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Sweater Weather and Fall Festivals—McKeesport Area and Oakmont-Penn Hills-Verona

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



Down on the Farm

Gearhard Farms Annual Corn Maze

When: Weekends from early September through Halloween

Where: 5909 Saltsburg Road, Murrysville

For more info: gearhardfarms.com

Get lost in fall fun at Gearhard Farms! Each year since 2000, a corn maze has been designed with all ages in mind, offering various challenges for participants. Additional farm activities include hayrides, the pumpkin patch and more.


Lonesome Valley Farms

When: Check the website for the dates.

Where: 180 Fairground Road, Greensburg

When it comes to Halloween fear and fun, Lonesome Valley delivers. Go to terrifying places on the Haunted Hayride with Walking Trail and at the Slotter Farmhouse and Barn. Or get yourself all turned around in the non-haunted Get Lost Corn Maze and enjoy other fun activities.


Fall Fairs and Festivals

Delmont Apple ‘n Arts Festival

When: October 3 & 4

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 plus antique farm equipment and apple cider you can see pressed right before your eyes. Proceeds benefit the community.


Edgewood Foundation’s Oktoberfest

When: October 3

Where: Koenig Field, 401 Greendale Avenue, Edgewood

For more info: edgewoodfoundation.org

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


Fort Ligonier Days

When: October 9–11

Where: Downtown Ligonier

For more info: fortligonierdays.com

This festival commemorates a key battle of the French and Indian War that occurred on Oct. 12, 1758. Fort Ligonier Days draws many visitors each year to the quaint, picturesque town of Ligonier. The event features 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 25–27

Where: 1 South Diamond Street, Mount Pleasant

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.


Oktoberfest

When: October 10

Where: White Valley Park, 2050 Ball Park Court, Murrysville

This year’s Oktoberfest will be fun for all ages. Enjoy German food, live music from The Kosmix Band, the Wall of Beer, basket raffles, and activities for kids.


Plum Fall Fest

When: September 26

Where: Plum Athletic Fields, 1040 Ross Hollow Road, Plum

For more info: plumboro.com

Plum Fall Fest will include a pumpkin patch, games, crafts, food trucks, beer, pony rides and more!


S’mores & Pours Fall Beverage Festival

When: October 24

Where: Four Maples Place, 1002 Blank Road, Jeannette

For more info: allevents.in or find on Facebook

Enjoy local wineries, breweries, distilleries, live music, food trucks, shopping vendors and a gourmet s’mores bar at the 4th annual S’mores & Pours!


A Taste of Serbia

When: October 2 & 3

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

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


Fall Activities and Events

AARP 50+ Walk Series: Frightful Fungi at Dead Man’s Hollow

When: October 30

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

For more info: alleghenylandtrust.org

This walk is geared to those ages 50 and up, going over moderate terrain with plenty of breaks. Hikers will explore the frightful fungi population while learning about the haunted history of Dead Man’s Hollow.


Greensburg Witches Gala

When: October 3

Where: Downtown Greensburg

The Dancing Witches of Westmoreland will be a highlight with their spellbinding choreography setting the tone for a magical night. This free event also includes other entertainment, live music, food, and local vendors. Witchy attire is encouraged but not required.


Hobgoblin Hikes

When: October 17 and 24

Where: Oct. 17 – Cedar Creek Park, 453 Evergreen Drive, Belle Vernon; Oct. 24 – Twin Lakes Park, 219 Twin Lakes Road, Latrobe

Recommended for those ages 8 and older, the Hobgoblin Hikes are half-mile outdoor guided walks through haunted woods that include mazes and cemeteries—and more than 100 ghouls, goblins and monsters. The events are free and will be held regardless of weather conditions. Participants are welcome to dress in costume, and parents are encouraged to attend with their children.


Irwin Borough’s Store to Store Trick-or-Treat and Halloween Costume Parade

When: October 24

Where: Main Street in Downtown Irwin

Get the kids in their costumes for trick-or-treating and a Halloween parade! Prizes awarded for the best costumes.


Lick or Treat

When: October 10

Where: Main Street, Downtown Irwin

This is for the pets! Dress up your furry friends so they can collect pet treats and enjoy seeing their fellow trick-or-treaters. Prizes will be awarded for the best costumes.


McKeesport’s Annual Halloween Parade

When: October 24

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

For mor info: mckeesport-pa.gov

Kids can dress up as their favorite character and bring a bag or bucket to collect candy! Families meet at the Blue-Top Pavilion for seasonal activities before trick-or-treating throughout Renzie Park.


McKeesport’s Fall Festival

When: October 15

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

For mor info: mckeesport-pa.gov

Enjoy a variety of fall activities, games, concessions and vendors at this festival and bonfire!


Trick-or-Treat on the Trail

When: October 24

Where: Murrysville Community Park, 4056 Wiestertown Road, Export

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


Trunk or Treat

When: October 21

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 trick-or-treating and other Halloween-themed fun.


Live Entertainment

Hotel California – Eagles Tribute Band

When: October 22

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

For more info: thepalacetheatre.org

The Eagles are one of the world’s most popular bands of all time, selling more than 150 million records. In this show, you’ll hear the best of their hits remarkably replicated.


Spooktacular Brass

When: October 1 and 3

Where: Oct. 1 – Linton Middle School, 250 Aster Street, Penn Hills; Oct. 3 – The Palace Theatre, 21 West Otterman Street, Greensburg

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


The Vampire Circus

When: October 21

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

The Vampire Circus has been called a mix of circus, cabaret and theater—a fusion of Tim Burton and Cirque du Soleil. The night will feature international performers showcasing theater, dance, acrobatics and gymnastics.


Autumn in the Burgh

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, offering the biggest lineup to date!


Halloween Happenings: A Boo-Tanical Bash

When: October 23

Where: Phipps Conservatory, 1 Schenley Drive, Pittsburgh (Oakland)

Little ghosts and goblins can visit the conservatory in costume for an evening of spooktacular activities, free with regular admission.


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: October 1 through November 1 (Check website for select 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 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.


Phipps After Dark: House of Haunts

When: October 30

Where: Phipps Conservatory, 1 Schenley Drive, Pittsburgh (Oakland)

The conservatory will transform into a thrilling house of haunts! Guests are encouraged to attend in costume, grab a drink, and get into the Halloween spirit as they enjoy exciting and spooky activities.


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

The Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival features 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 musical memories!


Pittsburgh Monster Pumpkins Festival

When: October 17 & 18

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

For more info: monsterpumpkins.com

Featuring 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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