Pennsylvania is home to some of the country’s most vibrant and exciting fall festivals, and I absolutely love celebrating the beauty of fall here in my home state. Every year, as the leaves turn those gorgeous shades of orange, red, and gold, Pennsylvania comes alive with celebrations that capture the true magic of autumn. From colorful foliage and pumpkin patches to harvest parades and craft shows, there’s nothing quite like fall in the Keystone State.

That’s why I’m so excited to share with you an assortment of festivals that I think you’ll love. Whether you’re a local like me or a traveler hoping to experience Pennsylvania in all its seasonal glory, there’s a fall festival here just waiting for you to explore. From charming small-town harvest fests to massive apple-themed celebrations and historic reenactments, you’ll find something for everyone.

In this post, I’ve rounded up 15 must-see fall festivals for 2025 that truly showcase the best of Pennsylvania’s autumn traditions. So grab a hot apple cider, pull on your coziest sweater, and let’s dive into the festivals that will make your fall absolutely unforgettable!”**

The town of Jim Thorpe is a picturesque gem tucked into the Pocono Mountains, and each weekend in October, it transforms into a fall wonderland. The festival offers scenic train rides through the Lehigh River Gorge, giving visitors stunning views of the fall foliage. In addition to the breathtaking scenery, there are local artisan markets, live music, and plenty of seasonal treats to enjoy. Parking can be challenging, so arrive early to secure a good spot!

One of the largest fall festivals in Pennsylvania, the Bedford Fall Foliage Festival attracts around 70,000 visitors annually. Over two weekends, this event offers over 400 craft vendors, live entertainment, and an antique car parade—all set against the beautiful backdrop of the Allegheny Mountains. Whether you’re looking for handmade crafts or want to enjoy live music, this festival has something for everyone.

If you’re looking for a fall festival with serious flair, the Autumn Leaf Festival in Clarion is a must. This nine-day event draws nearly half a million visitors and is packed with activities, including carnival rides, parades, and an antique tractor show. The Tournament of Leaves Parade is a highlight, with vibrant floats and costumed performers adding to the festive atmosphere. This festival also offers prime opportunities for leaf-peeping, with stunning foliage views in the Pennsylvania Wilds region.

Nothing says fall quite like apples, and the National Apple Harvest Festival is the ultimate celebration of this beloved fruit. Held over two weekends in Adams County, the heart of Pennsylvania’s apple-growing region, this festival offers apple-based treats galore, from pies to cider. Visitors can also enjoy live music, demonstrations, and over 300 craft and food vendors. I

For a more relaxed way to experience Pennsylvania’s fall beauty, consider hopping aboard the Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad. This scenic ride takes you through Oil Creek State Park, one of the state’s most beautiful spots for fall foliage. As you travel through the historic “Valley that Changed the World,” you’ll not only take in the stunning autumn colors but also learn about the area’s fascinating industrial past.

If you are planning to go, purchase your tickets early they sell out fast. I just purchased mine.! 

If you love all things pumpkin, you won’t want to miss the Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival. Running daily from late September through October, this festival offers everything from corn mazes to pony rides. Additional entertainment, like carnival rides and laser tag, makes it even more exciting on weekends. Don’t forget to try the gourd grenade contest—it’s more complicated than it looks!

Apple lovers, rejoice! Franklin’s Applefest is the perfect destination for anyone who can’t get enough of fall’s favorite fruit. This festival features over 300 vendors, live music, historical tours, and there will be plenty of apple-themed foods on hand. One of the highlights is the apple pie-eating contest, which never fails to draw a crowd.

If you’ve never been to Peddler’s Village in the fall, you’re truly missing out! This charming Bucks County destination transforms into a storybook autumn escape every year, offering so many ways to celebrate the season.

In September, Peddler’s Village kicks things off with their popular Scarecrow Making Workshop, where families and friends can get creative and craft their very own scarecrow masterpiece to take home. Walking through the village during this time is extra special too — the entire village is decorated with over 100 whimsical scarecrows lining the winding pathways and gardens.

Then comes OctoberFeast on October 12–13, a lively fall weekend inspired by Oktoberfest traditions. You’ll find beer gardens with local brews, delicious German-inspired food, live music, and plenty of family-friendly entertainment. It’s the perfect excuse to grab a pretzel, sip a seasonal beer, and soak up the crisp autumn air.

Finally, wrap up your fall at Peddler’s Village with their beloved Apple Festival, happening November 2–3. This festival is all about celebrating the apple harvest, featuring everything from fresh apple cider, fritters, and pies to unique apple treats you can only find here. Local artisans, live music, and a charming village atmosphere make it the perfect way to cap off the fall season.

Whether you visit for the scarecrows, the OctoberFeast, or the sweet smells of the Apple Festival, Peddler’s Village is always a magical fall destination I highly recommend adding to your list!

Wine lovers won’t want to miss the Harvest Celebration in Lake Erie Wine Country. Over two weekends, visitors can tour local wineries, enjoy wine tastings, and savor seasonal food pairings. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore the second-largest grape-growing region east of the Rockies while enjoying Pennsylvania’s autumn splendor.

This one-day festival takes over Main Street in downtown Butler, featuring over 100 craft vendors, food trucks, and live entertainment. A highlight is the classic car show, where vintage car enthusiasts can admire beautifully restored vehicles. For families, the kid’s zone offers bounce houses, face painting, and a petting zoo, making this a fun outing for all ages.

Fort Ligonier Days is a three-day festival commemorating the 1758 Battle of Fort Ligonier during the French and Indian War. History buffs will love the live battle reenactments, while others can enjoy arts and craft vendors, live music, and a massive parade through historic downtown Ligonier. The beautiful fall setting adds to the charm of this unique event.

This festival is all about family-friendly fun, with rides, games, live entertainment, and plenty of fall-themed activities. The highlight is the Pumpkin Drop, where a 1,000-pound pumpkin is hoisted 90 feet into the air and dropped! It’s a sight you won’t want to miss.

This is my all time favorite Festival, I will be attending  this again this year. 

Perched in the heart of the Pennsylvania Wilds, the Kinzua Bridge Fall Foliage Festival is one of the most scenic ways to celebrate autumn. This two-day festival takes place at the iconic Kinzua Bridge State Park — home to the incredible Kinzua Sky Walk. Once a mighty railroad trestle, today the Sky Walk lets you stroll 600 feet out on the remaining support towers, with a partial glass platform at the end that gives you sweeping, unobstructed views of the vibrant Kinzua Gorge below.

The festival itself features arts and crafts vendors, delicious local food, and live music — all surrounded by some of the most breathtaking fall foliage in the state. It’s the perfect spot for leaf-peeping, photography, and taking in the crisp mountain air.

Want to know more about the fascinating history behind the Kinzua Bridge and what to expect when you visit? Be sure to check out my recent post all about this historic landmark and my own adventure there!/https://ontheroadwithsusan.com/exploring-the-kinzua-bridge-skywalk-in-pennsylvania/

If you’re looking for a fall festival with stunning mountain views, Autumnfest at Seven Springs Mountain Resort is the place to be. Over three weekends, visitors can enjoy craft vendors, live music, and plenty of delicious fall foods. For an extra treat, take a ride on the chairlift to the top of the mountain and soak in the vibrant fall colors of the Laurel Highlands.

          Final Thoughts

And there you have it—15 must-see fall festivals in Pennsylvania for 2025!

Whether you’re looking for food, fun, or breathtaking fall scenery, Pennsylvania has a festival for you. So, which festival are you most excited to attend? Let me know in the comments, and don’t forget to share your own favorite fall festivals!

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