Falling in love with autumn at Quinnipiac

September 30, 2026

Two students smiling while pumpkin picking

From colorful hikes and apple picking to haunted attractions and campus traditions, fall brings plenty of ways to make the most of the season at Quinnipiac. Whether you’re looking for a weekend adventure, a Halloween scare or a cozy activity with friends, here are some ways to celebrate fall on campus and throughout the surrounding area.

Apple Picking

Nothing says fall in New England quite like apple picking. Grab a few friends and visit one of the orchards around the Hamden area for an afternoon of fresh apples, cider and classic fall scenery.

Autumn 5Ks

Enjoy the cooler weather while staying active by signing up for an autumn 5K. Whether you are racing for a new personal best or just participating with friends, fall races are a great way to experience the season outside.

Fall Fest

Celebrate the season right on campus at Fall Fest, featuring live music, food trucks, crafts and games. The rescheduled event will take place October 11 from 1 to 4 p.m., giving students an afternoon to enjoy fall festivities without leaving Quinnipiac.

Haunted Houses

For students looking for something a little scarier, haunted houses are a perfect way to get into the Halloween spirit. Connecticut has plenty of spooky attractions that make for a fun weekend trip with friends.

Hike the Giant

Take advantage of Quinnipiac's proximity Sleeping Giant State Park and hike the Giant as the leaves begin to change. The trails offer one of the easiest ways to experience Connecticut's fall foliage just a few steps from the Mount Carmel Campus.

Corn Maze

Put your sense of direction to the test at a local corn maze. Going with a group of friends can turn getting completely lost into one of the most entertaining parts of the experience.

New Haven Ghost Walk

Explore the spookier side of New Haven with a ghost walk through the city. Along the way, learn about local legends, historic locations and eerie stories while seeing a different side of downtown New Haven.

Visit a Pumpkin Patch and Carve a Jack-o'-Lantern

A trip to a local pumpkin patch is another fall tradition worth checking off the list. Pick out the perfect pumpkin, bring it back to campus and turn it into a jack-o'-lantern for an easy Halloween activity with friends.

Horror Movie Marathon

Not every fall activity requires leaving campus. Gather some friends, grab some snacks and have a Halloween movie marathon featuring everything from lighter classics like Hocus Pocus to horror favorites like the Scream series.

Try Starbucks' Pumpkin Menu

Getting tired of ordering the same thing at Starbucks? Fall flavors are back, meaning students can switch things up with seasonal favorites like pumpkin bread and pumpkin-flavored drinks at the Starbucks located in the Carl Hansen Student Center.

Boomer's Boo Bash

Celebrate Halloween with Boomer's Boo Bash on Saturday, October 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event, hosted by Quinnipiac's student organizations and division I student athletes, features local businesses, free activities, prizes, giveaways, candy and opportunities to take photos with Boomer the Bobcat.

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