Many Pennsylvania towns make a perfect weekend getaway destination. And this time of year, you can also take in one of these six festive fall Pennsylvania events while you’re there.
Pittsburgh Area
Weekends through October 26
Soergel Orchards Fall Festival
The history of Soergel’s family farm began back in 1850. John Conrad Soergel, a German immigrant, settled on the spot of the current farm and began planting apple trees. Now, the farm includes a rack and cloth cider press, full-scale bakery and deli, and a gift shop. Soergel’s Fall Festival runs Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. It’s a great option for the whole family, with tractor rides, flower, pumpkin, and apple picking, and lots of food. Friday night hayrides run from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Arsenal Cider House’s satellite location will also be open. Soergel’s is approximately 20 minutes from downtown Pittsburgh. 2573 Brandt School Rd., Wexford
Through November 1
Kennywood’s Phantom Fall Fest
Kennywood, an amusement park in Pittsburgh, is celebrating 127 years this year. Their spooky season spectacular has family-friendly fun during the day. But at night, there are six haunted houses and four scare zones. The Fear Fest scare zone sounds the most terrifying, with demented clowns roaming a carnival scene. Kennywood also has a modern-day zombie apocalypse, voodoo bayou setting, and frightening abandoned hospital. The park is approximately 20 minutes from downtown Pittsburgh. 4800 Kennywood Blvd., West Mifflin
Through 19
Autumnfest at Seven Springs
Seven Springs, a skier’s paradise during the winter months, turns into a fall haven for three weekends in October. Autumnfest runs Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. through October 19. It will have crafters and artisans showcasing their creations, scenic chairlift rides, face painting, a pumpkin patch, hay maze, and more. While there is no admission fee for parking, fees do apply for activities, food, and drink purchases. Seven Springs is located approximately one hour from downtown Pittsburgh. 777 Water Wheel Dr., Champion
Philadelphia Area
October 11
Scrapple and Apple Festival 2025
Reading Terminal Market’s Scrapple and Apple Festival will have plenty of scrapple. The Pennsylvania Dutch dish is made with leftover pork, cornmeal, buckwheat, and other grains often served for breakfast. There will be lots of apple food and drink too, like apple caramel brulee lattes and apple cheddar turkey sandwiches. Don’t miss scrapple making demos, a craft court, and a scrapple sculpting contest. Reading Terminal Market is in downtown Philadelphia. 1136 Arch St., #400
November 1
Friends of FDR Park Fall Fest
Friends of FDR’s Fall Fest returns for another afternoon at FDR Park on South Broad Street. Costumes are encouraged at the event, which is free and family friendly. There will be a trunk or treat, hayride around the lake, and nature crafts, too. Lawn games like cornhole, a giant Connect 4, and others will be set up for kids and adults to enjoy. FDR Park is in downtown Philadelphia. South Broad St.
Central Pennsylvania
October 17 to October 18
Pumpkinfest at The Arboretum at Penn State
The Arboretum at Penn State is celebrating all things pumpkin with live music and food. Food from Penn State area favorites like Rosie’s Pierogies and Gourmet Griddle Company will be setting up shop at the festival. It runs from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Registration is required for pumpkin decorating. The night ends with a glowing jack o’lantern display. E. Park Ave. and Bigler Rd., State College
Feature image of Scrapple and Apple Festival courtesy RL Studios
