Sweater Weather and Fall Festivals—Plum and Woodland Hills
- Debbie Mountain
- 1 day ago
- 9 min read
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
For more info:lonesomevalleyfarms.com
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, which 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.
Labor United Celebration
When: September 6 & 7
Where: Northmoreland Park, 280 Markle Road, Apollo
For more info: westmorelandcountypa.gov
A giant two-day festival celebrating the proud tradition of labor in Western Pennsylvania. The event includes musical performances, family entertainment, carnival rides, bingo, an arts & crafts marketplace, and a large flea market.
Mt. Pleasant Glass & Ethnic Festival
When: September 25–27
Where: 1 South Diamond Street, Mount Pleasant
For more info: mtpleasantglassandethnicfestival.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.
Oktoberfest
When: October 10
Where: White Valley Park, 2050 Ball Park Court, Murrysville
For more info: murrysville-exportrotary.com
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.
Pennsylvania Arts & Crafts Labor Day Festival
When: September 4–7
Where: Westmoreland Fairgrounds,123 Blue Ribbon Lane, Greensburg
For more info: familyfestivals.com
With more than 200 exhibits, there is truly something for everyone. A mix of exhibitors and vendors will be ready to greet you at this annual shopping marketplace offering unique treasures and food.

Plum Fall Fest
When: September 26
Where: 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!
Scottdale Fall Festival
When: September 18–20
Where: The Gazebo, corner of Pittsburgh and Spring Streets, Scottdale
For more info: scottdalefallfestival.org
This is a three-day annual celebration featuring a wide variety of handmade crafts, local and ethnic foods to suit all palates, a highly anticipated parade, a full schedule of live entertainment, children’s area and much more. Admission is free.
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
For more info: stsavapa.org/atasteofserbia
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.
Bushy Run Battlefield Fall Nature Walk
When: September 12
Where: 1253 Bushy Run Road, Jeannette
For more info: bushyrunbattlefield.com
Join local naturalist Lindsey Praksti on a guided nature walk through the beautiful wooded trails of Bushy Run Battlefield.
Churchill Midcentury Modern Home Tour
When: September 18–20
Where: Various homes in Churchill
For more info: pittsburghmoderncommittee.org
Check the website for full details of the 2026 program celebrating the architectural and design legacy of the neighborhood.
Greensburg Witches Gala
When: October 3
Where: 237 South Pennsylvania Avenue,Downtown Greensburg
For more info: shopgreensburgpa.com/
events/greensburg-witches-gala-2026
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
For more info: westmorelandcountypa.gov
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
For more info: discoverirwin.com/events
Get the kids in their costumes for trick-or-treating and a Halloween costume parade! Prizes awarded for the best costumes.
Lick or Treat
When: October 10
Where: 424 Main Street, Irwin
For more info: discoverirwin.com/events
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.
Sleepover in the Park
When: September 12
Where: Koenig Field, 401 Greendale Avenue, Edgewood
For more info: edgewoodfoundation.org
Most participants in the sleepover are children ages 10 and under with their parents. They pitch tents to sleep under the stars. The event also includes a movie shown on a big screen.
Trick-or-Treat on the Trail
When: October 24
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 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
Gig on Main
When: September 12
Where: Main Street, Downtown Irwin
For more info: discoverirwin.com/events
Enjoy an evening of live music, a variety of food trucks and an outdoor beer garden, presented by the Irwin Business and Professional Association.
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.
The Monroeville Foundation Jazz Festival
When: September 5
Where: Tall Trees Amphitheater, Monroeville Community Park West, 2447 Tilbrook Road, Monroeville
For more info: monroevillefoundation.org
The Monroeville Jazz Festival continues to promote awareness and appreciation for all forms of jazz through this annual concert that showcases Pittsburgh’s jazz legends and up-and-coming talent alongside national performers. The goal is to encourage and educate an audience of all ages.
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
For more info: rivercitybrass.org/concerts
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
For more info: westmorelandculturaltrust.org
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
Acrisure Stadium Kickoff and Rib Festival
When: September 3–7
Where: Acrisure Stadium, 100 Art Rooney Avenue, Pittsburgh (North Side)
For more info: acrisurestadium.com/ribfest
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 at Schenley Plaza: Mary Schenley Day
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)
For more info: fourchordmusicfestival.com
Like punk rock? Check out Four Chord Music Fest 12, featuring the biggest lineup to date.
Halloween Happenings: A Boo-Tanical Bash
When: October 23
Where: Phipps Conservatory, 1 Schenley Drive, Pittsburgh (Oakland)
For more info: phipps.conservatory.org
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 welcoming more than 10,000 enthusiastic shoppers.
Idlewild’s HallowBoo!
When: September 12 through October 31 (Saturday and Sunday)
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 all-new 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 event 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 festival brings 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
For more info: facebook.com/pghlebanesefestival
The festival is back for another weekend full of delicious food, live music and celebrating Lebanese culture and community.
Pittsburgh Monster Pumpkins Festival
When: October 17 & 18
Where: 3 Crossings, between 28th and 29th Street, Pittsburgh (Strip District)
For more info: monsterpumpkins.com
Mark your calendar for this event 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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