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. Check out upcoming fall festivals or feel the thrill of fear at one of our top haunted attractions.
For Halloween fun the whole family can enjoy, explore these 10 not-so-spooky Halloween attractions for kids. With so many options across the state, you will find something that feels like fall! Header image credit: VisitPITTSBURGH
Scarecrows in the Village
Scarecrows in the Village at Peddler’s Village brings October to life with hundreds of creative, handcrafted scarecrows lining the winding paths in this beloved six‑week fall tradition. Wander, shop, and dine among the festive displays—but be sure to visit soon; this can’t‑miss, family‑friendly festival winds down before the month is over.
When: September 7 - October 26, 2026
Where: Lahaska
Scary Harry’s Haunted Trails
Scary Harry’s Haunted Trails are sure to spook even the bravest. Prepare to be haunted at the five different themed 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
The Curse of Camelback: A Spooky Experience
Experience the most unique haunted attraction in the Poconos at The Curse of Camelback. Board the Sunbowl chairlift and ride into a mutated containment zone. Then navigate 13 chilling scare zones filled with fog, fright, and unexpected surprises. Make it a full night of frightful adventures with the Mountain Coaster and Ziplines, available for an additional charge.
When: Thursdays through Sundays, September 17 – November 8, 2026
Where: Tannersville
Photo Credit: Sesame Place via Facebook
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: September 19 – November 1, 2026
Where: Langhorne
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: October 2 – November 1, 2026
Where: Pittsburgh
Reel Q Pittsburgh LGBTQ Film Festival
Celebrate the 41st 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 2-10, 2026
Where: Pittsburgh
Seven Springs Autumnfest
Ranked as one of the 10 best fall festivals in the U.S., Autumnfest at Seven Springs Mountain Resort shows off the beauty of autumn in the Laurel Highlands. Ride the chairlift at the 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 a kids zone on weekends through Oct. 18.
When: Saturdays and Sundays, October 3-18, 2026
Where: Champion
Everything Pumpkin Extravaganza
It's all things pumpkin this October at the annual Way Fruit Farm’s Everything Pumpkin Festival. From wagon rides to the pumpkin patch to bunny barns for the little ones, this is the perfect fall family outing 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!
When: October 9-10, 2026
Where: Port Matilda
Ghosts and Goblins at Lincoln Caverns & Whisper Rocks
Ready to step into "Pennsylvania's ultimate haunted experience"? The 43rd 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 9-31, 2026
Where: Huntingdon
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 45th annual 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 10-11, 2026
Where: Forksville
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 rain or shine 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 10-11, 2026
Where: Ulysses
Photo Credit: Northern Central Railway
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 10-11, 2026
Where: New Freedom
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 10, 17, and 24, 2026
Where: King of Prussia
Erie ZooBoo
Head to 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 at the Spooky Jukebox and ride the Eerie Train Express.
When: October 15-30, 2026
Where: Erie
Spooky Fest at Dietrich Theater
Have a fun and frightful Halloween season at the third annual Spooky Fest in the Endless Mountains, 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. Seating is first come, first served, as advance tickets are not available.
When: October 16-29 , 2026
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 20-24, 2026
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, ticketed art 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 21-25, 2026
Where: Reading
Scary Tales Tours at the Hoyt
For $13 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 ticketed Halloween event near Pittsburgh embraces five winning original terrors written by locals and inspired by rooms inside the historic house.
When: October 22-24, 2026
Where: New Castle
Keystone Hiking and Outdoors Weekend
Hosted by the Keystone Trails Association, enjoy three days packed with events that embrace Pennsylvania's great outdoors during this year's 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 22-25, 2026
Where: Cooksburg
Market of Magick
Step into a world of wonder at the Market of Magick! This fantastical festival is ticketed and 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 31 – November 1, 2026
Where: Carlisle