Pumpkin to Talk About: Berkeley in Autumn!

October 28, 2021

With the transition of summer into fall comes beautiful color changes, pumpkin-flavored everything, and sweater weather. Let’s celebrate the autumn and Halloween season by taking a look into some of my favorite fall Berkeley activities:

Go for a walk

In my hometown, the weather stays the same all year round – Before I came to Berkeley, I’d never really experienced the four seasons. While one could still argue that seasons in California don’t really count as “true seasons,” they would have to admit that seeing the leaves change color in Berkeley is one of the most beautiful things ever! A walk through Elmwood (perhaps on the way to pick up your favorite pumpkin-flavored treat) or even just through campus is a great way to spend some time outdoors and enjoy the ever-changing colors of the trees, crunchy leaf piles, and crisp fall air.

colorful trees and leaves some reds, oranges, even purple near Clark Kerr

Gorgeous colorful trees and leaves (some reds, oranges, even purple!) I captured on a brisk autumn walk by Clark Kerr.

Pumpkin patch

Unfortunately, there aren’t any immediate pumpkin patches located in Berkeley. However, many exist a short Gig car or public transportation ride away, if you’re interested in heading to nearby cities, like Alameda, Half Moon Bay, or Oakland. It’s always fun to pick out your own pumpkin to later carve or decorate, navigate through a corn maze, and enjoy some hot cider.

Pro-tip: If those pumpkin patches are too far for you, take the 51B down College and pick out your own pumpkin and Halloween treats at Safeway or Trader Joe’s – it’s *almost* the same thing.

Club events

Many clubs and organizations host a multitude of autumn- and Halloween-related events during this time of year. Personally, I’m looking forward to SUPERB’s Pumpkin Patch, where ASUC SUPERB will transform Memorial Glade into a Pumpkin Patch, complete with our favorite fall traditions, like pumpkin painting and apple cider. However, this is just one of many fall activities being planned by our 1000+ clubs and organizations. If you’re stumped on which fall event to attend, take a look through Facebook, CalLink, or Sproul.

Bowles Haunted House

I have been looking forward to the Annual Bowles Hall Haunted House since I last went as a freshman. Every year, Bowles transforms their castle-style home into a haunted house, complete with elaborate decorations, costumes, and effects. The last time that I’d gone back in October 2018, the theme was “Haunted Hogwarts.” My friends and I were guided through the castle and enjoyed the spooky scenery and Harry Potter scene reenactments performed by Bowles residents. This year, I’m looking forward to making the trek to Bowles and the new theme: Cursed Castle. Grab a group of friends, put on a costume, and I’ll see you there!

Overall, I feel like each season at Berkeley has something unique and memorable to offer. The beauty of Berkeley autumn will always have a special place in my heart. In the midst of midterm and recruiting season, I find so much peace in the cool air, festive activities, and soft yet vibrant colors, as it truly is magical. I hope that everyone gets to experience it at least once, Happy Fall!


Author: Cordelia Varona

Hi everyone! My name is Cordelia, and I am a fourth year from Daly City, CA, majoring in Cognitive Science and double-minoring in Data Science and Education. Outside of being a Campus Ambassador and writing for Bear Talk, I am involved in Matriculate, Greek Life, Residential Life, Cal in the Capital, and research. Go Bears!