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First Day of Fall: Sweaters, Pumpkins, and Why Autumn Has Two Names. Fall is here—finally! September 22nd marks the first official day, and I couldn’t be happier. There’s just something magical about cooler evenings, cozy sweaters, and leaves that actually decide to show off a little color. For me, fall feels like a fresh start—after the chaos of summer, life slows just enough to savor pumpkin patches, festivals, and yes, even the pumpkin spice craze (though let’s be real, not everything needs to taste like pumpkin spice).

Fall or Autumn—Which Is It? You’ve probably heard people use “fall” and “autumn” interchangeably. Fun fact: they mean the exact same thing. “Autumn” came from Latin and French, sounding a bit more formal, while “fall” came from the English phrase “fall of the leaf.” In the U.S., we’ve leaned into “fall,” while across the pond, “autumn” stuck. So really, you can use whichever feels right—just don’t expect your latte order to change.

What Actually Causes Fall? No, the universe doesn’t flip a switch for pumpkin patches and sweater weather. The season kicks in with the autumnal equinox, when day and night are nearly the same length. That tilt of the Earth means shorter days and cooler temps ahead. Trees start to slow their food-making process, and as chlorophyll fades, leaves show off reds, oranges, and yellows. (Basically, science gives us Instagram-worthy backdrops.)

Crisp Evenings
Pumpkin Patch Stops
Family Festivals
Leaf Colors 101

Local Fall Fun in the Foothills

  • Pumpkin Patches in La Crescenta

    • Briggs & Foothill (vacant motel lot): Pumpkins, blow-ups, sometimes even a petting zoo.

    • Bob Smith Toyota lot (3300 block of Foothill): Pumpkins now, Christmas trees later—yes, really.

  • Montrose Oktoberfest – October 4th, Noon–10 PM
    Honolulu Avenue turns into a German-inspired celebration with food, beer, rides, games, and live entertainment. It’s been a community tradition for decades.

  • Montrose Spooktacular – October 31st, 5–7 PM
    Trick-or-treating through the 2200–2400 blocks of Honolulu. Merchants hand out candy, and families pack the streets—it’s pure small-town Halloween magic.

  • Descanso Gardens Carved – La Cañada
    Walk through a glowing wonderland of carved pumpkins and fall displays. Always a family favorite.

  • Kidspace Museum Fall Festival – September 20–26, Pasadena
    A week-long free celebration for kids 0–5 and their caregivers in Brookside Park. Expect crafts, trucks to explore, and early learning fun.

  • Pasadena Fall Festival – October 25th, Victory Park
    Carnival games, costume contests, live entertainment, and food from 3–6 PM.

Fun Fall Facts You May Not Know

  • Why do leaves change color? It’s not magic, it’s science—chlorophyll breaks down, letting red, orange, and yellow pigments shine through.

  • Pumpkins are ancient. Native to North America, pumpkins have been cultivated for more than 5,000 years.

  • Planting season isn’t over. Locally, fall is great for pansies, snapdragons, kale, and even planting bulbs for spring blooms.

  • Best local hikes for fall vibes: Try Deukmejian Wilderness Park, Hahamongna Watershed Park, or Descanso for crisp air and crunching leaves.

  • Odd fall holidays: National Coffee Day (Sept 29), National Pumpkin Day (Oct 26), and of course, Halloween.

Why I Love Fall (And Maybe You Do Too)

For me, fall is about the shift—the evenings where you can throw on a sweatshirt, the neighborhood kids picking out pumpkins bigger than they are, and the way our Foothill communities come alive with events. It’s laughter, leaves, and a whole lot less heat.

So whether you call it fall or autumn, whether you love or roll your eyes at pumpkin spice, let’s welcome the season together. Get outside, support our local festivals, grab a pumpkin (or two), and enjoy everything our communities from Montrose, La Crescenta to Pasadena have to offer.

Have Fall Plans? I’ve Got Fall Picks.

I love keeping our Foothill neighbors in the loop on seasonal fun—from pumpkin patches to Oktoberfest—and how the fall market is shaping up.

Have a question about local events or the fall real estate market? Got an event to share?

Email Robbyn

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