Fall Festival Fever!—Ross Township, Pine-Richland, Shaler, and Sewickley
- Emily King
- Aug 1
- 10 min read
As Autumn approaches, let the fall fun begin! Pumpkins, corn mazes, hayrides, applefests and more await.
Down on the Farm
Cheeseman Pumpkin Festival and Fright Farm
Where: 147 Kennedy Road, Portersville
For more info: cheesemanfarm.com
Take a hayride, pick a pumpkin, run and jump in the hay maze, enjoy the petting zoo, and browse seasonal items and gifts. Visit the website for information on fees, schedules, and other details.
Harvest Valley Farms Fall Festival
Where: 125 Ida Lane, Valencia
For more info: harvestvalleyfarms.com
In the fall, the entire valley is transformed from a full-time working produce farm into a fun-filled, pick-your-own-pumpkin festival. Enjoy a hayride, go through a cornstalk maze or straw tunnel, roam the pumpkin patch, view farm animals, and much more.
Soergel Orchards Fall Festival Weekends
Where: 2573 Brandt School Road, Wexford
For more info: soergels.com
Don’t miss these popular weekends on the farm, with pumpkin picking, tractor rides, hayrides, games, apple picking (determined by availability), horse-drawn wagon rides, drinks from Arsenal Cider and Arrowhead Wine, and great food from the food barn and Back 40 BBQ. Visit the website for details.
Fall Fairs and Festivals
Ascension Lutheran Church Annual Pumpkin Fest and Flea Market
When: October 11
Where: 8225 Peebles Road, McCandless
For more info: Call Vicki at 724.816.0413 or send email to vickig@zoominternet.net.
Spend a crisp fall morning at this annual event! Homemade apple and pumpkin pies will be for sale as well as hot dogs, homemade soups, beverages, pumpkins, and various other goodies. Lots of vendors will be selling crafts and other treasures at the flea market.
Butler Fall Festival
When: September 27
Where: Main Street, Butler
For more info: butlerfallfestival.com
Live entertainment, craft and food vendors, and a car cruise will all be part of this annual festival. A kids zone will include bounce houses, face painting, a petting zoo, and so much more.
Erntedankfest
When: September 20
Where: Old Economy Village, 1401 Church Street, Ambridge
For more info: oldeconomyvillage.org
This event celebrates the fall harvest and many of the tasks to be done to prepare for winter. Artisans will be cooking, baking, and demonstrating many different crafts and skills. Music, food, and activities for the whole family make this a great fall tradition.
Evans City PumpkinFest
When: September 20 & 21
Where: Downtown Evans City
For more info: pumpkinfest.evanscity.us
PumpkinFest has an awesome lineup of pumpkin-themed activities and entertainment to get you in the mood for fall.
Freedom Farms Fall Festival
When: October 4 & 5, 11-13, 18 & 19, and 25 & 26
Where: Freedom Farms Event Center, 34 Overbrook Road, Valencia
For more info: freedomfarmspa.com
The fall festival is Freedom Farms’ biggest event of the year. It features hayrides, a petting zoo, a pumpkin patch, farm-fresh food, face painting, a corn pit, hay mountain, and pick-your-own sunflowers, plus drinks from local breweries for the adults.
Great Pumpkin Festival
When: October 24
Where: Cranberry Municipal Center, 2525 Rochester Road, Cranberry Township
For more info: cranberrytownship.org
Register your kids for Halloween fun at the Great Pumpkin Festival! Enjoy the pumpkin patch, crafts, and family-friendly games.
Mars Apple Festival
When: October 4
Where: Downtown Mars
For more info: marsapplefest.com
This event offers fresh apple butter, apple dumplings and basically everything apples! There will also be about 150 vendors selling arts and crafts, plus musical entertainment, food trucks, train rides, inflatable slide park, farmers market, library book sale, and of course the flying saucer spaceship.
Sewickley Harvest Festival
When: September 6
Where: Broad and Thorn Streets, Sewickley
For more info: sewickleyborough.org
The Harvest Festival will include food, arts & crafts, live music, children’s activities, and all-day merchant sidewalk sales.
Shaler Township’s Community Yard Sale
When: September 6
Where: Kiwanis Park, 1 Meyer Road, Glenshaw
For more info: shaler.org
Vendors can purchase a space to sell items, and buyers are welcome to find a treasure.
Sleepy Hollow Festival
When: October 11 & 12
Where: The Center of Harmony, 253 Mercer Street, Harmony
For more info: visitpa.com
The Sleepy Hollow Festival has something for the whole family. Live music, trick-or-treating, children’s activities, a pet fair, feely boxes, face painting, costume contests, and carriage rides will be part of the fall fun.
Sprankle’s Octoberfest
When: September 5-7
Where: Lernerville Speedway, 313 North Pike Road, Sarver
For more info: visitpa.com
This one-of-a-kind Octoberfest celebration includes local vendors, musicians, amazing food, and of course, beer! Celebrate and appreciate autumn with family, friends and community.
Wildbird Recovery Fall Migration Festival
When: September 21
Where: Stormy Oaks Nature Conservancy, 120 Forsythe Road, Valencia
For more info: wildbirdrecovery.org
This festival is dedicated to the rehabilitation and release of distressed wild birds.
Zelienople Fall Festival
When: October 11 & 12
Where: Downtown Zelienople
For more info: zeliefallfestival.com
Craft and food vendors, a chili cookoff, tractor-pulled wagon rides, a car cruise and much more will make Zelienople the place to be.
Halloween Activities and Events
The Firefighters Costume Parade
When: October 31
Where: Aspinwall Borough Building, 217 Commercial Avenue, Aspinwall
For more info: aspinwallpa.com
Get a terrific view of all the costumes from the front of the Aspinwall Borough Building during the parade! Music, prizes, and a giant trick-or-treat bag donated by the borough and the Aspinwall Volunteer Fire Department will add to the fun.
Hampton Township Halloween Event & Parade
When: October 25
Where: Hampton Community Park, 3101 McCully Road, Allison Park
For more info: hampton-pa.org/302/Halloween-Event-Parade
This special event will include costume contests for children 10 and under, a parade, a haunted hayride through the upper orchard of the park, a Build-a-Bear raffle, and a photo booth. Pre-registration is required.
Haunted Guyasuta
When: October 18
Where: Camp Guyasuta, 300 23rd Street, Sharpsburg
For more info: campguyasuta.org/seasonal-events
Whether you’re looking for good family fun or the fright of your life, Camp Guyasuta is the place to be this Halloween season. There are designated scare times and plenty to do. The event also features a hayride, climbing, 600' zipline (ages 11 and up), a trading post, concessions and a bonfire. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Check the website for prices and more details.
Old Economy After Dark
When: October 11
Where: Old Economy Village, 1401 Church Street, Ambridge
For more info: oldeconomyvillage.org
Join the number of people who have seen ghostly Harmonists and apparitions and heard mysterious music, sounds, and footsteps. Experience the “nightlife” of Old Economy Village with this after-hours event.
Pine Township’s Halloween Spooktacular
When: October 19
Where: Pine Community Park (near Keys Pavilion), 100 Pine Park Drive, Wexford
For more info: twp.pine.pa.us
Get ready for an afternoon packed with kid-friendly Halloween fun! There will be a costume parade, puppet show, Halloween magic show, pumpkin decorating and other crafts. Check the website for fees and registration information.
Sewickley Halloween Parade
When: October 25
Where: 601 Thorn Street, Sewickley
For more info: sewickleyborough.org
This spooky parade begins and ends at the Sewickley Municipal Building.
Shaler Area Vendor & Craft Fair
When: October 4
Where: Shaler Area Middle School, 1810 Mount Royal Boulevard, Glenshaw
For more info: shalerarea.org/schools/middle-school
The Shaler Area Middle School PTO will hold its 18th annual fair. There will be about 60 local crafters and vendors selling their wares, plus delicious refreshments and great raffles. Admission is free.
Zombies of the Corn
When: Opening September 26 (Check the website for the full schedule.)
Where: 282 Rochester Road, Freedom
For more info: zombiesofthecorn.com
Go on an adventure to hunt zombies or walk through a zombie compound. Listen to ghost stories around the campfire while you roast a hot dog or marshmallow, and maybe get your face painted zombie-style!
Outdoor Activities
Fall Foliage Paddle
When: October 9
Where: Moraine State Park (McDanel’s Boat Launch Area, North Shore), 225 Pleasant Valley Road, Portersville
For more info: events.dcnr.pa.gov
Join a park naturalist for an interpretive kayak paddle offering an interesting look into the colors of fall. Learn why plants are green and ultimately why they turn the colors they do in the fall. A limited number of kayaks are available (note that due to increased demand, sign-ups for using park kayaks at programs are limited to two per year).
Fall Warbler Bird Walk
When: September 23
Where: Moraine State Park (Old 422 Launch by Region 2 Office), 225 Pleasant Valley Road, Portersville
For more info: events.dcnr.pa.gov/event/fall-warbler-bird-walk
This birding walk will be led by the Todd Bird Club and park staff. The area is known to consistently produce warblers on their fall migration. Interested bird watchers of all skill levels are welcome. Participants should bring their own binoculars, or some may be provided.
North Ridge Nightmare
When: November 1
Where: North Park (Rose Barn), 10300 Pearce Mill Road, Allison Park
For more info: raceplace.com
The North Ridge Nightmare is a Halloween-themed adventure hosted by North Park Trail Runners.
Olé 5K
When: October 3
Where: Pie Traynor Field (Harmar Grove Pavilion), South Ridge Drive, Allison Park
For more info: ole5k.com
All proceeds from the race will go to TASH, Inc. (an organization that supports La Clinica del Pueblo, a nonprofit hospital). This facility works to provide hope and opportunity to Oaxaca, Mexico’s impoverished and marginalized communities.
Owl Prowl
When: October 16
Where: Moraine State Park (South Shore), 225 Pleasant Valley Road, Portersville
For more info: events.dcnr.pa.gov
Join a park naturalist to learn about the wonderful owls that prowl the night woods. After a short discussion, those in attendance will go in search of these night-flying creatures. Participants should bring a flashlight and dress for the weather.
Slippery Rock Gorge Trail Hike
When: October 12
Where: McConnells Mill State Park, 1761 McConnells Mill Road, Portersville
For more info: events.dcnr.pa.gov/event/slippery-rock-gorge-trail-hike-5927
Join park staff and members of the North Country Trail Association on a 6.5-mile guided hike through the Slippery Rock Gorge. It celebrates North Country National Scenic Trail Day and will start at Hell’s Hollow and end at Eckert Bridge. This hike is considered to be difficult, so participants should be in good physical shape and be prepared to traverse steep, rocky, and uneven terrain.
Sweetwater Blooms Market
When: September 20
Where: Sweetwater Center for the Arts, 200 Broad Street, Sewickley
For more info: sweetwaterartcenter.org
This market was created to empower local flower farmers and artists to sell their quality, locally grown flowers, handcrafted artwork, and garden-related items while connecting with the community.
Live Entertainment
‘Chiller Theatre: The Musical’
When: October 17-19
Where: The Strand Theater, 119 North Main Street, Zelienople
For more info: thestrandtheater.org
The Strand Theater certainly enjoys the Halloween season! This musical is a creepy and comical celebration of classic horror monsters.
Fall Music Festival
When: September 6
Where: Fern Hollow Nature Center, 1901 Glen Mitchell Road, Sewickley
For more info: fhnc.org
A Sewickley institution, be sure to attend the Fall Music Fest this year! It offers live music, children’s activities, food trucks, yard games and more.
Frank Torchio Sings Sinatra
When: September 13
Where: Cumberland Woods Village, 700 Cumberland Woods Drive, Allison Park
For more info: thelegacylineup.com
Some say that Frank Torchio is the next best thing to Frank Sinatra. Teaming up with the Russell Scarbrough Big Band, the group brings back an amazing reproduction of the famed 1966 concert of Frank Sinatra and the Count Basie Orchestra at the Sands in Las Vegas.
Night Fever: The Bee Gees Tribute
When: October 18
Where: Cumberland Woods Village, 700 Cumberland Woods Drive, Allison Park
For more info: thelegacylineup.com
An all-Canadian cast from Toronto, Ontario, recreates the look and sound of the band known for hits like “Stayin’ Alive,” “You Should Be Dancing,” and “More Than a Woman.”
Tijuana Brass Presented by River City Brass
When: October 3
Where: Carson Middle School, 300 Hillvue Lane, McCandless
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.”
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
World-renowned jazz musicians, local pros, and new artists all take the stage to create a sound experience like no other. This 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
Mark your calendar for this festival that 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: 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.