Pack your sweater, cue the road trip playlist, and get ready to chase crisp-leaf magic all across Pennsylvania. From historic reenactments and lantern-glowing nights to mountain vistas and film premieres, this weekend is overflowing with unforgettable moments.
I mapped out the best festivals, family outings, and spooky thrills so you can maximize every golden hour. Read on and claim your perfect fall itinerary before the crowds beat you to it.
1. Fort Ligonier Days
Step into Pennsylvania’s living history at Fort Ligonier Days, a three-day celebration that fills the town with the sound of drums and the smell of fresh festival food. The event honors the 1758 Battle of Fort Ligonier and transforms the area into a bustling historic village.
Visitors can watch colorful parades, military reenactments, and costumed interpreters bringing the colonial era to life. Over 200 craft vendors set up around the town square offering handmade goods and local treats. The fort itself opens its gates for guided tours and museum exhibits showcasing original artifacts. Families can enjoy live music on multiple stages throughout the weekend.
The Saturday fireworks display adds sparkle to the mountain skyline after sunset. Parking fills quickly, so early arrivals get the best spots near Main Street. By Sunday afternoon, the entire town hums with laughter, applause, and a shared sense of small-town pride.
2. Autumnfest At Seven Springs
High in the Laurel Highlands, Autumnfest at Seven Springs is the perfect mix of mountain scenery and cozy seasonal fun. The resort’s slopes come alive with craft tents, outdoor music, and scenic chairlift rides that reveal bursts of orange and red across the valleys.
Artisans display pottery, woodwork, and jewelry while families sip warm cider and sample local snacks. Kids can try pumpkin painting or play lawn games near the pond. Chairlift rides give visitors panoramic views that look like a living postcard. Between exploring vendor booths and hiking short trails, many guests pause by the lakeside to take photos in the crisp afternoon light.
The air feels fresh and clean, carrying the faint scent of pine. Evenings bring glowing lights and friendly chatter around the resort village. It is an easygoing and cheerful way to celebrate autumn in Pennsylvania’s mountains.
3. ReadingFilmFEST
Movie lovers will find plenty to celebrate at ReadingFilmFEST, running through the same October weekend. The city’s theaters host a packed lineup of independent films from around the world. Audiences can catch comedies, documentaries, dramas, and student projects across several venues.
Directors and producers join post-screening discussions that reveal the stories behind the screen. Workshops teach film enthusiasts the basics of cinematography and editing in an accessible way. The festival’s awards ceremony recognizes standout talent and encourages creative storytelling.
Between showings, attendees explore downtown Reading’s restaurants and murals. The community atmosphere makes even first-time visitors feel like insiders. It is a cultural highlight that proves Pennsylvania shines well beyond its scenic trails.
4. Ghosts And Goblins At Lincoln Caverns And Whisper Rocks
For those who like a little adventure mixed with folklore, Ghosts and Goblins at Lincoln Caverns in Huntingdon offers a thrilling underground journey. The caverns transform into a family-friendly haunted attraction that tells eerie but educational stories about the region’s geology and legends.
Guides lead visitors through softly lit passageways decorated with themed scenes and characters. Each tour blends fun surprises with genuine cave exploration. Above ground, the festival area features crafts, snacks, and campfire storytelling. Daytime programs explain the science of stalactites and stalagmites while keeping the Halloween mood alive.
Families appreciate the balance of excitement and safety throughout the tour. Comfortable shoes and jackets are recommended due to the cave’s cool temperatures. The combination of natural wonder and playful spooks makes this event one of Pennsylvania’s most distinctive autumn experiences.
5. Everything Pumpkin Extravaganza At Way Fruit Farm
Pumpkin lovers will feel right at home at the Everything Pumpkin Extravaganza in Port Matilda. The farm bursts with color as wagon rides roll through rows of pumpkins ready for picking. Visitors can sample fresh bakery treats made with local apples and pumpkins.
Families gather for live carving demonstrations where artists turn gourds into imaginative creations. Kids enjoy games, crafts, and storytelling under bright canopies of fall leaves. The event blends old-fashioned charm with the joy of a bustling market.
Musicians provide cheerful tunes while the aroma of donuts and warm spices fills the air. Shoppers find seasonal décor, local honey, and fresh produce to take home. The atmosphere is pure autumn happiness wrapped in the golden light of rural Pennsylvania.
6. Tioga County Early Days
In Wellsboro, Tioga County Early Days invites visitors to see how Pennsylvania’s pioneers once lived and worked. The festival features blacksmithing, steam engines, and antique farm machinery in motion. Crowds gather to watch demonstrations that show how early settlers built and harvested before modern tools existed.
Volunteers in traditional clothing explain the skills that shaped rural life. A flea market offers collectibles, crafts, and small antiques for treasure hunters. Children can watch sawmill operations or ride miniature trains through the fairgrounds.
The sound of vintage engines adds to the nostalgic setting. Visitors often spend hours wandering the exhibits and talking with local historians. It is a fascinating and heartfelt tribute to Pennsylvania’s agricultural roots.
7. Fall Antique Show And Sawmill Run
The Fall Antique Show and Sawmill Run in Ulysses brings together collectors and history enthusiasts for a weekend of discovery. Vendors display vintage furniture, tools, and decor in barns and open-air tents. The show includes live demonstrations of an operational steam-powered sawmill that slices logs the old-fashioned way.
Spectators can feel the ground hum as the great blades spin and sawdust fills the air. Craftsmen share stories about restoring and preserving antique equipment. The fairgrounds also host food stalls and family-friendly games that keep younger visitors entertained. Many guests bring cameras to capture the timeless machinery in action.
The event is a blend of history and community spirit that draws repeat visitors every fall. By the end of the weekend, most leave with both souvenirs and stories to tell.
8. PA Cowboy Weekend
Adventure finds a playful twist at PA Cowboy Weekend in New Freedom, where visitors step back to the Wild West. The event features authentic reenactments, trick roping, and cowboy stunt shows. Families can take short scenic train rides through the countryside aboard vintage cars.
Performers stage dramatic showdowns that combine humor with skill. Kids try pony rides, themed crafts, and roping lessons from friendly cowhands. Western-themed vendors sell handmade leather goods, hats, and souvenirs.
The festival grounds buzz with storytelling and live country music throughout the day. Photo backdrops let guests pose as frontier heroes. The friendly atmosphere and imaginative activities make it a standout among Pennsylvania’s autumn events.
9. Sullivan County Fall Festival And Lumberjack Competitions
The Sullivan County Fall Festival in Forksville fills the weekend with high-energy contests and small-town celebration. Lumberjack athletes compete in sawing, chopping, and log rolling events that captivate spectators.
Chainsaw carving demonstrations produce detailed wooden art in minutes. Around the competition area, craft vendors display handmade goods and regional foods. Local musicians provide a soundtrack that keeps the crowd lively. Families can stroll through booths, try children’s games, and enjoy scenic views of the Loyalsock Creek nearby.
The blend of athletic skill and friendly rivalry creates a spirited environment. It is both a showcase of strength and a reminder of the region’s logging heritage. The event celebrates the hardworking traditions that built rural Pennsylvania communities.
10. Houston Pumpkin Festival
Each October, the Houston Pumpkin Festival transforms Washington County into a harvest wonderland. More than 175 vendors fill the streets with seasonal crafts, food, and community displays. The festival parade features marching bands, decorated floats, and costumed participants.
Families gather to watch performances on the main stage and join contests for kids. Pumpkin-themed games bring laughter to the town square throughout the day. Local artisans sell jewelry, home décor, and handmade gifts that capture autumn’s charm.
The festival also includes a car show and children’s area with creative activities. Visitors appreciate the welcoming atmosphere that feels both festive and neighborly. It is one of southwestern Pennsylvania’s most cherished fall traditions.
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