Fall Festival Fever!—Bethel Park and Peters Township
- Emily King
- Aug 1
- 12 min read
As Autumn approaches, let the fall fun begin! Pumpkins, corn mazes, hayrides, applefests and more await.
Down on the Farm
Fall Fun on the Farm Weekends
Where: The Spring House, 1531 PA-136, Washington
For more info: springhousemarket.com
Have some old-fashioned fun featuring pumpkin patch hayrides, a giant bale climb, pipe slides, a corn maze, a corn box, pumpkin games, a petting zoo, Pumpkinland characters and more.
Half Crown Hill Orchard
Where: 600 North Branch Road, McDonald
For more info: hchorchard.com
Make some family memories picking your own apples at Half Crown Hill! While you’re there, you can try your luck at the apple slingshot or stock up on cider and honey at the farm market.
Simmons Farm Fall Activities
Where: 170 Simmons Road, McMurray
For more info: simmonsfarm.com
Fall into some fun with hayrides, acres of pumpkins, a corn maze, hay maze, petting zoo, and more. Extra weekend activities can include live music, apple slingshots, a butterfly house and food concessions.
Trax Farms Fall Festival
Where: 528 Trax Road, Finleyville
For more info: traxfarms.com
This annual festival is a tradition for many families in the South Hills and beyond. There’s something for everyone. Enjoy a hayride to the pumpkin patch to pick your own pumpkin or see if you can find your way through the giant 4-acre corn maze.
Fall Fairs and Festivals
Art in the Park
When: September 6
Where: Dormont Park, 1801 Dormont Avenue, Dormont
For more info: dormontarts.com
Art in the Park celebrates art, music, and community through a diverse exhibition of immersive experiences and displays of original art throughout the park. Local nonprofit organizations will lead fun, creative booths, while arts vendors will sell their wares along a beautiful tree-lined path.
Cecil Township Fall Festival
When: September 27 & 28
Where: Cecil Township Park, 3599 Millers Run Road, Cecil
For more info: ceciltownship-pa.gov
Celebrate fall in Cecil with family and friends! There will be lots of crafters, scrumptious food, a variety of entertainment, 50/50 raffle, Chinese auction, a petting zoo, bounce houses and more.
Children’s Harvest Festival
When: October 19
Where: Oliver Miller Homestead, 1 Stone Manse Drive, South Park
For more info: olivermillerhomestead.org
Harvest time wasn’t all work and no play. In fact, it was a very important opportunity for communities to get together and enjoy each other’s company. This event is especially family-friendly, with an emphasis on children’s games, crafts, music, and a giant leaf pile to jump into.
Covered Bridge Festival
When: September 20 & 21
Where: Ten covered bridges in Washington and Greene counties
For more info: visitwashingtoncountypa.com
Each bridge location offers a charming atmosphere and an array of activities, including handmade arts, food, historical reenactments, crafting demonstrations, and entertainment.
Dormont’s Annual Street and Music Festival
When: October 11
Where: Potomac Avenue (West Liberty to Belrose), Dormont
For more info: boro.dormont.pa.us
Enjoy strolling entertainers, live performances on stage, local vendors and artists, crafts and activities for kids, food from local restaurants, and other fun for the whole family.
Green Tree Borough Octoberfest
When: September 13
Where: Green Tree Park, 905 Greentree Road, Green Tree
For more info: greentreeboro.com
This annual event offers games, rides, food, live entertainment, craft vendors, and fun for all ages.
Hickory Apple Festival
When: October 4 & 5
Where: 106 Main Street, Hickory
For more info: hickoryapplefest.com
This annual event is a beloved community festival. Live entertainment, unique crafters, homemade brick-oven bread, and delicious apple everything make it something you don’t want to miss. It is the largest fundraiser for the Mt. Pleasant Township VFC.
Houston Pumpkin Festival
When: October 10-12
Where: American Legion Post #902 Picnic Grounds, 124 West Pike Street, Houston
For more info: houstonpumpkinfestival.net
This festival is a three-day tradition that offers food, craft vendors, children’s activities, a parade, and contests. Musical entertainment will include performances by Black Dog Hollow, the Canon-McMillan Steel Drum Band, and Ashley Mullens. Admission is free. Proceeds benefit the Houston Volunteer Fire Department.
McFall Fest
When: October 1
Where: McDonald Presbyterian Church, 119 Station Street, McDonald
For more info: mcdonaldpres.org
Celebrate fall with an amazing day filled with lots of family fun! Homemade food, the Treasure Chest Resale Shoppe, baked goods, raffles, and craft and vendor sales will make the event worth attending. Every dollar raised will go toward supporting mission and ministry work in the local community and beyond.
Monongahela Aquatorium Annual Witch Festival
When: October 18
Where: 200 Railroad Street, Monongahela
For more info: visitwashingtoncountypa.com
The Witch Festival offers the finest oddities, curiosities and wares! Dress up in your favorite costume, eat, drink and dance.
Pennsylvania Arts & Crafts Christmas Festival
When: October 17-19, 25 & 26
Where: Washington County Fairgrounds, 2151 North Main Street, Washington
For more info: familyfestivals.com
Browse and shop at more than 200 exhibit spaces offering an abundance of arts, crafts, and foods in six heated buildings. Many of the region’s best artists and craftsmen will be displaying their finest works, including functional and decorative wood, embellished clothing, stained glass, jewelry, candles, and much more.
Pennsylvania Bavarian Oktoberfest
When: September 19-21
Where: Pike Street, Downtown Canonsburg
For more info: canonsburgboro.com
Named one of the Top 20 Oktoberfest celebrations in the country by USA Today, this event features fun for the whole family. It includes live entertainment on two stages featuring both German music and today’s pop, an assortment of beers, a food court offering German and American cuisine, a children’s craft area, and amusement rides/games.
Washington Italian Festival
When: September 27
Where: Community Pavilion, Main Street, Washington
For more info: primoitaliano.org/festival
Celebrate Italian culture, heritage, and traditions at this annual festival. There will be live entertainment and delicious food and wine.
Halloween Activities and Events
Books and Brews
When: October 2
Where: Mondays Brewing Company, 1055 Waterdam Plaza Drive, McMurray
For more info: ptlibrary.org
Join Peters Township Library staff at Mondays Brewing for a lively discussion in this book club. October’s selection is “The Lost Bookshop” by Evie Woods.
Brentwood Borough’s Pumpkin Patch
When: October 19
Where: Brentwood Park Fields, 283 Kaiser Way, Brentwood
For more info: brentwoodboro.com
Enjoy fall fun for the whole family at Brentwood Borough’s Pumpkin Patch! The event features hay bales, corn stalks, plants for decorating, crafts, games, concessions, and lots of pumpkins.
Cecil Township Trail of Treats
When: October 18
Where: Cecil Township Park, 3599 Millers Run Road, Cecil
For more info: ceciltownship-pa.gov
Wear your favorite costume and follow along the haunted illuminated trail to collect treats from area businesses. Enjoy Halloween music and treats at the concession stand too. This is for children 12 and under.
Fall Fun Day
When: October 4
Where: Mingo Creek Park Shelter #6, 3111 Route 136, Finleyville
For more info: washingtoncopa.gov
Join the park staff for a fun-filled day of pumpkin carving, scarecrow stuffing and hayrides. Pre-registration is required. Fees: hayrides, $2 per person; pumpkins, $4 each; scarecrow stuffing, free (bring your own clothes for it).
Ghouls and Goblins Archery
When: October 8
Where: Mingo Creek Park, 232 Mingo Creek Road, Eighty Four
For more info: washingtoncopa.gov
Ready for a spooky night of archery? Join NASP instructors to learn the basics, including parts of a bow, shooting techniques, and safety on the range. Attendees will have the opportunity to shoot at “goblins and ghouls.” All levels are welcome. Must be 10 years of age or older. Pre-registration is required.
Ghost Stories and Legends with Thomas White
When: October 14
Where: Mt. Lebanon Public Library, 16 Castle Shannon Boulevard, Mt. Lebanon
For more info: mtlebanonlibrary.org
Join local writer and academic Thomas White for an evening of local legends and ghost stories in celebration of spooky season. This is a program for adults.
Haunted Trail XXV
When: October 3 & 4
Where: Peterswood Park (next to the Recreation Center), 700 Meredith Drive, Venetia
For more info: peterstownship.com
Dare to walk the trail and see what lurks around the corners and behind the trees! Halloween fun awaits on this year’s haunted trail.
Hayride and Bonfire
When: October 4
Where: Simmons Farm, 170 Simmons Road, Canonsburg
For more info: northstrabanetwp.com/events
Take a hayride and warm up by the fire as part of the fall activities at the farm. Each participant receives a small pumpkin, apple cider and s’mores.
Headlamp Night Walk
When: October 16
Where: Mingo Creek Park, 232 Mingo Creek Road, Eighty Four
For more info: washingtoncopa.gov
Calling all nocturnal hikers! This 2.5-mile night walk is for you. Take in the sights, sounds and smells of a fall night as you travel through the deciduous and coniferous woodlots and oil fields. Dress for the weather and terrain. Headlamps will be provided.
The Jack-O-Lantern Jog and Skeleton Stroll
When: October 25
Where: 314 Elm Street Extension, Canonsburg
For more info: visitwashingtoncountypa.com
This 5K run and 1-mile stroll will start at Canon-McMillan High School. All participants registered before Oct. 12 are guaranteed a shirt. There will be a raffle, Chinese auction and a 50/50. The race is a fundraiser to benefit the Community Scholarship Foundation of Canon-McMillan. All participants are encouraged to wear costumes!
Mingo Creek Park Star Party
When: October 17 & 18
Where: Mingo Creek Park Observatory, Little Mingo Road, Venetia
For more info: 3ap.org
View the moon, planets, and deep space objects at the Mingo Creek Observatory. Star parties, provided by the Amateur Astronomers of Pittsburgh, begin at dusk with safe solar viewing beginning two hours before sunset.
Peters Township Friday Night Flick
When: October 10
Where: Peterswood Park Amphitheater, 700 Meredith Drive, Venetia
For more info: peterstownship.com
Enjoy “Beetlejuice” under the stars during the Friday Night Flicks series. Take a blanket or chair and get comfortable. This is a free event subject to change, so keep up-to-date online.
South Fayette Township Movie in the Park: ‘Zokkomon’
When: October 3
Where: Fairview Park, 288 Recreation Road, South Fayette Township
For more info: southfayettepa.com
Watch a family movie on the big screen during this outdoor series. Remember a blanket or chair and bug spray.
Whispering Souls Paranormal Investigations Presents: Haunted Happenings
When: October 2
Where: Bethel Park Public Library, 5100 West Library Avenue, Bethel Park
For more info: bethelpark.librarycalendar.com
Going ghost hunting? Learn about the essential paranormal equipment you will need to step into the spirit world. WSPI will bring awareness and education about the actual tools ghost hunters use in the field. Experience the evidence captured by WSPI with the most modern ghost hunting equipment. You will be astonished by the results. Suitable for all ages.
Live Entertainment
Four Chord Music Fest
When: September 13 & 14
Where: EQT Park, 1 Washington Federal Way, Washington
For more info: fourchordmusicfestival.com
Like punk rock? Celebrate the 11th year of the Four Chord Music Fest with the biggest lineup and festival to date.
Kings of Thrash Band
When: October 19
Where: Crafthouse Stage & Grill, 5024 Curry Road, Whitehall
For more info: crafthousepgh.com
Kings of Thrash features former Megadeth members David Ellefson and Jeff Young performing classic thrash metal songs. All general admission seating is first-come, first-served. Those under 21 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. There is free valet parking.
Little Lake Theatre Company Presents ‘Calendar Girls’
When: October 30 through November 16 (Check the website for specific dates.)
Where: 500 Lakeside Drive South, Canonsburg
For more info: littlelake.org
“Calendar Girls” is a comedy based on a true story. It follows a group of extraordinary older women from a small English village who decide to raise money for charity by creating a calendar featuring them posing in the nude.
South Park Theatre Presents ‘A Picasso’
When: September 18 through October 4
Where: Corner of Brownsville Road and Corrigan Drive, South Park
For more info: southparktheatre.com
“A Picasso” is a cat-and-mouse drama about art, politics, sex, and truth, with a thrilling twist.
Tijuana Brass Presented by River City Brass
When: October 8
Where: Bethel Park High School, 309 Church Road, Bethel Park
For more info: rivercitybrass.org
River City Brass will perform a tribute to Herb Alpert and his Tijuana Brass, featuring hits such as “Tijuana Taxi,” “A Taste of Honey,” and “Zorba the Greek.”
Other Fun in the Fall
Bethel Park Community Day
When: September 20
Where: Bethel Park High School, 309 Church Road, Bethel Park
For more info: bethelparkpa.gov
Enjoy a parade and lots of family-friendly activities at this year’s community day in Bethel Park!
Brentwood Public Library Book Sale
When: Several Saturdays throughout the season (Check the website for details.)
Where: Brentwood Public Library, 3501 Brownsville Road, Brentwood
For more info: brentwoodpubliclibrary.org
Are you looking to find good books for your loving family members? Look no further than Brentwood Library’s Fall Book Sale! The library will be offering great deals on gently used books and other items.
Celebrity Hoops for Hospice
When: October 22
Where: Baldwin High School, 4653 Clairton Boulevard, Whitehall
For more info: upmc.com
The Celebrity Hoops for Hospice charity basketball game will feature some alumni from the Pittsburgh Penguins, Pirates, and Steelers. There will be free autographs, halftime shot contests, sports-themed raffles, and much more. Proceeds will benefit Family Hospice children’s bereavement programs.
Dance With Your Daughter
When: November 1
Where: Lindenwood Golf Course Clubhouse, 360 Galley Road, Canonsburg
For more info: northstrabanetwp.com
This is a chance for local dads to get out on the dance floor with their daughters.
Dancing for a Cause
When: October 17
Where: Hilton Garden Inn, 1000 Corporate Drive, Canonsburg
For more info: watchful.org
Dancing for a Cause offers food, entertainment and all the pizzazz of a floor show. Stars will be out when local celebrities, hometown heroes and concerned citizens gather to raise funds to help fight child abuse.
Friends of the Library Mum Sale
When: September 6
Where: Mt. Lebanon Public Library, 16 Castle Shannon Boulevard, Mt. Lebanon
For more info: mtlebanonlibrary.org
Get ready for fall with the library’s annual mum sale!
Mt. Lebanon Artists’ Market
When: September 27 & 28
Where: Academy Avenue Parking Lot (behind The Saloon), Mt. Lebanon
For more info: mtlebopartnership.org
As a juried arts festival, the market will include more than 60 booths featuring professional-quality, original art in a variety of media. Food trucks will provide great eats for purchase.
Owl Prowl
When: November 14
Where: Mingo Creek Park, 232 Mingo Creek Road, Eighty Four
For more info: visitwashingtoncountypa.com
Take a night hike in Mingo Creek Park to listen for vocalizations of resident owls. Screech owls and barred owls may be heard. This will be a fun-filled family outing. Dress for the weather and moderate hiking. Pre-registration is required.
Read Local, Eat Local
When: September 6
Where: Peters Township Public Library, 616 East McMurray Road, McMurray
For more info: ptlibrary.org
The Peters Township Library Foundation provides the funding for this author showcase featuring local writers and food trucks in a fun combination event.
St. Thomas More Fall Arts and Crafts Show
When: October 4
Where: 126 Fort Couch Road, Bethel Park
For more info: stmpgh.org
Holiday items, jewelry, unique handmade crafts, food, and much more will be available for purchase at this annual show.
Taking it to the Streets
When: September 28
Where: 4090 Brownsville Road at Towne Square Way, Brentwood
For more info: brentwoodboro.com
Celebrate fall with this fun street festival. Food trucks from around the area will bring fall fun to your plate, and quality beer and wine will give you a real sip of the season.
Twilight at Mansfield
When: November 2
Where: Oliver Miller Homestead, 1 Stone Manse Drive, South Park
For more info: olivermillerhomestead.org
Described as the most picturesque event of the year, see the Oliver Miller Homestead in old-fashioned ambiance. The property will be lit by candles, lamps, lanterns and crescent, allowing for a rare opportunity to see it in a traditional evening setting.
Autumn in the Burgh
Festival of Combustion
When: October 4
Where: Carrie Blast Furnaces, 801 Carrie Furnace Boulevard, Rankin
For more info: riversofsteel.com
This festival is a celebration of the industrial arts and American crafts. Hands-on activities for adults and kids, with demonstrations and experiences throughout the day, will add to the fun.
Handmade Arcade
When: December 5 & 6
Where: David L. Lawrence Convention Center, 1000 Fort Duquesne Boulevard, Downtown Pittsburgh
For more info: handmadearcade.org
This holiday market is Handmade Arcade’s longest-running and largest event, hosting up to 250 makers and artists and more than 10,000 enthusiastic shoppers.
Idlewild’s HallowBoo!
When: September 13 through October 26 (Saturdays and Sundays)
Where: Idlewild Park, 2580 US-30, Ligonier
For more info: idlewild.com
It’s the Idlewild you know and love, with a fun, family-oriented, Happy-Halloween twist! Trick-or-treat through Story Book Forest, hop on favorite rides, and enjoy special entertainment perfect for the season.
Phantom Fall Fest at Kennywood
When: Select dates in September and October
Where: Kennywood Park, 4800 Kennywood Boulevard, West Mifflin
For more info: kennywood.com
Phantom Fall Fest lets you do Halloween your way. Family-friendly fun starts early, including rides, festive food, and a unique autumn atmosphere. When the sun goes down, the Phantom takes screams to the extreme with haunted houses and scare zones.
Pittsburgh Chinese Cultural Festival
When: September 13
Where: Mellon Park, 6518 Fifth Avenue, Point Breeze
For more info: pghccc.org
This all-day festival offers tons of Asian cuisine, musical and dance performances, exhibits, and games.
Pittsburgh Empower Walk & 5K Run
When: September 25
Where: Acrisure Stadium, 100 Art Rooney Avenue, Pittsburgh’s North Side
For more info: act.autismspeaks.org
Participation in this event directly supports crucial programs and services for the autism community.
Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival
When: September 18-21
Where: Highmark Stadium, 510 West Station Square Drive, Pittsburgh’s South Side
For more info: pittsburghjazzfest.org
This festival features world-renowned jazz musicians, local pros, and new artists creating a sound experience like no other. The annual event is presented by the August Wilson African American Cultural Center.
Pittsburgh Irish Festival
When: September 5-7
Where: Carrie Blast Furnaces, 801 Carrie Furnace Boulevard, Rankin
For more info: pghirishfest.org
This event is one of the area’s largest celebrations of Celtic music, dance, lore, and food.
Pittsburgh Lebanese Food Festival
When: September 5-7
Where: Our Lady of Victory Maronite Church, 1000 Tropical Avenue, Beechview
For more info: visitpittsburgh.com
Authentic Lebanese food, music and culture are all part of this annual festival.
Pittsburgh Monster Pumpkins Festival
When: October 18 & 19
Where: 3 Crossings Campus (between 28th and 29th Streets), Pittsburgh’s Strip District
For more info: monsterpumpkins.com
The Monster Pumpkins Festival will have pumpkins so big, so heavy, and so fascinating-to-behold, you’ll be doing double takes all day long!
Schenley Plaza Kids Day
When: October 13
Where: Schenley Plaza, 4100 Forbes Avenue, Oakland
For more info: pittsburghparks.org
Kids Day includes free carousel rides, interactive activities, unique live performances and more!
We love to inform our readers about fun events happening in our local communities. Send an email message to d.mountain@icmags.com if you have details about a future event in the area.
We kindly ask that before attending an event, please check the website provided. We do our utmost to make certain the information we provide in this section is accurate; however, events are subject to change.
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