October’s Thrills, Chills … and Apples
There’s nothing quite like October’s crisp weather and colorful scenery. They combine to create a backdrop for harvest celebrations, fairs, festivals, fundraisers and, of course, Halloween festivities.
Photos are from Social Media and LCM files
Cherry Crest Adventure Farm
October
Ronks
Through October 25, you can enjoy the displays of sunflowers (22 varieties) and zinnias (12 varieties). Buy a stem or a bucketful to take home. The pumpkin patch will be open, as well. The popcorn field is also ripe for picking. Choose some ears, take them home for popping and tune into a scary movie.
The 5-acre corn maze is also open, offering 2.5 miles of pathways. This year’s theme is “Wild, Wild West.” During October, the Flashlight Maze is offered Friday and Saturday nights until 10 p.m. Also on October weekends, guest breweries and wineries will be onsite. Fireworks will also be held Saturday nights.
Be sure to return November 1 for Pumpkin Madness (10 a.m.-10 p.m.), which closes the season with a thrilling quest to discover the ultimate pumpkin destruction techniques. From smashing and throwing to bowling, dropping and carving, there’s no shortage of excitement. Bring along your leftover Halloween pumpkins or use some of Cherry Crest’s. There’s a pumpkin drop at 5 p.m. and fireworks at 8:30 p.m. 150 Cherry Hill Rd., Ronks. Information: Cherrycrestfarm.com.
A Chorus Line
Through November 1
Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
Follow a group of Broadway dancers as they take part in a heart-pounding, nail-biting, ensemble audition. As the competition heats up, the director asks each performer to share what influenced their decision to become a dancer. Watch as individual lives are transformed into being part of A Chorus Line! Note: This show is rated PG13. Days and times vary; lunch and dinner options available. 510 Centerville Rd., Lancaster. Information: Dutchapple.com
New Holland Farmers Fair
October 1-4
New Holland
The 93rd edition of the fair includes a parade, midway, competitions, exhibits, livestock shows, kid’s events and plenty of tasty food. Hours vary. Fair is held along Main Street and intersecting streets. Information: Newhollandfair.org.
Harvest Breakfast
October 4
Lancaster Central Market
Celebrate the harvest with the market’s standholders, who will have special harvest-themed, pay-as-you-go food stands set up outside the market house. Event also features live music, face painting, pumpkin painting and more! 8 a.m.-noon. 23 N. Market St., Lancaster. Information: Centralmarketlancaster.com
Maize & Snitz Fest
October 4
1719 Museum
Tour the home built in 1719 for the Hans Herr family and learn about local Indigenous life at the Lancaster Longhouse. Interpreters and craftspeople will conduct demonstrations throughout the day near the two dwellings, offering insight into historic cultures, industries and art forms. Artisans who specialize in traditional crafts that have both shaped and told the stories of local cultures will also be on hand. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 1849 Hans Herr Dr., Willow Street. Information: Mennonitelife.org.
Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
October 4
Binns Park & Ewell Plaza
Event will feature live music, dancing, food trucks and vendors, and a marketplace, where unique crafts, arts and products that highlight the beauty and creativity of Hispanic heritage will be on display. 1-6 p.m. 2nd block of North Queen St., Lancaster. Information: Visitlancastercity.com
Walk-A-Bout Brewery Tour
October 4, 11, 18, 25
Lancaster City
Presented by Brewery Tours, LLC, this tour takes attendees to three breweries in the city, through which you’ll enjoy a guided tasting tour of 12 craft beers, meet the brew masters, experience behind-the-scenes access and hear local and historical anecdotes. Must be 21+. Advanced reservations needed. 12 p.m. Information: Ultimatecraftbeerexperience.com.
Artisan Days at The Shoppes at Miller’s
October 4 & 25
The Shoppes at Miller’s
Discover one-of-a-kind creations, sample food and watch quilting demos. Each Saturday will bring a different lineup of artisans who specialize in items such as candy, olive oils and balsamics, cheese and butter, soaps, apparel and candles. The Shoppes are comprised of Anna’s Gifts & Sundries, Locally Made Food Shop, The Quilt Shop at Miller’s, Ruthie’s and Miller’s Smorgasbord. 2-6 p.m. 2811 Lincoln Highway East, Ronks. Information: Shoppesatmillers.com
I-105 Fallfest
October 5
Overlook Community Park
WIOV’s annual county music extravaganza will feature such artists as Dylan Scott, Locash, Cooper Alan and more. Food trucks and beverage vendors will be onsite. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. 605 Granite Run Dr., Lancaster. Tickets needed. Information: Wiov.com
Manheim Community Farm Show
October 6-10
Manheim
This family-friendly fair features a parade, shows, competitions, demonstrations, kid’s activities, food vendors (all food stands are operated by nonprofit organizations) and more. Hours vary. 502 Adele Ave., Manheim. Information: Manheimfarmshow.org
Lancaster County Best Kept Secrets Tour
October 9-25
Lancaster County
This shopping, food and fun adventure tour will feature 44 off-the-beaten path businesses, hand-picked for their uniqueness. Set up like a home or garden tour, you’ll travel at your own pace to discover places you’ve always meant to visit or make discoveries that become your favorite places to shop or dine. Early birds get the goody bags that are filled with coupons, freebies and more. A portion of the proceeds benefits a local nonprofit. Information: Bestkeptsecretstour.com
Apple Dumpling Days
October 10 & 11
Historic Ephrata Cloister
Apple dumplings, those tasty apples wrapped in pastry and covered in sweet cinnamon syrup, are a fall tradition. Sales will help raise funds for the Back to the Cloister Fund that enables the Cloister to compete with private collectors and other institutions on the open market for original items made there. Over the years, sales of apple dumplings have been used to purchase one-of-a-kind furniture, rare music manuscripts, and the original 1739 deed to the historic site. In all, more than 100 items have been returned to the Cloister since the fund was established more than 40 years ago. The apple dumplings are provided by Achenbach’s in Leola. Purchases can be made at the drive-thru tent on the property. Sorry, no online orders. Fri., 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat., 9 a.m. till sold out. 632 W. Main St., Ephrata. Information: Ephratacloister.org
Albatwitch Day
October 11
Columbia
What is an Albatwitch you ask? Rooted in Native American legend, the furry creature is said to roam the river hills in search of apples. Like its cousin, Big Foot, the Albatwitch eludes capture. Now in its 11th year, Albatwitch Day pays homage to one of Columbia’s most infamous “residents.” The day will feature lectures, appearances by well-known authors, music, vendors, trolly tours and more. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Wrightsville Riverfront Park, S. Front St., Wrightsville. Information: Albatwitchday.com
Kiwanis Chocolate Walk
October 11
Lititz
Regarded as trick-or-treating for grownups, each year chocoholics converge on Lititz for a day of chocolate bliss! With more than 25 locations, participants visit the shops and other venues in downtown Lititz in search of mouth-watering chocolate treats that have been donated by some of the region’s top chefs, bakers, ice cream shops, chocolatiers and candy makers. All the money raised from ticket sales goes to support children-focused charities in the Lancaster County region. Tickets required. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Information: Lititzchocolatewalk.com.
Blues, Brews & “Boos” Music Festival
October 11
Marietta
The open-air festival will feature live music on four stages, artisans, food trucks, adult beverage stations (must be 21+) and a ghost-themed costume contest. Free admission, but a $5 donation will support Marietta’s Front Street Cherry Tree Restoration & Monarch Habitat and provide you with a wristband that unlocks discounts on drinks. 1-6 p.m. Front Street. (Note: rain date is October 12.) Information: Discovermariettapa.org.
Harvest Days
October 11-12
Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
In celebration of Landis Valley’s 100th anniversary, this annual event will be bigger and better than ever, offering visitors of all ages an immersive experience of 19th-century rural life. Stroll through the historic village and watch skilled artisans demonstrate traditional crafts like blacksmithing, weaving, tinsmithing and more. Enjoy hands-on activities, wagon rides and delicious seasonal foods prepared using heirloom recipes. Activities for children will include harvest-themed games, pumpkin painting and opportunities to meet farm animals. On Saturday, the bluegrass band, Hammer Creek, will perform from 4-6 p.m. On Sunday, a Historic Car Show will be held. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 2451 Kissel Hill Rd., Lancaster. Information: Landisvalleymuseum.org
Celebration of Ministry Gala
October 12
Eden Resort & Suites
An evening of fellowship, joy and thanksgiving will honor the faithful ministry and lasting impact of Bethel AME Church’s Reverend Edward Maurice and Mrs. Lavonia Bailey. The event will feature dinner shared in fellowship, uplifting music and program tributes. 6 p.m. 222 Eden Rd., Lancaster. Information: Bethelamelancaster.com
Fall Farm Days
October 12-14
The Amish House & Farm
Come to the farm and take part in pumpkin chuckin’, a scavenger hunt and other games. Event will also feature face painting, apple cider tasting, a corm maze, a petting zoo, food vendors and artisans. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 2395 Covered Bridge Dr., Lancaster. Information: Amishfarmandhouse.com
Halloween Days & Spooky Knights
October 11-12, 18-19, 25-26
PA Renaissance Faire
It’s that time of the year: ghosts, goblins, fairies, vampires and creatures make their presence known at the Shire at Mt. Hope. Don your costumes, take part in a treasure hunt, go trick-or-treating and have fun. Gates open at 11 a.m. 2775 Lebanon Rd., Manheim. Information: Parenfaire.com.
Taste of Science
October 16
Lancaster Science Factory
It’s an evening of entertainment, food, drinks and science – all to benefit the nonprofit Lancaster Science Factory and its goal to ensure that STEM experiences are accessible to all students across Lancaster County. Event will feature dinner provided by Frisco’s Peruvian Chicken, science-themes cocktails with Thistle Finch Distillery, wine and other beverages, a Science of Beer Competition by the Lancaster Brewers Club, a Live Science trivia contest, raffles and silent auction and more. Must be 21+ to attend. (Note: This is a ticketed event.) 6 p.m. 454 New Holland Ave., Lancaster. Information: Lancastersciencefactory.org
Chief Uncas Boat Tours
October 17-26
Zimmerman Center for Heritage
Haunted Heritage is the theme of this one-hour excursion that will delve into the strange happenings, creature sightings and tragic endings that are connected to the river area. Then, continue the adventure at a local restaurant (some of which are purported to be haunted!). Fri., Sat. and Sun., 2 & 4 p.m. (Note: other themed tours are offered, as well.) 1706 Long Level Rd., Wrightsville. Information: Susqnha.org.
AppleUmpkin Fall Festival
October 18
Adamstown
Celebrate the fall season at this community event that includes chili and pie-baking competitions, an apple-peeling contest, a costume parade, hayrides, pumpkin decorating, scarecrow making and more. Craft vendors will be on hand. Food selection will include the festival’s famous apple dumplings. The festivities get underway at 10 a.m. Adamstown Community Park, 33 W. Main St., Adamstown. Information: Adeamstowncommunitydays.com
Yummie’s Halloween Boo Bash
October 25
Kitchen Kettle Village
Ticketholders for this family-friendly event will receive a lunch voucher, can participate in a costume contest, visit the Whoopie Pie Experience and Hot Chocolate bar, pose for photos with the village’s mascots, take part in a scavenger hunt (kids) and a treasure hunt (adults). 9:30-10 a.m. check-in. 3029 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse. Information: Kitchenkettle.com
Boos & Brews Fest
October 25
Penn Medicine Park
More than 20 breweries will be on hand for this night of revelry that includes a costume contest, movies screened on the videoboard, live music and more. 21+ only. VIP and Designated Driver tickets available. Benefits projects of the Penn Square Rotary. 6-9 p.m. 650 N. Prince St., Lancaster. Information: Pennmedicinepark.com
Halloween Scooptacular
October 26
Turkey Hill Experience
Now in its fifth year, the event features Halloween-themed ice cream floats, trick-or-treating, pumpkin decorating, games and other activities. Costumes encouraged! Reservations required. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 301 Linden St., Columbia. Information: Turkeyhillexperience.com
Halloween at the Market
October 31
Columbia Market House
Spend Halloween in the historic market house, where you can enjoy music, costumed characters, ghost stories, tarot readings and book signings by Rick Fisher, Nicole Collins, Cory Van Brookhoven and Adam Zurn. Food and refreshments available for purchase. 5:30-9 p.m. 15 S. Third St., Columbia. Information: Columbiamarkethouse.org.
Casey’s Ultimate Tailgate
October 30
John Wright Restaurant
October also means we’re in the thick of the NFL season and John Wright is throwing the ultimate tailgate that will pay homage to 14 teams. The first course will feature an East Coast trio of pork, crab and oyster. That will be followed by a Mid-States trio of brisket, pierogi and burnt ends. The South will feature stuffed poblano and grits. The cocktail: The Buffalo Bill. The second course will have a West Coast connection: Cioppino. Cocktail: Chicago’s NY Sour. The third course returns to the East, as it entails bourbon peach cobbler and salted caramel brownies. Cocktail: The Detroit Hummer. 6:30 p.m. 234 N. Front St., Wrightsville. Information: Jwrpa.com
