Autumn Adventures

Celebrating Fall in the PA Great Lakes Region

As the PA Great Lakes Region dawns its vibrant fall colors, each county comes to life with a rich tapestry of events that celebrate the harvest, local culture, and the crisp beauty of autumn. From wine festivals and community fairs to corn mazes and Halloween parades, fall in Erie, Crawford, Mercer, and Venango counties is a season of warmth, wonder, and welcoming communities. Let’s explore the quintessential fall events that make this region a must-visit destination during the cooler months.  For more events and information, please click the link to each county’s Events Calendar.

Iron Mills Farmstead - Mercer County
Port Farms - Erie County
A train traveling down the tracks. Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad - Venango County

Crawford County

Harvests and Haunts

  • Spartansburg Community Fair: Experience the charm of small-town America with this traditional fair, featuring agricultural displays, crafts, and family fun.
  • Wine, Brew, & Spirits Walk: Stroll through Meadville as you taste the best local libations, perfect for a crisp fall evening.
  • Pumpkin Fest: Celebrate all things pumpkin with crafts, food, and family activities in Conneaut Lake Park, including a giant pumpkin drop!
  • Meadville Halloween Parade: Put on your costumes and join one of Pennsylvania’s largest nighttime Halloween parades, a thrilling event for all ages.
Meadville Halloween Parade - Crawford County
North East Wine Fest - Erie County

Erie County

Wine, Harvest, and Horror

  • North East Wine Fest: Embrace the harvest season with a trip to North East, PA, where local vineyards offer tastings, tours, and festivities.
  • Port Farms Fall Harvest Festival: Delight in autumnal fun with hayrides, corn mazes, pumpkin picking, and more at this family-friendly farm.
  • Eerie Horror Fest: Get into the Halloween spirit with this festival dedicated to horror films, featuring screenings, celebrity guests, and spooky fun.

Mercer County

Mazes and Celebrations

  • Buhl Day on Labor Day: Kick off the fall season in Sharon with this community celebration featuring entertainment, crafts, and food.
  • Fair Haven Farms, Coolspring Corn Maze, and Iron Mills Farmstead Corn Mazes & Fall Fun: Get lost in the fun with intricate corn mazes and autumn activities at these beloved family farms, each offering a unique theme and a plethora of fall-themed attractions.
Coolspring Corn Maze - Mercer County
Pithole Lantern Tours - Venango County

Venango County

Local Flavors and Festivities

  • Farm to Fork: Indulge in local cuisine paired with beer, wine, and live music at this event benefiting the Titusville Open Air Market.
  • Pithole Lantern Tours: Step back in time with a lantern-lit tour of the historic Pithole City, offering a glimpse into Pennsylvania’s oil boom era.
  • Oil Creek 100 Ultra Trail Runs: Challenge yourself with a run through the beautiful, changing leaves of Oil Creek State Park, a true test of endurance amidst autumn’s splendor.
  • Applefest in Franklin: Celebrate the quintessential fall fruit with Franklin’s largest festival, featuring arts, crafts, music, and delicious apple-themed treats.

Fall in the PA Great Lakes Region is a season of gathering, celebrating, and embracing the outdoors.

With each county offering its own unique blend of events, from serene wine tastings and bustling fairs to adventurous corn mazes and festive parades, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy this enchanting season. Join us as we welcome the cooler days and colorful landscapes, making memories that will last a lifetime.

A lake surrounded by trees and a dock. Justus Lake - Venango County