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Sweater Weather and Fall Festivals—Bethel Park, Keystone Oaks, and Peters Township

Crisp air, corn mazes and pumpkin patches—unpacking hometown traditions that make fall unforgettable.



Down on the Farm

Fall Fun on the Farm

When: Weekends starting September 19 (Check website for the exact schedule.)

Where: Spring House Market, 1531 PA-136, Washington

For more info: springhousemarket.com

Have some old-fashioned fun with 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 the Half Crown Hill Orchard. While you’re there, 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, offering something for everyone. Enjoy a hayride to the pumpkin patch to pick your own pumpkin, see if you can find your way through the giant corn maze, and enjoy other activities, food and more.


Fall Fairs and Festivals

Art in the Park

When: September 19

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 26 & 27

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, a 50/50 raffle, Chinese auction, petting zoo, bounce houses and more.


Children’s Harvest Festival

When: October 18

Where: Oliver Miller Homestead, 1 Stone Manse Drive, South Park

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 19 & 20

Where: Ten covered bridges in Washington and Greene counties

Each covered 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 10

Where: Potomac Avenue (from W. Liberty to Belrose Ave.), 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 fun for the whole family.


Green Tree Borough Octoberfest

When: September 19

Where: Green Tree Park, 895 Greentree Road, Green Tree

For more info: greentreeboro.com

This annual event offers games, rides, food, live entertainment, craft vendors and more for all ages!


Hickory Apple Festival

When: October 3 & 4

Where: 106 Main Street, Hickory

For more info: hickoryapplefest.com

This is a beloved community event with the tight-knit feel of a small town. Live entertainment, unique crafters, homemade brick-oven bread, and delicious apple everything make it a festival you don’t want to miss. It is also the largest fundraiser for the Mt. Pleasant Township VFC.



Houston Pumpkin Festival

When: October 9–11

Where: American Legion Post #902 Picnic Grounds, 124 West Pike Street, Houston

A three-day community tradition that offers food, craft vendors, children’s activities, a parade and contests! Musical entertainment is included as well. Admission is free, but event proceeds benefit the Houston VFD.


McFall Fest

When: October 10

Where: McDonald Presbyterian Church, 119 Station Street, McDonald

For more info: mcdonaldpres.org

McFall Fest is old-fashioned fun for the whole family offering a bake sale and food, crafters and vendors, games for the children and more. Check out Sandi’s Treasure Chest resale shop while you’re there.


Monongahela Aquatorium Annual Witch Festival

When: October 17

Where: 200 Railroad Street, Monongahela

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 16–18 and 24–25

Where: Washington County Fairgrounds, 2151 North Main Street, Washington

For more info: familyfestivals.com

Browse and shop at nearly 250 exhibit spaces with an abundance of arts, crafts and foods. Many of the region’s best artists and craftsmen will be displaying their finest crafts including functional and decorative wood, embellished clothing, stained glass, jewelry, candles and much more.


Pennsylvania Bavarian Oktoberfest

When: September 18–20

Where: Pike Street, Downtown Canonsburg

For more info: canonsburgboro.com

Named one of the top Oktoberfest celebrations 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 hits, a food court offering German and American cuisine, a children’s craft area, amusement rides/games, and an assortment of beers available.


Peters Township Annual Food Truck Festival

When: September 12

Where: 120 Rolling Hills Drive, McMurray

Yard games, a bounce house, music, face painting and lots of food trucks, of course, make this a fun event for all.


Washington Italian Festival

When: September 26

Where: Community Pavilion, Main Street, Washington

Celebrate Italian culture and heritage at this annual festival. Enjoy live entertainment along with delicious food and wine.


Halloween Activities and Events

Blastin’ Pumpkins Archery

When: October 7

Where: Mingo Creek Park (Shelter 10), 232 Mingo Creek Road, Eighty Four

For more info: washingtoncopa.gov

This event will be a one-of-a-kind fall night where activity meets dexterity. Carve a pumpkin lantern, then head to the archery range to take aim at it! Pumpkins, bows, arrows and safety gear will be provided. Registration with $4 fee required. No archery or carving experience required. Must be at least 10 years old to participate.


Books and Brews

When: October 1

Where: Mondays Brewing Company, 1055 Waterdam Plaza Drive, McMurray

For more info: ptlibrary.org

Join library staff at Mondays Brewing for a lively discussion in this book club. October’s book is “Joyland” by Stephen King.


Cecil Township Trail of Treats

When: October 24

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. 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 park staff for a fun-filled day of pumpkin carving, scarecrow stuffing and touring the park. Pre-registration is required.


Ghostly Apparitions & Otherworld Beings

When: October 24

Where: Bethel Park Public Library, 5100 West Library Avenue, Bethel Park

At this panel event, you will learn about theories of liminal lines, spirit beings, field equipment and experiences, archaic spirits, haunted objects, haunted places and more.



Hayride and Bonfire

When: October 3

Where: Simmons Farm, 170 Simmons Road, McMurray

Enjoy a scenic hayride, gather around the bonfire to roast marshmallows, and embrace the season with festive activities.


Headlamp Night Walk

When: October 15

Where: Mingo Creek Park, 232 Mingo Creek Road, Eighty Four

For more info: washingtoncopa.gov

Calling all nocturnal hikers! This 3-mile night walk is for you. Take in the sights, sounds and smells of a fall night as you travel through the mixed hardwood forest. Dress for the weather and terrain. Headlamps will be provided.


Mingo Creek Park Star Party

When: October 16 & 17

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, hosted by the Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh, start at dusk with safe solar viewing beginning two hours before sunset.


Night Walk on the Panhandle Trail

When: October 17

Where: Walkers Mill Entrance to Gregg Station

For more info: panhandletrail.org

The Night Walk features free hot apple cider and cocoa, hayrides, a pumpkin walk, a campfire, and rides on the Panhandle Trail Express train for the kids. There will be popcorn and hot dogs for sale. Bring a flashlight with you, and costumes are welcome.


Peters Township Friday Night Flick

When: October 9

Where: Peterswood Park Amphitheater, 700 Meredith Drive, Venetia

For more info: peterstownship.com

Enjoy “Hocus Pocus” under the stars as part of the Friday Night Flicks series. Bring along a blanket or chair. Admission is free. Events are subject to change, so check the website in advance.


South Fayette Township Movies in the Park

When: September 18 and October 3

Where: Fairview Park, 288 Recreation Road, South Fayette Township

For more info: southfayettepa.com

Watch family movies on a big screen in the park during this outdoor series. Remember a blanket or chair and bug spray.


Trolley Tales of Terror

When: October 16 & 17

Where: PA Trolley Museum, 1 Electric Way, Washington

For more info: pa-trolley.org

This historical ghost tour is returning for a second year! Find out what sorts of spirits haunt the trolley and take a spooky streetcar through the forest.


Live Entertainment

Little Lake Theatre Company Presents ‘Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors’

When: October 8–25 (Check the website for specific dates.)

Where: 500 Lakeside Drive South, Canonsburg

For more info: littlelake.org

Bram Stoker meets Mel Brooks in this hysterical Halloween treat! It’s a fast-paced farce full of wordplay, quick changes and absurd antics.


South Park Theatre Presents ‘Trying’

When: September 17–27

Where: Corner of Brownsville Road and Corrigan Drive, South Park

For more info: southparktheatre.com

Based on the playwright’s real-life experience working for former U.S. Attorney Francis Biddle in the 1960s, “Trying” explores the unlikely bond between someone with a brilliant legal mind and his assistant.


Spooktacular Brass

When: October 7

Where: Bethel Park High School, 309 Church Road, Bethel Park

River City Brass will present a Halloween spectacular featuring music from favorite movies such as “Ghostbusters,” “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” “Monster Mash,” “Beetlejuice,” “Jaws” and “Psycho.” The show will be great for families, first-time concertgoers and Halloween lovers of all ages.


Steel Zeppelin

When: October 3

Where: Crafthouse Stage & Grill, 5024 Curry Road, Whitehall

For more info: crafthousepgh.com

Steel Zeppelin will take you back to the best of a live Led Zeppelin show. Experience the music of this ’70s British rock group like never before.


Other Fun in the Fall

Bethel Park Community Day

When: September 12

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!


Dance With Your Daughter

When: November 7

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 for some fun with their daughters!


Dancing for a Cause

When: October 16

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 Book Sale

When: Saturdays (Check website for details.)

Where: Brentwood Public Library, 3501 Brownsville Road, Brentwood

Are you looking for some good books to take home to your loving family? Look no further than this library’s book sale! There are great deals on gently used books and other items. All proceeds benefit the library.


Friends of the Library Mum Sale

When: September 12

Where: Mt. Lebanon Public Library, 16 Castle Shannon Boulevard, Mt. Lebanon

For more info: mtlebanonlibrary.org

Start your fall decorating with this annual mum sale!


Mt. Lebanon Artists’ Market

When: September 26 & 27

Where: Academy Avenue Parking Lot (behind The Saloon), Mt. Lebanon

For more info: mtlebopartnership.org

As a juried arts festival, this market will include about 60 booths of professional quality, original art in a variety of media. Food trucks will provide great eats for purchase.


Owl Prowl

When: October 29

Where: Mingo Creek Park, 232 Mingo Creek Road, Eighty Four

Take a night hike in Mingo Creek Park to listen for vocalizations of resident owls. Screech and barred owls may be heard during the program. This will be a fun-filled family outing. Dress for the weather and moderate hiking. Pre-registration is required.


South Park 5K

When: October 25

Where: 250 Maple Springs Drive, South Park

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.


St. Thomas More Fall Arts and Crafts Show

When: October 10

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 arts and crafts show.


Twilight at Mansfield

When: November 1

Where: Oliver Miller Homestead, 1 Stone Manse Drive, South Park

Described as the most picturesque event of the year, see Oliver Miller Homestead in natural 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

Acrisure Stadium Kickoff and Rib Festival

When: September 3–7

Where: Acrisure Stadium, 100 Art Rooney Avenue, Pittsburgh (North Side)

This event fills the stadium with rib vendors, festival foods, beverages, games, rides and more. The Great Hall will also be open to fans for viewing the Steelers’ Super Bowl trophies, Hall of Fame Museum, lots of memorabilia, and the Terrible Towel wall.


Family Day: Mary Schenley Day at Schenley Plaza

When: September 6

Where: 4100 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh (Oakland)

For more info: pittsburghparks.org

Family Day includes free carousel rides, face painting, lawn games, a special visit from Mary Poppins and more!


Festival of Combustion

When: October 3

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 and night, will add to the fun.


Four Chord Music Fest

When: September 25 & 26

Where: F.N.B. Stadium, 510 West Station Square Drive, Pittsburgh (South Side)

Like punk rock? Check out Four Chord Music Fest 12, which will have the biggest lineup and celebration to date.


Handmade Arcade Holiday Market

When: December 4–6

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.


Idlewild’s HallowBoo!

When: September 12 through October 31 (Saturdays and Sundays)

Where: Idlewild Park, 2574 US-30 East, 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

When: Select dates October 1 through November 1 (Check the website for details.)

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 animals, scenes and characters presented with sound, light and other special effects.


Phantom Fall Fest

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 19

Where: Mellon Park, 6518 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh (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 19

Where: Acrisure Stadium, 100 Art Rooney Avenue, Pittsburgh (North Side)

Participation in this event directly supports programs and services for the autism community.


Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival

When: September 17–20

Where: August Wilson African American Cultural Center, 980 Liberty Avenue, Downtown Pittsburgh

For more info: pittsburghjazzfest.org

This event promotes the best of jazz, with world-renowned musicians, local jazz pros and new artists taking the stage to create a sound experience like no other. Be ready to dance, sing and make some memories!


Pittsburgh Irish Festival

When: September 11–13

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 Festival

When: September 10–13

Where: Our Lady of Victory Church, 1000 Tropical Avenue, Beechview

The festival is back for another weekend full of delicious food, live music and celebrating Lebanese culture!


Pittsburgh Monster Pumpkins Festival

When: October 17 & 18

Where: 3 Crossings (between 28th and 29th St.), Pittsburgh (Strip District)

For more info: monsterpumpkins.com

Mark your calendar for the Monster Pumpkins Festival, which features pumpkins so big, so heavy, and so fascinating-to-behold, you’ll be doing double takes all day long.


We love to inform our readers about fun events happening in our local communities. Send email 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. 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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