Cherry Rock Farms Will Open Pumpkin Patch on September 26

The family-owned farm near Sioux Falls is launching its seasonal pumpkin festival this week.

Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Seasonal Events

Screen-print poster illustration of a single large pumpkin on a vine, evoking a heritage agricultural harvest aesthetic.
Cherry Rock Farms near Sioux Falls will begin its seasonal Pumpkin Festival on September 26, offering harvest-themed activities to the public throughout October. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Cherry Rock Farms will officially kick off its seasonal Pumpkin Festival on September 26, 2026. The public is invited to visit the Sioux Falls farm for harvest-themed activities throughout the month of October.

Why it matters

The event provides a local agricultural experience for the Sioux Falls community, highlighting the resilience of this year's harvest. Despite facing a hot and dry growing season, the farm successfully cultivated its pumpkin crop after receiving essential late-season moisture.

The pumpkin patch will operate with no entry fee during weekends in October from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This year's harvest was managed by fifth-generation farmer Carson Patzer and fourth-generation farmer Marco Patzer.

The players

Cherry Rock Farms

This is a family-owned farm located in Sioux Falls that specializes in seasonal agricultural events.

Carson Patzer

He is a 16-year-old fifth-generation farmer responsible for the cultivation of the farm's pumpkin crop.

Marco Patzer

He is a fourth-generation farmer operating the family farm alongside his relative.

The details

The festival features a variety of seasonal attractions including food vendors, hayrides, and a corn maze. These amenities are designed to support the family-owned farm's goal of providing an accessible outdoor experience for the public.

Timeline

  1. The Pumpkin Festival officially kicks off on September 26, 2026.

  2. The pumpkin patch will be open to the public on weekends throughout October 2026.

Industry Dynamics

Small-scale, family-owned operations like Cherry Rock Farms are increasingly focusing on agritourism to diversify revenue streams. This shift follows a pattern set by regional agricultural adaptations to recent climatic fluctuations as documented in the 2026 U.S. Drought Monitor impact reports.

Residents can visit the farm free of charge to enjoy the corn maze and hayrides on weekends throughout October. The operating hours for the pumpkin patch are set from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The takeaway

Visitors can support local agriculture by participating in the seasonal festival activities throughout the month. Planning for a weekend trip ensures the best access to all amenities, including the food vendors and the corn maze.

Further reading

Find more local festivities by browsing our Seasonal Events section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by KELO-LAND TV.

Live Poll

Do you plan to attend local seasonal events like pumpkin festivals in your area this year?