Saturday, Sept. 29- 30, Pumpkin City. Pumpkin City is opening its doors this weekend with some great fall fun for the family. Enjoy pony rides, the petting zoo, game booths and more while strolling through thousands of pumpkins that are available for purchase. Parking and admission are free! Check local newspapers for coupons for ride tickets. Located in the Sears parking lot of Laguna Hills Mall, 23272 Vista Grande, Suite A, Laguna Hills. (949) 768-1103, pumpkincity.com or become a fan on Facebook under Pumpkin City’s Pumpkin Farm.
Saturday, Sept. 29-30 Tanaka Farms Pumpkin Patch. From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. This weekend also marks the opening of Tanaka Farms Pumpkin Patch. Every hour this weekend they will raffle off a large (50– 150 pound) pumpkin. One entry per family. They are also offering “Buy One Wagon Ride, Get one Free!” if you print off the first page of their website this weekend. Tanaka Farms is Orange County’s largest pumpkin farm and offers a petting zoo, wagon rides, corn maze, U-pick vegetables and pumpkins and more! Tanaka Farms, 5380 University Dr., tanakafarms.com.
Saturday, Sept- 29-30, End of Summer Swimming Season Weekend. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Aliso Viejo Aquatic Center is hosting an “End-of-the-Season Bash” this weekend with a $2 entry fee. The AV Aquatic Center boasts a junior Olympic 5-lane pool, a recreational pool, a children’s wading pool, a toddler splash pad and an adult whirlpool. The Oasis Café will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for snacks, beverages and a Chef’s daily special food item. AV Aquatics Center, 29 Santa Barbara, Aliso Viejo, alisoviejoaquaticscenter.com (949) 425-2556.
Saturday, Sept. 29-30, Rainbow Sandals Gerry Lopez Battle of the Paddle. Join the 5thyear anniversary of the stand-up paddle phenomenon “Battle of the Paddle” on the famous shores of Doheny State Beach. Over 1,000 SUP athletes from around the globe will be racing for over $25,000 in cash and prizes, as well as taking part in two new Guinness World Record attempts. The first attempt will be on Saturday to set the record for “the world’s largest paddleboard race” and the second will be on Sunday, trying to break the existing record for “most surfers riding a single wave.” The weekend’s events also includes races and demonstrations for all ages and skill levels, from beginners, to family and company relay teams. Doheny State Beach, Dana Point, battleofthepaddle.com or danapoint.org.
Saturday, Sept. 29, Dana Point BBQ Championship. The city of Dana Point and the Kansas City Barbeque Society are bringing a world class barbeque contest to Dana Point. Public barbeque tasting is from 12 to 5 p.m. and the beer tasting is from 12-4 p.m. Vendors will be on hand at 10 a.m. Free parking and shuttle is available at Dana Hills High School from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sea Terrace Park, located at PCH & Niguel Road, behind Dana Niguel Library. (949) 248-3530 danapoint.org.
