9 Small-Town Pennsylvania Festivals That Make Fall Weekends Unforgettable
Fall in Pennsylvania transforms the entire state into a living painting, where rolling hills and mountain valleys blaze with fiery reds, deep oranges, and glowing yellows.
But the beauty of autumn here goes far beyond the scenery. Small towns across Pennsylvania burst to life with festivals that celebrate the season’s bounty—apple cider simmering in kettles, pumpkin pies cooling on stands, and handmade crafts that tell stories of local tradition.
These gatherings aren’t just events; they’re moments where families, friends, and neighbors come together to savor the simple joys of fall.
1. Bedford Fall Foliage Festival: Where Artistry Meets Autumn Splendor
Every October, I stumble upon artistic treasures nestled among Bedford’s historic streets during their legendary Fall Foliage Festival. Hundreds of artisans display handcrafted pottery, jewelry, and woodwork while the scent of kettle corn dances through crisp mountain air.
Last year, I bought a hand-carved maple bowl that still sits proudly on my dining table, reminding me of that perfect autumn day. The festival spans two weekends, giving visitors plenty of time to explore downtown Bedford’s antique shops and historic covered bridges.
My favorite spot? The courthouse square, where local musicians strum folk tunes while families spread blankets on the grass. Don’t miss the quilt show at the Bedford County Library—those intricate patterns tell stories of Pennsylvania heritage through fabric and thread.
2. Clarion’s Autumn Leaf Festival: A Week-Long Celebration Of Fall’s Finest
“ALF” is what locals affectionately call this nine-day extravaganza that transforms Clarion into the autumn capital of western Pennsylvania. I remember gasping at the Tournament of Leaves Parade—over two hours of marching bands, elaborate floats, and classic cars rolling through town.
The Farmers and Crafters Day became my shopping paradise, where I scored homemade maple syrup that made my pancakes sing for months afterward. College students from Clarion University join townies for this multi-generational party that’s been running since 1953.
Carnival rides light up the night sky while the aroma of funnel cakes and apple dumplings tempts even the strongest willpower. Pro tip: park at the university lots and take the shuttle downtown—you’ll thank me when you see the crowds!
3. National Apple Harvest Festival: Biglerville’s Core Celebration
Biting into a warm apple fritter while watching chainsaw carvers create woodland creatures from logs—pure autumn bliss! The National Apple Harvest Festival in Biglerville has been my October pilgrimage for years, sprawling across the rolling hills of Adams County apple country.
Hayrides through orchards reveal trees heavy with Honeycrisps, Galas, and York Imperials. My kids never forget the apple bobbing contests, though last year my daughter walked away soaking wet and laughing with a perfect Red Delicious between her teeth.
Six stages feature continuous entertainment from square dancers to bluegrass bands. The apple butter being stirred in giant copper kettles creates an aroma that follows you home in your sweater fibers. Heaven is this festival’s fresh-pressed cider, especially when paired with their famous apple sausage sandwiches.
4. Pennsylvania State Flaming Foliage Festival: Clinton County’s Color Explosion
Mother Nature shows off her artistic talents during Clinton County’s Flaming Foliage Festival! Perched high in the Allegheny Mountains, Renovo transforms into a wonderland of crimson and gold each October. I’ll never forget rounding that bend on Route 120 to see the entire valley ablaze with color.
The festival’s quirky charm comes from its beauty pageant tradition—the Flaming Foliage Queen competition draws contestants from surrounding counties who represent their hometowns with pride. My camera barely captured the magnificence of the parade floats decorated with freshly gathered leaves and woodland treasures.
Food vendors line the streets offering buckwheat cakes, venison sausage, and other mountain delicacies. The craft fair features Appalachian artisans selling everything from handmade brooms to intricate wood carvings. This festival offers the perfect excuse to explore the Pennsylvania Wilds’ breathtaking backroads.
5. Fall Fest at Yenser’s Tree Farm: A Family Adventure In Lehighton
Squeals of delight echo through the pines as children zoom down the giant hay chute at Yenser’s Tree Farm! This hidden gem in Lehighton captured my heart when my nephew conquered his fear of the corn maze, emerging with the biggest smile I’d ever seen.
Unlike massive commercial festivals, Yenser’s maintains its family farm charm while offering weekend adventures throughout autumn. The pumpkin patch provides perfect photo opportunities—last fall, I watched countless families staging mini photoshoots among orange gourds and straw bales.
Farm animals eagerly accept feed from tiny hands while parents sip hot apple cider and munch on kettle corn. Their famous apple cider donuts alone justify the drive! When December approaches, the farm transitions seamlessly to Christmas trees, but those golden October weekends remain my favorite time to visit this Carbon County treasure.
6. Cassville Oktoberfest: German Traditions In Huntingdon County
Polka music floated through the air as I clinked steins with strangers-turned-friends at Cassville’s charming Oktoberfest. This tiny Huntingdon County hamlet throws a German celebration that would make Bavaria proud, complete with lederhosen, dirndls, and enough sauerkraut to satisfy even the most demanding European palate.
The volunteer fire company hosts this fundraiser that’s become a regional highlight. Watching the pretzel-eating contest had me in stitches—my husband’s valiant effort earned him third place and a commemorative drink mug that now holds pencils on his desk.
Local breweries showcase seasonal craft drinks while traditional German dancers perform on the outdoor stage. The homemade spätzle and apple strudel transport taste buds straight to the Alps. What makes this festival special is its authentic small-town vibe—you’ll arrive as visitors but leave feeling like part of Cassville’s extended family.
7. Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival: Country Junction’s Autumnal Playground
“Just one more ride!” begged my daughter as dusk fell over Country Junction’s Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival. Who could blame her? This Lehighton spectacle transforms America’s largest general store into a wonderland of autumn attractions that kept us entertained from opening until reluctant departure.
The haunted train ride through spooky woods had us screaming with delight—not too scary for little ones but thrilling enough for adults. Watching pig races became our unexpected highlight; we cheered ourselves hoarse for a porker named “Kevin Bacon” who sprinted to victory.
Pumpkin painting stations let creativity flow while the apple cannon gives visitors a chance to launch fruit projectiles at distant targets. The festival’s massive pumpkin patch offers specimens from hand-sized decorative gourds to massive carving pumpkins. Their freshly made kettle corn, still warm in the bag, provided perfect sustenance between activities.
8. Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival: Victorian Splendor Meets Mountain Majesty
Stepping into Jim Thorpe during their Fall Foliage Festival feels like time travel—Victorian architecture framed by mountain slopes painted in autumn’s finest palette. My first visit left me speechless as I wandered cobblestone streets lined with vendors selling everything from hand-poured candles to artisanal chocolates.
The old train station bustles with activity as the scenic railway offers leaf-peeping excursions through Lehigh Gorge. Street musicians create the perfect soundtrack while you browse shops housed in 19th-century buildings. Last October, I discovered a local potter whose mugs now start my mornings with memories of that perfect weekend.
Ghost tours reveal the town’s spooky history after dark—our guide’s tales of the Old Jail Museum still give me chills! The festival spans three weekends, but accommodations fill quickly in this popular mountain town. My advice? Book months ahead and arrive early to secure parking in this pedestrian paradise.
9. Franklin Applefest: Oil Region’s Sweet Harvest Tradition
“You absolutely must try the apple dumplings!” A friendly local’s advice led me to dessert nirvana at Franklin’s Applefest. This charming oil region town transforms its historic downtown into a celebration of all things apple each October, continuing a tradition that began in 1983.
Bandstand Park becomes festival headquarters where I watched skilled craftspeople demonstrate forgotten arts like blacksmithing and spinning wool. The antique car show sparkles with meticulously restored vehicles while owners proudly share restoration stories with admirers.
Children’s eyes widen at the elaborate scarecrow contest entries lining Liberty Street. My favorite festival feature? The apple pie contest, where judges take their duties very seriously—I’ve never seen such concentration as when they evaluate crust flakiness! Franklin’s well-preserved Victorian architecture creates the perfect backdrop for this quintessential small-town Pennsylvania celebration that draws over 100,000 visitors annually.