Fall Festival Fever!—McKeesport Area and Oakmont-Penn Hills-Verona

As Autumn approaches, let the fall fun begin! Pumpkins, corn mazes, hayrides, applefests and more await.

Down on the Farm

Gearhard Farms Annual Corn Maze

When: Labor Day weekend through Halloween

Where: 5909 Saltsburg Road, Murrysville

For more info: gearhardfarms.com

Get lost in fall fun at Gearhard Farms! For more than 25 years, the 4-acre corn mazes have been designed with all ages in mind and an aerial “mystery message” that’s revealed at the end. Additional activities include hayrides, campfires, horse cart rides and more.

Lonesome Valley Farms

When: Check the website for the dates.

Where: 180 Fairground Road, Greensburg

For more info: lonesomevalleyfarms.com

When it comes to Halloween fear and fun, Lonesome Valley Farms delivers. Go to terrifying places that you wish did not exist on the Haunted Hayride with Maze Trail or at The Slotter Farm and Barn. Get yourself all turned around in the huge, non-haunted Get Lost Corn Maze or have fun with the kids on the Pumpkin Patch Playground and much more.

Fall Fairs and Festivals

A Taste of Serbia

When: October 3 & 4

Where: St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 901 Hartman Street, McKeesport

For more info: stsavapa.org/atasteofserbia

This festival brings patrons the opportunity to experience Serbian foods and flavors as well as Serbian hospitality and culture.

Delmont Apple ’n Arts Festival

When: October 4 & 5

Where: Shields Farm, 326 East Pittsburgh Street, Delmont

For more info: delmontapplenarts.com

Take a bite out of fall fun at the Apple ’n Arts Festival! This event features more than 100 arts, crafts, and food vendors. You will find handmade items from local crafters, antique farm equipment, delicious food, and apple cider that you can see pressed right before your eyes. The festival proceeds benefit the community.

Edgewood Foundation’s Oktoberfest

When: October 4

Where: Koenig Field, 401 Greendale Avenue, Edgewood

For more info: edgewoodfoundation.org

The foundation’s Oktoberfest is a time for residents to share in brats, beer, and fun. Don’t forget the pig roast!

Fort Ligonier Days

When: October 10-12

Where: Downtown Ligonier

For more info: fortligonierdays.com

This premier fall festival commemorates a key battle of the French and Indian War that occurred on Oct. 12, 1758. It draws many visitors each year to the quaint, picturesque town of Ligonier. The three-day event features historical battle reenactments, top-rated juried crafts, delicious foods, delightful musical entertainment, a grand parade, and a 5K walk/run.

Mt. Pleasant Glass & Ethnic Festival

When: September 26-28

Where: Diamond Street and Washington Street, Mount Pleasant

For more info: golaurelhighlands.com

The Glass & Ethnic Festival celebrates the area’s glass making history and ethnic diversity. Crowds will enjoy ethnic foods, arts, crafts, contests, and free entertainment on two stages.

Plum Fall Fest

When: September 27

Where: Plum Creek Park, 4540 New Texas Road, Plum

For more info: plumboro.com

Fall Fest includes food trucks and craft beer along with a farmers market. Children can enjoy free pony rides, games, and activities along with a pumpkin patch.

Fall Activities and Events

Bushy Run Battlefield Fall Nature Walk

When: October 18

Where: 1253 Bushy Run Road, Jeannette

For more info: bushyrunbattlefield.com

Join certified herbalist Lindsey Praksti and learn more about the various flora and fauna of Western Pennsylvania. Participants will gain detailed knowledge of Bushy Run’s grounds and learn both historical and modern uses for the various plant life that will be visible throughout the walk.

Ghost Shop Crawl

When: October 9

Where: Main Street, Downtown Irwin

For more info: facebook.com/irwinshopcrawl

Stroll through downtown Irwin and visit your favorite shops, restaurants, and small businesses.

The Great Pumpkin Race

When: October 26

Where: Monroeville Community Park West, 2399 Tilbrook Road, Monroeville

For more info: monroevillefoundation.org

This Halloween-themed event is a run and walk that brings people of all ages and backgrounds together for some fun exercise.

Hobgoblin Hikes

When: October 18 (Twin Lakes) and October 25 (Cedar Creek)

Where: Twin Lakes Park, 219 Twin Lakes Road, Latrobe; Cedar Creek Park, 453 Evergreen Drive, Belle Vernon

For more info: westmorelandcountypa.gov

Recommended for those age 8 and older, the Hobgoblin Hikes are half-mile outdoor guided walks through the haunted woods of county parks. Visitors can expect to be led through mazes and cemeteries, and past more than 100 ghouls, goblins and monsters. The events are free and will be held regardless of weather conditions. The hikes are offered to provide a safe, family-friendly alternative to conventional trick-or-treating. Visitors are welcome to dress in costume, and parents are encouraged to attend with their children.

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.

McKeesport’s Annual Halloween Parade

When: October 25

Where: Andrew J. Jakomas Blue Top Pavilion, 1635 Arboretum Drive, McKeesport

For more info: mckeesport-pa.gov

Dress as your favorite character and bring a bag or bucket with you to collect candy! Families meet at the Blue Top Pavilion for seasonal activities before trick-or-treating.

Pet Trick or Treat

When: October 11

Where: 424 Main Street, Irwin

For more info: irwinborough.org/events

Get your pet dressed up in a fun costume for a special trick-or-treat event!

Science Stroll: Haunted History of Dead Man’s Hollow

When: October 24

Where: Dead Man’s Hollow (near Boston Ballfield), 1906 Donner Street, McKeesport

For more info: alleghenylandtrust.org

Join an ALT environmental educator for a spooky science stroll! This hike will focus on the stories and lore that gave Dead Man’s Hollow its name. The .9-mile hike along the GAP trail will explore the ruins area. This is not a haunted house or trail, or paranormal event. No walk-ins will be permitted.

Slightly Spooky Mushroom Walk

When: October 17

Where: Dead Man’s Hollow, 1906 Donner Street, McKeesport

For more info: alleghenylandtrust.org

Join Allegheny Land Trust staff and Western PA Mushroom Club identifier Julie Travaglini for a mushroom walk! This slightly spooky hike will include the haunted history of Dead Man’s Hollow. The 0.9-mile trip will take participants to the entrance of the ruins to look for fungi (no foraging). Costumes are welcome. This event happens rain or shine, and no walk-ins will be permitted.

Trick-or-Treat on the Trail

When: October 25

Where: Murrysville Community Park, 4056 Wiestertown Road, Export

For more info: murrysvilleparecreation.com

Trick-or-Treat on the Trail is a free event for ages 10 and under but pre-registration is required. Dress up in your best costume and collect treats provided by local businesses and organizations.

Trunk-or-Treat and a Halloween Movie

When: October 22

Where: Plum Borough Municipal Building, 2000 Mike Thomas Way, Plum

For more info: plumboro.com

Take the kiddos to the municipal building in their costumes ready for trunk-or-treating! Stay a while after for more Halloween-themed fun.

Fundraisers and Live Entertainment

‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ 50th Anniversary Spectacular Tour

When: October 10

Where: The Palace Theatre, 21 West Otterman Street, Greensburg

For more info: thepalacetheatre.org

Join one of the movie’s stars for a screening of the original unedited movie with a live shadow cast and audience participation.

Tijuana Brass Presented by River City Brass

When: October 2 (Linton Middle School) and October 7 (Palace Theatre)

Where: Linton Middle School, 250 Aster Street, Penn Hills; The Palace Theatre, 21 West Otterman Street, Greensburg           

For more info: rivercitybrass.org 

The popular brass band 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.”

Wine & Chocolate

When: November 15

Where: The Edgewood Club, 1 Pennwood Avenue, Edgewood

For more info: edgewoodfoundation.org

Enjoy wine pairings with gourmet chocolate along with savory appetizers while catching up with friends and participating in a silent auction and basket raffle.

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 275 makers and artists and more than 10,000 enthusiastic shoppers.

Jack O’ Lantern Extravaganza

When: October 2 through November 2 (Check the website for specific 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 array of beloved zoo animals, famous sites, 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. 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 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

This event features 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.