The leaves are changing…the kids are returning to school…the weather is starting to cool down… and it can only mean one thing: fall is coming. Fall marks the end of summer, leaving many people sad and longing for more fun in the sun. However, there are still plenty of fun activities to enjoy in the new season. Whether you love spooky ghost stories or you prefer sipping apple cider at a Fall Festival – there’s something for everyone.
We’ve compiled a list of fun Fall events in Pennsylvania, New York, & North Carolina for you to check out.
THE TRIAD REGION (North Carolina)
When: Oct. 7 & 14, 2022. Beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Where: The Blandwood Museum – Greensboro, NC
What: Cynthia Moore Brown will be sharing spooky ghost stories, legends, & fanciful tales about North Carolina inside the Blandwood Museum, which has stood for over 225 years.
Autumn Leaves Festival
When: Oct. 14-16, 2022
Where: Main Street, Mount Airy, NC
What: The Autumn Leaves Festival is a nationally recognised event – featuring live music, craft vendors, & unique food. People from all over the country come to join in on the fun for all ages!
Apple Festival
When: Sept 24, 2022. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: Historic Bethabara Park, Winston-Salem, NC
What: The Annual Apple Festival features local artisans, food vendors, live music, a petting zoo for the kids, & all the apples your heart desires.
LEWISBURG AREA (Pennsylvania)
Ard’s Farm
When: Weekends from Sept. 24-Oct. 30, 2022
Where: Ard’s Farm, Lewisburg, PA
What: Don’t miss out on this unique Alice in Wonderland-themed maze! Ard’s Farm also features a pumpkin patch, hayrides, & games to entertain the whole family. In addition to their regular weekends, they are hosting several themed nights. Get a buzz on at Wine(d) Down at Sundown on Sept. 16th, or join them for a wild and bright maze at Glow Night on Sept. 23rd.
Mifflinburg’s 17th Oktoberfest
When: Sept 30, 2022, 1 – 10 p.m. & Oct 1, 2022, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Where: Mifflinburg Community Park
What: Experience the German culture at Mifflinburg’s Annual Oktoberfest with German beer and food, live music, games, and dancing.
Knoebels Hallo-Fun Weekends
When: Oct 7-30, 2022. Fridays: 6-8 p.m., Saturdays: 2-10 p.m., Sundays: 12-5 p.m.
Where: Knoebels, Elysburg, PA
What: Experience the fun of Knoebels with a fall twist! Experience spooky versions of their rides, pick and paint pumpkins, and enjoy some festive foods.
STATE COLLEGE AREA (Pennsylvania)
Ghosts & Goblins at Lincoln Caverns
When: Oct. 7-29, 2022
Where: Lincoln Caverns, Huntingdon, PA
What: Take a guided tour through the naturally formed caverns. If you’re looking for a spookier option – be sure to take part in the evening Terror Tours, which include the Haunted Cave, Haunted Trail, & Haunted Hayride.
21st Annual Downtown Fall Fest
When: October 15, 2022 – 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: 200 block off Allen Street and Sidney Friedman Park, State College, PA
What: Bring your whole family to the Fall Fest in Downtown State College! Children can pick a free pumpkin at Martin’s Garden Center Pumpkin Patch, take a ride on a pony, or bounce around in a fun house. Adults will enjoy the live music and great food options!
Punkin’ Chunkin’ Festival at Bald Eagle State Park
When: October 22, 2022 – 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Bald Eagle State Park, Howard, PA
What: If you’ve ever wanted to see a pumpkin fly – this is your chance. The main attraction at this festival is the catapults that launch pumpkins through the air and into a nearby lake. In addition to “Punkin’ Chunkin’, the festival features hayrides, children’s activities, and numerous craft and food vendors.
HARRISBURG AREA (Pennsylvania)
Hersheypark Halloween
When: Weekends from Sept. 17 through Oct. 30, 2022
Where: Hersheypark, Hershey, PA
What: Experience the iconic theme park in the dark! Ride the coasters without any lights or shine bright at the Hershey’s Character’s Glow Dance Party. If you’re looking for a thrill – explore the numerous scare zones that lead into different haunted houses. The Creatures of the Night experience at Zoo America will begin on October 14th.
10th Annual Fall Festival & Old Fashioned Day
When: Oct 1, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: Indian Echo Caverns, Hummelstown, PA
What: Enjoy fall festivities with your whole family! Over 40 vendors & food trucks will offer a variety of goods. Partake in classic fall activities such as wagon rides & picking pumpkins or take a turn shooting corn out of a cannon!
Creature Feature Weekend at the Cumberland Drive-in
When: Oct. 22, 2022
Where: Cumberland Drive-in, Newville, PA
What: Come on over to the Cumberland Drive-in for a full day of fall festivities. Start your day with pumpkin carving, a trunk or treat, a Halloween egg hunt, and check out the 40+ vendors. End your day with movies starting at 6:45 p.m. The movie “The Neverending Story” will be shown, followed by “Beetlejuice”. – Proceeds from the event will benefit Scares That Care – a charity that assists families that include a sick or terminally ill child, a breast cancer warrior, or a burn survivor.
SAYRE AREA (Pennsylvania & New York)
16th Annual Elmira GhostWalk
When: Oct 21-23, 2022
Where: Elmira’s Woodlawn Cemetery, Elmira, NY
What: Experience a guided tour through Elmira’s Woodlawn Cemetery. You’ll explore first-hand accounts of history as told by the notable tenants of the cemetery.
Fall Foliage Glider Rides
When: Saturday & Sundays in October 2022, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Where: Harris Hill, Elmira, NY
What: Experience a silent flight over the beautiful fall scenery below. Each ride will last approximately 15-20 minutes. Your pilot will point out local sights below & most days, Watkins Glen & the Finger Lakes are visible to the North.
Owego Halloween Fest
When: Oct. 28, 2022, at 6 p.m.
Where: Owego Central Historic District, Owego, NY
What: Bring your best costume for the costume parade and contest and trick-or-treating.
HAZLETON AREA (Pennsylvania)
Reaper’s Revenge
When: Sept. 23 – Oct. 30 – Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays
Where: 460 Green Grove Rd, Scranton, PA
What: Experience America’s best haunted attraction – if you dare. You can choose your scare level with multiple attractions or try them all! Attractions include the Haunted Hayride, Lost Carnival, Delirium (Altered Reality), Pitch Black (Abandoned light bulb factory), and Sector 13 (bio-nuclear/mutants).
The Pumpkin Walk
When: Sept. 30 – Oct. 30, Wednesdays-Sundays
Where: Creekside Gardens, Tunkhannock, PA
What: The Pumpkin Walk is a fall display featuring thousands of gourds and pumpkins arranged in mosaic designs. Try your hand at “I SPY” to find certain pumpkins in the garden! Guests are welcome to have lunch at the picnic tables in the event area.
Hazle Township Fall Festival & Trail of Treats
When: Oct. 22 & 23, 2022, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: Hazle Township Community Park, Hazle Twp, PA
What: The event will have free fall-themed activities, prizes, & giveaways. Some highlights include a petting zoo, the scavenger hunt along the Trail of Treats, & activities with Miss Greater Hazleton Scholarship Organization queens, including pumpkin decorating and crafts.
These are just a few of the wonderful fall & Halloween-themed events occurring over the next few months in Pennsylvania, New York, & North Carolina. Here’s to a healthy & happy Autumn!
