Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
When is the Fall Festival?
Our Fall Festival runs from August 30 through November 2, 2025. We are open from 9am-6pm, last tickets sold at 4:30pm. The festival & pick your own are open daily, but wagon rides, mega slide & apple train are open on weekends & holidays only.
Where is the Festival held?
The Fall Festival takes place at our Main Orchard (480 New England Rd, Guilford, CT).
This is separate from our Farm Market & Creamery (1355 Boston Post Road, Guilford, CT), which features fresh produce, bakery treats, prepared foods, and over 20 flavors of ice cream.
What are the Hours for the Fall Festival?
Fall festival hours are 9am-6pm everyday, however, last ticket sold is at 4:30pm.
Is the Festival good for all ages?
Yes! The Festival is fun for toddlers, teens, adults, and grandparents. Certain attractions, like the Mega Slide, have height minimums for safety (42” height minimum, one rider per tube)
Are pets allowed?
No pets, sorry! Due to federal food safety regulation pets are not permitted to enter orchard areas.
Do you offer free parking?
Yes - parking is ALWAYS free at Bishop’s!
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept all major cash, credit cards, debit cards, and digital payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay). We do not accept EBT in the orchard or Farm Market gift cards.
Tickets & Admission
Are adults required to pay for a ticket?
Everyone, adults & children alike, need a ticket with the exception of children 24 months & under. On weekdays, if you just plan to pick and not enter our corn maze and activity area the Orchard Pass is free of charge.
Do children under 2 need a ticket?
No — children 24 months & under are free to enter
What ticket options are available?
All Access Day Pass - Prices vary between weekday & weekends: Includes entry to the Activity Area, Corn Maze, wagon rides (weekends & holidays), Cider Hut, Pumpkin Patch (mid/late September), Orchard Store, and seasonal displays.
Orchard Day Pass - $2, weekends only: Includes admission to enter grounds, Cider Hut, Pumpkin Patch (mid/late September), Big Red Barn Retail Area, and wagon rides (weekends & holidays).
Season Passes - Prices Vary: Includes season-long access to our Activity Area & Corn Maze plus perks like 10% off Pick Your Own purchases
Note: Pick-Your-Own Apple & pear bags, pick-your-own flowers, pumpkins, food, alcohol, and retail items are sold separately.
Why do you charge for admission?
Admission covers your wagon ride, helps us care for the orchards, staff your visit, and maintain the farm so everyone can enjoy a safe, memorable experience. It also supports sustainable farming practices and keeps local agriculture thriving for future generations.
Does Orchard Admission cover my pick your own purchase?
No. You must purchase Pick Your Own bags separately.
Do I need to pay for ‘orchard’ admission if I purchased an ‘All Access’ Corn Maze & Activity Area pass?
No you do not - admission is covered in your 'all access' pass!
Where can I buy tickets?
Tickets can be purchased at the gate, but we recommend buying online in advance for a discounted price! Follow this link for tickets! At the gate, we have a separate check in lines for pre-purchased and tickets purchased in person.
Do you offer discounts?
All tickets are the same price for all guests.
Are tickets refundable?
No tickets are not refundable and final sale. However, if you purchased tickets in advance for a day you can no longer visit, you can change the date through your ticket confirmation email.
Activities & Attractions
What attractions are offered at the Fall Festival?
Activity Area with fun for all ages with mega slide*, bounce pads, corn crib, tire mountain, pedal karts, apple train*, spider web, bubble barn, and much more(Mega slide is single rider only, 42” height minimum Mega slide & apple train run on weekends only)
Corn Maze (kid-friendly and adult options)
Wagon rides (included with any purchase to enter the orchard, weekends & holidays only)
Apple & pear picking (seasonal, while supplies last, call 203-458-PICK for varieties)
Pumpkin Patch (mid/late September)
Photo ops & seasonal displays
Cider Hut (21+) serving Bishop’s Own Wine & Hard Cider
Pick-your-own flowers (seasonal availability)
Food & Drink
What food options are available on weekends & holidays?
We have a rotating lineup of food trucks, the Cider Hut for Bishop's own Hard Cider & Wine, and seasonal treats like apple cider slushies, pie à la mode, and maple kettle corn within our Orchard Store. You can also visit our Farm Market & Creamery on Route 1 for a wider variety of prepared foods, produce, groceries, ice cream & more.
What about weekdays?
On weekdays, the Orchard Store offers sweet and savory treats plus Bishop’s own cider, cider donuts, and kettle corn. You can also visit our Farm Market & Creamery on Route 1 for a wider variety of prepared foods, produce, groceries, ice cream & more.
Can I bring my own food?
No outside food or alcohol is permitted, with the exception of water.
Orchard & Picking Information
How do I purchase Pick Your Own apples & pears?
We sell our Pick Your Own fruit by the bag, and you pay for your bag prior to picking. Pick Your Own Bags are sold as an 'add-on' while buying tickets online OR you can purchase them at the entry gate. Pick-Your-Own bags are not included in the purchase of 'all access' or 'orchard' admission.
How can I find out what varieties are available?
Call 203-458-PICK or check our website and social media for daily updates. You can visit our 'Know Your Apples' Guide for information on each variety.
When does the Pumpkin Patch open?
The Pumpkin Patch opens mid/late September. Pumpkins are sold separately.
Accessibility & Comfort
Is the Festival wheelchair and stroller accessible?
Some areas are accessible, but uneven terrain in the orchard and corn maze may require rugged wheels.
What should I wear?
Dress for the weather, wear comfortable clothing, and choose closed-toe shoes or boots. Visitors may want to wear a hat as there is limited shade in some areas. Keep in mind this is a working farm so depending on weather areas may be dusty, muddy, and the ground can be uneven or slippery.
Anything else I should bring?
Socks are required for jump pads and the corn crib. Sunscreen, hats, jackets, and a camera/phone for photos are also recommended. You may bring your own water.
Policies & Rules
Can I bring my pet?
No — federally mandated orchard safety regulations prohibit pets in orchards.
Can I bring food or beverages?
On weekends and holidays outside food and beverages are not permitted, you’ll find ample offerings between Bishop’s own food and food trucks. On weekdays outside food & beverage are allowed.
Can I leave and come back?
Yes — re-entry is allowed the same day with your wristband or ticket confirmation.
Are there rules I must follow?
Yes — for the safety and enjoyment of all guests, please follow staff instructions at all times. You’ll see rules signs posted at the gate and in front of all of our activities. If you fail to follow rules, you may be asked to leave.
Misc
Do you offer private event rentals?
Yes, we do offer private rental space for birthday parties, please email farminfo@bishopsorchards.com. If you are interested in a different type of private event, please contact events@bishopsorchards.com.