Top 30 Things to Do this Fall in Lancaster, PA

Fall brings cooler weather and beautiful foliage to enjoy, whether you’re out and about with the family or diving into Lancaster’s haunted history.

Fall in love with autumn here in Lancaster, PA with this list of 30 things to do this season:

1] Search for the perfect pumpkin at a local pumpkin patch or farm stand. Pick-your-own farms are a great option for families looking to venture around the farm in search of a future jack-o-lanterns. If you’re looking for gourds and more for decoration, local farm stays have just what you need.

2] Grab your farm-fresh produce from Lancaster Central Market. Open Tuesdays, Friday and Saturdays 6am – 3pm, this is your one stop shop for your favorite Fall flavors.

3] For those looking for spine-tingling, creepy fun, you’re in for a treat. Lancaster, PA is home to two award-winning haunted attractions, Jason’s Woods and Field of Screams, which are open Fridays – Sundays (including some Thursdays) throughout September and October for the ultimate scare-fest.

4] All aboard on the Strasburg Rail Road – they have some great happenings taking place this fall. In addition to the special offerings, you’ll be treated to a ride through the countryside, dotted with vibrant fall colors. Gear up for the following events: Ride with Thomas and Friends, the Great Train Robbery, and Return of the Plymouth photo event.

5] Celebrate the bountiful fall harvest with events around the county. Learn about life on the farm during this exciting time of year, participate in family-friendly activities, and get in the autumn spirit with events at the Star Barn Village, Amish Farm & House, and Country Barn.

6] Find the perfect apple as you wander the orchards of Lancaster. Apples are one of fall’s most popular picks, for snacking, baking, making applesauce and more.

7] Hop on a hay ride. Paired with apple picking or pumpkin picking, hay rides make for an afternoon of family fun. Be sure to call ahead before you arrive at one of these spots: Corn Cob Acres, Brecknock Orchard, Old Windmill Farm and Cherry Hill Orchard to verify availability.

8] A+ antiquing can be found in Lancaster this autumn. Towns including Adamstown, Lititz, Strasburg, and Columbia are chock-full of antique shops with wares spanning generations. If you’re in town at the end of September, be sure to stop by Adamstown for their Antiques Extravaganza weekend with sales, extended hours, and plenty of items to browse.

9] Harvest the fun at Kitchen Kettle Village. Even if we can’t watch football in person this season, we can still tailgate together at KKV’s Tailgating Festival. Enjoy the Village at your own pace 9am – 5pm, Mondays – Saturdays.

10] Amusement park fun doesn’t end when summer is over. Hersheypark in the Dark offers 13 coasters for Spooktacular night of thrills. The park is open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Tickets must be purchased online and be sure to reserve your day of fun in advance on their website!

11] Scoot around the back roads for beautiful Lancaster County views. Strasburg Scooters will take you on a one-of-a-kind tour, scooting from covered bridge to covered bridge. If you’re looking for an eerie experience, they also host a Spooky Scoot on Fridays and Saturdays in October, filled with local folklore and stories.

12] Jump back in time to the days of kings, queens, and jousting, as the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire takes place on weekends through the end of October. Interactive shows will capture your attention as you enjoy a turkey leg as big as your head.

13] Get lost – in a corn maze that is. With all the corn grown in Lancaster, there are plenty of mazes to explore as a family or with friends. Some of our favorites can be found at Cherry Crest Adventure Farm, Barnyard Kingdom, and Oregon Dairy.

14] Dive into Lancaster’s spooky history with a candlelight Ghost Tour, held throughout the fall. As you wander the streets, you’ll hear eerie stories from Downtown Lancaster’s thorny past and learn more about one of the oldest inland cities in America

15] Fall is the perfect time to take a hike or go for a bike ride in Lancaster. The cooler weather and festive foliage make for an enjoyable afternoon in nature as you set off on a trail along the river or through the countryside.

16] Experience the foliage from above with Smoketown Helicopter Tours or the U.S. Hot Air Balloon Team. Whether you’re cruising around the county or floating above the tree tops, the patches of vibrant orange, red, and yellow dot the beautiful farmland below.

17] Discover the art scene of Downtown Lancaster during Fall ArtWalk, held in early October. As you walk around the city on this self-guided tour, you can meet the artists, take part in fun activities, and get to know charming Gallery Row.

18] Experience the covered bridges of Lancaster as you wander the backroads. Our driving tour offers beautiful views and plenty of foliage to see while you learn more about the history of these iconic architectural beauties.

19] Catch a show this season at one of Lancaster’s spectacular theatres, stream it live, or watch at your convenience. From popular musicals and comedies running throughout the fall to shows with short runs held in intimate spaces, there’s something for every taste, budget, and age.

20] Howl at the moon at the Wolf Sanctuary of PA. Once a month, they hold a special Full Moon Tour, where guests can visit the resident wolf packs, learn more about wolves and their habits, and warm up by the bonfire. Guests must be 16 years or older, making it a great event for couples and groups of friends.

21] Support you favorite local spots during Lancaster City Restaurant Week - September 10 – 20. Like so much of our daily life Restaurant Week will look different this season too. You can choose from options to dine indoors with social distancing, enjoy outdoor dining, or order take-out meals.

22] Trick-or-Treat! Kitchen Kettle Village, is hosting Yummie’s Halloween Boo Bash on Saturday, October 31. This event allows kids and families to experience the attraction, while gathering goodies. Costumes aren’t required but are certainly encouraged for even more fun.

23] Get a taste of the season at one of Lancaster’s fine dining restaurants. Many source their produce locally and change their menu according to the time of year, so you can delight in a true farm-to-table dining experience that captures the bountiful fall harvest.

24] Cool weather camping at a local campground can be gratifying for those traveling with an RV or looking to stay in a cabin. Set up camp, roast some marshmallows, and take in all that nature has to offer especially during this gorgeous, crisp season.

25] After spending time in the crisp fall air, pull up a seat and recharge with a locally roasted cup of Joe. Whether you like your coffee black or combined with rich pumpkin spice, Lancaster’s cafes and coffee shops are the perfect spot to warm up, relax, and reconnect with friends.

26] Before the cold of winter sweeps in, get in a few more rounds of golf. Golf courses in Lancaster will be lined with beautifully colored trees as the leaves change, making for a stunning, refreshing afternoon.

27] Cheers to fall beers! From hearty Oktoberfest lagers to ales packed with pumpkin spice, there are plenty to sample at some of Lancaster’s finest craft breweries. Cozy up with a pint as you savor the season.

28] Meet some friendly farm animals, from cows and sheep to wooly alpacas- you’ll find an abundance of animal experiences in Lancaster.

29] Lancaster Horror Con at Bube's Brewery is a perfect way to celebrate a passion for some good ole cult classic horror! Guests will have the opportunity to meet the actors and people behind the scenes of Nightmare on Elm Street 3 and Nightmare on Elm Street 4, watch a special screening of an imaginative, menacing, & scary film with top-notch performances, an original premise, and a horrifying villain with exclusive commentary by actors, production designers, and special effect artists. The event is free when a dinner reservation is made on October 13th or 15th between 6pm - 10pm.

30] Make your own apple cider at the Old Windmill Farm! Enjoy this fun outdoor activity with the whole family. Use the Lapp family's authentic old-fashioned cider press & cut the apples yourself right there on the farm. Tours take place every hour on the hour between 10am - 5pm October, 17, 24 & 31.