Yes, Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands have been consistently named one of USA Today’s 10Best Destinations for Fall Foliage. And, yes, there is nothing quite like our spectacular views, cozy campgrounds, and winding scenic byways. But that is just the beginning!
When the temperatures start to drop and the colors start to pop, the mountains come alive with family-friendly fall events and festivals that bring a smile to the entire family, from toddlers to grands. There are plenty of events to explore here, but we’ve conjured up a list of six fabulous fall events that we think you and your crew will love.
IDLEWILD & HALLOWBOO
Saturdays & Sundays: Sept. 13 - Oct. 26, 2025
If you like coming to Idlewild during the summer, you will love HallowBoo! Dress the kids in their costumes and head to Idlewild to see all your favorite rides decorated for Halloween. Follow the trick-or-treat trail through Storybook Forest and get lots of goodies from characters!
DELMONT APPLE ‘N ARTS FESTIVAL
Oct. 4 & 5, 2025
Calling all apple lovers! The Delmont Apple ‘n Arts Festival is a traditional festival that is celebrating its 43rd year (1982 – 2025). Featuring over 100 arts and crafts/food vendors, you can find handmade items from local crafters, delicious food, fresh-pressed apple cider, and homemade apple treats.
CONFLUENCE PUMPKINFEST
Oct. 3 – 5, 2025
Everyone loves a Pumpkinfest, and Confluence offers one of the best! Explore a wide variety of arts & crafts and food vendors in the town park. Pumpkinfest also features a queen pageant, a 5K run/walk, an antique and classic auto show, a parade and a largest pumpkin contest. Other events include a garden tractor pull, photo contest, tough man firetruck pull, tractor square dancing exhibition, live music and more.
Autumnfest at Seven Springs
October 4–5, 11–12, and 18–19, 2025
Autumnfest is back, and it’s bringing the mountain to life with three weekends of fall fun you won’t want to miss! Every Saturday and Sunday, October 4–5, 11–12, and 18–19, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the slopes transform into a colorful playground bursting with family-friendly adventures.
Enjoy live music, quirky performers, and scenic chairlift rides with a front-row view of fiery fall foliage. Shop ‘til you drop (pumpkin spice latte in hand, of course) as artisans and crafters show off their one-of-a-kind creations. Meanwhile, the kids can conquer the hay maze, pick the perfect pumpkin, or let their imaginations soar with balloon animals and crafts in the Kids Zone. Feeling brave? Whisk down the mountain on the Alpine Slide. Best part—admission and parking are free, so grab your crew, pack your flannels, and make Autumnfest your next fun day trip or getaway.
Fort Ligonier Days
October 10-12, 2025
Commemorating a key battle of the French & Indian War, which occurred on October 12, 1758, Fort Ligonier Days draws tens of thousands of visitors each year to the quaint, picturesque town of Ligonier in the beautiful Laurel Highlands.
The three-day event features historic battle reenactments, top-rated juried crafts, delicious foods, local spirits, popular musical entertainment, a grand parade, and a 5K walk/run.
With the backdrop of spectacular fall foliage as its setting, a variety of activities are found on the beautiful Ligonier Diamond, throughout the historic town, and at the authentically reconstructed Fort Ligonier and its world-class, recently-renovated, museum.
Living Treasures Night at the Zoo
Every Friday and Saturday in October from 7 pm to 11 pm (last admission is at 10 pm)
A Wildly Fun Night for the Whole Family! Looking for a fall adventure that’s big on fun and light on fright? This non-scary nighttime event invites families to experience the zoo after dark! Stroll along torch-lit walkways to observe the fascinating behaviors of animals that come alive at night. Listen for their calls, spot glowing eyes, and enjoy the magic of the evening.
Many animals are nocturnal, making this the perfect opportunity to see them active and alert.
A Jack-O-Lantern Contest begins at 7 p.m. Guests who bring a carved or decorated pumpkin receive free admission for one child with one paid adult ticket. One winner per age group will be selected each week.
Costumes are encouraged—no scary costumes, please—and flashlights are recommended to help spot the animals. Flashlights may be brought from home or purchased in the gift shop.
The zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., making it easy to enjoy daytime viewing before the evening event begins.
Make this wild adventure part of your Laurel Highlands fall getaway!
Scare up some fall fun in the Laurel Highlands with these and many more festivals and events. Explore many unique family-friendly lodging options, and make it a great two, three, or four-night getaway!
