8 Pennsylvania Fall Festivals Worth a Weekend Road Trip
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Fall is the perfect time to pack up the car, grab your favorite sweater, and head out for a seasonal getaway. From historic craft celebrations and apple harvests to pumpkin-launching competitions and Oktoberfest festivities, Pennsylvania offers plenty of ways to enjoy the season.
Whether you're looking for a family-friendly day at the farm, live music and local food, or a festival with a little history, these eight events offer something different for every kind of fall outing.
Near Pittsburgh
Mountain Craft Days
September 11–13 | Somerset
For a fall festival rooted in tradition, Mountain Craft Days brings visitors to the Somerset Historical Center for a celebration of the area's historic crafts and culture.
Hosted by the Historical and Genealogical Society of Somerset County, the annual event features traditional crafts, country-style food, music, and activities for children. Founded nearly 60 years ago, the festival was created to promote and preserve the historic crafts of Somerset County while helping visitors appreciate the traditions behind them.
Where: 10649 Somerset Pike, Somerset
When: September 11–13, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. daily
Penn Brewery's Oktoberfest
September 18–20 and September 25–27 | Pittsburgh
Penn Brewery is celebrating 40 years of business with its annual Oktoberfest celebration in late September.
The event brings together German-inspired food, including schnitzel and bratwursts, along with Pittsburgh favorites such as french fry salad and pierogies. German-style beers and accordion music add to the festive atmosphere, while Sunday events are designated as family days.
Where: 800 Vinial St., Pittsburgh
When: September 18–20 and September 25–27
Fridays and Saturdays: 5–11:30 p.m.
Sundays: Noon–7 p.m.
Trax Farms Fall Festival
September 20–October 26 | Finleyville
For a classic fall farm experience, Trax Farms offers a seasonal tradition designed for visitors of all ages.
Weekend festivities include hayrides to the pumpkin patch, a three-acre corn maze, bounce houses, and live music. Food trucks will also be on-site, serving everything from crepes and Italian food to kettle corn, coffee, and apple cider.
Where: 528 Trax Rd., Finleyville
When: Weekends, September 20–October 26, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Admission: $12 online or $14 at the farm; children 2 and under are free.
Additional activities may have separate pricing.
Near Philadelphia
Linvilla Orchards Apple Festival
September 26 | Media
If apple season is your favorite part of fall, Linvilla Orchards' Apple Festival is worth adding to the calendar.
Held when pick-your-own apples are at the height of their season, the festival is the place to enjoy fall favorites such as warm apple pie and hot apple crisp. Visitors can also explore Pumpkinland, a whimsical and family-friendly attraction open for walk-throughs. Pick-your-own apples begin at 8 a.m.
Where: 137 W. Knowlton Rd., Media
When: September 26, 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
Admission: $11
Ciderfest
September 26 | Chester Springs
Harvest season takes center stage at Ciderfest, a community tradition centered around fresh apple cider and historic demonstrations.
The event includes milling and bread-baking demonstrations, along with artisan vendors and live music from the Blue Belles and the Lenape Brass Band. Families can also check out vehicle and equipment displays presented by first responders.
Where: 1730 Conestoga Rd., Chester Springs
When: September 26, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Admission: $10 for adults; $5 for children and seniors
Revolutionary Germantown Festival
October 3 | Philadelphia
For those who enjoy adding a little history to their fall plans, the Revolutionary Germantown Festival explores the stories connected to the American Revolution and the Battle of Germantown.
Visitors can learn about the diverse people who lived through this period while enjoying reenactments and family-friendly activities. The event will take place rain or shine.
Where: 6401 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia
When: October 3, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Northeastern Pennsylvania
Montage Mountain Fall Wine Festival
October 3 | Scranton
Set against the fall scenery of the Poconos, the Montage Mountain Fall Wine Festival brings together wines, food, music, and local vendors for its 11th year.
General admission includes access to live music, local vendors, and food trucks, while VIP ticket holders can enjoy exclusive food and wine pairings.
Where: 1000 Montage Mountain Rd., Scranton
When: October 3, noon–5 p.m.
Admission: General admission is $39 in advance or $50 at the door. VIP admission is $59 in advance or $70 at the door.
Central Pennsylvania
Punkin' Chunkin' Fall Festival
October 17 | Howard
Not every fall festival involves quietly picking pumpkins. At the Punkin' Chunkin' Fall Festival in Howard, visitors can watch pumpkins soar hundreds of feet through the air.
Using air cannons, catapults, and trebuchets, participants launch pumpkins toward a local dam. Beyond the main event, visitors can browse crafts and goods from local vendors and enjoy traditional food from local businesses.
The festival is dog-friendly, free to attend, and benefits the Howard Volunteer Fire Company.
Where: 149 Main Park Rd., Howard
When: October 17, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Admission: Free
From apple picking and cider to historic traditions, Oktoberfest celebrations, and flying pumpkins, these Pennsylvania festivals offer plenty of reasons to plan a fall road trip. Whether you're looking for a family outing, a food-filled afternoon, or simply an excuse to enjoy the season, there's something on this list to help make the most of autumn.
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