 2025, is a golden tapestry of nostalgia, community, and wonder.