If variety appeals to you, head north to Pennsylvania. The Keystone State, from its bustling cities to its rural farmland, is rich with enough American history, celebrated art, family festivities, award-winning dining, and nature excursions to suit any visitor’s tastes. In our September issue, we’ll tell you where to go and what to do in some of our favorite PA destinations. Check out those stories below.
Philadelphia | Lancaster | Pittsburgh | New Hope & Lambertville | The Laurel Highlands | York | Mountain Resorts
Whether your penchant is for bacon, mushrooms, pumpkins, or holiday décor, chances are Pennsylvania has an autumn festival for you.
Pittsburgh Irish Festival
September 6–8
The 33rd annual “Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day” festival pays homage to the city’s rich Irish heritage with step dancing, trad tunes, stories and lore, whiskey and beer tastings, and food.
Mushroom Festival
September 7–8
Fungi fan? Head to Kennett Square, referred to as the “Mushroom Capital of the World,” for cook-offs, demonstrations, a mushroom growers’ tent, and a fried mushroom–eating contest.
Bloomsburg Fair
September 20–28
This big agricultural fair has been around since 1855. See livestock and mini barnyard animals. Hop on rides and check out entertainment like live music, bull riding, and a demolition derby.
Celtic Classic
September 27–29
This 37th annual festival in Bethlehem promotes Celtic heritage with events that include a caber toss, hammer throw, parade, pipe band competitions, and a haggis-eating challenge.
PumpkinFest
October 4–6
Held in bucolic Confluence in southwestern Pennsylvania, this festival pays tribute to the fall fruit with a 5K run/walk, antique car show, parade, beauty pageant, garden tractor pull, and largest pumpkin contest.
OctoberFeast
October 12–13
Peddler’s Village in Lahaska hosts a festive fall weekend with food trucks, a beer garden, live entertainment, family activities, and a display of larger-than-life scarecrows.
PA Bacon Fest
November 2–3
This pork-fueled event in Easton promises “grease, love, and happiness” with all sorts of bacon treats, pig and wiener dog races, bacon-eating and costume contests, music, and a 5K race.
Christkindlmarkt
November 15–December 22
The Christmas City of Bethlehem is a fitting setting for this holiday event that’s now in its 32nd year. It features artisanal gifts and ornaments, performances, ice skating, St. Nicholas, and hot toddies.
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Feature image of OctoberFeast by Chris Burrow
This story originally ran in our September issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
