Pumpkins, treats, and a 5K race at Belmont Park’s Fall Fest

It will be pumpkins galore and a whole lot more as Belmont Park in Mission Beach turns a new leaf introducing its annual Fall Fest showcasing music, games, food, and amusements for all ages from Sept. 9 to Oct. 31.

Fall is an important transition time at the iconic oceanfront amusement park, which shifts gears in its marketing after Labor Day weekend and the departure of the summer tourist crowd.

“With our seasonal events, especially fall and winter, it is our opportunity after the hectic summertime to engage with the local community-driven market,” said Sarah Abelsohn, corporate director of marketing and sales for Belmont Park. “We curate special experiences for the locals to bring them into the park. We totally decorate and elevate the entire park experience.”

PUMPKIN PATCH

Guests will be treated this fall to all things pumpkin, including oversized pumpkin sculptures presenting photo opportunities. Abelsohn noted the pumpkin theme will be carried over into refreshments, featuring pumpkin spice as the seasonal flavor. “This year we have a pumpkin pop-up partnership with local pumpkin shops,” she noted. “We will also be having a pumpkin patch with pumpkins for purchase.”

Get into the autumn spirit at Belmont Park with Mr. Jack O Lantern’s Pumpkin Patch open daily. Also, enjoy a day of pumpkin picking and festive activities with the park’s new Pumpkin Pass, which includes access to the attractions at the park, seasonal games, and pumpkin decorating.

TRICK-OR-TREATING

The park will also have free trick-or-treating (while supplies last) every Sunday in October starting at 5 p.m. “We’ll have a scavenger hunt around the park with different locations mapped out where you can go to get free candy,” said Abelsohn.

CLASSIC CAR SHOW

There will also be an extra-sweet opportunity for Belmont Park guests to fill up their candy baskets at the third annual Trunk-or-Treat Car Show from 3-6 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 29. Free for spectators, the event has lots of cool cars on display with awards given for all classes including best-dressed car. Candy will be provided to those who wish to pass it out and there will be great music, food, rides, and fun.

PUMPKIN PLUNGE

The historic refurbished Plunge Pool in Belmont Park will also host its annual Pumpkin Plunge, where kids can find the perfect pumpkin in the floating pumpkin patch daily.

COMMUNITY 5K

The beachside amusement park will also hold its first community 5K on Sunday, Sept. 17, to raise awareness for childhood cancer. Starting and ending in the heart of Belmont Park, participants will enjoy stunning views of Mission Beach, the iconic Giant Dipper roller coaster, and more while running for a cause. The proceeds of this event will go towards supporting Team Parker For Life and each registered participant will receive a complimentary wristband ($60 value) that grants access to all the exhilarating rides and attractions at Belmont Park.

FESTIVE FALL ENTERTAINMENT

What’s being done to entertain people this fall at Belmont Park? “Lots,” answered Abelsohn. “We will have live music, roving cartoon characters, and things to do for kids, such as balloons and face painting,” she said. “Every weekend on Saturday and Sunday we’ll have live music and different characters like Bubbleman and the Mermaid.”

Performed in the heart of the park’s midway, enjoy tunes from Pumpkin Jams every Saturday from 1-4 p.m. Beachsiders Quartet plays Sundays from 1-3 p.m. and community performances will be held on select Sundays.

ADULT ATTRACTION

What can adults look forward to at Fall Fest?

“We’re going to be activating all our tap trucks where you can get different cocktails and beer, including an exclusive beach blonde beer that we just launched, which will be available in the park so people can walk around with a beverage,” noted Abelsohn.

Guests can also enjoy a seasonal beer on tap served out of a classic vehicle, festive beachside character appearances on the weekend, and face painting and glitter tattoos every Sunday from 1-6 p.m.

FESTIVE TREATS

Indulge in sweet fares from Sweet Shoppe in the park including Seasonal Cookies, Blondies, Cake Pops, and ice cream or Spooky Cotton Candy and Churros from Midway Snacks. Stop by Belmonty’s Burgers for a Jack Daniel’s BBQ Burger followed by the Caramel Apple Spiced Funnel Cake or Seasonal Orange Dreamsicle Dole Soft Serve.

SEASONAL WORKSHOPS

Fall Fest will also feature autumn-inspired classes hosted by Painting & Vino and Native Poppy including Sip & Paint on Sept. 20 and Oct. 18, and Dried Wreath Making on Oct. 4.

KIDS FREE OCTOBER

Belmont Park is letting kids ride free all October long. Receive one free junior wristband (48 inches below) with the purchase of an adult wristband (48 inches above). Use the code “KIDSFREE” online or in person.

BELMONT PARK

Where: 3146 Mission Blvd.

Belmont Park was developed by sugar magnate John D. Spreckels and opened on July 4, 1925, as the Mission Beach Amusement Center.

Rides: The Giant Dipper roller coaster, Flip Out, Beach Blaster, Octotron, Overdrive Bumper Cars, Krazy Kars, Tilt-A-Whirl, Mic Drop, Liberty Carousel, Crazy Submarine, Wave Jumper, Speedway, Zero Gravity

Attractions: Laser Tag, Lazer Maze, Sky Ropes, Rock Wall, Zip Line, Tiki Town Mini Golf, Xanadu 7D Theater, Coconut Climb.

Games: Arcade, Escapology San Diego, Jungle Gems, Midway Games, Belmont Lanes Mini Bowling, Old Time Phone Booth.

Eats: Beach House Grill, Cannonball, Draft, Belmonty’s Burgers, Hot Dog on a Stick, Sweet Shoppe, Dippin’ Dots, Round Table Pizza, Icee, Wetzel’s Pretzels, Beach Treats, and Dole Whip.