Find all of October’s offerings throughout Pennsylvania. From frightful festivals to events that embrace the ambiance of the season, discover what treats – and a few tricks – are happening in PA this month. Looking for an upcoming fall festival or seeking the thrill of fear at one of our haunted attractions? Check out other happenings across the state. Photo Credit: Camelback Resort
Scary Harry’s Haunted Trails
Scary Harry’s Haunted Trails are sure to spook even the bravest. Prepare to be haunted at the four haunted houses, which are interconnected with terrifying trails through the woods of Indiana County.
When: Weekends in October
Where: Homer City
Bloodletting & Burials at Betsy Ross House
Travel back to 1760 to learn about Philadelphia’s haunted history at Bloodletting & Burials. Begin your journey at Betsy Ross’s grave where you’ll uncover chilling tales of ghoulish medical experiences. Along the way, meet figures who lived during some of the most infectious times of our nation in the 18th century.
When: Saturday evenings in October
Where: Philadelphia
Jack O'Lantern Extravaganza
Visit the iconic Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium at night this fall season and experience the magic of the Jack O’Lantern Extravaganza, where thousands of intricately carved pumpkins illuminate the night. This “gourd-geous” display features zoo animals and iconic characters enhanced by sound, light, and special effects.
When: Now - November 2, 2025
Where: Pittsburgh
The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular
From Elmo to Cookie Monster to Big Bird, watch as your Sesame Street favorites embrace haunts and Halloween festivities this fall season. Have the whole family come in costume to celebrate silly and family-friendly spooky fun at The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular. Enjoy trick-or-treating in Big Bird’s Beach, Halloween-themed shows, the Sesame Street Halloween Parade, dance parties, the Scarecrow Scavenger Hunt, and Sesame Street-themed rides for a day of tricks, but mostly treats.
When: Now-November 2, 2025
Where: Langhorne
Reel Q Pittsburgh LGBTQ Film Festival
Celebrate the 40th annual Reel Q LGBTQ Film Festival in five different venues across Pittsburgh, where diverse voices of the LGBTQ+ community take center stage. This festival features a selection of films that highlight unique experiences, promote inclusivity, and provide a forum on identity, love, and resiliency.
When: October 3-11, 2025
Where: Pittsburgh
Seven Springs Autumnfest
Ranked as one of the 10 best fall festivals in the U.S., Autumnfest at Seven Springs Resort shows off the beauty of autumn in the Laurel Highlands. Ride the chairlift at Seven Springs Mountain Resort to see some of the nation’s best fall foliage and enjoy handmade creations from crafters and artisans as well as face painting, a pumpkin patch and kids zone on weekends through Oct. 19.
When: October 4-19, 2025
Where: Champion
Fall Fest at Camelback Resort
Camelback Resort’s Fall Fest isn’t your average pumpkin-patch stroll — it’s a full-on autumn adventure the whole family will enjoy. Every weekend in October, cozy up fireside with a s’more, roll a strike in pumpkin bowling, or even snuggle a goat (yes, really). Special themed weekends crank the fun up a notch — from apple-flavored everything and a mountain-side Ghostbusters movie night, to a paw-some Howl O’Ween Doggie Parade. End the month with Halloween weekend thrills before taking the mountain to the max after dark: coaster rides, ziplines, and tubing under the stars.
When: October 4-26, 2025
Where: Tannersville
ReadingFilmFEST
Discover emerging talent at the 11th Annual ReadingFilmFEST, an event created by filmmakers for filmmakers that welcomes filmmakers from the Mid-Atlantic region and around the world. Experience an exciting lineup of independent entertainment, including student films, shorts, documentaries, feature films, and panel discussions, and don’t miss the awards that highlight the best in local filmmaking.
When: October 9-12, 2025
Where: Reading
Homecoming 250
This fall, celebrate 250 years of the Navy and Marine Corps in the birthplace of our nation - Philadelphia, PA. For one whole week this month, attend and honor service members with exciting events such as the parade of Navy ships and other vessels, a flyover by the Blue Angels, a veterans reunion picnic, special museum exhibits, tours of ships, and more. Most events are free and open to the public.
When: October 9-16 and November 7-11, 2025
Where: Philadelphia
Ghosts and Goblins at Lincoln Caverns & Whisper Rocks
Ready to step into "Pennsylvania's ultimate haunted experience"? The 42nd edition of Ghost and Goblins is gracing Lincoln Caverns and Whisper Rocks for another season of horror and humor. Experience the one-of-a-kind haunted adventure in this natural cave near State College for a perfect mix of screams, laughter, and surprises.
When: Fridays and Saturdays October 10 - November 1, 2025
Where: Huntingdon
Everything Pumpkin Extravaganza
It's all things pumpkin this October at Way Fruit Farm's Everything Pumpkin Extravaganza! From wagon rides to the pumpkin patch to bunny barns for the little ones, this is the perfect fall family outings the little ones will enjoy. Enjoy apple picking, food vendors, live music, and the on-site craft market. And don't miss the live pumpkin carving show happening on Saturday, October 11.
When: October 10-11, 2025
Where: Port Matilda
Tioga County Early Days
Celebrate farming heritage at Tioga County's annual Early Days event. Once gates open at 8 a.m., you can enjoy flea markets, tractor pulls, barn quilt paintings, wood carvings, and live music by Cowanesque Valley Boys and Kelly. See how a saw mill built in 1889 operates and enjoy fresh cider from the cider press at this fun and free fall event.
When: October 10-12, 2025
Where: Wellsboro
Fall Antique Show & Sawmill Run
Visit the Fall Antique Show and Sawmill Run for a long weekend experiencing peak fall foliage in Upstate PA. The event features antique vendors selling vintage clothing, collectibles, and antiques. Enjoy local food and beverages while the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum comes alive with historic trade demonstrations.
When: October 11-12, 2025
Where: Ulysses
PA Cowboy Weekend
Step into the Wild West at the PA Cowboy Weekend! Hop aboard York’s Northern Central Railway locomotive alongside “the most reckless class of outlaws in the wild country.” Experience train robberies, dramatic shootouts, and live performances that evoke the excitement of classic cowboy films.
When: October 11-12, 2025
Where: New Freedom
Sullivan County Fall Festival and Lumberjack Competitions
Make your way to the Sullivan County Fairgrounds for a weekend bursting with small-town charm and big-time fun. From quilt shows and craft vendors to live music and kids’ activities, there’s something for everyone at the Sullivan County Fall Festival and Lumberjack Competitions. And don’t miss the main event — lumberjacks and chainsaw carvers showing off their skills in thrilling competitions like log rolls, underhand chops, and hot saw races. Top it all off with great food and plenty of entertainment, and you’ve got a family outing that’ll make for the perfect fall weekend in Pennsylvania
When: October 11-12, 2025
Where: Forksville
Great Lakes Beach Glass and Coastal Arts Festival
The Great Lakes Beach Glass & Coastal Arts Festival returns to Erie this fall. Meet and shop from beach glass and coastal artists, hear from speakers, find interactive art, and get a glimpse at the largest beach glass ever found on Lake Erie weighing in at 275 lbs!
When: October 11-12, 2025
Where: Erie
Upper Merion Township’s Nor-View Farm Fall Fun Festival
Experience a multi-weekend fall event at the Fall Fun Festival at Nor-View Farm! Pick fresh-cut flowers to fill your mason jar while indulging in delicious Amish treats, like whoopie pies, and their brand-new mini apple cider donuts. Sample seasonal beer, wine, cider, and cocktails as you soak in the atmosphere. The entire family will enjoy the apple slingshot, cow milking, and the straw bale mountain. Come dressed as a cowboy, cowgirl, or farmer for a $2 discount on admission.
When: October 11, 18, and 25, 2025
Where: King of Prussia
Harrisburg Book Festival
Harrisburg’s literary scene struts into the spotlight at the Harrisburg Book Festival, proudly hosted by Midtown Scholar Bookstore and Community Reads. Flip through thousands of finds at the outdoor tent sale, dive into family-friendly fun, and catch award-winning authors in action — including actor and bestselling writer Nick Offerman. It’s a weekend where books, bold ideas, and plenty of page-turning magic take over the heart of Pennsylvania’s capital.
When: October 15-19, 2025
Where: Harrisburg
Erie ZooBoo
Head to the Erie ZooBoo for a Halloween event that's delightfully spooky and perfect for the entire family! Known as one of the best kid-friendly events in the tri-state area, visitors can enjoy trick-or-treating throughout the Erie Zoo, while the Talking Pumpkins entertain with songs, jokes, and stories. Do the Monster Mash with DJ Bill Page’s Spooky Jukebox and ride the Eerie Train Express.
When: October 16-30, 2025
Where: Erie
Keystone Hiking and Outdoors Weekend
Hosted by the Keystone Trails Association, enjoy three days packed with events that embrace Pennsylvania's great outdoors during the Keystone Hiking and Outdoors Weekend. From a fall foliage pontoon boat tour to an introduction to forest bathing interactive course, register for one or all three days for a chance to explore the area in and around Cook Forest State Park.
When: October 17-19, 2025
Where: Cooksburg
Spooky Fest at Dietrich Theater
Have a fun and frightful Halloween season at the second annual Spooky Fest in Tunkhannock, a free movie festival featuring 13 Halloween movies in fourteen days. A mix of classics, horror flicks, and children’s favorites will broadcast on the big screen in the town’s historic Dietrich Theater.
When: October 17-30, 2025
Where: Tunkhannock
TCA York Train Meet
Discover the magic of model trains at the World’s Greatest Train Meet in York! The York Train Meet invites members and guests to immerse themselves in the captivating world of model railroading. Enjoy seasonal seminars and special exhibits that showcase the artistry of this beloved hobby, all set against a charming autumn backdrop.
When: October 20-25, 2025
Where: York
IX Art Show at GoggleWorks Center for the Arts
Step into IX — the world’s largest showcase of imaginative realist art — at the IX Art Show at GoggleWorks Center for the Arts this October. This one-of-a-kind event lets artists, students, and fans mix, mingle, and get inspired. From jaw-dropping galleries to portfolio reviews with industry pros, it’s where creativity shows off and imagination runs wild.
When: October 22-26, 2025
Where: Reading
Scary Tales Tours at the Hoyt
For $10 a ticket, take a journey through dimly lit rooms on a Scary Tales Tour at the historic Hoyt Period House in Lawrence County. Each room comes alive with eerie tales of fact and fiction, intricately staged to enhance the chilling stories being told throughout the tour. This year’s event will embrace original terrors written by local authors in response to the Hoyt's 1st Annual Scary Tales Writing Competition.
When: October 23-25, 2025
Where: New Castle
Market of Magick
Step into a world of wonder at the Market of Magick! This fantastical festival features a curated selection of enchanting vendors, artists, and small businesses from the Mid-Atlantic region awaits. Explore a trove of mystical delights, including crystals, whimsical art, and handmade jewelry.
When: October 25-26, 2025
Where: Lebanon