Where & When Pennsylvania Fall 2026

Fall 2026

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VisitIndianaCountyPA.org VisitIndianaCountyPA.org VisitIndianaCountyPA.org 724-463-7505 877-746-3426 877-746-3426 R129940

PENNSYLVANIA'S TRAVEL GUIDE

E S T.

WHERE & WHEN P E N N S Y L V A N I A

P.O. Box 500, Mount Joy, PA 17552 800.800.1833 • 717.653.1833

Vol. 61 No. 4

VISITOR INFORMATION REQUEST FORM

Published quarterly by Engle Printing & Publishing Co., Inc. ©2026

PUBLISHER: Jocelyn Engle jrengle@engleonline.com EDITOR: Wendy Royal wendy@whereandwhen.com ADVERTISING: Beverly Shank beverly@whereandwhen.com SUBSCRIPTIONS: Pam Hertzog 717-492-2556 $12/yr EVENT SUBMISSIONS We welcome events of interest to the tourist and local traveler. Must be open to the public.

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Where & When Pennsylvania reserves the right to edit material based on its standards for publication. Advertising and event listings are subject to the approval of the publisher. Events are listed as space allows and at the discretion of the editor.

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whereandwhen.com / 2026 W&W fall

/ 3 /

Vol. 61 No. 4

18

A

77th PA State Fall Foliage Festival

30

A

A Taste of the Harvest

44

A

Too cool for the Pumpkin Patch

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5 Northern Region 20 Southern Region 34 Eastern Region 38 Western Region

3 Visitor Info Request Form 29 Subcribe On the cover: Festival parade courtesy of PA State Flaming Foliage Festival

@whereandwhenPA

NORTHERN REGION calendar of events

ONGOING

Through Sep 24. Silo Deck Party at the Farm in Bloom. The Farm in

Through Sep 16. Bloomsburg Town Park Summer Concert Series.

Bloomsburg Town Park, Bloomsburg.

570-784-7123, www.bloomsburgpa.org/

Bloom, Bloomsburg. 570-784-6625, www.thefarminbloom.com

Through Oct 31. Hiawatha Paddlewheel Riverboat. Susquehanna State

Park, Williamsport.

570-326-1221, https://ridehiawatha.com/

2026 ridge red B Cove estival F 8-11 .

OCT

Through Oct 31. Hiawatha Paddlewheel Riverboat Cruises. Susquehanbloomsburg, pa

na State Park, Williamsport. 570-2200528, https://ridehiawatha.com/

Aug 23-Sep 20. Mooresburg Open House. Mooresburg One Room School

House, Mooresburg. 570-271-0830, montourcountyhistoricalsociety.org/

Timeless & picturesque, the 25 covered bridges of Columbia & Montour Counties harken back to simpler times. visit the festival | tour the bridges!

HeartofPA.com

SEPTEMBER Sep 4-7. Lock Haven Regatta. East

Water Street, Lock Haven. https://lockhavenregattafoundation.org/

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whereandwhen.com / 2026 W&W fall / 5 /

NORTHERN REGION calendar of events

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Sep 5. Williamsport’s Children’s Book Festival. Otto’s Bookstore, Wil-

liamsport. 570-326-5764, https://www. ottobookstore.com/

Sep 5-6. Smallfoot Mountain Weekend. Durty Dabbers Pavilion, McEl-

hattan. https://www.bikesignup.com/ Race/PA/LockHaven/SmallfootMountainWeekend

Sep 5-6. Log House Arts Festival.

Community Arts Center of Cambria County, Johnstown. 814-255-6515, https://caccc.org/log-house-arts-festival-1

Sep 5-7. All Home Days. Memorial

Park, Elysburg. https://www.facebook. com/AllHomeDays/

Sep 6. Princess Tea Party Cruise.

Susquehanna State Park, Williamsport.

570-220-0528, ridehiawatha.com/

/ 6 / 2026 W&W fall / whereandwhen.com

Sep 11. Angel Lights for 9/11. Triangle Park, Lock Haven. 570-295-6192, https://www.dlhrotary.org/

Sep 11. Bronwyn (Bluegrass/Americana). Weis Center for the Performing Arts, Lewisburg. 570-577-1000, http:// www.bucknell.edu/

Sep 11-13. Danville Heritage Festival. Danville, Danville. 570-284-4502,

http://www.visitdanvillepa.org

Sep 12. Susquehanna Valley Big Twins M.C. Fall Festival. 84 Harley

Drive, Lock Haven. https://www.svbtmc. com/

Sep 12. Boxes of Hope Walkathon.

Riverview Park, Lock Haven. 570-5022524, https://boh4bc.org/walkathon/

Sep 12. 7th Annual Back the Blue.

Three Dogs Vino, Bloomsburg. 570204-0895, www.threedogsvino.com/

NORTHERN REGION calendar of events

WHERE TRADITION MEETS MAKING.

From spinning wheels and colorful skeins to fall vistas and heritage celebrations, every visit to Susquehanna County is woven with creativity, craftsmanship and authentic experiences.

Make Your Fall Plans Now!

VisitSusqCo.com

HIKING • BIKING • KYAKING • CAMPING • NOTHING

Sep 12. 48th Annual Fall Arts and Crafts Festival. Mill Street, Danville.

570-284-4502, http://www.visitdanvillepa.org

Sep 12-13. Pennsylvania Endless Mountains Fiber Festival. Harford Fair

Grounds, New Milford. https://endlessmountainsfiberfest.com

Sep 12-13. Endless Mountains Muzzleloader Rendezvous & Artisan Show. American Legion Post 510, Laceyville. 570-721-5209, https://empo.us

Sep 12. Endless Mountains Grand Depart. Corner of Elizabeth St and

Merrill Parkway, Towanda. 570-2651528, https://endlessgravelpa.com

Sep 12-13. Wild Wind Folk Art Festival. Warren County Fairgrounds, Pitts-

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Sep 12. Lagers & Lumberjacks. Penn-

sylvania Lumber Museum, Coudersport. https://lumbermuseum.org/

Sep 12-13. 46th Annual Wild Wind Folk Art & Craft Festival. Warren County Fairgrounds, Pittsfield. 802-6890609, https://wildwindfestival.com

Sep 12. NRWC Sportsman’s Expo.

NRWC Field, Wysox. 570-888-9900, https://visitbradfordcounty.com/ events/nrwc-sportsmans-expo/

Sep 13. Maseto’s Brunch Cruise.

Susquehanna State Park, Williamsport.

570-220-0528, ridehiawatha.com/

Sep 13. In The Good Old Days, Kids at School and Play. Barton Street One Room School, Flemington. 570-7487254, https://www.clintonpahistory.org/

field. 802-689-0609, https://www.wcvb. net/

whereandwhen.com / 2026 W&W fall / 7 /

NORTHERN REGION calendar of events

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Sep 13-19. McClure Bean Soup. Bean

Sep 18. Dinner Cruise with Hillside Catering. Susquehanna State Park,

Soup Fairgrounds, McClure. 717-5435467, https://www.facebook.com/mcclurebeansoup/

Williamsport. 570-220-0528, https://ridehiawatha.com/

Sep 13. Nicholson Bridge Day. Main

Sep 18-20. Bugle Fest. Quiet Oaks

Sep 17-19. Antes Fort Historical Days. Antes Fort Village Park, Antes

Sep 18-19. Johnstown Slavic Festival. St. Therese Festival Grounds, John-

St Nicholson, Nicholson. https://www. facebook.com/NicholsonBridgeDay/

Campground, Cross Fork. 570-9272797, https://buglefest.com/

Fort. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100067493304566

stown. https://www.facebook.com/ johnstownslavicfestival

Sep 17-19. Ross Library Book Sale.

Sep 18-20. Bavarian Fall Fest. Shaw-

Sep 17. Endea Owens and The Cookout (JAZZ). Weis Center for the

Sep 18-20. Pennsylvania Bowhunters Festival. Sullivan County Fairgrounds,

Ross Library, Lock Haven. https://rosslibrary.org/

Performing Arts, Lewisburg. 570-5771000, http://www.bucknell.edu/

/ 8 / 2026 W&W fall / whereandwhen.com

mut Park, St Marys. https://bavarianfallfest.com/

Forksville. 570-924-3025, https://www. pabowhunters.com/

NORTHERN REGION calendar of events

Free Visitor Information

Endless

visitpago . com Plan • (814) 578-9200 Your

25

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Adventure Endless eRegion nc rie Expe in Pennsylvania’ s Great Outdoors

Sept 6-9PM Craft & Food Vendors, 6-9PM Street Dance - Music by TRIXX

Plan Your

-9PM Craft & Food Vendors, Sept 9AM 1PM Children’s Bike Races, 2PM Tractor Races, PM 4 Parade, & 12-9PM Musical Entertainment

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Sept 11AM Church Service in Town Square, 11AM Car Show sponsored by Marienville Vol. Fire Dept., 11-4PM Craft & Food Vendors, 1-4PM Music by CHAZ, 2PM Pet Parade, & 4PM Raffle Drawing

Adventure

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Come See Your Dream Buck This Fall

Pennsylvania

GREAT OUTDOORS Pennsylvania VISITORS BUREAU GREAT OUTDOORS CAMERON, ELK, & FOREST COUNTIES VISITORS BUREAU

814-752-6334

Find us on Facebook

VisitPAGO.com (814)578-9200 578-9200 VisitPAGO.com •• (814) CAMERON, ELK, & FOREST COUNTIES

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COOK FOREST, PA

Sep 18-20-. 10th Annual Trail Fest.

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• Open 7 days a week Mother’s Day through Halloween • 21 Deer

Sep 19. Boulder Beast Trail Race (24Mile & 25K). Bald Eagle Mountain,

Kinzua Beach, Bradford. https://pawilds.com/

Lock Haven. https://www.patraildogs. com/

Sep 18-20. Peanut Butter Festival. Gumtown Park, New Bethlehem.

Sep 19. Piper Heritage Days. Piper

https://redbankchamber.com/peanut-butter-festival/

Sep 19. Boulder Beast. 859 Lower

Creek Road, Lock Haven. https://www. patraildogs.com/boulderbeast

Sep 19. Piper Heritage Days. Piper

Aviation Museum, Lock Haven. 570748-8283, https://www.pipermuseum. com/

Aviation Museum, Lock Haven. https:// www.pipermuseum.com/

Sep 19. Coptoberfest. Three Dogs Vino, Bloomsburg.

570-204-0895, https://www.threedogsvino.com/

Sep 19. Block Party at Rock God Brewing Company. Rock God Brew-

ing, Danville. 570-284-4096, https:// rockgodbeer.net/

whereandwhen.com / 2026 W&W fall / 9 /

NORTHERN REGION calendar of events

Sep 19. Sullivan County Arts & Artists Tour. Throughout Sullivan Coun-

ty, Dushore. https://www.facebook. com/p/Sullivan-County-Pa-Arts-ArtistsTour-61574082465285/

Sep 20. Rotary Club of Downtown Lock Haven Cash Bingo. KBR Bin-

go, Lock Haven. 570-295-2574, https:// www.dlhrotary.org/

Sep 20. Trio Bohemo (CLASSICAL).

SKYWALK OPEN SEPTEMBER 1 - OCTOBER 31, 2026 KINZUA BRIDGE STATE PARK VISITOR CENTER OPEN DAILY 8 AM - 6 PM

Weis Center for the Performing Arts, Lewisburg. 570-577-1000, http://www. bucknell.edu/x93980.xml

Sep 22. Toy Story Cruises. Susque-

hanna State Park, Williamsport. 570220-0528, https://ridehiawatha.com/

Sep 25-27. Loyalsock Valley Antique Machinery Show. Show Grounds, Ralston. 570-916-9155, lvamassoc.org/

7 MUSEUMS ON THE MCKEAN COUNTY

MUSEUM TRAIL INCLUDING ZIPPO/CASE MUSEUM

https://www.

Sep 25. Outlander in Concert. Jour-

ney Bank Community Art Center, Williamsport. 570-326-2424, https://www. caclive.com/

Sep 25-27. Rally at the Rock. Rock

Run Recreation Park, Patton. 814-6746026, https://www.rockrunrecreation. com/rally-at-the-rock/

TRAIL CENTRAL 600 MILES OF TRAILS TO HIKE, BIKE, REEL & BIRDWATCH Call or Click for Your Free Adventure Guide

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800-473-9370 PATrailCentral.com Scan to view Digital Guide

/ 10 / 2026 W&W fall / whereandwhen.com

Sep 25-27. 67th Annual PA State Championship Fishing Tournament.

92 Main St, Tidioute. www.wcvb.net/

Sep 25-27. Marienville Oktoberfest.

Town Square, Marienville. https://www. marienvilleareacivicassociation.com/ marienville-oktoberfest-2026.html

Sep 25-Oct 3. 2026 Bloomsburg Fair.

Bloomsburg Fair Grounds, Bloomsburg.

570-784-4949, www.bloomsburgfair.com

NORTHERN REGION calendar of events

Sep 25. Woodhick Day Education Program. Pennsylvania Lumber Museum, Coudersport. lumbermuseum.org/

Sep 26. Lock Haven Catholic School’s Annual Fall Festival. 311 West Wa-

ter Street, Lock Haven. 570-748-7252, https://lhcs.org/

Sep 30. Nick Andrew Staver at the Exchange Listening Room. The Ex-

Plan Your Trip

change Gallery, Bloomsburg. 570-3172596, http://ExchangeArts.org

OCTOBER

Oct 1. Las Anez (WORLD MUSIC/ COLOMBIAN FOLK). Weis Center for

the Performing Arts, Lewisburg. 570577-1000, http://www.bucknell.edu

Oct 2-31. Spook Haven Haunted House. Spook Haven Haunted House, Mill Hall. www.spookhaven.com/

Oct 2. Lockphrastic 2026. The Sta-

tion Gallery, Lock Haven. 570-748-0949, https://www.stationgalleryccac.org/

Oct

2-31.

Hallofun

Weekends.

Knoebels Amusement Resort, Elysburg.

800-487-4386, http://www.knoebels. com

Oct 3-4. Pine Creek Seed Farm Corn Maze & Festival. Pine Creek

Seed Farm, Jersey Shore. https://www. pinecreekcornmaze.com/

Oct 3-4. Fall Tour de Forest. Allegheny National Forest, Marienvile. https:// marienvillefire.com/events/

Oct 3-4. Heritage Days. Fort Free-

land/Hower Slote House, Turbotville.

570-538-1756, www.freelandfarm.org

WCVB.NET

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Oct 3. Croctoberfest. Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland, Allenwood. 570-538-1869, http://reptiland.com Oct 3. Hometown Harvest Fest.

Historic Downtown Tunkhannock, Tunkhannock. https://tunkhannockbusiness.com

Oct 3. Fall Heritage Benefit Paddle.

Sayre Riverfront Park, Sayre. 570-2651528, https://emheritage.org

Oct 3-11. Autumn Leaf Festival.

Downtown Clarion, Clarion. https:// clarionpa.com/autumn-leaf-festival/

Oct 3. Haunted Lake Loop Trail. Black

Moshannon State Park, Philipsburg.

814-342-5960, https://events.dcnr. pa.gov/black_moshannon_state_park

Oct 4. Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center: American Soundscapes (CLASSICAL). Weis Center for the Performing Arts, Lewisburg. 570-577-1000, http://www.bucknell.edu whereandwhen.com / 2026 W&W fall / 11 /

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NORTHERN REGION calendar of events

Oct 10-11. Sullivan County fall Festival & Lumberjack/Chainsaw Carving Competition. Sullivan County Fair-

grounds, Forksville. sullivancountypachamber.com

Oct 10-11. Elk Mountain Fall Festival. Elk Mountain Ski Resort, Union

Dale. 570-679-4400, www.elkskier.com/

Oct 4. A Walk In Penns Woods. End-

less Mountains Heritage Region, Makoma Conservancy, LaPorte. 570-2651528, https://emheritage.org

Oct 8-11. 2026 Covered Bridge and Arts Festival. Bloomsburg Fairgrounds, Bloomsburg. 570-784-8279, http://heartofpa.com

Oct 9-11. PA State Flaming Foliage Festival. Huron Avenue, Renovo. 570-9232411, pastateflamingfoliagefestival.org

Oct 9-11. Berwick Riverfest. Berwick Test Track, Berwick. 570-752-2723, http://www.berwickborough.org

Oct 10-11. Apple Butter Festival.

Oct 10. Bi-Planes, Trains & Automobiles Event & American 250 Motoring Tour. Eagles Mere Historic Village,

Eagles Mere. 570-525-3273, https://visitthehistoriceaglesmere.com

Oct 11. Annual Fall Festival. Little

Pine State Park, Waterville. https:// www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/recreation/ where-to-go/state-parks/find-a-park/ little-pine-state-park

Oct 11. Maseto’s Brunch Cruise.

Susquehanna State Park, Williamsport.

570-220-0528, ridehiawatha.com/

Oct 11. Roadside Research, America 250 Edition. Poorman Gallery, Lock

Haven. 570-748-7254, https://www.clintonpahistory.org/

Waterville Fire Company, Waterville.

570-447-5257, https://www.facebook. com/watervillefestivals/?fref=ts

Oct 15. Wing Night Cruise. Susque-

Oct 10-12. Artists’ Open House Weekend. Throughout Susquehanna

Oct 16-17. Lock Haven Fringe Fest.

County https://artiststour.com

Oct 10-11. Fall Show. Pennsylvania

Lumber Museum, Coudersport. https:// lumbermuseum.org/

Oct 10. Tunkhannock Rotary Harvest & Wine Festival. Lazybrook Park,

Tunkhannock. 570-836-3934, https:// tunkhannockrotary.org / 12 / 2026 W&W fall / whereandwhen.com

hanna State Park, Williamsport. 570220-0528, https://ridehiawatha.com/

Downtown Lock Haven, Lock Haven.

570-360-8154, https://www.lockhavenfringe.com/

Oct 16-18. Haunted Library. Blooms-

burg Public Library, Bloomsburg. 570784-0883, https://bloomsburgpl.org/

Oct 16-17. Flashlight Safari. Clyde

Peeling’s Reptiland, Allenwood. 570538-1869, http://reptiland.com

NORTHERN REGION calendar of events

Oct 17. Annual Mummers’ Parade.

Oct 23. BOO!burg. Seventh Street,

Oct 17-18. Christmas in the Barns Crafts Festival. Clinton County Fair-

Oct 24. Adult Halloween Party Cruise. Susquehanna State Park, Wil-

Downtown South Williamsport, Williamsport.www.swmummersparade.com

grounds, Mill Hall. https://clintoncountyfairpa.com/

Bloomsburg. 570-317-2596, http://ExchangeArts.org

liamsport. 570-220-0528, https://ridehiawatha.com/

Oct 17-18, 24-25. Pine Creek Seed Farm Corn Maze & Festival. Pine

Oct 24. Kid’s Halloween Party Cruise.

Creek Seed Farm, Jersey Shore. https:// www.pinecreekcornmaze.com/

Susquehanna State Park, Williamsport.

570-220-0528, https://ridehiawatha. com/

Oct 17. Brews in the Barn Beer Festival/Chili Cook-off. Millbrook Play-

Oct 24. Night Hike at Vosburg Neck.

Oct 17. Three Dogs Vino 11th Anniversary Party. Three Dogs Vino,

Oct 24. Spooky Lantern Tours. Penn-

Oct 17-18. Pumpkin Festival at the Ol’ Country Barn. Ol’ Country Barn,

Oct 25. Castanea Community Halloween Parade. Brown Street, Lock

house, Mill Hall. https://millbrookplayhouse.org/brewsinthebarn/

Bloomsburg. www.threedogsvino.com/

Benton. https://olcountrybarn.com/

Oct 17. Harvest Fest. Deep Roots

Hard Cider, Sugar Run. 570-746-3222, https://deeprootshardcider.com

Oct 19-Nov 20. Mischief Night. The

Exchange Gallery, Bloomsburg. 570317-2596, http://ExchangeArts.org

Oct 22. 2nd Annual Danville After Dark. Canal Park, Danville. 570-284-

4502, http://www.visitdanvillepa.org

Oct 22. The Price Sisters (BLUEGRASS). Weis Center for the Perform-

ing Arts, Lewisburg. 570-577-1000, http://www.bucknell.edu

Oct 23. 5th Annual Masquerade Benefit Ball. Sons and Daughters of

Italy Patio, Lock Haven. 570-748-6791, http://tinyurl.com/2026masqueradeball

Vosburg Neck State Park, Tunkhannock.

570-265-1528, https://emheritage.org sylvania Lumber Museum, Coudersport. https://lumbermuseum.org/

Haven. https://www.castaneatownshippa.gov/

Oct 29-31. Hooskow Chainsaw Carvers’ Festival. Clinton County Fairgrounds, Mill Hall. https://www.hooskow.com/

Oct 29. Gravity and Other Myths (CONTEMPORARY CIRQUE). Weis Center for the Performing Arts, Lewisburg. 570-577-1000, www.bucknell.edu/

Oct 30. Monster Mash Halloween Party. Woolrich Community Center, Lock Haven. 570-769-6152, https://www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=100081189355360

Oct 30. Halloween Howl Wine and Beer Walk. Downtown Clearfield,

Clearfield. clearfieldchamber.com/

whereandwhen.com / 2026 W&W fall / 13 /

NORTHERN REGION calendar of events

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Just 23 Miles from the PA Grand Canyon!

www.ChoiceHotels.com/Hotel/PA139

Oct 31-Nov 1. Eastern Gun Expo.

Bloomsburg Fairgrounds, Bloomsburg.

610-393-3047, easterngunexpo.com/

Oct 31. Endless Mountains halloWINEfest. Wyoming County Fair

Grounds, Meshoppen. 570-712-2733, facebook@endlessmtnhalloWINEfest / 14 / 2026 W&W fall / whereandwhen.com

ar Round

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See the largest privately owned maple producer in PA.

Maple Syrup • Maple Sugar • Maple Cream • Maple Candy Maple Coated Nuts • Maple BBQ Sauce & Much More!

Terry Patterson, Owner 4th Generation Still Going Strong

119 Patterson Road, Westfield, PA 16950 (814) 628-3751 • www.pattersonmaplefarms.com

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NOVEMBER

Nov 1. The Price is Right. Journey Bank Community Art Center, Williamsport.

570-326-2424, https://www.caclive.com/ Nov 6-8. Gingerbread Tour. Route 36 Cooridor Cook Forest, Cooksburg. www.facebook.com/GingerbreadTour

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NORTHERN REGION calendar of events

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NORTHERN REGION calendar of events

Nov 7. The View (15K & 25K) Trail Race. Western Clinton Sportsmans Club,

Nov 21-22. The Will Huffman Toy Train Expo. Park Place, Williamsport.

North Bend. www.patraildogs.com/

http://www.toytrainexpo.org/

Nov 7. Wine Shine Picklesburg Palooza. Bloomsburg Fair Grounds,

Nov 27, 28. Wreath Making Class.

Nov 7. Cookie Basket Making Class.

Nov 27. Castanea Community Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Brown

Bloomsburg. www.clickershows.com/

Pennsylvania Lumber Museum, Coudersport. https://lumbermuseum.org/

Nov 14. Craft & Vendor Event. Wool-

rich Community Center, Lock Haven.

570-769-6152, Find us on Facebook

Nov 20-22. Victorian Christmas. Historic District, Williamsport. https://victorianchristmaspa.com/

Nov 20. 3rd Annual Cookie Crawl.

Danville, Danville. 570-284-4502, http:// www.visitdanvillepa.org

Nov 21-22. Artisan Market. YWCA, Williamsport. victorianchristmaspa.com/

Woolrich Community Center, Lock Haven. 570-769-6152, Find us on Facebook

Street and Jarrett Avenue, Lock Haven. https://www.castaneatownshippa.gov/

Nov 27. 7 Mountains Media Parade of Lights. Downtown Bloomsburg, Bloomsburg.

570-374-8819, http://7mountainsmedia.com

Nov 27-28. Winterfest at the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds. Bloomsburg Fair

Grounds, Bloomsburg. 570-784-4949, http://www.bloomsburgfair.com

Nov 28. Home For the Holidays. Ea-

gles Mere Historic Village, Eagles Mere. https://visithistoriceaglesmere.com whereandwhen.com / 2026 W&W fall / 17 /

2026 marks the 77th year of the PA State Flaming Fall Foliage Festival in Renovo, Clinton County. The 3-day event will be held on October 9th to 11th. Saying this annual festival represents the pride found in small towns throughout the Commonwealth is an understatement.

Renovo’s identity has always been tied to the land, the lumber, and an abundance of appreciation for the area’s beauty. With a population of just over 1,000 residents, the festival brings nearly 25,000 visitors to the area each year.

The PA State Flaming Fall Foliage Festival features a large parade that lasts around 2 hours, the crowning of the Flaming Foliage Queen, local artisans, craftspeople, and food vendors - all enhanced by the backdrop of the colors of fall.

I Love a Parade

Anticipation builds in the morning, as the bands, floats, and vehicles of all kinds line up in their designated spots along Huron Avenue. In truth, anticipation starts days earlier as residents save their viewing spots along the parade route.

There is nothing more Americana than high school marching bands performing for the crowd while keeping step. All the pageantry, colors, and school spirit are on display in hopes of earning the coveted best of the bands title.

There’s also judging for the many festive floats that make their way down Huron. The parade allows local businesses, organizations, community and high school bands to participate and hand out treats to youngsters along the parade route.

The festival queens also make an appearance in the parade. Riding in shiny convertibles or trailers these lovely ladies show off their best figure-eight wave and inspire little girls to compete to become the Flaming Fall Foliage Festival Queen.

In fact, extreme cuteness is on display at the festival’s Future Queen and Escort competition.

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All Hail the Queen

The crowning of the festival queen is one of, if not the most anticipated moments of the event. Since 1949, girls from area high schools in central and north-central PA have been competing for the honor to be named Miss Flaming Foliage. Each candidate is judged by her character, poise, and communication skills. The potential queens are treated like royalty, with a luncheon, banquet, and a ball held in their honor.

During the 3-day festival, more than 150 artisan, craft, and food vendors will be showcasing their wares from 9 a.m. to dusk on Friday and Saturday, and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.

Bucktail Area High School, in Renovo, is the place to be on Saturday evening. The Flaming Foliage Festival Follies will start at 7 p.m. The talent show features the expected array of polished singers and dance teams, as well as a healthy dose of fun comedy acts the entire family will enjoy.

The festival honors the beautiful landscape, so staying multiple days is recommended. Take time to explore. Since Renovo is situated along the West Branch Susquehanna River, canoeing or kayaking is an extraordinary way to take in the fall foliage. Perhaps the best view is from the spectacular Hyner View Overlook, located 20 minutes (or an hour bike ride) from town.

IF YOU GO

Location: 1200 Huron Avenue, Renovo, PA 17764 Website: pastateflamingfoliagefestival.org For lodging and accommodations visit exploreclintoncountypa.com

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Photos courtesy of PA State Flaming Fall Foliage Festival

Hyner View Overlook

y s d e . y t Above: 2025 Flaming Foliage Queen, Madelyn Gordner

ONGOING

SEPTEMBER

Manheim. https://parenfaire.com/

Gretna. www.gretnamusic.org/

Through Nov 1. Exhibit: Remembering the Reading Railroad 50 Years Later. Reading Railroad Heritage Muse-

Sep 4-5. Through the Lens of Hershey: Photography by John Martin. Hershey History Center, Hershey.

Through Oct 25. Pennsylvania Renaissance Fair. PA Renaissance Faire,

Sep 2. Béla Fleck - My Bluegrass Heart. Mt. Gretna Playhouse, Mount

um, Hamburg. www.readingrailroad.org

7175200748, www.hersheyhistory.org/

Through Nov 16. Keystone of America: Exploring American Independence Celebrations in PA 1776-2026.

Sep 4-6. Cambria City Ethnic Festival. Cambria City, Johnstown. 814-535-

Pa House of Representatives ArchivesPA Capitol Complex, Harrisburg. 717783-3866, archives.house.state.pa.us/

Sep 4-7. Jazz at the Barnyard. Hershey History Center, Hershey. www.hersheyhistory.org/jazz-at-the-barnyard

Sep 19. Homestead Days at Plain & Fancy Farm. Plain & Fancy Farm, Bird-

In-Hand. https://plainandfancyfarm. com/happenings/homestead-days/ / 20 / 2026 W&W fall / whereandwhen.com

2020, https://www.visitjohnstownpa. com/cambria-city-ethnic-festival

Sep 4. The Summer Club. Mt. Gretna Playhouse, Mount Gretna. www.gretnatheatre.org/shows/the-summer-club

Sep 5. Taste of Hamburg-er Festival.

Downtown Hamburg, Hamburg. 610562-3106, www.tasteofhamburger.com/

Sep 5-12. Juniata County Fair. Port

Royal Fairgrounds, Port Royal. 717-5274414, www.juniatacountyfair.com/

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2026 Event

Recreation at the Fort 8am-sunset Blue Bird Trail Space & Time Discovery Trail Fort Treasure Scavenger Hunt

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Saturday, October 31 Veterans Tribute Program

Tours: 10am-4pm Mon.-Sat., 1-4pm Sun. Tour Season is May 1st through Oct. 31st 814-946-0048 fortroberdeau.org

Sep 5. Mount Gretna Summer Concert: Music of Motown & the Sounds of Soul. Mt. Gretna Tabernacle, Mount

Gretna. 610-212-8709, https://mtgretnasummerconcerts.org/2026-schedule

Sep 6-12. American Legion County Fair. Cambria County Fairgrounds,

Sep 12-13. Cambria County Arts & Heritage Festival. Duman Lake County Park, Ebensburg. 814-241-6123, https://lhhv.org/festival/

Sep 12. Sandyvale Wine Festival.

Ebensburg. 814-472-7491, https://cambriacofair.com

Sandyvale Memorial Gardens, Johnstown. 814-266-7891, https://www.sandyvalememorialgardens.org/wine-festival/

Sep 6. FrontLine Ministries FREE Christian Concerts! DelGrosso’s Park

Sep 12. Space Antelope - Tribute to Phish. Allen Theatre, Annville. https://

& Laguna Splash, Tipton. 814-931-9728, https://www.mydelgrossopark.com/ events/frontline-youthfest/

Sep 10. NIGHTRAIN - The Guns N’ Roses Experience. Allen The-

atre, Annville. eventbrite.com/e/ nightrain-the-guns-n-roses-experience-tickets-1989111923308?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

Sep 11-12. Boyertown’s Oktoberfest. Boyertown Center Parking Lot, Boyertown. www.buildingabetterboyertown.org

www.allentheatre.com/live-events

Sep 12. Art in the Woods Exhibition and Reception. Soldiers Field Pathway, Mount Gretna. www.mtgretna.org/

Sep 12. Lebanon Valley Fall Fair. Leb-

anon Expo Center, Lebanon. https:// whitmoyerevents.com/lv-fall-fair/

Sep 12. York County Parks Native Plant Sale. John C. Rudy County Park,

York. 717-840-7440, https://yorkcountypa.gov/592/Events whereandwhen.com / 2026 W&W fall / 21 /

SOUTHERN REGION calendar of events

Goose Day Celebration Sept. 25-29, 2026

JRVVisitors.com Sep 13. Schreiber’s 38th Annual Rubber Duckie Race & Festival. Schreiber

Center for Pediatric Development, Lancaster. 717-393-0425, https://www.schreiberpediatric.org/event/duckies/

Sep 13. Greater Wellness Holistics Expo. Lebanon Valley Expo Center, Leb-

anon. www.greaterwellnessholistics.com

Sep 13. Central Penn Doll Collectors Club Doll Show. Lebanon Expo Cen-

ter, Lebanon. 347-539-9626, https:// CentralPennDollCollectorsClub.org

Sep 17-20. Wild & Uncommon Weekend. Horn Farm Center, York.

717-757-6441, https://hornfarmcenter. org/pawpawfest/#wild-and-uncommon-weekend

Sep 18-19. Kutztown Antiques Radio & Vintage Electronics Meet. Renninger’s Antique & Farmer’s Market, Kutztown. 570-385-0104, https://www.

Renningers.net/kutztown

/ 22 / 2026 W&W fall / whereandwhen.com

29th annual Festival of Ice Dec. 3-4, 2026

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Sep 19. Enchanted Fairy Festival.

Springettsbury Township Park, York. https://EnchantedFairyFestival.com

Sep 19. West Reading Fall Fest. 400-

700 blocks of Penn Ave, West Reading.

610-685-8854, visitwestreading.com

Sep 19. Reedsville Apple Festival.

Bender Park, Reedsville. 717-250-8133, www.facebook.com/ReedsvillePA

Sep 19. MANTICORE - The Tribute to Emerson Lake & Palmer. Allen The-

atre, Annville. https://www.allentheatre. com/live-events

Sep 19. Mid-Atlantic Reptile Show.

Lebanon Valley Expo Center, Lebanon. https://midatlanticreptileexpo.com/ lebanon-pa

Sep 19-20. Historic Schaefferstown Harvest Festival. Alexander Schaef-

fer Farm, Schaefferstown. www.historicschaefferstown.com/about-3/events

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PLEASE CALL AHEAD FOR HOURS

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300 PARADISE LN RONKS, PA 17572

717.687.8976 Sep 19. Pedal the Past: Fort Indiantown Gap & National Guard Museum Ride. Memorial Lake State Park- middle

parking area, Grantville. www.eventbrite. com/cc/pedal-the-past-4828752

Sep 19-20. Muddy Run Powwow.

Steam O Rama Grounds, Windsor. 717817-6421, https://Lawilowan.com

Sep 20. An Evening with Kenny G.

Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center, Johnstown. 814-536-5156, https://1stsummitarena.com/

Sep 20. 36th Annual Italian Food & Heritage Festival. DelGrosso’s Park

& Laguna Splash, Tipton. https://www. mydelgrossopark.com/events/italian-food-and-heritage-festival/

Sep 25-26. Renninger’s Kutztown Vintage Antiques Extravaganza. Renninger’s Antique & Farmer’s Market, Kutztown. 570-385-0104, https://www.

Renningers.net/kutztown

Sep 25-26. Carriage House Collective Fall Barn Sale. 689 Whitman Road, Lebanon. https://www.thecarriagehousecollective.com/

Sep 26-27. Native American Festival.

Indian Steps Museum, Airville. https:// IndianSteps.org

Sep

26. PotatoFest. Downtown Ebensburg, Ebensburg. 814-472-8780, https://ebensburgpa.com/potatofest/

Sep 26. Heemet Fescht. Pennsylva-

nia German Cultural Heritage Center, Kutztown. 610-683-1589, https://www. kutztown.edu/pgchc

Sep 26. Turning Virtue. Allen Theatre, Annville. https://www.allentheatre. com/live-events

Sep 26. Mancino’s Italian Food Festival & Vendor Fair. Lebanon Valley Mall,

Lebanon. https://www.facebook.com/ share/18UGKfQqmV/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Sep 26-27. Harvestfest 2026 at DelGrosso’s Park. DelGrosso’s Park &

Laguna Splash, Tipton. https://www. mydelgrossopark.com/events/the-season-finale-harvestfest/

Sep 27. Renninger’s Adamstown Extravaganaza. Renninger’s Antique Mar-

ket, Denver. 717-336-2177, http://www. renningers.net/index.php/main-locations/adamstown/adamstown-home

Sep 30-Oct 4. Reading Liederkranz Oktoberfest. Reading Liederkranz, Reading. 610-373-3982, https://www. readingliederkranz.com

whereandwhen.com / 2026 W&W fall / 23 /

SOUTHERN REGION calendar of events

Oktoberfest September 26, 2026 12PM-4PM renfrewmuseum.org Mercersburg Townfest September 26, 2026 9AM-3PM mercersburgtownfest.com Market Day October 3, 2026 9AM-4PM mainstreetwaynesboro.org AppleFest October 17, 2026 9AM-4PM discoverchambersburg.com Great Moments are waiting for you in Franklin County!

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Experience beautiful fall foliage, pick pumpkins, stroll through sunflower fields, enjoy hayrides, corn mazes and so much more!

/ 24 / 2026 W&W fall / whereandwhen.com

SOUTHERN REGION calendar of events

R129779

GETTYSBURG

DestinationGettysburg.com

OCTOBER

Oct 2-3. Miss Morgan’s Milkweed Antiques Antique & Artisan Show.

Lebanon County Expo Center, Lebanon. https://www.morgansmilkweedantiques.com

Oct 3-4, 10-11. Pumpkin Patch Special. Stewartstown Railroad Company,

Stewartstown. https://StewartstownRailroadCo.com

Oct 3. AM Radio Tribute Band. Allen Theatre, Annville. https://www.allentheatre.com/live-events

Oct 3. Country Fair. Isaac Meier Homestead, Myerstown. https://www. meierhomestead.org/ Oct 3-25. Del-Ghoul-So’s Family-Friendly Halloween Weekends!

DelGrosso’s Park & Laguna Splash, Tipton. https://www.mydelgrossopark. com/events/del-ghoul-so-s-oct-3-4/

Oct 4. Apple Cider Festival. Prince

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Gallitzin State Park, Patton. 814-6741000, www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr

Oct 7. Sesame Street Live: Elmo’s Got the Moves. Pasquerilla Performing Arts

Center, Johnstown. 1stsummitarena.com/

whereandwhen.com / 2026 W&W fall / 25 /

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SOUTHERN REGION calendar of events

Oct 7. History of the Hershey Hill Climb. Hershey History Center, Her-

Oct 10. Pedal The Past: Fort Swatara & Monroe Valley Chapel. Swatara

Oct 9-11. Sherman’s Valley Heritage Days. Blain Picnic Grounds, Blain. 717-

Oct 11. GoggleWorks’ Annual Pumpkin Palooza. GoggleWorks, Reading.

shey. 717-520-0748, https://www.hersheyhistory.org/history-of-hershey-hillclimb

385-3339, https://svheritagedays.com/

Oct 10-11. PA Cowboy Weekend.

State Park, Pine Grove. https:// www.eventbrite.com/cc/pedal-thepast-4828752

610-374-4600, works.org

https://www.goggle-

Northern Central Railway, New Freedom. NorthernCentralRailway.com

Oct 17. Yorktoberfest. Bob Hoffman Field, York. https://Yorktoberfest.com

Oct 10. 5th Birthday Bash. Keystone

Oct 17-18. Fall Open House. Read-

Oct 10. 76th Annual Holiday Fine Art & Craft Festival. Hamburg Field

Oct 17-18. Boo at the Zoo Weekend.

House, Hamburg. https://rbcrafts.org/

Lake Tobias Wildlife Park, Halifax. 717362-9126, https://www.laketobias.com/

Oct 10. STREET SURVIVORS - A Lynyrd Skynyrd Experience. Allen

Oct 18. 52nd Annual York County Oyster Festival. York County Histo-

Kidspace, York. https://KeystoneKidspace.org

Theatre, Annville. https://www.allentheatre.com/live-events

/ 26 / 2026 W&W fall / whereandwhen.com

ing Society of Model Engineers, Fleetwood. 610-929-5444, www.rsme.org

ry Center, York. 717-848-1587, https:// YorkHistoryCenter.org

SOUTHERN REGION calendar of events

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Oct 18. Heritage Day Fall Festival.

Daniel Boone Homestead, Birdsboro.

610-582-4900, https://www.thedanielboonehomestead.org/

Oct 18. Oyster Festival. York Coun-

ty History Center, York. 717-848-1587, https://www.yorkhistorycenter.org/

Oct 20-24. Eastern Division TCA York Train Meet. York Expo Center, York. https://EasternTCA.com

Oct 23. ALMOST TAYLOR - Tribute to Taylor Swift. Allen Theatre, Annville. www.allentheatre.com/live-events

Oct 24. Nicks In Time - The Stevie Nicks Concert Experience. Allen The-

NOVEMBER

Nov 5. Choir! Choir! Choir! An Epic Queen Sing-Along. Appell Center For

The Performing Arts, York. https://AppellCenter.org

Nov 7. Pumpkin Madness. Cherry Crest Adventure Farm, Ronks. https:// CherryCrestFarm.com

Nov 7. Mutts Gone Nuts. Pasqueril-

la Performing Arts Center, Johnstown.

814-536-5156, https://1stsummitarena. com/

Nov 7. Koziar’s Christmas Village Opening Day! Koziar’s Christmas Vil-

atre, Annville. https://www.allentheatre. com/live-events

lage, Bernville. 610-488-1110, http:// www.koziarschristmasvillage.com/ home/

Oct 25. Meet Loaf - The Ultimate Meat Loaf Tribute Band. Allen The-

Nov 7. Gilligan Yacht Rock - Timeless Hits of the 70s and 80s. Allen The-

atre, Annville. https://www.allentheatre. com/live-events

atre, Annville. https://www.allentheatre. com/live-events

whereandwhen.com / 2026 W&W fall / 27 /

SOUTHERN REGION calendar of events

Nov 7-15. Eastland Alpacas Fall Open House. Eastland Alpacas, Mount

Joy. 717-653-2757, https://www.eastlandalpacas.com

Your Perfect Fall Road Trip Starts Here.

Nov 14. Articles of Confederation Day. York County Colonial Complex, York. 717-848-1587, https://YorkHistoryCenter.org

Stretch your legs, explore 600 miles of nearby trails, and enjoy one of Pennsylvania's most spectacular autumn destinations…all just off the PA Turnpike.

With convenient parking, picnic areas, bike repair stations, trail information, and easy access to food, restrooms, and refreshments at the Sideling Hill Service Plaza, you'll have everything you need for a memorable fall adventure.

Nov 14. 40th Annual St. Anthony Padua Christmas Bazaar. St. Antho-

ny's Hall, St. Anthony of Padua Church, Lancaster. www.stanthonylancaster.com

Nov 14-15. 717 Vintage Fest. York

York. 717-848-1587, https://www.yorkhistorycenter.org/

Nov 20. Hometown Christmas Parade & Light-up Night. Downtown Johnstown, Johnstown. 814-536-5107, https://discoverjohnstown.org/

Nov 20-22. Gem Miner’s Holiday Gem Jewelry & Gift Show. Lebanon

/ 28 / 2026 W&W fall / whereandwhen.com

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Allen Theatre, Annville. https://www. allentheatre.com/live-events

Nov 14. Articles of Confederation Day. York County Colonial Complex,

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Nov 14. The 27 Club Experience.

Nov 14. Claire Van Cleve. St Anthony of Padua Hall , Lancaster. 717-353-4751, https://stanthonylancaster.com/

Learn More at TurnpikeTrails.com

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Lancaster. 717-299-6617, https://www. stanthonylancaster.com

Please note: 1.5 miles of paved roadway precedes the start of off-road trails.

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Expo Center, York. https://717VintageFest.com

Nov 14. Christmas Bazaar - 40th Anniversary. St Anthony of Padua Hall,

Sideling Hill Trailhead: 3744 North Hess Road, Waterfall, PA 16689

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Expo & Fairgrounds, Lebanon. 810-9194386, https://gem-show.com

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Nov 21. 50th Annual Lebanon Holiday Parade. Downtown Lebanon, Lebanon. https://lebanoncla.com/

Nov 22. Countdown to Ecstasy Tribute to the Music of Steely Dan.

Allen Theatre, Annville. https://www. allentheatre.com/live-events

Nov 27. Taylor Backes Open House.

Taylor Backes Glass Studio and Gallery, Boyertown. 610-367-4600, https://www. taylorbackes.com

Nov 27-29. Christmas at the Expo.

Lebanon County Expo Center, Lebanon. https://whitmoyerevents.com/ christmas-at-the-expo/

Nov 28. Christmas in the Park. Basom

Memorial Park, Richfield. 717-513-3738, https://www.facebook.com/ChristmasintheParkRichfield

Nov 28. WHO’S NEXT - Tribute to The Who. Allen Theatre, Annville.

https://www.allentheatre.com/liveevents

Nov 28. Kerzenlicht Night. Isaac Meier Homestead, Myerstown. https:// www.meierhomestead.org/

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A Taste of the H

By Liam Burke When I think of the fall harvest, I think of being six years old, flannel-clad, going on a hayride with my mother under the bluest sky I’d ever seen. And of being fifteen, in a slightly bigger flannel, interlocking arms with my crush as dusk darkens over Field of Screams. I think of last year, at the Etown fair, two firework casings pelting me on their descent to earth and leaving a faint Sulphur smell on my red-and-green flannel. “The Garden Spot of America,” Lancaster County, cultivates this diversity, and so much more, in its harvest celebrations.

(Wearing non-flannel fabrics is permitted, even encouraged.) This article’s three selections span Lancaster County’s great breadth of harvest festivities, from cozy to bustling, traditional to newfangled, and obscure to beloved.

Amish At Home Meals at the Samuel and Ruth Lapp House

Where: 5341 White Oak Rd., Paradise, PA 17562 When: Mondays–Fridays by Reservation

Paradise, in the heart of Amish country. From above, it’s a patchwork quilt of farmland—panels of yellow, green, and brown threaded together with roads.

Now zoom in. Wrap the land around your shoulders. This is the land Samuel and Ruth Lapp live on, where their stonewalled house sits.

“People come in the door, and they take a deep breath,” Ruth said. “My room is very, very simple with quilts and crafts hanging. But I think it’s a smell and just the simplicity of it takes them back to their mothers’ and grandmothers’ smell of cooking in the kitchen.”

Ruth’s food has its roots in this land.

Her vegetables come from her garden and from her husband’s market stand.

Her recipes have been passed down through generations of Amish women.

i h a e s w a h l

e Harvest in Lancaster County

Since she started hosting these dinners, it’s been a family enterprise. “I wanted to help my husband pay the farm and still be able to be a stay-at-home mom. We had eight children when we started, so it was something my daughters could help me with.” Her focus on family permeates the atmosphere of her dining room, too. Of her guests, she said, “They just totally relax. If they have children, they don’t need

to worry that they’re not safe.”

Ruth bases her schedule around tour groups of 15 to 45 people. Smaller parties can leave a voicemail at (610) 593-1206 to arrange a time that works.

Meals are $31, including tax and tip. For more detail about food offerings, visit www.discoverlancaster.com/directory/ amish-meals-at-home-with-samuel-and -ruth-lapp.

Photos courtesy of the Fig & Pawpaw Festival

all of his land for this.” Of the event, Lauris said, “This is his. His property. His idea.” Another of his contributions—musicians, magicians, and bubble artists will help keep chilPeople lineup to purchase figs dren entertained, and food carts will serve and pawpaws at the festival. meals of more than just fruit. “It’s for families. It’s for everybody,” said Lauris.

Lancaster Fig & Pawpaw Fest A highlight of the inaugural festival for Where: 1575 New Danville Pike, Lancaster, PA 17603 Lauris was seeing his Lebanese mentor, felWhen: Saturday, October 3, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. low fig man Bass Samaan, running a stand For Bill Lauris and co-founder Taing for his nursery, Trees of Joy. When Samaan Vuthy, Lancaster Fig & Pawpaw Fest was not started growing figs in Lancaster County, about money. “When we had these fruits, “They’d say, ‘You can’t grow them here,’” our lives changed,” Lauris said. Part of the motivation to start the festival came from according to Lauris. “He proved everybody wanting to share that transcendent first- wrong.” Samaan’s love for figs fostered that time experience with others and to share in same passion in Lauris, who intensified it in the joy it brings. Why bring figs and paw- Taing. “We’re all here because of you,” Laupaws together? “They ripen nearly at the ris told Samaan.

Although people came from as far as same time, and they’re both a surprise,” Florida for the first Lancaster Fig & Pawpaw said Lauris.

Although these fruits are more obscure Fest, “Last year was a test run,” Lauris said. than the standard supermarket fare, Lau- This year? “It’s gonna be bigger.” In addiris stressed their versatility. “Anything you tion to expanding the selection of vendors, can do with a banana, you can do with a this year’s event will feature competitions pawpaw,” Lauris said—and more, it would in categories including biggest fig leaf seem. Pawpaw bread, whoopie pies, sal- and biggest pawpaw. Tickets are $12.51. sa, beer. Lauris and a student of his have For more information and online ticket both made pawpaw ice cream, which he sales, visit www.facebook.com/events/ described as a success. In addition to lancaster-pennsylvania/lancaster-fig-paw fresh fruit, a selection of prepared foods like paw-fest/896575166044025/ these will be available.

Pawpaws are native to the area and though the Attendees will also be flavor can vary it is said to have notes of banana able to purchase multiple varieties of the trees and mango. themselves.

“We can’t be the only ones who are geeks like this,” he and Taing concluded last year. Half joking, Lauris suggested they start a festival, but Taing, of Taing Realty Group, believed it could work. “He cleared

SOUTHERN REGION calendar of events

Photo by Wendy Royal

Harvest Days at Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum

Where: 2451 Kissel Hill Rd, Lancaster, PA 17601 When: Saturday–Sunday, October 10–11, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Just three months after a storm toppled trees onto historic buildings, resulting in weeks of closures, Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum is bouncing back with its largest event of the year: the 65th annual Harvest Days.

“We have a lot of people that come every year.

Regardless of how many years they’ve been coming, there’s always something new,” said Carrie Rhinier, the museum’s special event coordinator. This year, the museum has purchased a team of draft horses to plow fields and complete other agricultural tasks.

“Looking to see how things used to be is really the draw,” Rhinier said.

Rustically costumed demonstrators revive traditional cooking, smithing, and textile processing techniques that kept 19th-century Pennsylvania German communities afloat. “We usually have a lot of the buildings populated at this time so that you have a full village experience.” Like the demonstrators, some particularly dedicated visitors come to Harvest Days in period dress too.

“It’s great. We actually encourage it,” said Rhinier.

Attendees can enjoy the fruit of the harvest by picking pumpkins, watching demonstrators produce apple butter, applesauce, and sauerkraut, or getting lost in a sorghum maze.

Harvest Days will also feature live music, with Hammer Creek Bluegrass Band playing on Saturday and The Happy

Wagon ride at Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum

Wanderers, a German oompah band, playing on Sunday.

The programming for children offers a break from hyper-technological play.

“Nothing’s electrified,” said Rhinier. A tractor cart will circle the museum, giving passengers a full view of the campus. Rope making and games of skill let youth challenge both their minds and their bodies.

Rhinier hopes visitors will walk away able to “look back and understand how much work it actually took in order to create something, and to have that appreciation for how things have progressed in time.”

Tickets range from $10–14. For online ticket sales and further reading, visit https:// www.landisvalleymuseum.org/event/ harvest-days-at-landis-valley-museum. whereandwhen.com / 2026 W&W fall / 33 /

May 8-Sep 27. Longwood Gardens Festival of Fountains. Longwood Gar-

ONGOING

Through Sep 18. Paths to Independence: 1765-1787. Historical Society

of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. 215-7326200, www.portal.hsp.org/usa250

“Award Winning”

dens, Kennett Square. 610-388-1000, https://longwoodgardens.org/gardens/our-seasons/festival-fountains

Jun 7-Sep 27. West Chester Railroad Summer Picnic Special. West Chester

Railroad, West Chester. https://wcrailroad.com/

No. 9 Coal Mine and Museum

Jun 20-Sep 19. Yoga in the Park. Sec-

ond Bank of the United States, Philadelphia. 2158614971, secure.qgiv.com/for/ vpbqfa/event/yogaatindependence/

SEPTEMBER

MINE TOURS

Sep 1. Community Music Scholars Program Virtual Auditions. Press-

WEDNESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY APRIL THROUGH NOVEMBER

9 Dock Street, Lansford, PA 18232 570-645-7074 • no9coalmine.com / 34 / 2026 W&W fall / whereandwhen.com

Sep 2. The Legacy of Samual W. Pennypacker.

Pennypacker Mills,

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Museum Opens 10am & Closes at 4pm First Tour 11am • Last Tour 3pm World’s oldest continuously operated deep Anthracite coal mine.

Check for schedule and event info.

Closed Easter Sunday and Thanksgiving Day

er Hall, Philadelphia. 215-204-1512, https://tinyurl.com/TUCMSP

Schwenksville. 610-287-9349, https:// www.valleyforge.org/event/the-legacy-of-samuel-w-pennypacker/303507/

EASTERN REGION calendar of events

Sep 4-7. La Festa Itailana. Lackawa-

nna County Courthouse Square, Scranton. https://lafestaitaliana.org/

Sep 4-6. September Railfest. Steam-

town National Historic Site, Scranton. https://www.nps.gov/stea/planyourvisit/railfest-at-steamtown-national-historic-site.htm

Sep 4-6. Made in Philadelphia Summer Market. Dilworth Park, Philadelphia. https://madeinphila.com

Sep 5. Goo Goo Dolls Summer Tour.

The Pavilion at Montage Mountain, Scranton. https://www.visitnepa.org/ event/goo-goo-dolls%3A-summertour-2026/16077/

Sep 5-7, 12-13. 60th Annual Polish-American Family Festival & Country Fair. National Shrine of our Lady of

Czestochowa, Doylestown. https://polishamericanfestival.org/

Sep 5-6. Art in the Garden. Manoff

Market Gardens, New Hope. https:// w w w. m a n o ff m a r k e t g a rd e n s . c o m / events/art-in-the-garden

Sep 6. Fireworks & Fountains: The Final Frontier. Longwood Gardens, Ken-

nett Square. https://longwoodgardens. org/events-performances/events/fireworks-fountains-shows/

Sep 9. Curators in Conversation: Revisiting the Story of the Revolution.

Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. 215-732-6200, https://hsp. org/

Sep 10-20. West Chester Comedy Festival. Venues, West Chester. https://

VISITLUZERNECOUNTY.COM

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Sep 12-13. Doylestown Arts Festival.

Parking areas throughout, Doylestown. https://www.dtownartsfestival.com/

Sep 12-13. Kennett Square Mushroom Festival. Downtown, Square.

https://mushroomfestival.org/

Sep 12. 18th Annual Caln Community Day. Caln Municipal Park, Thorndale. www. calntownship.org/community-day.html

Sep 19. 15th Annual Craft Marketplace. Pennypacker Mills, Schwenksville. friendsppm.org/craft-marketplace.html

Sep 19 - Oct 2 (Saturdays and Sundays). Charlann Farms Fall Festival.

Charlann Farms, Yardley. https://events. ticketleap.com/tickets/charlann-farms/ fall-festival-weekends-2026

Sep 19-20. Scarecrow Festival. Ped-

dler’s Village, New Hope. peddlersvillage.com/event/scarecrow-festival/

www.wccomedyfest.com/

whereandwhen.com / 2026 W&W fall / 35 /

EASTERN REGION calendar of events

Sep 19. Fall Festival at North Branch Park. North Branch Park,

Chalfont. https://www.facebook.com/ events/2040311616898383

Sep 19. America 250 Celebration at Warwick Furnace Farm. Warwick

Furnace Farm, Glenmoore. https:// www.warwickfurnacefarm.com/reservations/250celebration

Sep 19. Battle at Chadds Ford & Historic Chadds Ford Days. Chadds

Ford Historical Society, Chadds Ford. https://www.brandywinevalley.com/ event/battle-at-chadds-ford-%26-historic-chadds-ford-days/2982/

Sep 19. Brass & Wind Project Open House. Presser Hall, Philadelphia. 215-

204-1512, https://tinyurl.com/BWPatTempleMusicPrep

Sep 19. Philadelphia String Project Open House. Presser Hall, Philadel-

phia. 215-204-1512, https://tinyurl.com/ PhiladelphiaStringProjectatTU

Sep 26. Annual Washington’s Encampment. Skippack Historical Soci-

ety, Skippack. https://www.skippack. org/event/washingtons-encampment/

Sep 27. BlueGrass at TileWorks. The

TileWorks at Bucks County, Doylestown. https://www.thetileworks.org/

Sep 27. Fall for the Arts Festival.

Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia. 215-247696, https://chestnuthillpa.com/fall-forthe-arts-festival/

/ 36 /

2026 W&W fall / whereandwhen.com

OCTOBER

Oct 2 - Nov 1. Pumpkin Harvest Festival. Roba Family Farms, North Abington Township. https://robafamilyfarms. com/pages/pumpkin-harvest-festival

Oct 2 - Nov 15. Autumn’s Colors at Longwood Gardens. Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square. https://longwoodgardens.org/gardens/our-seasons/autumns-colors

Oct 3. Skippack Days. Skippack Village, Skippack. https://skippack.org/ events Oct 3. Sweet Treats Cookie Festival.

McDade Park, Scranton. https://www. instagram.com/sweet_treats_cookie_ festival/

Oct 3-31. Spring Creek Fall Farm Fest. Spring Creek Farm, New Hope. https://www.facebook.com/springcreekfarmsolebury

Oct 3. Newtown Historic Market Day. Half Moon Inn, Newtown. https://

newtownhistoric.org/events/market-day/

Oct 8. Beast of a Feast. Elmwood Park Zoo, Norristown. https://elmwoodparkzoo.org/beast/ Oct 9-11. Made in Philadelphia Fall Market. Dilworth Park, Philadelphia.

https://www.madeinphila.com

Oct 10-11. OctoberFeast. Peddler’s Village, New Hope. https://peddlersvillage.com/event/octoberfeast/

EASTERN REGION calendar of events

Oct 11. Steamtown Marathon. For-

est City High School (start), Forest City. https://steamtownmarathon.com/

Oct 11. Historic Yellow Springs Fall Festival. Historic Yellow Springs, Chester Springs. https://yellowsprings.org/ events/open-house-fall-festival/

Oct 15-17. The Great Pumpkin Carve. Chadds Ford Historical Society, Chadds Ford. https://chaddsfordhistory.org/events-programs/great-pumpkin-carv

Oct 17. Fall Fest in West Whiteland Township. Exton Park, Exton. https:// www.brandywinevalley.com/event/fallfest-in-west-whiteland-township/4565/

Oct 24. Annual Fallfest. Allebach & Cholet Farm, Skippack. https://www. skippack.org/event/fallfest/ Oct 24. Howl-o-ween. Pemberton

House Garden, Philadelphia. 215-8614971, https://inht.org/pawtriot-programs/

Oct 24-31. Halloween on the Hill.

Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia. 215-2476696, https://chestnuthillpa.com/halloween-on-the-hill/

NOVEMBER

Nov 1. Good Food Fest. Kimberton

Fairgrounds, Phoenixville. https://www. goodfarmsgoodfood.com/

Nov

6-7.

Carbondalien

Festival.

Downtown, Carbondale. https://carbondalienfestival.com

Nov 7. Extraterrestrial Express: Steam Train Ride to Carbondale.

Steamtown National Historic Site, Scranton. https://www.nps.gov/stea/ planyourvisit/trainrides.htm

Nov 7-8. Apple Festival. Peddler’s Village, New Hope. https://peddlersvillage.com/event/apple-festival/

Nov 7-8. 4th Annual Craft Show, Christmas at the Butterfly Farm.

Folk’s Butterfly Farm, Nescopeck. 570394-7298, http://www.folksbutterflyfarm.com

Nov 14. Everhart Uncorked. Ever-

hart Museum, Scranton. https:// everhart-museum.org/products/everhart-uncorked

Nov 14-15. 2026 Antiques Dealers Association Show. St. Cyril of

Jerusalum Church, Jamison. 215-2903140, https://www.bcadapa.org/shows. html215-

Nov 20-22. Holiday Kickoff Weekend with Grand Illumination Celebration. Peddler’s Village, New Hope.

https://peddlersvillage.com/event/holiday-kickoff/

Nov 27. Elf on a Shelf Trolley Ride.

Electric City Trolley Museum, Scranton. https://www.visitnepa.org/event/elfon-the-shelf-trolley-ride/16467/

Nov 28-29. Santa on the Trolley Excursions. Electric City Trolley Muse-

um, Scranton. https://www.visitnepa. org/event/santa-on-the-trolley-excursions/16468/

whereandwhen.com / 2026 W&W fall / 37 /

ONGOING

Aug 23, Sep 13. Flashlight Drags.

Feb 1-Sep 30. American Innovations Tour. Arts & Education at the Hoyt,

New Castle. 724-652-2882, https://hoytartcenter.org

Celebrating 40 Years!

Greene County Airport, Waynesburg.

412-527-2431, https://flashlightdrags. com

Aug 1-Sep 6. Summer Days at Port Farms. 2055 Stone Quarry Road, Wa-

terford. 814-796-4500, https://portfarms.com/summer-days/

Aug 30-Sep 5. Erie County Fair 2026.

OIL CREEK & TITUSVILLE RAILROAD

www.octrr.org • 814.676.1733 409 S Perry St, Titusville PA 16354 / 38 / 2026 W&W fall / whereandwhen.com

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Your entire family will enjoy a 3-hour round-trip “through the valley that changed the world.”

Only operating Railway Post Office car in the USA. Ride in Coach or First Class. During your ride, be sure to visit our open air Gondola car for a great view of Oil Creek State Park!

Check out our website or visit us on Facebook for schedule.

Mason Dixon Fair Grounds Erie County Fairgrounds, Wattsburg. 814-739-2232, https://wattsburgfair.com/

SEPTEMBER

Sep 1-22. Harvest Table. Chevy Chase Community Center, Indiana. 724-4630674, https://chevychasecenter.org/

Sep 2. Frontier Herbalism: Traditional Herbalism Practices in W. PA - 1776 Speaker Series. Yellow Creek

State Park, Woodland Pavilion, Penn Run. https://www.visitsmicksburg.com/events/

WESTERN REGION calendar of events

Sep 4-5. Back to the 50’s. Cascade

Park, New Caste. https://www.facebook.com/Backtothe50sWeekendInc

Sep 4. Historic Saltsburg Car Cruise.

Canal Park, Saltsburg. 724-840-0167, https://www.visitindianacountypa.org/ event/historic-saltsburg-car-cruise/

Sep 11-13. BKATEA 29th Annual Show. Big Knob Grand Fair Grounds,

Rochester. https://visitbeavercounty. com/calendar/entry/21926/

Sep 11-12. An 18th Century River Town in Indiana County: Results from Newport Site Archaeological Excavations. Kovalchick Convention & Ath-

Sep 5-26. Indiana County Farmers’ Market. S&T Bank Parking Lot, Indiana.

letic Complex, Indiana. 724-357-5222, https://thecowboytour.com/

Sep 5-6. German Heritage Festival. St. Nicks Grove, Erie. 814-833-

Sep 11-12. 32nd Annual PennWest Edinboro Highland Games & Scottish Festival. PennWest Edinboro,

/indianacountyartstudiotour.com/

5862, https://www.dank-erie.org/german-heritage-fest.html

Sep 6. Gem City Renaissance Festival. Frontier Park, Erie. https://www.

gemcityrenaissancefestival.com/purchase-tickets

Sep 7-12. Ox Hill Community Fair.

Ox Hill Community Fairgrounds, Home. https://www.oxhillfair.org/

Sep 8. 4th Annual Piano Program.

Clymer Ball Park, Clymer. https://www. hgsic.org/event-details/4th-annual-piano-program/form

Sep 10-12. 76th Annual Race of Champions Weekend. Lake Erie

Speedway, North East. 814-725-3303, https://www.lakeeriespeedway.com/ collections/all

Sep 11-13. Mountain Craft Days.

Edinboro. https://www.pennwest.edu/ campuses/edinboro/highland-games/ index.php

Sep 12 - Nov 1. Fall Harvest Festival at Port Farms. Port Farms, Waterford.

https://portfarms.com/fall-fun/fall-harvest-festival/

Sep 12-13. Boots & Grace Music Festival - America250. Saxonburg

VFC First Responders Park, Saxonburg. https://www.experiencebutler.com/ events/boots-grace-music-festival/

Sep 12. Ignite. Arts & Education at the

Hoyt, New Castle. 7246522882, https:// hoytartcenter.org/

Sep 12. Farm to Fork at Thistlethwaite Vineyards. Thistlethwaite

Vineyards, Jefferson. 724-883-3372, http://farmtoforkevent.com/

Somerset Historical Center, Somerset. www.somersethistoricalcenter.org/ news-events/mountain-craft-days.html

Sep 12. 50s Fest & Car Cruise. Greene

Sep 11. Truck & Tough Farm Tractor Pull. Ox Hill Community Fairgrounds,

Sep 12. Lake Erie Lit Fest. Frontier

Home. https://www.oxhillfair.org/

County Courthouse, Waynesburg. 724833-1725, www.battleandthrive.com/

Park, Erie. https://www.facebook.com/ profile.php?id=61567550850313 whereandwhen.com / 2026 W&W fall / 39 /

fallstonflagstop.com 412-841-9693 Book your stay and experience the beauty of springtime in Book your stay and experience the beauty of springtime stunning region. We can't wait to host you! in this heslethouse.com

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WESTERNregion.

REGION calendar

visitbeavercoun visitbeavercounty.com 800.342.8192 800.342.8192 R129008

R128298

JUST 30 MINUTES NORTHWEST OF PITTSBURGH

Your next escape is closer than you think!

Sep 12. Greene County Rollin’ Coal Pull. Greene County Fairgrounds,

Sep 12. Slippery Rock Village Fest.

Sep 12. Fall Victorian Tea. Clark

Sep 12-13. Saxonburg Artisan Market. Main Street, Saxonburg. https://

Waynesburg. 724-852-5323, greenecountyfair.org

https://

North Main Street, Slippery Rock. https://www.slipperyrockpa.org/villagefest.html

House, Indiana. 724-463-9600, https:// www.hgsic.org/event-details/fall-victorian-tea

www.saxonburgbusiness.org/artisanmarket/

Sep 12. Saltsburg Oktoberfest. Ca-

Sep 13. Flashlight Drags. Greene

nal Park, Saltsburg. 724-639-9413, Find us on Facebook

Sep 12. Quality Gardens’ Hobbit Festival. Quality Gardens, Valencia.

800-903-2770, https://quality-gardens. com/events/ / 40 / 2026 W&W fall / whereandwhen.com

County Airport, Waynesburg. 412-5272431, https://flashlightdrags.com

Sep 18. 23rd Annual Sportsman’s Fest. Saxonburg Volunteer Fire Company Carnival Grounds, Saxonburg. https://www.sportsmansfest.com/

LUXURY

FAMILY-FRIENDLY

AFFORDABLE

It's no secret that Beaver County has so much to offer when it comes to being out and about with your friends and family. The trouble is never finding something to do...it's deciding what to do!

Hilton Garden Inn

Bed & Breakfasts

Hotels & Motels

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Home2 Suites

Ba'Runi Hotel & Grille

Lark Motel

The Epochary Inn

Beaver Falls Motel

Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham

Heslet House B&B

Brady's Run Grille & Guesthouse

My Place Hotel

Old Economy Inn

Cobblestone Inn & Suites

Ramada by Wyndham

Riverside B&B

Comfort Suites

Suburban Extended Stay

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The James Motel

Hampton Inn

Willows

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More Information

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Chapel Valley B&B/Event Center

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WESTERN REGION calendar of events

Sep 18-20. Erie Irish Festival. Saint Patrick Church, Erie. 814-454-8085, https://erieirishfestival.com/new/

Sep 18-20. ComiCon Erie 2026.

Bayfront Convention Center, Erie. 814455-1260, https://eriepromotions.com/ comicon-erie/

Sep 19. Winnie the Pooh’s Asbury Adventure. Asbury Woods, Erie. 8148335-5356, www.asburywoods.org/

Sep 19-20. Evans City PumpkinFest.

East Main Street, Evans City. https:// pumpkinfest.evanscityevents.org/

Sep 20. 15th Annual Wildbird Recovery Fall Migration Festival. Stormy

Sep 26-27. McConnells Mill Heritage Festival. McConnells Mill State Park,

Portersville. https://www.visitlawrencecounty.com/event/mcconnells-mill-heritage-festival-2/2026-09-26/

Sep 26. Witches Night Out. Volant Village Shops, Volant. https://www. facebook.com/volantshopsandmore

Sep 26-27. National Alpaca Farm Days at Lippencott Alpacas. Lippencott Alpacas, Waynesburg. 724-8524084, https://www.facebook.com/LippencottAlpacas

Sep 26. Butler Fall Festival. Down-

town Butler, Butler. 724-712-1216, https://www.butlerfallfestival.com/

Oaks Nature Conservancy, Valencia. https://www.wildbirdrecovery.org/ events/fall-migration-festival-2/

OCTOBER

Sep 25-27. North East Wine Festival 2026. Gibson Park, North East. https://

Springs Historical Society, Springs. https://www.springspa.org/folkfest.php

nechamber.org/

/ 42 / 2026 W&W fall / whereandwhen.com

Oct 2-3. 68th Springs Folk Festival.

WESTERN REGION calendar of events Homemade Food • Basket Auction • Glass Display

Fall Antiques & Collectibles Show

DISCOVER THE

Sponsored by Chapter #1 of the National Duncan Glass Society

STORY BEHIND

Genuine Duncan Glass • Glass from all Eras • Cut Glass Small Furniture • Ceramics • Silver • Prints • Jewelry • Books • Coins

Saturday, Nov. 7th, 2026: 9am Preview | 10am - 4pm Sunday, Nov. 8th, 2026: 10am - 3pm

THE GLASS

Preview Admission: $10 General Admission: $7 (Admission good for both days. Students with Student ID are free)

Washington County Fair Grounds: 2151 N. Main St., Washington, PA 15301

724-225-9950 duncan-miller.org duncan-miller.org

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(724) 225-9950 | docent@duncan-miller.org duncan-miller.org |

Oct 3-25. Pumpkin Festival at Reeger’s Farm. Reeger’s Farm, Shelocta.

Open Open Thurs-Sun Thurs-Sun (except (except holidays) holidays) March thru December March thru December 10am-4pm 10am-4pm By By appt. appt. year year round round

https://reegersfarm.com/

Portersville. 724-504-8243, https://www. portersvillesteamshow.com/

Oct 3. Mars Applefest. Downtown

Mars, Mars. https://marsapplefest.com/

Oct 9-11. Fort Ligonier Days. Fort

Ligonier, Ligonier. https://www.fortligonierdays.com/

Oct 9-11. Zelienople Fall Festival.

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Oct 3-4. Portersville Steam Show Apple Festival. 1516 Perry Highway,

Oct 22-24. Scary Tales Tour. Arts &

Education at the Hoyt, New Castle.

7246522882, https://hoytartcenter.org/

NOVEMBER

Nov 14. Christmas on Main Street.

North Main Street, Zelienople. 724-4733734, www.zeliefallfestival.com//

Volant Village Shops, Volant. https:// www.facebook.com/volantshopsandmore

Oct 9-11. Bantam TrailFest. 989 Kildoo Road, Portersville. 724-256-4050, https://www.bantamjeepfestival.com/

Nov 14-15. “WeihnachtsMarkt” Harmony German Christmas Market.

Oct 10-11. Into the Woods. State

Theatre Center for the Arts, Uniontown. https://www.statetheatreuniontown. com/events-tickets

Oct 10-11. Harvest Festival. Greene

County Historical Society Museum, Waynesburg. 724-627-3204, https:// greenecountyhistory.org

Oct 10. Western PA Pedal Tractor Pull Championship. Ox Hill Communi-

218 Mercer St, Harmony. 724-452-7341, https://harmonymuseum.org/calendar-of-events/

Nov 21, 28. It’s a Wonderful Life Festival. IRMC Park, Indiana. 724-403-5177, https://www.visitindianacountypa.org/ indiana-county-events/iawl/

Nov 21. Victorian Christmas Tea.

Clark House, Indiana. https://www.hgsic.org/event-details/victorian-christmas-tea

ty Fairgrounds, Home. www.oxhillfair.org

whereandwhen.com / 2026 W&W fall / 43 /

Too Cool for the Pumpkin Patch

By Wendy Royal

T

here comes a time in every family’s life when a wagon ride to the pumpkin patch just doesn’t cut it anymore.

The kids who once raced through corn mazes are now looking for bigger thrills, greater challenges, and adventures worthy of the group chat.

Fortunately, Western PA has plenty of fall experiences that raise the bar. Here, families can battle a zombie apocalypse, pedal through a century-old railroad tunnel, search for the remains of abandoned towns and venture underground before the caves close for winter.

If your kids have declared themselves too old for the pumpkin patch, trade the hayride for one of these autumn adventures.

1

STOP A ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE IN BEAVER COUNTY

What if paintball came with one very important rule: The other side can’t shoot back?

At Zombies of the Corn in Freedom, guests climb aboard a specially equipped Zombie Fighting Vehicle and head into the darkness to help save Pittsburgh from a zombie invasion. Mounted paintball guns give riders the firepower, while live zombie targets provide the challenge.

The zombies may have the rage, but, as the attraction likes to point out, only the riders have the weapons.

For tweens and teens who want something a little more intense than a traditional corn maze, this is an easy sell. The experience combines a haunted attraction with interactive paintball, and no one need worry about coming home covered in paint from head to toe.

The 2026 season opens Sept. 25. Operating dates and ticket times vary throughout the Halloween season, so reservations are recommended.

Zombies of the Corn Three Rivers Paintball 282 Rochester Road Freedom, PA 15042 Open beginning Sept. 25, 2026; select fall dates and times zombiesofthecorn.com

2

GO UNDERGROUND BEFORE THE BATS TAKE OVER

Photo courtesy of DCNR

3 By late fall, Laurel Caverns belongs to the bats. Until then, families can head beneath Chestnut Ridge to explore Pennsylvania’s largest cave system. Laurel Caverns stretches for miles beneath the Laurel Highlands, where passageways, rock formations, and the constant cool of the underground world make the experience feel far removed from a typical fall outing.

The timing adds to the adventure. The underground caverns are open from mid-April through the last weekend of October. After that, the caves close for the winter bat hibernation season.

Laurel Caverns offers several cave experiences, and age requirements vary.

Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Reviewing the tour options beforehand is recommended, especially when traveling with younger tweens.

Above ground, the mountain setting also puts visitors in the middle of Laurel Highlands fall color. Underground, however, the season disappears completely.

Laurel Caverns State Park 1065 Skyline Drive Farmington, PA 15437 Open daily, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; underground caverns open through the last weekend of October laurelcaverns.com

PEDAL THROUGH A CENTURY-OLD RAILROAD TUNNEL

A bike ride sounds a lot more interesting when the route leads straight into a nearly half mile-long railroad tunnel.

The Brady Tunnel is one of the standout features of Armstrong Trails, a trail system following the Allegheny and Kiskiminetas rivers through Western Pennsylvania. Construction on the tunnel began in 1913, and the passage was completed in 1916 as part of a railroad route designed to cut miles and sharp bends from the line.

Today, cyclists and trail users can experience that railroad history for themselves.

The tunnel is just under a half mile-long, making the ride through it an adventure in its own right. For families, the East Brady area provides access to the trail, and the northern side of the Brady Tunnel is near Milepost 71.

Bring bikes, helmets, bike or headlamps and a sense of adventure. Trail users should also wear orange during hunting season from October through January, as recommended by Armstrong Trails.

Armstrong Trails – Brady Tunnel East Brady trail access 300 Shady Shores Drive East Brady, PA 16028 Trail is open daily, dawn to dusk armstrongtrails.org

Photo courtesy of Kennywood

4

GO LOOKING FOR GHOST TOWNS IN INDIANA COUNTY

No paranormal investigation equipment is required for this ghost hunt. Bikes, however, are a good idea.

The Ghost Town Trail follows former railroad corridors through a landscape shaped by Western Pennsylvania’s coal and iron industries. Along the route, nature has reclaimed places once connected to communities and industries that helped power the region.

That history is exactly what makes this more than a fall bike ride.

Families can choose a manageable section of the trail rather than tackling the entire system. The Dilltown Access Area is a practical starting point, with parking, restrooms, picnic facilities and water.

From there, riders can set out to discover remnants of the region’s industrial past while following a crushed-limestone trail through fall scenery.

In 2026, completion of the C&I Extension created a 32-mile continuous loop within the larger Ghost Town Trail system. That might be ambitious for a casual family ride, but the trail is easy to customize.

Pick a distance, turn around when everyone is ready, and let the name “Ghost Town Trail” do the work of convincing the kids to come along.

Ghost Town Trail – Dilltown Access Area 7452 Route 403 Dilltown, PA 15929 Trail open year-round indianacountyparks.org/our-trails/ ghost-town-trail

5

RIDE A ROLLER COASTER AFTER DARK

Kennywood is hardly a secret to families in the Pittsburgh area, but the park feels different when darkness falls, and the Phantom takes over.

Phantom Fall Fest combines two versions of a fall day at the amusement park. Arrive early for rides, seasonal food, and a more family-friendly autumn atmosphere. Stay after sunset, and haunted houses and scare zones transform the experience.

For the 9-to-14 crowd, that chooseyour-own-level-of-scary format is part of the appeal. Younger or more cautious visitors can focus on rides and daytime fun, while older kids ready for something scarier can test their nerves after dark. And, yes, riding a roller coaster on a chilly October night is a completely different experience from a midsummer visit.

Phantom Fall Fest runs on select days from Sept. 11 through Nov. 1, 2026. Guests ages 17 and younger must be accompanied by an adult age 21 or older to enter the park during Phantom Fall Fest. Check the park calendar for operating days and hours before visiting.

Kennywood – Phantom Fall Fest 4800 Kennywood Blvd.

West Mifflin, PA 15122 Sept. 11 through Nov. 1, 2026; select operating days kennywood.com/discover-the-park/ events-shows/phantom-fall-fest

6

CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE AT OHIOPYLE

There is no rule that says a fall family outing has to involve everyone doing the same thing.

At Ohiopyle State Park, the challenge might be deciding which adventure to tackle first.

Families can bike a section of the Youghiogheny River Trail, part of the Great Allegheny Passage, on a relatively flat crushed-limestone former railroad bed. The park has 27 miles of biking trails, and rental bicycles are available in the area.

If biking seems a little too tame for your crew, the Youghiogheny River, or “Yawk” as the locals say, offers some of the best whitewater rafting in the East.

Prefer to stay on foot? Head to Cucumber Falls, explore a section of Meadow Run Trail, or choose a more challenging hike. The park’s rushing river, rocky terrain and waterfalls make Ohiopyle feel wild without requiring families to disappear into the backcountry.

For tweens and teens, give them some control over the itinerary. Let them choose the trail, set the biking distance, or pick the waterfall destination. It is amazing how quickly a “family hike” improves when the kids believe it was their idea.

The park is open every day of the year from sunrise to sunset. From April 16 through Oct. 31, the park office and visitor center are open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Ohiopyle State Park 124 Main St. Ohiopyle, PA 15470 Park is open daily, year-round, sunrise to sunset pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/recreation/where -to-go/state-parks/find-a-park/ohiopyle -state-park

7

TAKE THE ADVENTURE INTO THE TREETOPS

You can look at fall foliage from the ground. Or you can clip into a harness and see the trees from a completely different angle.

Keystone Safari in Grove City is known for its walk-through and drive-through wildlife experiences, but families looking for more of a challenge should take a closer look at the park’s zipline adventure.

The Bongo Canopy experience adds climbing and aerial obstacles to a day among the animals. Keystone Safari also offers a low ropes course and climbing features, making it easier to build a day around more than simply observing wildlife.

For the 9-to-14 age group, consider adding one of the park’s animal encounters. Several experiences are specifically available to older children, including sloth encounters for guests age 8 and older and black bear encounters for guests ages 12 and older. Age and adult-supervision requirements vary by encounter.

Although the park is open during the fall season, hours and attraction availability can vary seasonally, so families should check the current park calendar and zipline schedule before making the trip.

Keystone Safari 2284 Mercer Butler Pike Grove City, PA 16127 During the fall season, park hours and attraction availability vary by date. keystonesafari.com

FALL FUN GROWS UP Pumpkin patches, hayrides and corn mazes will always have their place in a Pennsylvania autumn. But as kids get older, family adventures can grow up with them.

Maybe that means handing them a paintball gun during a zombie apocalypse.

Maybe it means biking into a dark railroad tunnel or searching for the remains of an old industrial town. It could mean heading underground before the bats settle in for winter or finding out who is brave enough for a haunted house after dark.

The good news is that tweens and teens haven't outgrown family fun. They may have just outgrown the wagon ride.

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