By Kathy Chouteau
More pumpkins than ever before will transform The Backyard into an autumnal orange sea when its “Harvest Fest” returns Oct. 4-5 from noon to 7 p.m.
A pumpkin patch with 300 pumpkins is bringing the autumn vibe to The Backyard’s event this year, up from 215 last year and 150 the first year, said co-owner Dominique Kauffman. Bonus: The pumpkins are for sale for $15-$25 dollars based on the size.
Kauffman said Harvest Fest is an all-ages, family friendly, community event “to give back to SOS Richmond and bring the community together.” A $5 donation will be requested at the door to benefit the nonprofit focused on solutions for homelessness. Good eats, seasonal craft beer releases, cider and wine will also be served.
Two days of music will set the tone for good times at Harvest Fest. Saturday will bring DJ Selecta Rebel with vinyl reggae from noon to 3 p.m. and Bay Area All Starz with R&B and hip-hop from 4-7 p.m. On Sunday, Los Bahianatos will play cumbia style tunes from noon to 3 p.m., while DJ Trev will play a mixture of R&B, hip hop, pop and top 40 from 4-7 p.m.
Along with a plethora of pumpkins and music will be a petting zoo from noon to 4 p.m. by Little Reds Barnyard Friends. Baby goats, chickens and super fluffy bunnies will all be afoot.
Kauffman said that The Backyard’s focus as a venue moving forward is not only serving up craft beer, wine and more, but also highlighting more live music. That’s why “this Harvest Festival is a little bit more heavy on the music,” she said.
Both the event and venue are marking their third trip around the sun this October.
The Backyard is an outdoor venue located at 205 Cutting Blvd. in Richmond. Learn more.
