There’s nothing quite like October’s crisp weather and colorful scenery. Put them together and you have the perfect backdrop for harvest celebrations, fairs, festivals, fundraisers and, of course, Halloween festivities.

Photos are from Social Media and LCM files

Food & Drink

Harvest Breakfast

October 3

Lancaster Central Market

The market’s standholders 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

Supper Club

October 8

The Whisk Café

Each month The Whisk Café partners with local vendors to present a themed dinner. This month fall is in the air thanks to Grandview Vineyard, Masonic Village Farm Market and Lancaster Brewing. The three-course menu will feature such dishes as apple butternut soup, maple-glazed salmon, corn fritters, shaved Brussels sprouts and hibiscus pavlova. Cocktails, wine and beer will also be available. 5 p.m. 98 Masonic Dr., Suite 102, Elizabethtown. Reservations required. Information: Thewhiskcafe.com

Apple Dumpling Days

October 9 & 10

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. Purchases can be made at the drive-thru tent on the property (no online orders). Fri., 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat., 9 a.m. till sold out. 632 W. Main St., Ephrata. Information: Ephratacloister.org

Winter Cocktail Series

October 8

John Wright Restaurant

With home entertaining gearing up for the holiday season, John Wright is holding a series of cocktail-making sessions that will make your parties sparkle. This month the theme is “Spooky Espresso Martinis.” As you learn and sip the night away, you’ll be treated to the restaurant’s signature wood-fired pizzas. 6:30 p.m. 234 N. Front St., Wrightsville. Information: Jwrpa.com

Harvest Celebration of PA Wines

October 9

Stone Gables Estate

The Pennsylvania Wine Association is celebrating the state’s wine industry and PA Wine Month with an event that will feature 15 wineries from across the state. The event will also feature cheesemakers, food trucks, live music, tasting and pairing sessions, vineyard tours, educational seminars and more. (Note: This is a ticketed event.) 3-8 p.m. 1 Hollinger Lane, Elizabethtown. Information: Pennsylvaniawine.com 

Lititz Chocolate Walk

October 10

Lititz

Regarded as trick-or-treating for grownups, chocoholics have converged on Lititz for the past 25 years to indulge in a day of chocolate bliss! With more than 25 locations, participants visit the shops and other venues in downtown Lititz in search of chocolate treats that have been donated by some of the region’s top chefs, bakers, ice cream shops, chocolatiers and candy makers. New this year is the addition of an Artisan Maker’s Market at Historic Rudy’s Hall. The money raised from ticket sales support children-focused charities in the Lancaster County region. (Note: This is a ticketed event.) 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Information:Lititzchocolatewalk.com.

Fall Cider Celebration

October 11

Historic Rock Ford

Rock Ford pays homage to the beverage of choice during America’s Colonial period. The multifaceted event will feature Mark A. Turdo, whose lecture, “Cider: Pennsylvania’s Once (& Future?) Favorite,” will touch on everything from William Penn to Prohibition, how cider was historically made, its presence and importance in Pennsylvania, and where it’s heading today. After the lecture, Forbes Road Frolic will perform traditional colonial era tavern music. Food and both hard and non-alcoholic cider will be available for purchase. In addition, Mark Turdo will be conducting living history demonstrations about 18th century cider. 4-8 p.m. 881 Rockford Rd., Lancaster. (Note: This is a ticketed event.) Information: Historicrockford.org

Farm to Table Dinner

October 24

Inn at Twin Linden

The final dinner of the season will feature seasonal cuisine, local ingredients and the beauty of Lancaster County. The six-course menu is crafted in partnership with nearby farmers and growers, highlighting the freshest flavors of each season. The event begins with a complimentary signature cocktail and time to explore the gardens, the party barn and the meadow as the sun sets. Dinner is served outdoors under the stars, with unhurried pacing and a relaxed, communal feel (or if the weather isn’t cooperating, in the barn). When the weather allows, the evening ends with a bonfire and a final goodnight drink. 2092 Main St., Churchtown. Information: Innattwinlinden.com

Zest! Cooking School Reopens

October 28

Lancaster

Zest! Cooking School has a new home: The Shops @ Rockvale. The school’s first class (Oct. 28) is devoted to Asian Dumplings 101. On Oct. 29, the theme is Garden Focaccia and Tiramisu. On Oct. 30, the school will host Monster Mash: A Family Costume Party. Looking ahead, Nov. 5 will be devoted to Dutch Oven Dinners. Lots of holiday-themed classes, as well as Date Nights are scheduled throughout December. Times vary. 35 S. Willowdale Dr., Suite 1723, Lancaster. Information: Zestchef.com

Themed Dinner

October 29

John Wright Restaurant

This month’s theme is “Chesapeake Bay & Aqua-Farm.” The three-course dinner will feature oyster dishes, a clam bake, a trio of blue catfish, skate and snakehead, and dessert. The courses will be paired with cocktails (Orange Crush and Bloody Mary) and an IPA from Dogfish. 6:30 p.m. 234 N. Front St., Wrightsville. Information: Jwrpa.com

A Night of Smoke and Silk

October 30

Strasburg Rail Road & The Barn at Paradise Station

Travel back to the year 1871, when a tragic fire impacted the Strasburg Rail Road. You’ll board a First-Class rail car, which will transport you to The Barn at Paradise Station, where a gala will include cocktails, live music, a murder mystery, dinner (prepared by Café 1832) and more. Guests are encouraged to get into the “spirit” of the occasion and dress in Victorian-inspired attire. 5 p.m. 300 Gap Rd., Ronks. Information:Strasburgrailroad.com

William Woys Weaver

October 30

Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum

As part of the museum’s America 250 Lecture Series, the renowned food historian and author will take guests on a richly illustrated exploration of Pennsylvania Dutch food traditions. His lecture will delve into the evolution of regional foodways, spanning from colonial times to modern day, and their influence on American cuisine and culture. 6 p.m. 2451 Kissel Hill Rd., Lancaster. Information: Landisvalleymuseum.org 

Fall/Harvest

New Holland Farmers Fair

September 30-October 3

New Holland

The 94th 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.

Maize & Snitz Fest

October 3

1719 Museum

The festival brings Lancaster County’s early Indigenous and European cultures to life with historical demonstrations, local vendors and tours of the Herr House and Lancaster Longhouse. Artisans will showcase traditional crafts originating from Europe and the Indigenous Peoples of the Eastern Woodlands. Crafts such as apple butter making, blacksmithing, beadwork and music helped to shape Lancaster County’s history and now tell its story. Throughout the day, interpreters will lead demonstrations near the Herr House and the Lancaster Longhouse, offering insight into historic art forms, industries, and traditional cooking. Guests can also bid on silent auction items, courtesy of local donors, artists and businesses. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 1849 Hans Herr Dr., Willow Street. Information: Mennonitelife.org

Manheim Community Farm Show

October 5-9

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

Harvest Days

October 10-11

Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum

This annual event offers 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, live music (including Hammer Creek), 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. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. each day. 2451 Kissel Hill Rd., Lancaster. Information: Landisvalleymuseum.org

Fall Farm Days

October 11-13

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

AppleUmpkin Fall Festival

October 17

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: Appleumpkinpa.com

Community

Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration

October 3

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. 3-8 p.m. 2nd block of North Queen St., Lancaster. Information: Visitlancastercity.com 

One World Festival

October 4

Lancaster

Back for its 5th year, the festival that celebrates the world’s cultures will feature food, vendors, music, dancing, live performances and more. There will also be a Kids Zone, featuring a variety of activities. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Alumni Sports & Fitness Center, F&M College, 929 Harrisburg Ave., Lancaster. Information: Oneworldfestivallancaster.org

Lancaster County Best Kept Secrets Tour

October 8-24

Lancaster County

This shopping, food and fun adventure tour will feature more than 40 unique and off-the-beaten-path businesses. 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 will benefit Lighthouse Vocational Services. Information: Bestkeptsecretstour.com

Explore Retirement Living

October 17

Lancaster County

Now in its 14th year, this county-wide event, which is hosted by 17 continuing care retirement communities, provides an opportunity for prospective residents to explore multiple communities in one day! 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Information: Exploreretirementliving.org

Music, Dance

Blues, Brews & “Boos” Music Festival

October 10

Marietta

The open-air festival will feature live music on four stages, artisans, food trucks, adult beverage stations (must be 21+) and a 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 11.) Information: Discovermariettapa.org.

Sock Hop

October 17

Columbia

Create Columbia is hosting an event that will take you back in time! A 50s Sock Hop will be the catalyst for music, dancing and more. Hip music, keen finger food and outa sight beverages are included in the price of your ticket. Wear your saddle shoes, penny loafers or your favorite pair of crazy socks and dance the night away. 6-9 p.m. 15 S. Third St., Columbia. Information: Createcolumbia.org

Theatre

Beautiful, The Carole King Musical

September 30-November 7

Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre

This inspiring true story about Carole King spans from her early days as a Brooklyn teenager struggling to enter the record business to her years spent as a chart-topping music legend and one of the most successful singer-songwriters in music history. Before she was a star, Carole King was crafting chart-toppers for artists like The Shirelles, The Drifters, and Aretha Franklin. As her personal life shifted, so did her voice, culminating in the groundbreaking Tapestry album and a sound all her own. With unforgettable hits like It’s Too Late, You’ve Got a Friend, So Far Away, and (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman, Beautiful is a moving, music-filled portrait of resilience, self-discovery and the healing power of song. This show is rated PG13. Days and times vary; lunch and dinner options available. 510 Centerville Rd., Lancaster. Information: Dutchapple.com

Benefits

Art & Wine Heist

October 2

John Wright Restaurant

Columbia Animal Shelter’s annual benefit returns for a ninth year. An evening of art, wine, mystery and meaningful impact will feature a Wine Pull for Purchase (will the mystery bottle be a fun everyday wine or a top-shelf treasure); art displays (and the Heist Countdown in which guests race to “heist” their chosen artwork!); and a live auction that will include once-in-a-lifetime experiences, including trips to destinations like Key West, exclusive private dinners and chef experiences, luxury items, etc. Finally, Fund the Need enables guests to make direct contributions that go straight to lifesaving medical care, food, equipment, and shelter for animals. 6 p.m. 234 N. Front St., Wrightsville. Information: Columbiaanimalshelter.com

Dine on Harvest Moon

October 2

Lancaster County Convention Center

The Lancaster Conservancy is hosting this all-important benefit that invites you to be transported to the treetops of our woodlands and the open skies of our meadows. The night will come alive with the vibrant beauty of nature in a space transformed to honor the feathered friends that grace our forests and fields. Protecting and restoring our natural lands is key to the Conservancy’s mission and to ensuring that our community and wildlife can thrive. The loss of birds has long been seen as a warning that something is not right in our natural world. But their return can offer an equally strong message, one of resilience and hope. The evening will include a reception, raffles, an auction, dinner and a program. 5:30 p.m. 25 S. Queen St., Lancaster. Information: Lancasterconservancy.org

Gifts That Give Hope Fair

October 10

Farm & Home Center

Back for its 19th year, this fair is unique in that its organizers partner with nonprofits (locally and globally) to create a marketplace of charitable gift options. Guests can choose a nonprofit or a gift category (like education, health care, or housing), make a donation, and receive a gift card or printable certificate to present to their recipient. Or shop for fair trade and sustainable gifts from makers whose lives have changed thanks to people appreciating and purchasing their products. Food trucks and vendors, kids’ activities and live music are also part of the event. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 1383 Arcadia Rd., Lancaster. Information:Giftsthatgivehopelancaster.org   

Lancaster Conservancy Trail Fest

October 17

Hellam

Join Lancaster Conservancy for the third-annual Trail Fest to celebrate the variety of ways we can connect with nature and experience the physical, mental and emotional health benefits gained from spending time outdoors. Music, food, and community await as you explore one of the Conservancy’s newest nature preserves, the Ingrid Graham Historic Hellam Nature Preserve, before it opens to the public. Event will feature music (bluegrass from Cumberland Honey); beer and cider from Collusion Tap Works; food from Traveling J’s, Tipsy Boar BBQ and Mezcla; a Nature Discovery Walk; and Trailside Talks. View the Susquehanna River Art Collection curated by Rob Evans at the preserve’s farmhouse gallery and check out incredibly preserved and restored historic structures that demonstrate the longstanding relationship between humans and our environment. (Note: This is a ticketed event.) 1-6 p.m. Hillview Rd., Hellam. Information:Lancasterconservancy.org

Taste of Science

October 22

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, beer tastings provided 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

Spooky Happenings

Cherry Crest Adventure Farm

October

Ronks

The farm’s 5-acre corn maze offers 2.5 miles of pathways. This year’s theme is “Let Freedom Ring.” 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 through November 7, when Pumpkin Madness (10 a.m.-10 p.m.) 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.

Albatwitch Day

October 10

Wrightsville

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 13th year, Albatwitch Day pays homage to one of the river area’s most infamous “residents.” The day will feature lectures, appearances by well-known authors and the Stormers’ mascot, Cylo, music, vendors, a cigar lounge, trolly tours and more. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Riverfront Park, S. Front St., Wrightsville. Information:Albatwitchday.com

Halloween Days & Spooky Knights

October 10-11, 17-18, 24-25

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.

Haunted Marietta

October 23-24

Marietta

Marietta’s Halloween extravaganza has a new home (Marietta Community House), where the spooky experiences will continue. Each evening from 4:30-6:30 p.m., the haunt will be a bit tamer for the kids to enjoy. Then, from 7-9 p.m., the experience ramps up for those who dare to enter. Food trucks will be onsite. Saturday will feature the annual Halloween Parade, which will be staged in the town’s square at 4 p.m. 264 W. Market St., Marietta. Information: Facebook.com

Halloween Scooptacular

October 25

Turkey Hill Experience

Now in its sixth 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. Information: Turkeyhillexperience.com

Boos & Brews Fest

October 30

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. 6-10 p.m. 650 N. Prince St., Lancaster. Information: Pennmedicinepark.com

Yummie’s Halloween Boo Bash

October 31

Kitchen Kettle Village

Ticketholders for this family-friendly event will enjoy a breakfast buffet at the Kling House, participate in a costume contest, decorate a Gingerbread Man, pose for photos with the village’s mascots, take part in a scavenger hunt (kids) and more. 9:30 a.m. check-in. 3029 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse. Information:  Kitchenkettle.com