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Each fall, just about the time Mother Nature starts to change her outfit, historical Blackberry Farm and its natural beauty plays host to Pumpkin Weekends – a popular, monthlong event for families to celebrate the season and add memories to the digital scrapbook.

Returning in 2021 after a one-year absence due to the pandemic, Pumpkin Weekends are held 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday in October, along with Columbus Day (Monday, Oct. 11), at Blackberry Farm – the Fox Valley Park District’s living history museum, located at 100 S. Barnes Rd. in Aurora.

Admission to the park is $8 per person (ages 1+) and $7 for seniors (65+), and visitors can purchase pumpkins to decorate for an additional $3 upon arrival. Unlimited rides and attractions – train, carousel, ponies, hay wagon, to name a few – are included with admission.

“We’re beyond thrilled to welcome Pumpkin Weekends back to our seasonal lineup,” said Becky Harling, facility manager at Blackberry Farm. “Guests can roam the park, which will be festively decorated in the spirit of the season, and enjoy unlimited amenities and all sorts of interactive, pumpkin-themed activities.”

Visitors are invited to be on the lookout for five golden pumpkins strategically placed throughout the park. Successful scavengers can enter to win a 2022 Season Pass (family of 4) to Blackberry Farm.

Additionally, special activity dates will be featured throughout the month of Pumpkin Weekends, including:

October 2: Pumpkin Bounce House, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

October 9: Children’s Concert, 1 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.

October 10: Face Painting, Noon to 3 p.m.

October 16: World’s Tallest Scarecrow, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

October 24: Balloon Artist, Noon to 3 p.m.

October 30: Trick or Treat, 11:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Teal pumpkins denote peanut-free treats!)

“Blackberry Farm is beautiful year-round, but it just may shine the brightest in October with all of the spectacular colors,” Harling said. “There are natural photo ops throughout the park, and Pumpkin Weekends are ideal for families to unwind at their own pace after busy weeks of work and school.”

For more information on Pumpkin Weekends, call Blackberry Farm at 630-892-1550 or visit blackberryfarm.info and the Blackberry Farm Facebook page.