From harvest festivals to Oktoberfests, there are so many things to do in Pennsylvania this fall. Pursue your happiness at one of these September events showcasing PA’s best food, drinks, music, and culture!
1. Philadelphia International Unity Cup
Celebrating and uniting Philadelphia’s many multicultural communities through soccer, the 7th annual Philadelphia International Unity Cup is a months-long, World Cup-style elimination tournament. Starting in August, dozens of teams representing different nations from around the globe compete to be in October’s coveted championship match hosted at Subaru Park, home of Philly’s own American professional soccer club, the Philadelphia Union. Be sure to check their website for the latest info on dates and locations where all the soccer action is happening and attendance is free!
When: Now-Oct.
Where: Philadelphia
Cost: Free
2. Festival of Fountains
Spend a warm September evening admiring the vibrant and illuminated fountain performances during Longwood’s Festival of Fountains. Each week from Thursday through Saturday take the whole crew to enjoy the colorful water spectacle during the 30-minute show. This popular event is entering its last month, so be sure to get your tickets as soon as possible!
When: Now-Sept. 24
Where: Kennett Square
Cost: Price varies
3. Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire
Take a magical tour through time and legend with a merriment-filled day at the 43rd annual Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, held once again on the grounds of the Mount Hope Estate and Winery. Marvel at the chivalrous knights and their brave steeds at they compete in exciting jousting competitions. Savor the aroma and taste of crisp turkey legs, authentic German meat pies, and an expansive variety of delicious 16th century foods and traditional favorites. Join in the revelry among the strolling troubadours and costumed merrymakers from the days of Merrie Olde England where good Queen Elizabeth awaits your arrival for her Royal Birthday Celebration!
When: Now-Oct. 29 (Saturdays and Sundays)
Where: Manheim
Cost: Price varies
4. Asian Lantern Festival: World of Wonders at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium
Experience the wonder of the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium at night with a trip around the world at their all new, 3rd annual Asian Lantern Festival. Honoring the zoo’s 125th anniversary, the festival features more than 50 larger-than-life, luminous, handcrafted sculptures featuring Chinese symbols, terra cotta warriors, a variety of land, aquatic, and Chinese Zodiac animals, and even a three-story pagoda adorned in dazzling red and gold lights. As you stroll along the zoo’s walkways, you’ll learn about Asian history and culture. The festival also features delicious Asian delicacies and amazing entertainment.
When: Now-Oct. 29 (Thursdays-Sundays)
Where: Pittsburgh
Cost: Price varies
5. Juniata County Fair
The 169th annual Juniata County Fair offers all the tradition and fun-filled action that can only be found at an iconic county fair! Going strong since 1854, the fair is jam-packed with carnival rides, delicious fair food, local vendors, a variety of live entertainment, and plenty of livestock exhibits. For adrenaline junkies, the fair features an entire week of the best dirt track racing in the state! Adding to the fun, the motorcycle-riding Urias Family performs their amazing, daredevil stunts within the 16-foot diameter Globe of Death each day.
When: Now – Sept. 9
Where: Port Royal
Cost: Free
6. Ox Hill Community Fair
The small village of Home is once again host to the annual Ox Hill Community Fair, a tradition dating back to 1936 and featuring a fun-filled week centered around all things agriculture! With livestock exhibits, live entertainment, rides, truck and tractor pulls, and even truck drag racing, all are welcome at this wholesome family event!
When: Now – Sept. 9
Where: Home
Cost: $8
7. Fall Foliage Train Rides
All aboard fall in PA in York County! With three historic railroads offering scenic rides, you can sit back and enjoy the beautiful and vibrant colors of fall from the comfort of a historic rail car. Choose from rides on the Northern Central Railway, Ma and Pa Railroad, or Stewartstown Railroad. Gather together up to 20 of your favorite people and book Stewartstown Railroad’s iconic Blue Caboose to enjoy an unforgettable outing with friends and family this fall.
When: Sept-Oct (dates vary by railroad)
Where: York
Cost: Price varies
8. Hollabaugh Bros. Lil. Dumplings Program
Specifically designed for little munchkins between the ages of two and five years of age, Hollabaugh Bros. farm’s Lil. Dumplings themed story times teach little ones about various aspects of farming in a fun and engaging way. Each session has a specific theme, including bees, butterflies, soil, various fruits, and the moon, with a story, hands-on activities, and take-home treat tied to each theme.
When: Sept. 7, 14, 21, 28, Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26
Where: Biglerville
Cost: $8
9. GFNY York
Strap on your helmets because GFNY (Gran Fondo New York) is coming to York! Join world renowned cyclists and international peloton riders as they cycle along 90 miles of Pennsylvania’s challenging, hilly trails and roads. While the official race takes place on Sunday, participate in group rides and go to the expo on Friday and Saturday to gear up for the big day. This is one of only five GFNY races held in the U.S., making it a must-do fall event in Pennsylvania.
When: Sept. 8-10
Where: York
Cost: Price varies
10. USA Slow Pitch Softball National Championships
Showcasing the skill, sportsmanship, and spirit that make slow-pitch softball such a beloved sport, the USA Slow Pitch Softball National Championships feature the best of the best from throughout the U.S. right here in PA. Players from the men’s, women’s, coed, and senior divisions take to the field in competition, with each team vying to be crowned their division’s National Champion. Get ready for some unforgettable, high-pitch excitement with some stellar slow-pitch action!
When: Sept. 8-10
Where: York
Cost: Price varies
11. FallFest at Shady Brook Farm
Shady Brook Farm’s annual FallFest provides loads of fall fun from day to night without the fright! Go pumpkin picking, hop on a scenic wagon ride, eat spooky snacks, feed barnyard animals, cozy up next to bonfires, and weave your way through the five-acre corn maze. Stick around at night for a not-too-spooky wagon ride through woods where you’ll find your favorite Halloween characters lit up and dancing to themed tunes at the farm’s Eerie Illuminations Halloween light show.
When: Sept. 8-Oct. 29
Where: Yardley
Cost: Price varies
12. Doylestown Art Festival
The arts and culture take center state at the 32nd annual Doylestown Arts Festival. Featuring more than 150 juried local and regional artists, live music on five stages, and live art and interactive demonstrations from both artists and the town’s cultural institutions, there is something for all ages to enjoy. Indulge your inner DaVinci (or Picasso!) with hands-on activities that range from a kids zone with face painting and sand art to silk scarf painting and balancing rock structures.
When: Sept. 9-10
Where: Doylestown
Cost: Free
13. 19th Annual Gettysburg Wine & Music Festival
Savor and sip hundreds of wines and spirits from Pennsylvania wineries and distilleries at the 19thGettysburg Wine & Music Festival! Enjoy a relaxing fall weekend in the historic town of Gettysburg, taste top wines and spirits from some of PA’s best wineries and distilleries, get your groove on with some of the region’s best live music, shop for unique wares, and dine on a variety of delicious foods and gourmet treats.
When: Sept. 9-10
Where: Gettysburg
Cost: Price varies
14. Kennett Square Mushroom Festival
Each September Kennett Square celebrates its title as the Mushroom Capital of the World. Now in its 38th year, the Mushroom Festival promises a FUN-gi great time as the town pays homage to the mighty mushroom with music, rides, entertainment, and, of course, plenty of mushroomy foods and delicacies. Watch spirited cooks compete in the “Chopped” cooking contest and a group of brave contestants see how many fried mushrooms they can eat in eight minutes at the Amateur Fried Mushroom Eating Competition at this fun fall festival.
When: Sept. 9-10
Where: Kennett Square
Cost: Free
15. Pennsylvania Endless Mountains Fiber Festival
Get “sew” into fiber arts of all kinds at the Endless Mountains Fiber Festival, the largest and longest running fiber festival in PA! Featuring raw and processed fibers, finished garments, handcrafted arts and crafts, and fiber-crafting supplies from vendors from throughout the northeastern U.S., the festival is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2023 with contests, classes, a variety of animals including angora rabbits, sheep, alpaca, goats, and llamas — some of which you can even pet, a fleece show and sale, raffle, great food, and live demonstrations.
When: Sept. 9-10
Where: New Milford
Cost: Price varies
16. Center City District Restaurant Week
Philadelphia’s Center City District is kicking off its 20th Anniversary of CCD Restaurant Week! Taste divine dishes from 2023 James Beard award-winning restaurants and brand-new eateries. Enjoy prix fixe lunch and dinner menus at dozens of Philly’s finest establishments. If you can’t sit and stay, take your meal to go to join in on the most delicious days of the season in the city.
When: Sept. 10-23
Where: Philadelphia
Cost: Price varies
17. Cookport Fair
For more than a century, the annual Cookport Fair has been delighting fair goers of all ages. This quintessential local agricultural fair features numerous animal and craft exhibits, agricultural displays and competitions, live entertainment, delicious fair food, and fun amusement rides and games. Sit back and enjoy a variety of events ranging from horse and tractor pulls to pony shows!
When: Sept. 10-16
Where: Commodore
Cost: Free
18. Scarecrows in the Village
Every fall for the past 44 years Peddler’s Village has hosted Scarecrows in the Village, one of the village’s most beloved traditions ushering in the change of seasons. Lining the winding brick pathways of the autumn-tinted Village, more than 100 family-friendly scarecrows are on display. Some are silly, some are scary, but all are homemade by Philly-area residents and organizations. Visit to vote for your favorite with the winners announced on Oct. 13 and on display through the end of October. Stop by on Sept. 16-17 for the Scarecrow Festival featuring live entertainment, outdoor treats, pumpkin painting, and scarecrow workshops!
When: Sept. 11-Oct. 29
Where: New Hope
Cost: Free
19. Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival
Downtown Pittsburgh is transformed into a giant jazz club during the 13th Annual Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival. Jam out to some of the most highly anticipated jazz concerts of the year and keep the good vibes going all weekend with soulful sessions and beer gardens. The August Wilson African American Cultural Center is home base for opening night and jam sessions at PIFJ, while Highmark Stadium on the river is the outdoor festival home providing music lovers room to spread out, dance, and enjoy themselves.
When: Sept. 14-17
Where: Pittsburgh
Cost: Price varies
20. Bavarian Fall Fest
Celebrate the start of autumn at St. Marys’ Bavarian Fall Fest. Join in as the community comes together to rejoice in the changing of seasons with German food, crafts, and family fun! Start your morning with a pancake breakfast and continue the fall festivities with the live music and variety of local vendors. If you love vintage and antique cars, be sure to stop by the Fall Fest on Sunday to watch the Elk County Cruisers Cruise In!
When: Sept. 15-17
Where: St. Marys
Cost: Free
21. Pennsylvania Bowhunters Festival
For nearly seven decades, the Pennsylvania Bowhunters Festival has been the gathering place for bowhunters from throughout the world. Located on the Sullivan County Fairgrounds, the annual festival commemorates the beginning of archery season with recreational shooting, vendors, entertainment, and great food. Put your archery skillset to the test with their famous “Forksville Running Deer” target, moving small game targets, the steel boar, a timed clay pigeon shoot, stationary targets set at variable distances, and three game trails designed with all 3-D targets to simulate bow hunting in a northern hardwood forest!
When: Sept. 15-17
Where: Forksville
Cost: Price varies
22. Race of Champions Weekend
Race car enthusiasts, this one’s for you! Lake Erie Speedway’s 73rdRace of Champions gives the Indy 500 a run for its money! The long-running auto racing event features three days of high-speed, action-packed events near Lake Erie, culminating with the Lucas Oil Race of Champions 250 and its 250 laps of heart-pounding, racing action.
When: Sept. 15-17
Where: North East
Cost: Price varies
23. Smicksburg Apple Weekend
Held in the heart of the Amish Countryside, Smicksburg Apple Weekend is a celebration of all things apple! Here you will find fresh apples, apple dumplings, apple fudge, apple cider, and apple butter for sale. Beyond apple-inspired items, festival goers can take part in a pottery demo, check out fall decor, and do some cornstalk decorating!
When: Sept. 16-17
Where: Smicksburg
Cost: Free
24. 24th Annual Kinzua Bridge State Park Fall Festival
Experience the wonder and stunning scenery of the Kinzua Bridge and Skywalk at the State Park Fall Festival! Visit one of Pennsylvania’s most scenic spots for some fall family fun, with live music, food vendors, and arts and crafts in the great outdoors.
When: Sept. 16-17
Where: Mt. Jewett
Cost: Free
25. Covered Bridge Festival
If you love the romance and nostalgia surrounding covered bridges (and who doesn’t!), the annual EQT Washington and Greene Counties' Covered Bridge Festival is the perfect way to kick off the fall season. The festival features delightful arts and crafts, home-style food, historical exhibits, craft demonstrations, and live entertainment at the festival’s 10 locations, each with its own unique charm and surrounded by the beautiful scenery of southwestern Pennsylvania.
When: Sept. 16-17
Where: Multiple locations
Cost: Free
26. Fall Harvest Fair and Early American Craft Show
Prepare to be transported back in time with a trip to Schaefferstown’s Fall Harvest Fair and Early American Craft Show! The Alexander Schaeffer Farm comes to life with period artisans, crafts, cooking, cider-pressing, farm-life demonstrations, and unique entertainment. If you’ve never visited the Historic Schaeffer House and Heirloom Garden before, take a self-guided tour of the scenic 85-acre farm and museum.
When: Sept. 16-17
Where: Schaefferstown
Cost: $5
27. Flax Scutching Festival
Learn about the labor-intensive process of turning flax into linen just as it was done in the days before textile mills and Eli Whitney’s cotton gin machine at Stahlstown’s 116th Annual Flax Scutching Festival. Along with demonstrations of the linen-making process and all things flax, the festival features Civil War and covered wagon encampments, displays of antique farm machinery, and live music. Make sure to taste-test the festival’s most famous traditional food — Buckwheat Cakes and Sausage!
When: Sept. 16-17
Where: Stahlstown
Cost: $5; Free for children under 12 years of age
28. Port Farms’ Fall Harvest Festival
Celebrate the fall harvest season during Port Farms’ Fall Harvest Festival. While this family farm dates back to 1897, the festival features all the fun of a 21st century festival including an eight-acre corn maze, a slide mountain, apple cannons, and a low ropes adventure course. Bring the whole crew to take in the festival’s animal exhibits, pick out pumpkins, and search for fun fall decor.
When: Sept. 16-Oct. 29
Where: Waterford
Cost: Price varies
29. The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular
Come in costume and join in on all the silly, not-too-spooky fun during The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular at Sesame Place! Bring a basket for trick-or-treating around the park, enjoy Halloween-themed shows and parades, have fun at the interactive Scarecrow Scavenger Hunt, and snap a few photos with everyone’s favorite furry friends who will be decked out in their best costumes.
When: Sept. 16-Nov. 5
Where: Langhorne
Cost: Price varies
30. Harmony Grange Fair
The Harmony Grange Fair features fun for the whole family and is one fall festival you’ll want to put on your bucket list. There are livestock competitions and agricultural exhibits sure to delight farmers and non-farmers alike. There are rides and exciting live entertainment for the whole family to enjoy, tractor and truck pulls including a kiddies’ pedal tractor pull so even the little ones can get in on the action, ATV drag racing, and, of course, delicious fair food, and fun rides.
When: Sept. 19-23
Where: Westover
Cost: Price varies
31. Montco Jazz Fest
You’ll be moving and grooving at the 2nd Annual Montco Jazz Fest this September! Showcasing a lineup featuring the region’s Women in Jazz artists curated by internationally acclaimed jazz vocalist Joanna Pascale, this five-day extravaganza includes dozens of concerts and other community-focused events happening throughout Montgomery County, including a special September-long Brunch Series at King of Prussia Mall.
When: Sept. 20-24
Where: Multiple locations
Cost: Free
32. Allegheny National Forest Centennial Celebration
Pennsylvania’s only National Forest is turning 100! Spend a weekend admiring the Allegheny National Forest by "growing” to this centennial event complete with food trucks, beer and wine vendors, live music, guest speakers, kids' activities, giveaways, interpretive hikes, and history displays. Allegheny National Forest only turns 100 once, so don’t miss out on celebrating this storied forest’s century of Recovery to Resilience!
When: Sept. 24
Where: Wilcox
Cost: Free
33. WineFest
Enjoy a weekend of tantalizing tastings near Lake Erie at the 42nd Annual WineFest in North East’s wine country! Sip wines from more than 10 wineries while you listen to music from 10 live bands. Join your fellow wine lovers and add to the fun with an early morning 5k run/walk or a 15- or 30-mile bike ride through the area’s scenic wine country or opt for a more sedate carriage ride. Festivalgoers can also shop at dozens of art, craft, and specialty vendors to take home some grape (wink) souvenirs.
When: Sept. 22-24
Where: North East
Cost: Price varies
34. Oktoberfest
While it’s not quite October, Marienville simply can’t wait to start partying at its annual Oktoberfest celebration. Rally together your friend group to enjoy people and pet parades, a car show, tractor and bike races, corn husking, pumpkin bowing, and raffles during this ultimate fall festival in PA. The festival features lots of craft and food vendors for you to enjoy. Adding to the fun is street dancing with Digitrax!
When: Sept. 22-24
Where: Marienville
Cost: Free
35. Clymer Days Festival
A weekend of food, entertainment, and family bonding awaits at the Clymer Days Festival. An annual community event, Clymer Days features live entertainment, children’s activities, local food vendors, and the annual car and bike show.
When: Sept. 22-24
Where: Clymer
Cost: Free
36. Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary
Always a scary good time, Halloween Nights uses all ten acres of the abandoned Eastern State Penitentiary, the country’s most historic prison, for its Halloween extravaganza. Where else can you find five haunted houses all in the same locale, along with themed bars and lounges, live performances, and historic tours with a super creepy feel! Be sure to stop in the Halloween Tribute, Eastern State Penitentiary, and Tricks & Treats stores where you’ll find great Halloween-themed merch and tasty treats!
When: Sept. 22-Nov. 11
Where: Philadelphia
Cost: Price varies
37. 19th Annual York County Pawpaw Festival
Celebrate the storied pawpaw at the 19th Annual York County Pawpaw Festival! Similar in taste to tropical fruits and native to the area, the beloved pawpaw takes center stage with both wild and cultivated varieties of pawpaw, pawpaw cookbooks, and tours of the Horn Farm and their pawpaw orchard. The festival features local and regional food trucks, artisans, and plant nurseries, along with a variety of small businesses and environmental organizations. Pawpaw trees will be available for purchase so you can enjoy your very own, home-grown pawpaws!
When: Sept. 23-24
Where: York
Cost: $5 for General Admission; $15 for Premium Pass
38. Indiana PA Country Faire Market Fall Fest
Ring in the autumn season at Indiana PA Country Faire Market’s Fall Fest! The two-day outdoor event features food vendors, crafters, artisans, and music. Bring the little ones along to enjoy the pink foam party and famous barrel train rides for a uniquely PA day they won’t forget.
When: Sept. 23-24
Where: Indiana
Cost: Free
39. White Rose Pickleball Tournament
In case you’re wondering why all the interest in pickleball, a sport that’s taken the country by storm, here’s your chance to find out! Put your dinking skills to the test at the annual White Rose Pickleball Tournament. Compete in this round robin-style tournament and play at an epic eight-court, hard surface pickleball facility. All players receive a welcome bag and the top three teams will be awarded medals. Water, snacks, and sports drinks will be provided for all athletes.
When: Sept. 23-24
Where: York
Cost: $50 to register
40. Derby at the Vineyard
Enjoy the crisp fall air and a spectacular horse-jumping event at Penns Woods Winery’s annual Derby at the Vineyard. Along with the horse jumping show, guests can enjoy two jam-packed days of live music, local libations, local food trucks, and artisan vendors. You can even get up close to the stars of the horse-jumping show at the meet-and-greet station, while little ones can enjoy a special Stick Horse Class! Come in your finest, floppiest hat and other derby day attire for a chance to win the best dressed competition.
When: Sept. 23-24
Where: Chadds Ford
Cost: Price varies
41. Team USA National Championship Tournament
Amateur golfers, you could be playing in Scotland as a member of Team USA vs. Team Scotland in April 2024 if you’re among the top five players at the Team USA National Championship Tournament! Prefer to watch some great golf instead?! Get an up-close look at some of the nation’s best amateur golfers as they drive and putt their way in hopes of being among the tournament’s five top-ranking golfers and guaranteed a slot on Team USA.
When: Sept. 23-25
Where: Fairfield
Cost: Price varies
42. Goose Day Celebration
Come for the goose, stay for the glory of the annual Goose Day Celebration in the Juniata River Valley. The legend, which has been observed for more than two centuries, asserts that if you eat goose on Sept. 29, you’ll attract wealth and prosperity for the coming year. Embrace this quirky tradition and lock in your luck for 2024! Need to work off a bit of the goose delicacies? Sign up for the 45th Annual Goose Day 5k in downtown Lewistown. New this year, the Goose Day Drone Show will light up the sky as 200 drones will fly near Mifflin County Middle School in Lewistown creating fun 3-D images. There’s also plenty of goose-related merchandise and fun throughout the entire weekend.
When: Sept. 29-Oct. 1
Where: Juniata River Valley
Cost: Free
43. Big Dave Vet Homecoming
Honoring motocross heritage and the memory of an icon, “Big Dave” Coombs, the 33rd Annual Big Dave Vet Homecoming brings together those who share a love for the dirt road during two days of racing and classes for vets of all levels. “Bench race” over adult beverages on Saturday night, while young racers can also put the pedal to the metal during specialty classes. Among the weekend’s signature events is the GP-style Moto-X Country Racing hybrid that combines elements of off-road racing and motocross into one unique competition promising some thrilling action!
When: Sept. 29-Oct. 1
Where: Mount Morris
Cost: Price varies
44. Living History Encampment & Candlelight Talk
Be transported back in time during the Children of Gettysburg 1863 museum’s Living History Encampment & Candlelight Talk. Learn about Civil War officers who commanded and fought in the Battle of Gettysburg, featuring first-person impressions by the Officers for the Union, while the Ladies for the Union showcase the home craft skills of the era working with bobbin lace, hand sewing, and making bandboxes. Hear them tell stories of the home front during the Civil War including how they supported soldiers and, most importantly, how the war affected their community and families.
When: Sept. 30-Oct. 1
Where: Gettysburg
Cost: Free
45. Delco Arts Week
Enjoy nine days and more than 50 events during the 5th Annual Delco Arts Week celebrating and showcasing the creative artists and vibrant cultural institutions of Delaware County. Featured events and activities include the performing, visual and creative arts with classes, concerts, film, dance, exhibitions, festivals, workshops, and activities for kids with Delco artists and performers sharing their talents and love for the arts.
When: Sept. 30-Oct. 8
Where: Multiple locations
Cost: Free
46. 70th Annual Autumn Leaf Festival
The nine-day internationally award-winning festival offers everything from sidewalk sales and a carnival with evening fireworks, with more than 300 vendors. The main events are “Farmers & Crafters Day” on Oct. 6 follow by the largest daytime parade in Pennsylvania, the “Tournament of Leaves Parade,” on Oct. 7. “Groovin’ Into Autumn” is the theme for the festival that attracts more than 500,000 visitors to the Clarion area every year.
When: Sept. 30-Oct. 8
Where: Clarion
Cost: Free
47. Pumpkin Festival at Reeger’s Farm
Pick the perfect fall day in PA to attend Reeger Farm’s annual Pumpkin Festival. In addition to the pick-your-own pumpkin patch, the festival boasts hayrides, a barnyard, children’s activities, a corn maze, and delicious food. New this year, check out the corn cannon and try your hand at pumpkin bowling. Bring your family and start a tradition of picking your own perfect pumpkin from the field or choose from an “already picked” selection!
When: Sept. 30, Oct. 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22
Where: Shelocta
Cost: Free
Looking for more things to do in PA this fall? Explore the visitPA website and find other events to attend this season. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram to stay up to date on even more great ideas and places to visit around our state. Don’t forget to never miss an update and sign up for our monthly Happy Thoughts e-newsletter.