Pumpkin patches, apple picking and more: Your guide to central PA’s fall festivals
As the days start to cool and leaves change, all the signs of fall are fast approaching. Before you start googling where the nearest pumpkin patch is, check out these fall events around central Pennsylvania.
Be sure to mark your calendar for these 12 fall festivals that are sure to keep you busy all the way to November.
Nittany Antique Machinery Fall Show
Thursday-Sunday, Sept. 8-11 at Penn’s Cave and Wildlife Park
The 48th annual antique machinery show features a flea market, tractor parades, demonstrations and a cider press. Admission is $8 a day or a four-day pass for $20.
Harvestfest
Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 24-25 at DelGrosso’s Park
Enjoy live music, crafts, food and park rides as part of DelGrosso’s season finale. Admission is $6 a person for rides and entertainment, while children younger then 3 and season pass holders get free admission.
Oktoberfest at Tussey Mountain
Friday, Sept. 23 at 5:30 p.m. at Tussey Mountain
This German-inspired fall festival boasts Smitty’s Polka Band, the Bavarian Stompers and Oktoberfest drinks. Tickets are on sale now at Tussey Mountain’s website or can be purchased the day of the event.
Bedford Fall Foliage Festival
Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 1-2 and 8-9 in downtown Bedford
It’s the 58th annual fall celebration in Bedford as more than 400 artists come to the city to show off their works. The festival will have live music, festive food and children’s activities over the two-weekend event.
Dutch Fall Festival
Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 1 and 2 at Aaronsburg Civic Club
Details have not been released about this year’s event, but previous years have had traditional Pennsylvania Dutch foods, live music and historical demonstrations.
Wasson Farm Fall Fest
Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 1-2, 8-9 and 15-16 at 2545 Shingletown Road in State College
The three-weekend festival has tons of fall activities, including a hayride, pumpkin patch, corn maze and more. Amish baked goods and homemade fall foods will also be sold at the event, but Wesson’s only accepts cash or check payments.
Harvest Craft Festival
Friday-Saturday, Oct. 7-8 at Way Fruit Farm
Way Fruit Farm is hosting several events this fall, with craft vendors, food trucks, apple picking and live music. Additional information on the farm’s fall events can be found online.
Penn State Arboretum’s Pumpkin Festival
Sunday, Oct. 2 and Friday-Saturday, Oct. 7-8 at the Penn State Arboretum
The Arboretum is hosting a pumpkin giveaway Oct. 2 before its jack-o-lantern contest and display. During the festival, visitors can enjoy live music, food vendors and pumpkin carvings.
Rooted Farmstead Fall Market
Saturday, Oct. 8 at Rooted Farmstead
Enjoy local food, beverages, music and pop-up stores at the second fall market festival. Sunflowers and mums will be for sale if the weather cooperates.
Downtown Fall Fest
Saturday, Oct. 15 in downtown State College
Starting at 10 a.m. on Allen Street, the downtown area will be filled with pumpkins, food vendors and family activities. Children can ride ponies, jump in the bounce house or explore the pumpkin patch.
Punkin’ Chunkin’ Fall Festival
Saturday, Oct. 22 at 10 a.m. at Bald Eagle State Park
Ever wanted to catapult a pumpkin into a lake? You’re in luck as the Howard Fire Co. returns for its annual fall fundraiser. Besides the firing of pumpkin-loaded cannons, the event will also have hayrides, games, food and a pumpkin pie eating contest.
Talleyrand Fall Fest and Halloween Parade
Saturday, Oct. 29 at Talleyrand Park
The Halloween parade starts at 11 a.m. at Bellefonte Elementary and features food, games and activities. Adults can enjoy the craft beverage tasting tent.
This story was originally published September 6, 2022 at 6:00 AM.