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1. Pumpkin Glow
Not just for kids, the annual Pumpkin Glow event promises to be a “bootiful” event for everyone walking through the pathways illuminated by more than 150 carved pumpkins. The under-12 crowd is invited to attend in costume, bring a flashlight, and trick-or-treat throughout the gardens. New for this year will be animal puppets, live bugs in the Creepy Crawly Gallery, live pumpkin carving, and 10 individually-themed pumpkin areas like Woodland Creatures, Plants & Pollinators, and Once Upon a Time.
October 19-20; 26-27 / 170 Hotel Road, Hershey, PA / 717-534-3492 / hersheygardens.org
2. Witches in Myerstown
What started out as a few local shops wanting to celebrate their customers has grown to include more than 85 vendors and a new venue. The Witches in Myerstown antique and artisan sale, which includes top-notch primitives, urban farmhouse items, garden finds, industrial/architectural wares, and more, has moved to the Tulpehocken Manor Plantation. The plantation itself is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, dating back to the 1700s. Miss Morgan’s Milkweed Antiques, the original host of the sale, promises wine and “brew” tastings and lots of fun. And also: “Don’t forget your witch’s hat!”
October 13 / Tulpehocken Manor Plantation / 648 W. Lincoln Ave., Myerstown, PA / 717-304-9793 / morgansmilkweedantiques.com
3. The Mystery of Irma Vep
October brings in the spooky fall ambiance, but not all creepy things have to be scary. Take the satirical play The Mystery of Irma Vep (an anagram of “vampire”), with a cast of just two who play multiple characters of both sexes with more than 30 costume changes. Paying homage to Victorian melodrama—and familiar characters like werewolves, mummies, and ghosts—this fun plot has some references to Egypt and ancient tombs thrown in, too. This award-winning play will get adults in the mood for Halloween with some laughs along the way.
October 16-November 4 / Fulton Theatre / 12 N. Prince St., Lancaster, PA / 717-397-7425 / thefulton.org
4. Whiskey & Fine Spirits Festival
Aficionados of fine spirits, prepare to wet your whistle with over 200 liquors and whiskeys, as well as hors d’oeuvres by Stock’s on 2nd. Already popular in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, this sampling event is now coming to Harrisburg in partnership with the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, allowing world-renowned brands, luxury spirits, and small batch products. General admission includes sampling from the existing list of brands, but a VIP ticket gains an early, extra hour and an opportunity to sample (and purchase) a special PA bourbon made exclusively for the event. In addition, a silent auction benefitting MidPenn Legal Services will take place, as well as the chance to purchase full bottles.
October 27 / AACA Museum /161 Museum Dr., Hershey / 717-566-7100 / pawhiskeyfest.com
5. National Apple Harvest Festival
Instead of an apple a day, celebrate the apple all day at this festival that has been serving up all things apple for more than 50 years. Get your fair share of apple food items like pies and ciders, but also watch craftsmen’s demonstrations, listen to music, and enjoy a pony ride. Kids can benefit from their own area in addition to hayrides and a petting zoo. Everyone can enjoy the antique cars, steam engine displays, orchard tours, Native American dancers, and much more. Tickets available in advance or at the gate, and almost all the admission cost benefits charitable organizations.
October 6-7; 13-14 / South Mountain Fairgrounds / 615 Narrows Road, Biglerville, PA / 717-677-9413 / appleharvest.com
6. Bridge Bust
There are many ways to see the Susquehanna River, but one of the more unique ways is while crossing the Veterans Memorial Bridge connecting Wrightsville to Columbia during the 30th annual Bridge Bust. The Bridge Bust closes the bridge to traffic and opens it up instead to over 300 food and craft vendors. The bridge, built between 1929-30, spans just over one mile and offers both views and shopping opportunities during the event hosted by SVCC: Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce.
October 6 / Veterans Memorial Bridge / Wrightsville & Columbia / 717-684-5249 / parivertowns.com
7. Yorktoberfest
Sample the day away at Yorktoberfest, a beer and wine festival touting a wide assortment of both common and uncommon varieties, with around 80 beer selections and more than 100 wines to try. Sampling options and bottle purchases (that can be consumed on-site) are both available. Vendors, local food, and live bands will complete the four-hour event, with an optional VIP hour that can be added to the regular ticket.
October 13 / York Fairgrounds / 344 Carlisle Ave., York, PA / 717-814-8087 / yorktoberfest.com
8. PA National Horse Show
Spanning over a week, one of the largest indoor horse shows in the country will feature a variety of fun events, with all proceeds benefitting the Pennsylvania National Horse Show Fund, the event’s host. Started in 1999, the non-profit aims to help acquaint, teach and train the public in therapeutic equestrian endeavors, as well as aiding equine rescue efforts. Top competitors will participate in Junior Weekend and Adult Week, along with other scheduled happenings like Family Fun Day, Foundation Friday, the Grand Prix, Pony up for Pink, and others. Come see one of the premier sporting events in the country.
October 11-20 / PA Farm Show Complex / 2300 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg, PA / 717-770-0222 / panational.org
9. Lititz Chocolate Walk
Instead of raiding any little trick-or-treater’s hard-earned stash, try this more fun and unique opportunity to both stroll Lititz and enjoy tasty chocolate treats. The 17th annual event geared towards raising money for children-focused charities is back, with more than 25 locations for chocolate seekers to visit and receive a different goody. The self-guided tour enables those attending to check out the shops, restaurants, and businesses along a two-mile walk. In the first 15 years, Chocolate Walk has raised more than $400,000 for various charities. To best enjoy trick-or-treating for adults, come hungry and wear comfortable shoes.
October 6 / Various locations in Downtown Lititz / 717-560-2295 / lititzchocolatewalk.com
10. No Strings Attached
Since its founding in 1998 by Kim Jureckson, Grant Street Dance Co. has had more than 60 local dancers be members or guest artists. Now celebrating 20 years, the company is hosting No Strings Attached, a show featuring 10 dancers flowing through various choreography, one to the next, while remaining on stage. The dances will embody the theme of human connectedness.
October 20-21 / Trust Performing Arts Center / 37 N. Market St., Lancaster, PA / 717-208-7835 / lancastertrust.com
