Discover the Best Fall Festivals in Pennsylvania

As the leaves begin to change colors and the air turns crisp, Pennsylvania comes alive with some of the best fall festivals in the country. From pumpkin patches to apple orchards, there is no shortage of fun activities to enjoy during the season. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these festivals are sure to make your fall unforgettable. In this article, we’ll be exploring the best fall festivals in Pennsylvania and what makes them unique and worth visiting. So grab a warm cup of cider and let’s dive in!

🍂 The Great Allentown Fair

The Great Allentown Fair is one of the largest and most popular fall festivals in Pennsylvania. It features a variety of attractions and events, including concerts, carnival rides, and agricultural exhibits. Visitors can also enjoy delicious fair food and shop from local vendors. This festival is perfect for families and groups of friends looking for a fun-filled day.

🎵 Concerts

The Great Allentown Fair is known for its impressive lineup of concerts. Throughout the festival, visitors can enjoy performances from popular artists in a wide range of genres, including country, rock, and pop. Past performers have included Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, and John Legend.

🎡 Carnival Rides

The festival also features a large carnival area with rides and games for all ages. From classic ferris wheels to thrilling roller coasters, there is something for everyone. Visitors can purchase ride tickets or wristbands for unlimited access.

🍴 Fair Food

No fair is complete without delicious food, and The Great Allentown Fair does not disappoint. From funnel cakes to fried Oreos, visitors can enjoy all of their favorite fair treats. There are also a variety of food vendors offering unique and tasty options, such as gourmet grilled cheese and pulled pork sandwiches.

🍁 The National Apple Harvest Festival

The National Apple Harvest Festival is a two-weekend event held annually in Adams County, Pennsylvania. It celebrates all things apple-related with activities such as apple cider pressing, apple pie baking contests, and apple butter making demonstrations. Visitors can also enjoy live music, crafts, and historical reenactments.

🍎 Apple-related Activities

The National Apple Harvest Festival is the perfect place to learn about apples and their history. Visitors can watch demonstrations of apple cider pressing, apple butter making, and apple pie baking. There are also opportunities to pick your own apples and purchase a variety of apple products, such as apple cider and apple butter.

🎶 Live Music

Throughout the festival, visitors can enjoy live music from a variety of artists. From country to rock, there is a little something for everyone. There are also special performances from local school bands and choirs.

🕰️ Historical Reenactments

The National Apple Harvest Festival also features historical reenactments of life in colonial America. Visitors can see demonstrations of blacksmithing, weaving, and other traditional crafts. There are also colonial-era games and activities for children.

🌽 The Kutztown Folk Festival

The Kutztown Folk Festival is a celebration of Pennsylvania Dutch culture and heritage. Held annually in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, it features traditional crafts, food, and music. Visitors can see demonstrations of quilting, blacksmithing, and woodworking, as well as enjoy delicious Pennsylvania Dutch dishes.

🧶 Traditional Crafts

The Kutztown Folk Festival is the perfect place to see traditional crafts in action. Visitors can watch demonstrations of quilting, blacksmithing, and woodworking. There are also opportunities to purchase handmade crafts, such as pottery, baskets, and quilts.

🍽️ Pennsylvania Dutch Food

The festival is known for its delicious Pennsylvania Dutch food, such as shoofly pie, chicken pot pie, and scrapple. Visitors can also try traditional Pennsylvania Dutch dishes, such as apple schnitz and chow-chow. There are also a variety of food vendors offering unique and tasty options, such as artisanal sausages and handmade ice cream.

🎶 Folk Music

The Kutztown Folk Festival also features live performances of traditional folk music. Visitors can enjoy a variety of styles, including bluegrass, Celtic, and country. There are also special performances by local school bands and choirs.

🎃 The Pennsylvania Pumpkin Festival

The Pennsylvania Pumpkin Festival is a celebration of all things pumpkin-related. Held annually in the town of Conneaut Lake, it features pumpkin carving contests, pumpkin pie eating contests, and pumpkin-themed games and activities. Visitors can also enjoy live music, food, and craft vendors.

🎃 Pumpkin Carving Contests

The Pennsylvania Pumpkin Festival is the perfect place to show off your pumpkin carving skills. Visitors can enter the pumpkin carving contest for a chance to win prizes. There are also pumpkin decorating contests for children.

🥧 Pumpkin Pie Eating Contests

For those who love pumpkin pie, the Pennsylvania Pumpkin Festival has a contest just for you. Visitors can enter the pumpkin pie eating contest for a chance to win prizes. There are also pumpkin-themed games and activities for children.

🎵 Live Music

The festival also features live music from a variety of artists. From country to rock, there is something for everyone. There are also special performances by local school bands and choirs.

🌻 The Bloomsburg Fair

The Bloomsburg Fair is a 10-day event held annually in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania. It features a variety of attractions and events, including livestock shows, carnival rides, and food vendors. Visitors can also enjoy live music and performances.

🐄 Livestock Shows

The Bloomsburg Fair is known for its impressive livestock shows. Visitors can see cows, pigs, and sheep compete for prizes. There are also horse shows and other animal-related events.

🎡 Carnival Rides

The festival also features a large carnival area with rides and games for all ages. From classic ferris wheels to thrilling roller coasters, there is something for everyone. Visitors can purchase ride tickets or wristbands for unlimited access.

🍴 Fair Food

No fair is complete without delicious food, and The Bloomsburg Fair does not disappoint. Visitors can enjoy all of their favorite fair treats, such as funnel cakes and cotton candy. There are also a variety of food vendors offering unique and tasty options, such as baked potato nachos and mac and cheese bites.

FAQs

1. When is the best time to visit Pennsylvania for fall festivals?

The best time to visit Pennsylvania for fall festivals is typically from late September to mid-November. This is when the leaves are changing colors and the weather is cool and crisp.

2. Are there any free fall festivals in Pennsylvania?

Yes, there are several free fall festivals in Pennsylvania, including the Harvest Festival at Shady Brook Farm and the Harvest Jam at the Lancaster County Park.

3. What should I wear to fall festivals in Pennsylvania?

You should dress in layers for fall festivals in Pennsylvania, as the weather can be unpredictable. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes for walking and bring a jacket or sweater in case it gets chilly.

4. Are fall festivals in Pennsylvania family-friendly?

Yes, most fall festivals in Pennsylvania are family-friendly and offer activities and attractions for all ages.

5. Do fall festivals in Pennsylvania have food for dietary restrictions?

Some fall festivals in Pennsylvania offer food for dietary restrictions, such as gluten-free and vegetarian options. Be sure to check with the festival organizers beforehand to see what options are available.

6. Can I bring my dog to fall festivals in Pennsylvania?

It depends on the festival. Some fall festivals in Pennsylvania allow dogs, while others do not. Be sure to check with the festival organizers beforehand to see if dogs are allowed.

7. How much do fall festivals in Pennsylvania cost?

The cost of fall festivals in Pennsylvania varies depending on the festival and the activities and attractions offered. Some festivals are free, while others require an admission fee or tickets for certain activities.

8. Can I purchase tickets for fall festivals in Pennsylvania online?

Yes, many fall festivals in Pennsylvania offer online ticket sales. Be sure to check with the festival organizers beforehand to see if tickets are available online.

9. Are there any fall festivals in Pennsylvania that are open in the evening?

Yes, some fall festivals in Pennsylvania are open in the evening, such as the Ghosts and Goblins at the Pittsburgh Zoo and the Haunted Hayride at Arasapha Farm.

10. Can I volunteer at fall festivals in Pennsylvania?

Yes, many fall festivals in Pennsylvania rely on volunteers to help with various tasks, such as parking, ticket sales, and event setup and cleanup. Be sure to check with the festival organizers beforehand