Things to do in October in Lancaster, PA

Fall is officially here and it's time to unpack your cardigans, run to the closest coffee shop to indulge in pumpkin-spiced lattes, and hit the road to Lancaster County, PA.

BOOK YOUR TRIP

Special Events

While you're out stop by one of our many fall festivals, cultural events, and more happening around the county.

• Troegs Oktoberfest Party | Tellus 360 | October 1st
• Harvest Breakfast | Lancaster Central Market | October 7th
• Then Sings My Soul: Beloved Hymns & Songs | The Barn at Paradise Station | Throughout the month
• Fall Farm Days | The Amish Farm & House | October 7th
• Indian Echo Caverns Fall Fest Festival and Old Fashioned Day | Indian Echo Caverns | October 7th
• Pumpkin Patch Express | Stone Gables Estate | October 7th
• Pumpkin Painting Party | Columbia Crossing | October 7th
• Harvest Days & Silent Auction | Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum | October 7th & 8th
• Wolf Awareness Day | Wolf Sanctuary of PA | October 14th
• Taste of Science | Lancaster Science Factory | October 19th
• Foodie Tasting Event | Southern Market | October 24th

MORE EVENTS

Local Fairs

• New Holland Farmer's Fair | October 4th - 7th
• Manheim Community Farm Show | October 9th - 13th

More Fairs & Fests

Lancaster County Craft & Cork Trail

Lancaster doesn't stop at festivals and fairs, we have even more ways for you to have a fun-filled day!

For the adults, take part in our new experience, the Lancaster County Craft & Cork Trail! Enjoy the hand-crafted beer, wine, and spirits of Lancaster County through this mobile passport. Check in at participating businesses and win free prizes.

Join Our Trails

Festive Fun For The Kids

Join Yummie at Kitchen Kettle Village for their annual Yummie's Boo Bash event on October 28th! You and your family can safely enjoy a meal, some colorful characters, including Yummie, a costume contest, special treats, and more!

For more Halloween fun, head to Amish Farm and House for their Trick or Treat on the Farm. Dress up in your best Halloween costume and bring your candy bag and spend a spooky afternoon on the farm. Receive candy at different locations on the farm, ride around the farm on the hay wagon, and cuddle with baby goats.

Don't miss out on Turkey Hill Experience Halloween Scooptacular on October 22nd. Kids will have a spooktacular time eating kettle corn, decorating pumpkins, creating ice cream floats, hearing a story from a witch, and more!

Looking for something cool to do for Columbus Day Weekend? Make It A Fam Weekend! Laserdome has got you covered! They are giving you 50% off two sessions of laser tag and unlimited attractions and rides.

Trick or Treat at The Nook! The Spooky Zone includes a bounce house, pumpkin painting, and more

Get into the Spooky Spirit!

Explore the Haunted History of Rock Ford on October 25th and 26th, the sounds of the old house and the wind in the ancient trees that surround it that go unnoticed during the day are now heard. Shadows appear to move within darkened corners. The legends and stories of hauntings that have surrounded the Hand Mansion since the eighteenth century suddenly become more difficult to dismiss. Spooky!

Head back to the Historic Rock Ford on Halloween night for their Haunted Encounters Guided Tour. Two long-time volunteers will share their personal paranormal experiences gathered over their many years connected with the site.

All month, join Strasburg Scooter Tours for a night-time scoot to listen to local folklore and learn about the haunted history of Lancaster during the Spooky Scoot!

On Saturdays and Sundays through October & Monday, October 9, head out to Dutch Wonderland for Happy Hauntings, a fun event with themed rides, Trick-or-Treating, special entertainment, and more.

Select dates from October 6th to November 11th, and discover the true story of Sleepy Hollow as Isabel Crane takes you on a frightful journey onboard the Legacy of Sleepy Hollow at the Strasburg Rail Road.

From October 14th to 22nd, Middletown and Hummelstown Railroad hosts their Pumpkin Patch Train, where each passenger takes a specific ride to select their very own pumpkin to take home!

While you're there stay for dinner and partake in their Murder Mystery train ride, until November 11th, where train goers will enjoy a hot meal while pondering the clues to figure out Whodunnit!

Outdoor Adventure in Lancaster, PA

Lancaster is home to many trails such as the North West River Trail with views of the historic Columbia & Wrightsville Bridge, White Cliffs of Conoy, and more.

Top Trails

Enjoy some time out on the river with kayaks for novices and experts alike from Chiques Rock Outfitters. Join Donald Kautz, author of "The Conestoga River: A History", at Columbia Crossing River Trails Center for a lecture on the Conestoga River through history. Discover stories about the Conestoga's impact on nature, frontier life, industry, recreation, and more.

Corn maze fun! Traverse through winding paths and make split-second decisions with these expansive mazes. Head to Family Fun at Oregon Dairy to partake in their Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch starting September 22nd! Stroll through winding paths and traverse across picturesque bridges in this five-acre maze. Discover why this sprawling space was included in the Top 10 Corn Mazes in America at Cherry Crest Adventure Farm. Check out Corn Cob Acres all month for family fun and special events like a petting zoo, animal experiences, a corn maze and more!

Top 7 Corn Mazes

It's your last chance to join Grandview Vineyard on Friday and Saturday nights through the end of October for wine, beer, cocktails, and live music on their deck during Wine by the Vine.

On October 21st and 22nd, head into Lancaster City for the Fall ArtWalk, local galleries with special exhibitions, demonstrations, activities, and more!

Head back out to Stone Gables Estate for their Horseback Trail Rides. You and your horse will travel through shady forest trails and trek across open pastures. Fun for everyone!

Support the Wolfs at the Wolf Sanctuary of PA during their Full Moon Fundraiser on October 28th. Relax by the bonfire, enjoy some live entertainment, and visit some of the resident wolf packs and learn about wolf conservation and biology.

Roadside Stands

Lancaster County is known for its locally owned roadside stands. Stop by to pick up the freshest, seasonal produce. Pick your own apples and pumpkins this month, or check out some roadside stands for local produce goodies from the fall harvest.

Don't miss an opportunity to visit our local greenhouses and nurseries, like Sunny Spot Nursery and Fishers Greenhouse to find a large selection of pumpkins, mums, and more.

Roadside Stand Round-up

PA Renaissance Faire Is Back

The Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire kicks off on August 19th and runs through the end of October 29th. Experience knights, stunts, delicious food, and amazing artisans, and more throughout the Faire.

Can't make it to this year's Renaissance Faire? Stay tuned for the Yuletide at the PA Renaissance Faire happening end of November to December!

Catch a Show in Lancaster, PA

Lancaster is home to many amazing theatres, check out some shows happening this month!

Jimmy Buffet's Escape to Margaritaville | Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre | September 22nd - November 11th
Margaritaville – where people go to get away from it all…and stay to find something they never expected! This funny, yet heartwarming, musical tells the story of a part-time bartender/ singer who falls for a career-minded tourist and features the most loved Jimmy Buffett classics

Something Rotten | The Fulton | September 27th - October 8th
Set in the 1590s, brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom are desperate to write a hit play but are stuck in the shadow of that Renaissance rock star known as “The Bard.”

Ryan & Friends | Bird-in-Hand Stage | April 7th - October 22nd
Laugh out loud and get a look at Lancaster County as you’ve never seen it before when Ryan and his colorful cast of friends present a hilarious multimedia tour of the region.

The Home Game | Bird-in-Hand Stage | August 4th - October 18th
What happens when a young Amish man’s dreams of the big leagues run up against his father’s wishes for him to remain on the farm?

Our Christmas Dinner | Bird-in-Hand Stage | October 26th - December 30th
It’s Christmas and times are tough for the Davidsons. George lost his job and Jackie has empty boxes under the tree in hopes that his unemployment check arrives in time to buy gifts to fill them.

Mystery | Magic & Wonder Theatre | March 15 - October 28
In this all new variety magic show, illusionist Brett Myers and his cast explore mysterious worlds such as the lost empire of “Atlantis,” the magic of never growing old in “Neverland,” and the excitement of the “Roaring 1920’s.”

Jukebox Jive | Magic & Wonder Theatre | April 5 - October 21
Jukebox Jive is a music variety show that celebrates the biggest hits of the 50s, 60s, and 70s. Travel back in time to experience your favorite hits from the era when the Jukebox was the center of the fun!

Don't miss out on seeing a concert in Lancaster! American Music Theatre hosts a ton throughout the year, Lititz Historical Foundation puts on pay-what-you-can concerts frequently, and just outside of the county is Giant Center in Hershey.

More Upcoming Shows

Free Things To Do in Lancaster County, PA

Head downtown on the First Friday of the month to explore local artists and galleries, independent retailers, music, and entertainment. While not free, you can also take the kiddos to Tiny Town on First Fridays for Kid's Night Out and enjoy a night out on your own. You can even turn it into a night out on the town by checking out some downtown dining!

On the same night, from 5-7pm on First Fridays, the Lancaster Science Factory is free for you to explore their 70 interactive exhibits. Similarly, you can explore our small towns on their select days. Manheim hosts First Thursdays and Lititz Second Fridays.

Fall vendor markets are back and are happening across the county.

• October Makers Market | The Shops @ Rockvale | October 7th
• LUMC 3rd Annual Community Fall Festival | October 14th
• Holiday Bazaar | October 28th
• Lititz Farmers Market | Lititz Springs Park | every Thursday in October
• Eat, Shop and Be Scary… A Night of Halloween Fun For All | The Shops @ Rockvale | October 23rd

Fall is the perfect time to explore the county, the leaves are changing and there's so much beauty to see. Check out some great places to see the fall foliage or take a self-guided covered bridge tour of the area.

Join Susquehanna National Heritage Area for the Canoemobile! People of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities can paddle in the canoes, learn about canoe and water safety, and discover the Susquehanna from a new perspective.

Free in Lancaster, PA

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