Guide to Fall Festivals and Fairs | South Central PA

There’s something about cool, crisp weather and crunchy autumn leaves that makes getting outside in your community so much more fun. And that’s probably why there are so many fall festivals and fairs! It’s the perfect time of year: not too hot, not too cold, and there are just so many things to celebrate.

If you like apples, pumpkins, and sunflowers, there are tons of options. It’s also peak sports season, with football and hockey both kicking into gear. And if that wasn’t enough to get the autumn fun going, there are so many great fall festivals and fairs in the South Central PA area! So if you’re looking for some family fun, we’ve got your guide right here through the entire fall season.

Jump to: SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER – NOVEMBER

READ: Apple Orchards In and Around South Central PA

Fall Festivals and Fairs in September

• Community Volunteer Fair – September 7th, Lancaster: Join us for the first annual Community Volunteer Fair and learn more about community nonprofit organizations and their volunteer opportunities.
• Chile Pepper Festival – September 8th, Bowers: This event is the largest of its kind anywhere in the United States and is host to chile pepper food, crafts, a Jalapeno eating contest, a chile pepper field excursion and much more. Free samples and amazing vendors for honey, sauces, jams, popcorn, all kinds of things. Lots of variety in heat and food for everyone, expect fiery fun. Think you can eat the most chile peppers? Then participate in the chile pepper eating contest.
• Lebanon Valley Fall Fair Crafts and Vendor Show – September 9th, Lebanon:Join us for the 7th Annual Lebanon Valley Fall Fair on September 9, 2022 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Lebanon Expo Center! This year’s event will host nearly 200 vendors in North Hall, Center Hall, West Hall and East Hall for your shopping delight. There is one other event happening on location that day: Berks Kids Closet Consignment Event. Our event has FREE admission and parking is free at the Expo Center.
• Hay Creek Festival – September 8th through the 10th, Morgantown: Step back in time 200 years and experience the rural history of the Hay Creek Valley & the Joanna Furnace Iron Works at the 47th annual Hay Creek Festival. Held the weekend after Labor Day on September 8, 9, & 10, 2023, families will enjoy this one-of-a-kind living history experience on the 26-acre Joanna Furnace ironmaking site. The event takes place from 10 am to 5 pm daily.
• Pottstown Pet Fair – September 9th, Pottstown: The Pottstown Pet Fair is an annual community event highlighting local and regional rescues and animal welfare organizations. The event is free to the public. When you come out for our event you can expect to meet animal rescues from throughout the region that can connect you with a new furry family-member looking for a forever home. Some organizations will have rescues to meet on site, a few may be able to accommodate on-site adoptions depending on their own requirements and mobile resources. The event features music, food and fun for all ages.
• Sunflower Festival – September 9th, Ronks: Visit the farm during our annual Sunflower Festivals to see our beautiful Sunflower and Zinnia fields in full bloom. There will be a winery & Brewery, a live band, local craft vendors, kids crafts and much more for the entire family to enjoy. Entrance to Sunflower Festival is included with regular admission.

  

• Covenanter Scottish Festival and Highland Games – September 9th, Quarrysville: Come join us as we add some Borders flair – the Armstrongs are joining this event for the first time! The Covenanter Scottish Festival will feature Highland Games, Solo Piping Competitions & Highland Dance Competitions. Sixty- five athletes competed in the Games last year & more athletes are expected this year. The Festival also offers Scottish entertainment, heritage events including sheep herding, Scottish food, Scottish Clans & much more. Please join the Octorara Covenanter Presbyterian Foundation to celebrate Scottish culture in beautiful Lancaster County PA. Children 12 years & under get in free.
• Rosemary House Fairy Festival – September 9th and 10th, Mechanicsburg: Calling all flower fairies, elves, wizards, forest sprites, hobbits, gnomes, and sea nymphs to this annual event! This festival is perfect for ages 3 – 11, and all who believe.
• Lancaster Music Festival – September 9th, Lancaster: On September 9, 2023, SmartHub Foundation will produce the fourth annual Lancaster MusicFest, an exceptional community experience that brings together live music, food, craft beer, street performers, artisans, and plenty of space to relax with friends, all in a fresh air festival environment at Buchanan Park in Lancaster City.
• Schrieber’s 35th Annual Rubber Duckie Race & Festival – September 10th, Lancaster: Schreiber’s Rubber Duckie Race & Festival, a beloved annual gathering that has been capturing the hearts of families, friends, and neighbors for decades, is set to make a triumphant return for its 35th anniversary. This eagerly awaited event promises a day filled with laughter, games, entertainment, and a renewed sense of community spirit. The event kicks off with a live DJ spinning a family-friendly playlist that will set the tone for an afternoon of merriment. A tempting assortment of food trucks will be on hand to satisfy every palate with delectable sweet and savory treats. Younger attendees will be spoiled with a choice of assorted games, arts and crafts, pony rides, a face painter and a balloon artist.

  At 5:00 PM thousands of rubber duckies take the plunge into the Conestoga River and race towards the finish line. The thrilling race promises to be a sight to behold and a memory to cherish.

• Whoopie Pie Festival – September 10th, Ronks: The Most Delicious Day in Lancaster County! The annual Whoopie Pie Festival features more than 400 different Whoopie Pie flavors and is held at the Hershey Farm Restaurant & Inn, located in the heart of the Pennsylvania Dutch Country.
• Denver Fair – September 14th through the 16th, Denver: The Denver Fair is excited to announce the 2023 Denver Fair being held September 12-16 at Denver Memorial Park! Featuring the return of Fireworks rides, games, entertainment, food, exhibits, animals & more! Free admission and free midway entertainment & musical entertainment throughout the week. We hope to see you there!
• Lancaster Hot Air Balloon Festival – September 14th through the 17th, Lancaster: The Lancaster Balloon Festival is a one-of-a-kind event in Lancaster, Pennsylvania featuring dozens of big, beautiful balloons. You can book to fly during one the amazing mass balloon accession or enjoy the spectacle from the ground! This is a family-friendly event, suitable for all ages with good food and music in the heart of Lancaster Amish Country. Come experience the magic of dozens of technicolored balloons lifting off to dot the Lancaster County horizon. Book a ticket for a ride on one of the festival balloons and lift off with the dozens of balloons that will dot the Lancaster County horizon. Morning and evening flights available Friday-Sunday. Not flying in a balloon? No problem! With a general admission ticket you can watch the majestic scene of mass balloon launch and balloon glows while enjoying lots of food and entertainment.
• Tailgate Festival – September 15th and 16th, Intercourse: In the heart of Lancaster County, we’re celebrating autumn and tailgate season. I love this time of year when our Village comes alive with themed scarecrows, pumpkins and corn shocks. Every year Kitchen Kettle Village pays tribute to tailgating season with a two-day food festival filled with delicious and fun events. There are plenty of activities for young and old, families and couples alike. This year see Lancaster County Non-Profit themed scarecrows throughout the village and vote for your favorite. Savor a tasty sample of homemade tailgate foods at one of our grills or restaurants. Tap your toes to a Dixieland Band or other live music. Don’t miss the Tailgate Games Area on Saturday. Wear your favorite jersey or sports attire to be part of the team!

  

• Fall Harvest Fair – September 16th, Schaefferstown: The Schaeffer Farm comes alive. Enjoy period artisans,crafts, cooking, cider-pressing, farm-life demonstrations, unique entertainment, and Museum Store. The Historic Schaeffer House and the Heirloom Garden will be open for self-guided tours.
• New Freedom Fest – September 16th, New Freedom: Take a mini-excursion to Railroad during 2023’s New Freedom Fest. New Freedom Fest is an old-time “festival of small-town life.” It includes music, arts and crafts, food, games, and much, much more – all centered around the beautiful and historic town of New Freedom, Pennsylvania. This event is sponsored by the New Freedom Borough.
• Fall Family Fun Day – September 16th, 23rd, and 30th, Morgantown: Join us for Fall Family Fun Days on Saturdays mid-September to the end of October. These festivals feature food, hay rides, pick-your-own fruit and plenty of kids’ activities. Kids will love face painting, obstacle courses and the clown.
• L’Italia Festival – September 16th, Lititz: We are pleased to present the second annual Italia Festival at Lititz Springs Park. Enjoy a fun family-friendly day celebrating Italian culture and cuisine. Mark your calendars and get ready to fill up on delicious authentic Italian food from different regions of Italy!
• West Reading Fall Fest – September 16th, Reading: Spanning the 400-700 blocks of Penn Avenue, the streets are closed so festival goers can indulge in 200 craft and retail vendors, including a wide array of food and beverage choices, including beer, wine and spirits + music on three stages!
• Hometown Heroes Festival – September 16th, Ronks:This day is all about celebrating these heroes who selflessly serve our communities by keeping us safe. Come show them your support – a portion of ticket sales for this day will be donated to our local volunteer Fire Departments. The festivities will kick off at 12pm with a candy drop, followed by a Touch-a-Truck and Meet & Greet Event with local EMS, Fire Departments, and Police until 6pm. The day will include a special visit from the WellFlight helicopter and the interactive and educational Fire Safety Trailer. A heroes parade will take place at 6:30pm. We will end the celebration with a patriotic fireworks show at 8:30pm.
• 17th Annual Holly Festival Day – September 16th, Mt. Holly Springs: Food vendors, crafts, flea market vendors, children’s games and special activities from community partners.
• Fort Hunter Day – September 17th, Harrisburg: Welcome fall with a festival celebrating the old-time ways of life. Join us for the 66th annual Fort Hunter Day sponsored by M & T Bank! Visitors will find arts and crafts, children’s games and activities, historic demonstrations and exhibits, entertainment, a bake sale, festival food trucks, and more!
• Solanco Fair – September 20th through the 22nd, Quarryville: You are invited to experience the same wholesome atmosphere filled with fellowship, food and friendly competition today that the founders of the Solanco Fair envisioned over 70 years ago. In the spring of 1950, a group of farm women enthusiastically decided that the Solanco area needed a fair of its own. With the help of many different community and agricultural based organizations, in September of that same year, the first Solanco Fair made its debut and was here to stay.
• Oley Valley Community Fair – September 21st through the 23rd, Oley: Blue Skies and Apple Pies!!! Join us for the Oley Valley Community Fair!!! September 21st 22nd and 23rd!!! Mark your Calendars!!!!
• Pennsylvania Tea Festival – September 22nd and 23rd, Mechanicsburg: At The Pennsylvania Tea Festival, you will be introduced to a wide variety of specialty teas to expand and enhance your knowledge of tea and tea culture. This two-day specialty tea event will be held in the fragrant herb gardens of The Rosemary House and Sweet Remembrances Tea Room in charming downtown Mechanicsburg. The Festival will feature guided tea tastings, tea samplings offered by many tea experts, a variety of merchants and vendors, a range of teas and herbal tisanes, tea tastings and tea culture, informative programs, musical entertainment, and peace and tranquility in the herb gardens! Whether you are a beginning tea enthusiast or a seasoned tea guru, there will be something for everyone.
• Sunflower Festival – September 23rd and 24th, Carlisle: Join us on our 200-acre farm in Carlisle, PA for our free annual two-day Sunflower Festival during our fall sunflower season! Pick as many sunflowers as you would like for free and enjoy a day on the farm with food trucks, sales, artisan craft vendors, and more!
• Brecknock Orchards Fall Festival – September 23rd, 29th, 30th, Mohnton: Activities include: Pick Your Own Pumpkins, Gourds & Squash; Pick Your Own Apples; Wagon Ride Orchard Tours; Make Your Own Caramel Apple; Children’s Fall Themed Crafts; Kids Play Area

  

• York County Pawpaw Festival – September 23rd and 24th, York: At the festival, pawpaw fruit and trees will be available for purchase, alongside other pawpaw-themed merchandise, including t-shirts, crafts, artwork, and cookbooks! Visitors will also enjoy local and regional food trucks, artisans, plant nurseries, small businesses, and environmental organizations. Both event days offer free tours of the farm and pawpaw orchard led by Horn Farm Center staff and orchard manager Dick Bono, including kid-friendly farm walks.
• Harvest of the Arts – September 23rd, Carlisle: The fun begins Saturday, September 23, from 10 am to 5 pm along West High Street. As the largest one-day event in downtown Carlisle, Harvest of the Arts brings in thousands of participants to explore our unique shops, eateries, and breweries and also rediscover the historic downtown. Exhibitors from all mediums will be represented: Painting, photography, plants, pottery, sculpture, glass, jewelry, soaps, candles, clothing, fiber, floral arrangements, and woodworking will be displayed.
• Heemet Fescht – September 23rd, Kutztown: Indulge your interest in regional folk culture at the Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center’s Heemet Fescht: a celebration of the harvest and Pennsylvania Dutch farm life. Heemet Fescht is a free, fun, and educational event for the whole family, with live music in the barnyard, traditional arts, barn star painting, folklife demonstrations, hayrides, pumpkin painting, and children’s crafts. Heemet (pronounced HAY-met), means “home” in Pennsylvania Dutch.
• Ukrainian Festival – September 23rd, Lititz: Join us for a cultural evening. Enjoy a traditional meal, Ukrainian music, dancing and purchase unique souvenirs from Ukrainian makers.
• Engage Artisan Festival – September 24th, Schwenksville: Our Artisan Festivals are back again this year! Featuring amazing local artists, artisans, crafters, and vintage finds! An outdoor vendor market with art festival activities and entertainment! We are so excited to offer a day of “Imitate the Greats!”, a day where kids can create free crafts to imitate famous artists and learn a little bit about them. While your kid is creating, peruse local artists’ creations at our artisan market!
• Paw Fest – September 24th, Reading: Join Reading Liederkranz for the 3rd annual Paw Fest! Come out for a family fun day full of fun, food and drinks: music, vendors, elimination corn hole tourney, yard games, carnival games for the kids, bounce house, 50/50, adoptable dogs, raffle baskets, wine pull, merch, and more.
• Ephrata Fair – September 26th through the 30th, Ephrata: The Ephrata Fair, “The largest street fair in Pennsylvania” has been a significant part of local history, showcasing our many agricultural events and exhibits, as well as all the fun on the Midway. Agriculture is Pennsylvania’s number one industry, and at the Ephrata Fair, we’re proud to do our part in promoting and preserving our agricultural heritage. The agricultural farming exhibits, prize-winning animals, tractor events and other family fun contests known as Tent City is located in the Tom Grater Memorial Park. We hope to see you here!
• West Lampeter Community Fair – September 27th through the 29th, Lancaster: The three-day event provides friendly competition among neighbors and a wholesome, educational atmosphere for all ages. Farmers and small gardeners can compare their produce at one central location. Children can learn to appreciate quality food products and farm animals. Our Youth Program is especially designed to encourage both boys and girls to exhibit in all categories of baking, canning, cooking, art, sewing, fruits, vegetables, plants and animals.
• Upper Allen Township Fall Festival – September 29th, Mechanicsburg: Stop by the Upper Allen Township Fall Festival featuring Food Trucks, Games, Live Music, an Emergency Vehicle Showcase, a Craft Fair, Hayrides, a Blood Drive, and more. Admission is free. Please bring a canned food item if you are interested.
• New Cumberland Apple Festival – September 30th, New Cumberland: Sponsored by the New Cumberland Olde Towne Association, Apple Festival is held annually on the last Saturday in September in New Cumberland Borough Park. Visitors enjoy craft vendors, entertainment, food, and many activities for young and old. With more than 70 food vendors and 200 craft vendors, it’s sure to be a fun-filled day for all who attend! A trolley will transport visitors to the Festival from several points along Bridge Street.
• Orchard Valley Fall Festival – September 30th, Seven Valleys: You and your family and friends are invited to join us on the farm for our Annual Harvest Festival! All day: PYO Apples, Pre-Picked Apples, PYO Pumpkins, Wagon Rides, Kids’ playground including tube slide, hay bale mountain, pumpkin bowling, corn pit & apple slingshot. Trout fishing at the back pond, pay to keep any trout.
• Fall Faerie Festival – September 30th, Chambersburg: Join us for a family fun festival featuring arts and craft vendors, food trucks, face painting and entertainment! Come dressed in costume! Contests for best costume for children under 10, 10-18 and adults! Enjoy an afternoon at the park, get a photo with a fairy, see dancers, and more! Entry to the festival is free! Just bring your appetite to grab a tasty meal from a food truck, and a one of a kind item from our local artisans!
• Fall Fest at Stony Ridge – September 30th, Carlisle: Join Silver Spring Township for its annual Fall Fest at Stony Ridge Park on Saturday, September 30, from 10 am to 4 pm. There will be activities and fun for the whole family to enjoy!
• Maize and Snitz Fest – September 30th, Willow Street: The annual Maize & Snitz Fest will take place at the 1719 Museum on September 30. Join us for tours of the Herr House, bake oven and hearth cooking demonstrations, a blacksmith demonstration, craft exhibits, children’s activities, a look into local Indigenous history and customs, and more.

Fall Festivals and Fairs in October

• Garden Harvest Day – October 1, Carlisle: Join the fun at Garden Harvest, a fall festival for all ages, on October 1 at Kings Gap! The event will be focusing on nature and art with activities including face painting, hayrides, a nature table, pumpkin painting, alpacas, games for prizes, food trucks, a historic cider press, and more. Local artists will be selling their crafts on the mansion lawn and will also be featured in our mansion art gallery, which is managed by the Carlisle Arts Learning Center. Thom Glace, watercolor artist, will be painting live inside the mansion. You can also enjoy live art from the Susquehanna Plein Air Painters on the mansion terrace. Big Sky Quartet, a local folk music band, will be on stage starting at 2:00 PM. The Carlisle Lions Club will be offering free popcorn and free vision tests for children. Other community organizations, such as the Ned Smith Center, PA Council for the Arts, Canine Rescue of Central PA, and Wildlife in Need of PA will also be at the event. For the best experience, please remember to bring cash for food, crafts, and tickets to play games. Parking and admission are FREE.
• Berks Cultural Diversity Festival – October 1, Reading: Come celebrate international culture and heritage through cuisine, dance, poetry, music, and more. With special performances, games and vendors. Unlike most festivals, we include a learning component in our event that will ensure all participants leave with some newly acquired information. We hope this festival will foster a stronger sense of diversity, equity, integration and belonging (DEIB) in Berks Country where people can celebrate their heritage with pride.

  

• Fall Fest and Sukkot Celebration – October 4th, York: Join us for the JCC Fall Fest and Sukkot Celebration on Wednesday, October 4! Pre-order your favorite traditional Jewish treats, including brisket, pastrami, knishes, babka, and more. Enjoy this FREE, family-friendly event featuring: Jewish food (pre-orders only), Educational activities on the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, Israeli Dancing, Balloon Artist & Face Painting (Razzle Dazzle Balloon Artists), Arts & Crafts, Children’s Activities, Touch-a-Truck, Petting Zoo (Critter Connections), Membership Specials, And more! This event is open to everyone of all faiths and backgrounds. During our Fall Fest, learn about Sukkot (sue-COAT or SOOK-iss), the joyful holiday in which we celebrate and give thanks for the harvest of crops. Stop by and learn about our sukkah (hut) which represents the huts the farmers built when they lived in the fields while tending their crops.
• New Holland Farmers Fair – October 4th through the 7th, New Holland: Every autumn the streets of New Holland play host to the town’s magnificent celebration of farm and community. The fair is centered on the 100 blocks of East and West Main Street. There is no admission fee and parking can be found on many of the streets surrounding the fair. Paid parking is offered at the Evangelical United Methodist Church at 276 West Main Street in New Holland for Wednesday evening’s parade. There’s a midway filled with food, games, and rides along with exhibits, livestock shows, parades, contests, and kid’s events. Come out and enjoy one of New Holland’s dearest traditions for over 80 years!
• Fall Family Fun Days – October 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th, Morgantown: Join us for Fall Family Fun Days on Saturdays mid-September to the end of October. These festivals feature food, hay rides, pick-your-own fruit and plenty of kids’ activities. Kids will love face painting, obstacle courses and the clown.
• Brecknock Orchards Fall Festival – October 6th-7th, 9th, 14th, 21st, 28th , Mohnton: Activities include: Pick Your Own Pumpkins, Gourds & Squash; Pick Your Own Apples; Wagon Ride Orchard Tours; Make Your Own Caramel Apple; Children’s Fall Themed Crafts; Kids Play Area
• Harvest Festival – October 7th, Glen Rock: Fall is finally in the air and we’re here to help you catch a taste of it! Grab your sweater and a scarf and get ready for our FREE Harvest Festival weekend at The Markets. Aside from yummy fall treats to eat from our local merchants, we’ll have plenty of other events and shopping to enjoy.
• Indian Echo Caverns Fall Festival and Old Fashioned Day – October 7th, Hummelstown: We will be hosting our 11th Annual Fall Festival and Old-Fashioned Day. The day will include arts and crafts vendors, craft demonstrations, food vendors, and old-fashioned games. A family fun day with many fun activities for all to enjoy. Featuring horse drawn wagon rides, tractor rides, pumpkin patch, corn cannon, gem mining, glitter tattoos, crack open geodes, kids crafts, carnival games and more. The event is outdoors, please dress for the weather. Many free activities, along with activities with fees. Prices vary.
• Pennsboro Pumpkin Fest – October 7th and 8th, Enola: Always the weekend before Columbus Day, the annual Pennsboro Pumpkin Fest returns for 2023. The 2-day event takes place at Adams-Ricci Park in Enola, PA. There will be 100+ vendors, including crafts, local businesses, games, a Car Show, a great entertainment lineup, and lots of great food!
• Maple Valley Acres Community Fall Festival – October 7th and 8th, Harrisburg: It’s fall y’all! On October 7th & 8th we will be having our annual Fall Festival at Maple Valley Acres. Join us for hay rides, face painting, pony rides, a hay maze, games and much more. Soak up the live festive music while checking out the food vendors, ice cream and other tasty goodies. Head over to our pick-your-own pumpkin patch to choose your very own one of a kind pumpkin. Then check out the other local businesses selling soaps, lotions, canned goods, homemade jewelry and more. We will have something for everyone on our Fall Festival. We look forward to seeing you!
• National Apple Harvest Festival – October 7th and 8th, 14th and 15th, Biglerville: Located in the heart of Pennsylvania apple country, the National Apple Harvest Festival celebrates the fall season with beautiful handmade crafts, delicious food, and jam-packed entertainment. The Festival has something for everyone with special attractions ranging from steam engine displays, antique cars, orchard tours, and pony rides to tastings, craftsmen demonstrations, and more.

  

• Fall on the Farm – October 8th, Kutztown: Celebrate the harvest and the changing of the seasons with Rodale Institute’s annual Fall on the Farm event. Enjoy all the best parts of fall, from fresh apple cider to pumpkin painting to organic apple picking! Listen to live music, eat an organic meal from visiting food trucks, and pick your own organically grown apples. We’ll have activities for kids of all ages, free wagon tours of the farm, pumpkin painting, and a fall plant sale for our fellow plant lovers. While you’re visiting, make sure to pop into the Visitor Center, and check out our walking tour of the farm.
• Manheim Community Farm Show – October 9th through the 13th, Manheim: The Manheim Community Farm Show exists to promote agriculture, crafts and competition in a friendly environment that encourages family values and cooperation. We have chosen to keep the policy of free admission and free registration for all exhibits. We do not have games of chance as many fairs do, to provide operating revenues. As you visit the Farm Show, we encourage you to support the food stands, which are operated by nonprofit organizations in our community. A percentage of the food stand profits provide our source of operating revenue. Bring your family and join us for this great event that brings our community together. Consider what we believe to be the positive strengths of the Manheim Community Farm Show.
• Leesport Fall Market Festival – October 14th, Leesport: Food Trucks, Adult Beverages, Kids Activities, Hay Rides, Craft Vendors and More! This event is fun for the entire family and is free parking and admission. Bring your family for a fun filled day!
• Antique Power and Apple Festival – October 14th and 15th, Oley: Come Join us for Assorted Apple Deserts; Hay and Barrel Train Rides both Days; Garden Tractor Pulls Sunday; Entertainment Saturday Jeff Krick Jr. Elvis Tribute; Sunday The Rehrig Brothers; Quoit Tournament of Saturday
• Fall Fest on the Farm – October 14th, Carlisle: Are you ready for Fall on the Farm? Double Vision Acres Farm and The Rustic Sunflower Boutique are teaming together to make this a fun-filled day for the family.
• Oyster Festival – October 15th, York: From the slurp of oysters on the half shell, to the creamy richness of oyster stew, and from the spicy-ness of steamed shrimp to the crispy sweetness of York County apple fritters, this is our way of saying “Hello Fall” and welcome back to this beloved event at the York County History Center. Plans for Oyster Festival, at the Agricultural and Industrial Museum, 217 West Princess Street, include traditional seafood offerings as well as yummy, non-seafood items. This year look for the addition of some your favorite local food, beer and wine offerings, and a table of desserts and treats from the Friends of the York County History Center. As always, local music will fill the air – and the street outside – and interactive activities for kids, tours of the museum, and demos and artisan craftsmen will be on the bill. There is something for everyone!
• Shippensburg Pumpkin Festival – October 20th through the 22nd, Shippensburg: The second annual Shippensburg Pumpkin Festival will feature a weekend of live pumpkin carving (Friday & Saturday), food trucks, craft vendors, live music, kids’ activities, and more.
• Reading Aviation Festival and Career Fair – October 21st, Reading: The Second Annual RDG Aviation Career Fair will be held on Saturday October 21st 2023, in the RDG Terminal Building. We’re also adding some festival elements to this year’s Event! THIS EVENT IS FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! Military and Civilian Aircraft Displays, Military Flyovers, Live Music, and more!
• Fall Fest – October 21st, Bainbridge: Highlights will include the debut of our new Spiced Apple wine just in time for cooler weather. Think ‘apple pie in a glass.’ Sample the wine complimentary at the event. Also featuring live music from three different artists as well as food trucks, a flower truck, pumpkin painting, face-painting, and permanent jewelry. We are pet-friendly, all ages are welcome, and admission is free!
• 717 Vintage Fest – October 21st and 22nd, York: Calling all vintage lovers! 717 Vintage Fest is a weekend long vintage-only vendor market featuring unique curated clothing, accessories, home decor & more for all genders, all ages, and from all decades. 717 Vintage Fest will feature a selection of the region’s most established and up-and-coming vintage stores and independent vendors. Each store’s brand focus offers diverse styles of vintage clothing, accessories, home decor, furniture, vinyl, collectables, & more, ranging from early 20th century pieces to in-demand Y2K items and everything in between.

  

• Fall Furnace Fest – October 21st and 22nd, Gardners: Join the Friends of Pine Grove Furnace for a 2-day family-oriented weekend featuring: Food and craft vendors, Live musical entertainment, Environmental education programs, Historical demonstrations, including charcoal making and blacksmithing, Free hayrides, Pumpkin carving, Scarecrow making, Kid’s crafts, and more.
• Heritage Days Fall Festival – October 22nd, Birdsboro: The Daniel Boone Homestead Associates are excited to celebrate the arrival of fall with the Homestead’s annual Heritage Day event. This living history event features a variety of eighteenth-century demonstrations, trades, and hands-on activities. These include blacksmithing, hearth cooking, wool dyeing, candle dipping, colonial music, and more. The event will also feature craft and specialty food vendors as well as fall activities for children like pumpkin painting.
• Reading Film Fest – October 26th through the 29th, Reading: ReadingFilmFEST was created by filmmakers for filmmakers and film lovers. We understand the importance of festivals in creating opportunities for filmmakers to meet their audiences, network with other professionals and promote their films. By supporting filmmakers, we’ve learned that our audience benefits by being able to engage in truly meaningful dialogue with the creators of film.
• Fall Fest – October 27th through the 29th, Mechanicsburg: Williams Grove Historical Steam Engine Association will host a Fall Fest on Friday, October 27 through Sunday, October 29, at Williams Grove Steam Engine Show Grounds, Cost is $10 per car load. There is an additional cost for some activities. Train rides, tractor pull, live music, car show, and more!
• Annual Outdoor Halloween Craft & Vendor Show – October 28th, Harrisburg: We have you covered for all of your fall and winter holidays needs! Over 50 unique vendors that will ensure you find everything on your list! Don’t forget to have your little ones dress up in their Halloween costumes and participate in trick or treating all while you get to relax and shop!!! Free parking and admission. Food trucks, free activities for the kids, and so much more!!!
• Annual Fall Harvest Fest – October 28th and 29th, Carlisle: Trick or Treating – Kids can trick or treat on Saturday with the vendors from 10 am-3 pm. Over 120+ vendors include crafters, direct sales, food trucks, home improvement, nonprofits, breweries, wineries, distilleries, authors, mobile carriers, and more. Kid’s Zone Features Carnival-Like Games for the Children, Chuck-A-Duck, Ring Toss, Giant Bowling, Gone Fishing, Lollipop Match, Candy-in-a-Haystack, Bean Bag Toss, Duck Pond Matching Game, Children’s Crafts, and more!
• Engage Artisan Festival – October 29th, Schwenksville: Our Artisan Festivals are back again this year! Featuring amazing local artists, artisans, crafters, and vintage finds! An outdoor vendor market with art festival activities and entertainment! We are so excited to offer a day of “Imitate the Greats!”, a day where kids can create free crafts to imitate famous artists and learn a little bit about them. While your kid is creating, peruse local artists’ creations at our artisan market!
• Trick or Treat Trek – October 29th, Harrisburg: Calling all ghosts and ghouls! Come in costume to Fort Hunter Park for the Trick or Treat Trek. Follow the clues to keep your search on track. Your reward? Goodies at each stop along the way! We love seeing everyone in costume; but, for the safety of all guests, please be sure to leave all toy knives, guns, swords, and other sharp objects at home. Don’t worry, you won’t need them for this quest. This adventure is for those ages 12 & younger. Some treats may not be appropriate for infants and toddlers. Adult supervision is required. At least one responsible adult must accompany the children attending. This is a FREE event, with limited capacity. Timed tickets are required to participate and will be collected or scanned from your mobile device at entry. Everyone in your group attending the event should be registered – children and adults.

  

Fall Festivals and Fairs in November

• Harvest Moon Festival – November 4th, Leesport: Come out to the Leesport Playground, behind the Library and Swimming Pool, for the 17th Annual Harvest Moon Festival, one of the best family fun nights of the year for our area, featuring hay rides, bonfire, river walk on the canal tow path with a living history camp, live bluegrass music by Crow Hill Band, petting zoo, face painting, hay bale maze. Enjoy some great eats at our soup kitchen, hot dogs and other tasty treats. Our 1858 school house will also be open for tours. Please support our generous sponsors who help make this event possible. Free will donations are always appreciated to help cover costs beyond what our sponsors provide. Bring the whole family and friends! RAIN DATE NOVEMBER 5th, same times and place.
• Pumpkin Madness Festival – November 4th, Ronks: How many ways can you destroy a pumpkin? We’re on a quest to find out! Bring your leftover Halloween pumpkins or use some of ours to smash, throw, bowl, drop and carve till your heart’s content! Our 12th annual Pumpkin Madness Festival will include fun activities like the Pumpkin Smash, Pumpkin Bowling, Pumpkin Putt-Putt, Pumpkin Chucking, and a HUGE pumpkin drop right at 5 o’clock! The excitement continues after dark with a glow in the dark pumpkin drop at 7pm and Fireworks at 8:30pm.