There’s nothing quite like October’s crisp weather and colorful scenery. They combine to create a backdrop for harvest celebrations, fairs, festivals, fundraisers and, of course, Halloween festivities.
Cherry Crest Adventure Farm
October
Ronks
Through October 25, you can enjoy the displays of sunflowers (22 varieties) and zinnias (12 varieties). Buy a stem or a bucketful to take home. The pumpkin patch will be open, as well. The popcorn field is also ripe for picking. Choose some ears, take them home for popping and tune into a scary movie.
The 5-acre corn maze is also open, offering 2.5 miles of pathways. This year’s theme is “Wild, Wild West.” During October, the Flashlight Maze is offered Friday and Saturday nights until 10 p.m. Also on October weekends, guest breweries and wineries will be onsite. Fireworks will also be held Saturday nights.
Be sure to return November 1 for Pumpkin Madness (10 a.m.-10 p.m.), which closes the season with a thrilling quest to discover the ultimate pumpkin destruction techniques. From smashing and throwing to bowling, dropping and carving, there’s no shortage of excitement. Bring along your leftover Halloween pumpkins or use some of Cherry Crest’s. There’s a pumpkin drop at 5 p.m. and fireworks at 8:30 p.m. 150 Cherry Hill Rd., Ronks. Information: Cherrycrestfarm.com.
Haunted Rails & Tales
October
Strasburg Rail Road
Local folklore, fables and phenomena come alive for a unique steam-train experience. Author (Weird Pennsylvania and Weird Maryland), storyteller and actor, Matt Lake, is your host for this ride that will delve into the eerie and spooky tales of Lancaster County. A “pre-show” precedes the rides. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in October (as well as Oct. 23 & 30) at 6:45 p.m. 301 Gap Rd., Ronks. Information: Strasburgrailroad.com
A Chorus Line
Through November 1
Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
Follow a group of Broadway dancers as they take part in a heart-pounding, nail-biting, ensemble audition. As the competition heats up, the director asks each performer to share what influenced their decision to become a dancer. Watch as individual lives are transformed into being part of A Chorus Line! Note: This show is rated PG13. Days and times vary; lunch and dinner options available. 510 Centerville Rd., Lancaster. Information: Dutchapple.com
New Holland Farmers Fair
October 1-4
New Holland
The 93rd edition of the fair includes a parade, midway, competitions, exhibits, livestock shows, kid’s events and plenty of tasty food. Hours vary. Fair is held along Main Street and intersecting streets. Information: Newhollandfair.org.
Pictures at an Exhibition
October 3-5
Gardner Theatre
The Lancaster Symphony Orchestra kicks off it 2025-26 season with a visually inspired program that celebrates the connection between the visual and musical arts. The musical portion of the program will include Carlos Simon’s The Block, Hindemith’s Mathis der Maler, and Mussorgsky’s iconic Pictures at an Exhibition (orchestrated by Ravel). Pre-concert lectures will be held 45 minutes before the start of the concerts. Fri., 7:30 p.m. Sat., 2:30 & 7:30 p.m. Sun., 2:30 p.m. 725 Hamilton Rd., Lancaster. Information: Lancastersymphony.org.
Hershey Hummelstown Art Studio Tour
October 3-5
Hershey-Hummelstown Area
Back for its 7th year, this event welcomes art lovers and curious visitors alike to step into the studios and artistic havens of 11 local creators, where you’ll meet them, discover their latest works and engage in inspiring conversations about their creative processes. The stops will feature an array of unique, one-of-a-kind fine art, including paintings, porcelain, pottery, handcrafted jewelry, mosaic glass art and fiber art. Whether you are an avid art collector or searching for the perfect handcrafted gift, this weekend promises to reveal the rich talent that area has to offer. Take part in a scavenger hunt, the winner of which will receive a gift basket of art. Fri., 5-8 p.m. Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun., 12-5 p.m. Information: Hersheyhummelstownarttour.com.
Spooky Scoot
October 3-25
Strasburg
Strasburg Scooters Tours is offering a different view of Lancaster County’s winding backroads, as it “treats” visitors to a nighttime tour of the area that includes stops to hear tales of local folklore. Fridays and Saturdays, 6:45 p.m. 246 N. Decatur St., Strasburg. Information: Strasburgscooters.com.
Harvest Breakfast
October 4
Lancaster Central Market
Celebrate the harvest with the market’s standholders, who will have special harvest-themed, pay-as-you-go food stands set up outside the market house. Event also features live music, face painting, pumpkin painting and more! 8 a.m.-noon. 23 N. Market St., Lancaster. Information: Centralmarketlancaster.com.
Maize & Snitz Fest
October 4
1719 Museum
Tour the home built in 1719 for the Hans Herr family and learn about local Indigenous life at the Lancaster Longhouse. Interpreters and craftspeople will conduct demonstrations throughout the day near the two dwellings, offering insight into historic cultures, industries and art forms. Artisans who specialize in traditional crafts that have both shaped and told the stories of local cultures will also be on hand. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 1849 Hans Herr Dr., Willow Street. Information: Mennonitelife.org.
Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
October 4
Binns Park & Ewell Plaza
Event will feature live music, dancing, food trucks and vendors, and a marketplace, where unique crafts, arts and products that highlight the beauty and creativity of Hispanic heritage will be on display. 1-6 p.m. 2nd block of North Queen St., Lancaster. Information: Visitlancastercity.com
Lancaster’s Got Talent
October 4
The Trust Performing Arts Center
A celebration of local artistry and performance in the heart of downtown Lancaster, this electrifying event brings together singers, dancers, musicians, poets and entertainers to compete for the title of Lancaster’s most talented, while shining a spotlight on the diverse and vibrant creatives within our community. 7 p.m. 37 N. Market St., Lancaster. Information: Lancastertrust.com
Dancin’ With Brittanie
October 4
Columbia
Brittanie Silk brings her high-energy line-dancing class to Columbia, where no matter your level of dancing ability, you’re welcome to kick up your boots and have a blast. Admission is by donation and benefits the Columbia Animal Shelter. 7-10 p.m. (Note: this event is held monthly.) Warehouse at 265 S. 10th St., Columbia. Information: Columbiaanimalshelter.com
Wolf Sanctuary Events
October 4 & 18
Wolf Sanctuary of PA
- On October 4, the Full Moon Fundraiser will feature a bonfire, live music and educational tours that focus on the wolves and their stories. (Note: No children under 16.) 6:30-9 p.m.
- On October 18, Wolf Awareness Day will feature self-guided tours, educational games, children’s activities, live music and more. 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
465 Speedwell Forge Rd., Lititz. Information: Wolfsantctuarypa.org.
Walk-A-Bout Brewery Tour
October 4, 11, 18, 25
Lancaster City
Presented by Brewery Tours, LLC, this tour takes attendees to three breweries in the city, through which you’ll enjoy a guided tasting tour of 12 craft beers, meet the brew masters, experience behind-the-scenes access and hear local and historical anecdotes. Must be 21+. Advanced reservations needed. 12 p.m. Information: Ultimatecraftbeerexperience.com.
Artisan Days at The Shoppes at Miller’s
October 4 & 25
The Shoppes at Miller’s
Discover one-of-a-kind creations, sample food and watch quilting demos. Each Saturday will bring a different lineup of artisans who specialize in items such as candy, olive oils and balsamics, cheese and butter, soaps, apparel and candles. The Shoppes are comprised of Anna’s Gifts & Sundries, Locally Made Food Shop, The Quilt Shop at Miller’s, Ruthie’s and Miller’s Smorgasbord. 2-6 p.m. 2811 Lincoln Highway East, Ronks. Information: Shoppesatmillers.com
I-105 Fallfest
October 5
Overlook Community Park
WIOV’s annual county music extravaganza will feature such artists as Dylan Scott, Locash, Cooper Alan and more. Food trucks and beverage vendors will be onsite. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. 605 Granite Run Dr., Lancaster. Tickets needed. Information: Wiov.com
Garden Railways Tour
October 5
Various locations
Back for its 18th year, this self-guided tour of operating model trains takes you to five outdoor and garden settings. The tour makes for a fun outing for train enthusiasts of all ages. Sponsored by the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania. 1-5 p.m. Information: RRmuseumpa.org
Manheim Community Farm Show
October 6-10
Manheim
This family-friendly fair features a parade, shows, competitions, demonstrations, kid’s activities, food vendors (all food stands are operated by nonprofit organizations) and more. Hours vary. 502 Adele Ave., Manheim. Information: Manheimfarmshow.org
Lancaster County Best Kept Secrets Tour
October 9-25
Lancaster County
This shopping, food and fun adventure tour will feature 44 off-the-beaten path businesses, hand-picked for their uniqueness. Set up like a home or garden tour, you’ll travel at your own pace to discover places you’ve always meant to visit or make discoveries that become your favorite places to shop or dine. Early birds get the goody bags that are filled with coupons, freebies and more. A portion of the proceeds benefits a local nonprofit. Information: Bestkeptsecretstour.com
Jekyll & Hyde, The Musical
October 10-November 2
Fulton Theatre
The epic struggle between good and evil comes to life on stage in the musical phenomenon that is based on the classic story by Robert Louis Stevenson. It features a thrilling score of pop rock hits from multi-Grammy- and Tony-nominated Frank Wildhorn and double-Oscar- and Grammy-winning Leslie Bricusse. 12 N. Prince St., Lancaster. Information: Thefulton.org
Apple Dumpling Days
October 10 & 11
Historic Ephrata Cloister
Apple dumplings, those tasty apples wrapped in pastry and covered in sweet cinnamon syrup, are a fall tradition. Sales will help raise funds for the Back to the Cloister Fund that enables the Cloister to compete with private collectors and other institutions on the open market for original items made there. Over the years, sales of apple dumplings have been used to purchase one-of-a-kind furniture, rare music manuscripts, and the original 1739 deed to the historic site. In all, more than 100 items have been returned to the Cloister since the fund was established more than 40 years ago. The apple dumplings are provided by Achenbach’s in Leola. Purchases can be made at the drive-thru tent on the property. Sorry, no online orders. Fri., 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat., 9 a.m. till sold out. 632 W. Main St., Ephrata. Information: Ephratacloister.org
Lancaster Fine Art & Craft Show
October 11
Solanco Fairgrounds
Sponsored by the Lancaster County Art Association, the juried show will feature the work of more than 40 artists specializing in photography, ceramics, sculpture, jewelry, fiber, wood and all paint mediums. Food trucks will be onsite. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Kreider Bldg., 172 S. Lime St., Quarryville. Information: LCAAonline.org
Kiwanis Chocolate Walk
October 11
Lititz
Regarded as trick-or-treating for grownups, each year chocoholics converge on Lititz for a day of chocolate bliss! With more than 25 locations, participants visit the shops and other venues in downtown Lititz in search of mouth-watering chocolate treats that have been donated by some of the region’s top chefs, bakers, ice cream shops, chocolatiers and candy makers. All the money raised from ticket sales goes to support children-focused charities in the Lancaster County region. Tickets required. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Information: Lititzchocolatewalk.com.
Blues, Brews & “Boos” Music Festival
October 11
Marietta
The open-air festival will feature live music on four stages, artisans, food trucks, adult beverage stations (must be 21+) and a ghost-themed costume contest. Free admission, but a $5 donation will support Marietta’s Front Street Cherry Tree Restoration & Monarch Habitat and provide you with a wristband that unlocks discounts on drinks. 1-6 p.m. Front Street. (Note: rain date is October 12.) Information: Discovermariettapa.org.
Harvest Days
October 11-12
Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
In celebration of Landis Valley’s 100th anniversary, this annual event will be bigger and better than ever, offering visitors of all ages an immersive experience of 19th-century rural life. Stroll through the historic village and watch skilled artisans demonstrate traditional crafts like blacksmithing, weaving, tinsmithing and more. Enjoy hands-on activities, wagon rides and delicious seasonal foods prepared using heirloom recipes. Activities for children will include harvest-themed games, pumpkin painting and opportunities to meet farm animals. On Saturday, the bluegrass band, Hammer Creek, will perform from 4-6 p.m. On Sunday, a Historic Car Show will be held. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 2451 Kissel Hill Rd., Lancaster. Information: Landisvalleymuseum.org
Celebrating of Ministry Gala
October 12
Eden Resort & Suites
An evening of fellowship, joy and thanksgiving will honor the faithful ministry and lasting impact of Bethel AME Church’s Reverend Edward Maurice and Mrs. Lavonia Bailey. The event will feature dinner shared in fellowship, uplifting music and program tributes. 6 p.m. 222 Eden Rd., Lancaster. Information: Bethelamelancaster.com
Fall Farm Days
October 12-14
The Amish House & Farm
Come to the farm and take part in pumpkin chuckin’, a scavenger hunt and other games. Event will also feature face painting, apple cider tasting, a corm maze, a petting zoo, food vendors and artisans. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 2395 Covered Bridge Dr., Lancaster. Information: Amishfarmandhouse.com
Halloween Days & Spooky Knights
October 11-12, 18-19, 25-26
PA Renaissance Faire
It’s that time of the year: ghosts, goblins, fairies, vampires and creatures make their presence known at the Shire at Mt. Hope. Don your costumes, take part in a treasure hunt, go trick-or-treating and have fun. Gates open at 11 a.m. 2775 Lebanon Rd., Manheim. Information: Parenfaire.com.
Calpulli Mexican Dance Company
October 13
Pullo Center
This dance company’s repertoire is a carnival of folkloric traditions and original creations, both choreographic and musical. The narrative-based stories are told entirely through dance, music, elaborate and colorful costuming, and with the passion of performers. Día de Muertos is a story in which a loving couple falls victim to treachery and is separated, seemingly forever. The young woman enters the underworld of Aztec mythology, where the mesmerizing Catrina reigns as queen. 7:30 p.m. 1031 Edgecomb Ave., York. Information: Pullocenter.york.psu.edu
Haunted Encounters
October 15 & 22
Historic Rock Ford
A nighttime journey through the General Hand Mansion explores the personal side of Rock Ford’s 200 years of haunted history. Visitors will be led through the rooms of the darkened Mansion by long-time staff members who will share paranormal experiences gathered through the years. Those experiences happened while supervising paranormal investigation teams, as well as during those intriguing moments when something unexplained goes bump in the night … or day. Note: Not recommended for children under the age of 12. 6:30 p.m. 881 Rockford Dr., Lancaster. Information: Historicrockford.org
Taste of Science
October 16
Lancaster Science Factory
It’s an evening of entertainment, food, drinks and science – all to benefit the nonprofit Lancaster Science Factory and its goal to ensure that STEM experiences are accessible to all students across Lancaster County. Event will feature dinner provided by Frisco’s Peruvian Chicken, science-themes cocktails with Thistle Finch Distillery, wine and other beverages, a Science of Beer Competition by the Lancaster Brewers Club, a Live Science trivia contest, raffles and silent auction and more. Must be 21+ to attend. (Note: This is a ticketed event.) 6 p.m. 454 New Holland Ave., Lancaster. Information: Lancastersciencefactory.org
Chief Uncas Boat Tours
October 17-26
Zimmerman Center for Heritage
Haunted Heritage is the theme of this one-hour excursion that will delve into the strange happenings, creature sightings and tragic endings that are connected to the river area. Then, continue the adventure at a local restaurant (some of which are purported to be haunted!). Fri., Sat. and Sun., 2 & 4 p.m. (Note: other themed tours are offered, as well.) 1706 Long Level Rd., Wrightsville. Information: Susqnha.org.
AppleUmpkin Fall Festival
October 18
Adamstown
Celebrate the fall season at this community event that includes chili and pie-baking competitions, an apple-peeling contest, a costume parade, hayrides, pumpkin decorating, scarecrow making and more. Craft vendors will be on hand. Food selection will include the festival’s famous apple dumplings. The festivities get underway at 10 a.m. Adamstown Community Park, 33 W. Main St., Adamstown. Information: Adeamstowncommunitydays.com
Lancaster ARTWalk
October 18-19
Lancaster City
This annual event is a celebration of creativity, culture and community. Immerse yourself in a kaleidoscope of artistic expression, from contemporary masterpieces to traditional craftsmanship. With a rich tapestry of galleries, studios and open-air exhibits, there’s something for every art enthusiast. Engage with local artists, take in live demonstrations and discover the stories behind each stroke of creativity. Whether you’re an art connoisseur or simply curious, ARTWalk provides inspiration and discovery. Lancaster City. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, 12-4 p.m. Information: Lancastercityart.com.
Yummie’s Halloween Boo Bash
October 25
Kitchen Kettle Village
Ticketholders for this family-friendly event will receive a lunch voucher, can participate in a costume contest, visit the Whoopie Pie Experience and Hot Chocolate bar, pose for photos with the village’s mascots, take part in a scavenger hunt (kids) and a treasure hunt (adults). 9:30-10 a.m. check-in. 3029 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse. Information: Kitchenkettle.com
Boos & Brews Fest
October 25
Penn Medicine Park
More than 20 breweries will be on hand for this night of revelry that includes a costume contest, movies screened on the videoboard, live music and more. 21+ only. VIP and Designated Driver tickets available. Benefits projects of the Penn Square Rotary. 6-9 p.m. 650 N. Prince St., Lancaster. Information: Pennmedicinepark.com
Halloween House Tour
October 26
Columbia
There’s nowhere quite like Columbia at Halloween time! The tour will take you into private homes and public buildings, where creativity abounds in celebration of the season. 2-7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at Columbia Market House on Oct. 23 (4-6 p.m.) & Oct. 25 (10 a.m.-2 p.m.), as well as Oct. 26 at Mt. Bethel Cemetery. Information: Createcolumbia.org
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