- When does the Tanaka Farms pumpkin patch open in 2026?
- Where is it, and how do I get tickets?
- How much does it cost?
- What's included with admission?
- Tips for visiting the Irvine pumpkin patch
- What else is there to do in Irvine this fall?
If there's one thing that tells us fall has landed in Irvine, it's the wagons rolling out at Tanaka Farms. Here's everything you need to plan a visit — and grab tickets before the good slots vanish.
The short version: The Tanaka Farms pumpkin patch in Irvine opens Saturday, September 12, 2026 at 5380 ¾ University Drive. Admission runs about $23 on weekdays and $27 on weekends (weekend parking ~$12), with pumpkins sold separately at about $1.39 a pound. Tickets are timed-entry and sold in advance, so buy ahead — the popular weekend windows go first.
When does the Tanaka Farms pumpkin patch open in 2026?
The Irvine pumpkin patch opens Saturday, September 12, 2026 and runs through the fall season. If Costa Mesa is closer for you, Tanaka's sister location, Hana Field, opens just after on September 14, 2026. Because exact daily hours can shift week to week, it's worth checking the official ticket page for the day you're planning to go.
Where is it, and how do I get tickets?
Tanaka Farms sits at 5380 ¾ University Drive in Irvine, tucked along the edge of the city near Newport Beach. The most important planning tip: tickets are timed-entry and sold in advance through the farm's official site, and the prime weekend arrival windows tend to sell out early in the season. Buying ahead is the difference between strolling in and standing around hoping for a slot. You can reach the farm at 949-653-2100, and tickets are on the official Tanaka Farms website.
How much does it cost?
Here's the quick breakdown for 2026 (always confirm current pricing when you book):
| Item | 2026 price |
|---|---|
| Weekday admission | ~$23 |
| Weekend admission | ~$27 |
| Weekend parking | ~$12 |
| Pumpkins | ~$1.39 / lb (separate) |
Source: Tanaka Farms 2026 pumpkin-patch details, via the official site and local coverage. Confirm current pricing at checkout.
What's included with admission?
One ticket covers a full afternoon: the corn maze, unlimited wagon rides, the barnyard animal exhibit, and a play area. The extras depend on when you visit — weekends bring the crowd-favorite pumpkin cannon, while weekdays open up the U-pick veggie fields. Pumpkins themselves are bought separately by the pound, so budget a little extra if you're leaving with a few.
Tips for visiting the Irvine pumpkin patch
- Book early in the day. Morning and early-afternoon slots are cooler and less crowded than late-day weekend windows.
- Weekday vs. weekend. Weekdays are calmer and cheaper and include U-pick; weekends bring the pumpkin cannon and more energy. Pick your trade-off.
- Wear closed shoes. It's a working farm — dusty rows, hay, and uneven ground come with the charm.
- Bring cash for pumpkins and plan for the per-pound pricing so there are no surprises at the scale.
What else is there to do in Irvine this fall?
The pumpkin patch is the headline, but it's a good excuse to rediscover the season around town — harvest-time farm visits, Great Park events and weekend markets, and the first cool-enough days for the trails. It's one of the things longtime residents love about this pocket of Orange County: the calendar fills up the moment the weather turns. If you're new to the area and still learning which neighborhoods put you closest to all of it, that's exactly the kind of thing we help buyers map out.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Tanaka Farms pumpkin patch open in 2026?
Saturday, September 12, 2026, in Irvine, running through the fall season. Tickets are timed-entry and sold in advance. The Hana Field location in Costa Mesa opens September 14, 2026.
Where is the Tanaka Farms pumpkin patch?
5380 ¾ University Drive, Irvine, CA (949-653-2100).
How much are tickets?
About $23 on weekdays and $27 on weekends for 2026, with weekend parking around $12; pumpkins are separate at about $1.39 per pound. Confirm current pricing at checkout.
Do I need tickets in advance?
Yes — Tanaka Farms uses timed-entry tickets sold in advance, and the best weekend windows sell out early. Buy ahead on the official site.
What's included with admission?
The corn maze, unlimited wagon rides, the barnyard exhibit, and a play area; weekends add the pumpkin cannon and weekdays add U-pick veggie fields. Pumpkins are purchased separately by the pound.
What else is there to do in Irvine in the fall?
Harvest-season farm visits, Great Park events and markets, and cooler-weather park and trail days. Check each venue's official calendar for current dates.
