Things to do in October in Lancaster, PA

Often in when we think of October we think of ghosts, goblins, or The Great Pumpkin. While we certainly have spooktacular events here in Lancaster County we also have a lineup of other great events! Whether you are ready to get your fright on, or you prefer to sip on a pumpkin spice latte and savor the awesomeness of autumn we have got you covered. Locals and visitors alike will surely find plenty to fill their weekends in Lancaster this fall. Below is a list of our top things to do around the County this October.

Fall Festivals

Kid’s Pumpkin Pickin’ Days & Corn Maze
October 2-31 | Oregon Dairy
What is October without pumpkins? At Oregon Dairy’s Pumpkin Pickin’ Days, kids take a ride on the wagon to the patch and pick out their own pumpkins to carve or decorate for Halloween. Also be sure to try new corn launcher, or the pedal tractor rides and tractor barrel rides. After you can go through corn maze, play on the playground and visit the petting zoo area. Take on the challenge of the corn maze whether by day or by flashlight at night.

Corn Pickin’ 5K
October 10 | Oregon Dairy
Run a scenic route at Oregon Dairy’s Corn Pickin’ 5K. Runners will pass through the beautiful countryside and finish with the winding path of the Corn Maze. Athletes of all ages are welcome! Proceeds of this event benefit The Caring Fund at Landis Homes.

Ride with Thomas and His Friends
October 11 – 15 | Strasburg Rail Road
Strasburg Rail Road is featuring special Thomas and Friends Train Rides. The railroad offers a full, 45-minute train ride with Thomas, Mavis, or aboard the signature steam train. Thomas and Mavis operate on select days during the event. Plus, guests can capture the day with professional photos with Thomas and Mavis.

Whoopie Pie Festival
October 17 | Hershey Farm Restaurant & Inn
The Most Delicious Day in Lancaster County! The annual Whoopie Pie Festival features more than 400 different Whoopie Pie flavors and is held at the Hershey Farm Restaurant & Inn, located in the heart of the Pennsylvania Dutch Country. The event is free of charge and has extended hours this year (10am - 6pm).

Fall Harvest Days & Pumpkin Picking
Weekends through October 31 | Barnyard Kingdom
Find the perfect pumpkin at the Barnyard Kingdom! Take a wagon ride out to the huge pumpkin patch (over 10 acres) and enjoy the beautiful scenery that is Lancaster County in the fall.

Harvest Breakfast
This event has been cancelled due to public health concerns.
Lancaster Central Market
This perennial favorite is always highly anticipated amongst locals. Join Lancaster Central Market as it celebrates the harvest season in the most delicious way- with fresh breakfast items prepared and served by stand holders in the alleys surrounding Market. This fun-filled morning offers kid’s activities, live music, and great comradery.

Fall Fest and Old Fashioned Day
This event has been cancelled due to public health concerns.
Indian Echo Caverns- Echo Dell
If you are looking for a day of family friendly fun, this is the place to go. You can try your hand at old fashioned games, enjoy horse drawn wagon rides, and check out antique tractors and farm equipment. Children can enjoy face painting, geode cracking, and a bounce house. In addition to the fun activities there are heritage demonstrations, art and craft vendors, food and more. Plus, new for this year is a pumpkin carving contest! (Guests must enter in advance, but carving is done on site). Guided walking tours will also be given of the Indian Echo Caverns.

Harvest Days
This event has been cancelled due to public health concerns. Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum remains closed at this time.
Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
A culmination of a year’s worth of hard work, Harvest Days is Landis Valley’s oldest and largest family event. Come for demonstrations, exhibits, live music and activities, as well as horse-drawn wagon rides and a children’s discovery tent. Taste heirloom varieties of apples and watch them become apple butter and cider. Witness wool go from sheep to shawl. Pick a pumpkin of your very own and then decorate it. All of this and more are packed into two fun-filled days.

Cultural Happenings

Rock-n-roll Revivalist Josh Christina Live Performance
October 1 | Tellus360
Kick off October with nostalgic tunes from vocalist and pianist Josh Christina. This internationally acclaimed musician plays a unique blend of Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley and Elton John.

Local Makers Market
October 3 | Shops @ Rockvale
Stop by the Shops @ Rockvale, Suite 1709 for the Local Makers Market. This market will have a variety of handmade goods including skin & body care, candles, pottery, home décor and so much more! Grab a bite to eat from one of the food trucks on site and continue your day of shopping local.

Fall ArtWalk
October 3 – 4 | Downtown Lancaster
Take a self-guided tour of the downtown galleries. See special exhibits and live demonstrations and meet the artists. There will be children’s activities as well so be sure to bring the whole family.

Maker’s Market
October 10 | Creatively Lancaster at Park City Center
Shop from vendors at this curated pop-up market of talented makers selling their original creations, unique wares, and beautiful designs. Enjoy delicious eats, sip local brews, and listen to live music while you shop. You are sure to find a wide assortment of talented makers- artists, hobbyists, crafters, creators, bakers, designers, upcyclers and more!

Day of Music at Ephrata Cloister
This event has been cancelled due to public health concerns. Ephrata Cloister remains closed at this time.
Ephrata Cloister
The sounds of history come alive at this event as the historic Ephrata Cloister presents its annual Day of Music. The Cloister Chorus presents three mini-concerts in the impressive five-story structure built in 1741. The program includes music composed at the community in the 1700s as well as other early American communities. Concerts are held at 2 PM, 3 PM, and 4 PM. October

Halloween Lunch & Dinner Tour
This event has been cancelled due to public health concerns. Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum remains closed at this time.
Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
Celebrate the spooky spirit of the season at this special event. The day includes Pennsylvania German scary stories, interactive activities, wagon rides around the Landis Valley Village, and hot apple cider.

Bridge Bust
This event has been cancelled due to public health concerns.
Veteran’s Memorial Bridge
Experience nearly 300 vendors offering a variety of goods, crafts, antiques, and delicious foods. You can take in amazing views of the Susquehanna River as you stroll down 1.25 Miles of the Veteran’s Memorial Bridge between Columbia and Wrightsville. (Rain date for this event is October 13.)

Tricks and Treats

Spooky Scoot
October 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, 23-24, 30-31 | Strasburg Scooters
Slide into your Spooky Scoot Coupe with your special someone and prepare for a hair-raising (yet totally safe) adventure to some of Southern Lancaster best loved haunts.

Great Train Robbery
October 17 | Strasburg Rail Road™
Travel back in time to 1934 for a Bonnie and Clyde adventure! This 45-minute interactive steam train ride through scenic Amish country offers riders the opportunity to catch this infamous duo as they discover clues along the route. Bring a camera, and pay attention- the action may happen anywhere!

Spooky Halloween Scavenger Hunt
October 24, 25, 31 | AACA Museum
Spooky things are happening at the AACA Museum! Ghosts and goblins have been playing tricks and hiding cats, bats, ghosts, and jack-o-lanterns all around the Museum! Count how many you can find in our Main Gallery and Rotunda and earn a special Halloween treat! Make sure to dress in your favorite costume and enjoy a socially distant Halloween activity that the whole family will love.

Yummie’s Halloween Boo Bash
October 31 | Kitchen Kettle Village
Put some "happy" in your Halloween with a visit to Kitchen Kettle Village where you and your family can safely enjoy a meal, some colorful characters, including Yummie, a costume contest, special treats and more.

Happy Hauntings
This event has been cancelled due to public health concerns. Dutch Wonderland has closed for the season as of Labor Day 2020.
Families can enjoy over 30 themed, non-scary rides, special entertainment, and tasty treats throughout the day. Take a walk down the trick-or-treat trail, a safe interactive trick-or-treating experience. Happy Hauntings at Dutch Wonderland occur on Saturdays from 2-9 PM and Sundays from 2-8 PM. Be sure to wear your costume!

Trick-or-Treat at Turkey Hill
This event has been cancelled due to public health concerns. Turkey Hill Experience is open for daily visits.
The Turkey Hill Experience trick-or-treat event is filled with great surprises. There are a total of thirteen stops, six of which are free while others require admission into the paid portion of the Experience. However, there are plenty of treats to be enjoyed by all- be sure to wear your costumes!