Pennsylvania towns can be the ideal autumn weekend getaway destination. Here are eight fall festivals to get you in the mood for the season.
Pittsburgh area
Mountain Craft Days
September 11 to September 13, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
The Historical and Genealogical Society of Somerset County hosts this annual festival at Somerset Historical Center with traditional crafts, country-style food, music, and children’s activities. Mountain Craft Days was founded nearly 60 years ago to promote, preserve, demonstrate and enhance public appreciation for the historic crafts of Somerset County. 10649 Somerset Pike, Somerset, general admission is $5, children 6 to 17 are $5, those 5 and under are free, $10 for adults, $5 for children and seniors, free for Mill members
Penn Brewery’s Oktoberfest
September 18 to 20 and September 25 to 27, 5 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, noon to 7 p.m. Sundays (family days)
Penn Brewery’s Oktoberfest in late September will celebrate 40 years of business. The event includes German fare like schnitzel and bratwursts, as well as Pittsburgh favorites like french fry salad and pierogies. There will of course be German-style beers and festive accordion music too. The brewery’s beers have won 20 Great American Beer Festival® and World Beer Cup® medals. 800 Vinial St., Pittsburgh
Trax Farms Fall Festival
September 20 to October 26, weekends only, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The 150-year-old farm has created a yearly tradition every fall for all ages. There are hayrides to the farm’s pumpkin patch, a massive three-acre corn maze, bounce houses, and live music. Area food trucks serving crepes, Italian food, kettle corn, coffee, and plenty of apple cider will be on hand weekends from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 528 Trax Rd., Finleyville, $12 per person online, $14 per person at farm, children age 2 and under free, additional activity prices vary
Philadelphia area
Linvilla Orchards Apple Festival
September 26, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
If you’re craving a warm apple pie, or perhaps some hot apple crisp, Linvilla Orchards’ Apple Festival is scheduled every year when pick-your-own apples are at the height of their season. The whimsical, family-friendly Pumpkinland will be open for walk-throughs too. Pick-your-own apples will begin promptly at 8 a.m. 137 W. Knowlton Rd., Media, $11
Ciderfest
September 26, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The community tradition in Chester Springs celebrates harvest season with lots of fresh apple cider. There will be historic milling and bread-baking demos, with artisan vendors and live music from the Blue Belles and the Lenape Brass Band. First responders will be on hand for vehicle and equipment showcases for kids. 1730 Conestoga Rd., Chester Springs, $10 for adults, $5 for children and seniors
Revolutionary Germantown Festival
October 3, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
At this northwest Philadelphia suburb, history buffs will be intrigued by the diverse stories of those who lived through the American Revolution and the Battle of Germantown on October 4, 1777. There will be reenactors and family-friendly activities, and the event will be held rain or shine. 6401 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia
Northeastern Pennsylvania
Montage Mountain Fall Wine Festival
October 3, noon to 5 p.m. (VIP entry begins at noon)
Sip on your favorite wines from some of the best in the state at this fall festival at Montage Mountain Resorts. VIP tickets include exclusive food and wine pairings, and regular admission offers live music, local vendors, and lots of food trucks. This year marks the 11th year for the festival, which is held amidst the fall foliage in the Poconos. 1000 Montage Mountain Rd., Scranton, VIP is $59 pre-sale, $70 at the door, general admission is $39 pre-sale, $50 at the door
Central Pennsylvania
Punkin’ Chunkin’ Fall Festival
October 17, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Have you ever wanted to watch pumpkins fly through the sky? This Howard, Pennsylvania festival has pumpkins flying hundreds of feet into a local dam using air cannons, catapults, and trebuchets. After watching pumpkins soar through the air, check out crafts and other goods from local vendors, as well as traditional food from local businesses. The festival is dog-friendly, and proceeds benefit the Howard Volunteer Fire Company. 149 Main Park Rd., Howard, free to attend
Feature image of the Linvilla Orchards Apple Festival courtesy Linvilla Orchards
