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Sweater Weather and Fall Festivals—Mt. Lebanon

Debbie Mountain
7 hours ago
9 min read

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



Down on the Farm

Fall Fun on the Farm

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

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!


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.


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.



Halloween Activities and Events

Brentwood Borough’s Pumpkin Patch

When: October 18

Where: Brentwood Park Fields, 283 Kaiser Way, Brentwood

For more info: brentwoodboro.com

Enjoy fall fun for the whole family at Pumpkin Patch in the Park! The event features hay bales, cornstalks, plants for decorating, crafts, games, concessions and lots and lots of pumpkins, of course.


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.


Fright Lights at Oglebay Resort

When: Various dates October 9–31 (Check the website for specifics.)

Where: 465 Lodge Drive, Wheeling, WV

For more info: oglebay.com

This is a family-friendly Halloween light show featuring synchronized music, glowing lakeside displays and lots of seasonal fun.


Ghost Stories and Legends with Thomas White

When: October 13

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.


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.


Halloween Bash and South Arts Night Artist Market

When: October 16

Where: Schoolhouse Arts and History Center, 2600 South Park Road, Bethel Park

This is an adults-only event featuring a costume contest along with a Halloween-themed artist market.


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.


Hundred Acres Manor Haunted House

When: Visit the website for the schedule.

Where: 1 Hundred Acres Drive, Bethel Park

For more info: hundredacresmanor.com

One of the area’s largest and most extreme haunted attractions, consisting of five sections. Adults and older teens can get face-to-face with terrifying zombies, creatures and monsters!


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.


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

250 Years of American Classics—A Musical Journey Presented by River City Brass

When: November 4

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

River City Brass celebrates 250 years of diverse American music with a concert that includes breathtaking pieces like Copland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man.”


Halloween Bash with Totally 80s

When: October 24

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

For more info: crafthousepgh.com

Get ready for a night of spooky fun, singing and dancing the night away with Totally 80s!


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 Children’s Theatre Presents ‘Beauty and the Beast Bed & Breakfast’

When: October 9–18

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

For more info: southparktheatre.com

Ever wonder what Beauty and the Beast did in their “ever after”? They did what every couple with a giant castle would do: open a bed-and-breakfast!


Taking it to the Streets

When: October 17

Where: Brownsville Road at Brentwood Towne Square

For more info: brentwoodpa.gov

Enjoy live ’80s music from BB Steal, great food and drink, and time with friends and neighbors at this outdoor event. You may want to bring your own chair.


Other Fun in the Fall

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.


Owl Prowl

When: October 29

Where: Mingo Creek Park (Shelter 4), 232 Mingo Creek Road, Eighty Four

For more info: washingtoncopa.gov

Take a night hike in Mingo Creek to listen for resident owls. Screech and barred owls may be heard. Dress for the weather and an approximately 2-mile hike on uneven terrain in the dark. This event takes place weather permitting.


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

Fall Fest at the Pittsburgh Playhouse

When: October 23 through November 1

Where: 350 Forbes Avenue, Downtown Pittsburgh

This free community street festival offers food, crafts, games and more. Grab a bite, paint a pumpkin, and try to win prizes!


Halloween Happenings: A Boo-Tanical Bash

When: October 23

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

Little ghosts and goblins can head to Phipps 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: 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 through 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.


Phipps Fall Flower Show

When: Opens October 10

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

Experience the magnificence of the gorgeous autumn colors at this annual flower show! This year’s show continues the “Alice in Wonderland” theme from the summer.


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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