Fall Festival Fever!—Canon-Mac, Chartiers Valley, and West Jefferson Hills

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

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 & 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 11

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

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).

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.

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.

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.

Hundred Acres Manor Haunted House

When: Opens September 12 (Visit the website for more dates.)

Where: 1 Hundred Acres Drive, Bethel Park

For more info: hundredacresmanor.com

Hundred Acres Manor is one of the area’s largest and most extreme haunted attractions. Get face-to-face with some of the most terrifying zombies, creatures, and monsters!

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!

Peters Township Friday Night Flick

When: October 10

Where: Peterswood Park Amphitheater, 700 Meredith Drive, Venetia

For more info: peterstownship.com

Enjoy “Beetlejuice 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.

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

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.

Rocktoberfest

When: October 4

Where: Andrew Reilly Memorial/885 Park, 356 Wray Drive, Jefferson Hills

For more info: boroughofjeffersonhills.org

Rock out at the 3rd annual Rocktoberfest! Live music, delicious food and drinks, local vendors, and the perfect autumn atmosphere will make this event one you don’t want to miss.

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!

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

South Park 5K

When: October 19

Where: 250 Maple Springs Drive, South Park Township

For more info: runsignup.com/Race/PA/SouthPark/SouthPark5K

South Park 5K is a family fun run/walk. Food and money will be collected for the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank prior to and on race day.

Taking it to the Streets

When: September 27

Where: Brownsville Road at Towne Square, Brentwood

For more info: brentwoodboro.com

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.

Jack O’Lantern Extravaganza at the Zoo

When: October 2 through November 2 (Check the website for exact dates.)

Where: Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, 7370 Baker Street, Highland Park

For more info: pittsburghzoo.org

Thousands of artistically carved pumpkins will glow in the night during the walk-through Jack O’Lantern Extravaganza. The gallery of pumpkins will feature an all-new array of beloved zoo animals, famous sights, and some familiar characters presented with sound, light, and other special effects.

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.

Phipps’ Fall Flower Show: Visions of Japan

When: Opening October 4 (Check the website for additional dates.)

Where: Phipps Conservatory, 1 Schenley Drive, Oakland

For more info: phipps.conservatory.org

Celebrate the prominence of the chrysanthemum in Japanese culture during the Fall Flower Show at Phipps. Enjoy mums in all shapes and sizes, as well as props including jewel-toned fans, a moon gate, a pagoda, footbridges and a dragon.

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 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: 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.