The scenic Raystown Lake Region in Huntingdon County is one of Pennsylvania’s most pristine, pastoral places to explore. Encompassing the anchoring namesake destination of Raystown Lake, the largest lake in the entire state, it’s here you can enjoy plentiful pursuits year-round. On-water and shore-based endeavors alike make up the vast itinerary of activities and attractions to behold within the surrounding area, all accented by the bountiful bucolic views of mountainous woodland and lavish lakeside.
The rural Raystown Lake Region reflects natural beauty and intrigue with every changing season. But there’s something especially winsome in the collective canvas of autumn’s artistry, presented via colorful fall foliage and crisp clean air. That makes Raystown one of the most breathtaking sights to take to at the peak of the harvest season. Befittingly enough, this is the time of year when you will find numerous seasonal harvest happenings to enjoy throughout the surrounding area. Here are 10 upcoming festivals and events to consider attending in the coming weeks.
Mount Union Fall Pepper Fest
Dubbed “the hottest little festival in Huntingdon County,” Mount Union Fall Pepper Fest has come to be a spicy seasonal mainstay that draws in scores of visitors annually. Presented by Mount Union Community Garden, the 2024 installment of Mount Union Fall Pepper Fest will occur at Roger-Newman Park on September 21 between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Family-friendly fun and festivities will be ongoing throughout the festival, with the famed Hot Pepper Eating Contest being the day’s anchoring event. Other featured follies will include the chili cookoff contest, a free gardening class, free gardening samples (while supplies last), local food and craft vendors, live entertainment, kids’ activities, and even a mild pepper-eating contest for children.
Roger-Newman Park is located at 100-398 S. Moore Avenue, Mount Union, PA 17066. Click here for all other details.
Autumn Fest at Tuckaway Tree Farm
If you’re looking for a good old-fashioned fall farm festival celebration, then make your way on over to Tuckaway Tree Farm on September 21. That’s when their 4th Annual Autumn Fest will take place. Running from 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., the Autumn Farm Fest will offer all the traditional staples of the season, including farm-grown pumpkins, more than 20 local vendors, delicious food, live music by Conner Gilbert, and loads of ongoing fun for all ages. This is also the time when you can get first dibs on Tag Your Tree Weekend tickets. Proceeds from onsite hayrides benefit the Christmas Spirit Foundation’s Trees for Troops.
You will find Tuckaway Tree Farm at 13872 Alan Seeger Road, Petersburg, PA 16669. Visit the site link to learn more.
Heritage Fair at Camp Blue Diamond
Presented by Aughwick Germany Valley Church of the Brethren, the 2024 installment of the Heritage Fair at Camp Blue Diamond will be an all-out blast lasting most of the day on September 21. Come out any time between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to take in extensive offerings onsite. There will be auction bids on handmade items, delicious food, and so much more. One popular highlight includes onsite apple cider-making and loads of other apple goods.
Countless craft vendors, games, activities, entertainment, and more will carry crowds throughout the event. All ages and interests are guaranteed a delightful time.
The site address for Camp Blue Diamond is at 4013 Blue Diamond Drive, Petersburg, PA 16669. Click the link to learn more.
Cassville Oktoberfest
The Annual Cassville Oktoberfest will return for its 48th year on the weekend of September 27 through 29. Held on location within the Community Building in Cassville, the free family-oriented event will offer loads of excitement each consecutive day.
Doors open Friday evening at 6 p.m. with Cash Bingo and Prizes. Saturday’s festivities will begin at 9 a.m., with highlights that include their famous Oktoberfest Run, chicken barbecue, parade, band performances, and more. Sunday will open at 10 a.m. with an outdoor church service. Each day will include a wide range of activities and endeavors, including amusement rides, apple butter making, delicious food, and more.
The Cassville Building is located at 296 Cherry Street, Cassville, PA 16623. Click here for additional information.
Huntingdon Octoberfest
Another optimal Oktoberfest (or in this case, “October” fest) will be held in historic Downtown Huntingdon on Saturday, September 28. It’s the one and only Huntingdon Octoberfest—a quaint communitywide celebration featuring an array of activities and events to last the day. From local artisans to versatile craft and food vendors, live entertainment, and a host of kid-centered activities, the downtown scene will be transformed into an all-out autumnal party you won’t want to miss. While you’re at it, be sure to shop locally and support small businesses in the surrounding district.
The Octoberfest epic center will be in the heart of Downtown Huntingdon, Huntingdon, PA 16652. Visit the website link to learn more.
Big Valley Harvestfest
Big Valley Harvestfest is a big deal in Huntingdon County. It’s one of the region’s biggest seasonal events of its kind, showcasing more than 50 artisan and vendor setups selling a vast array of unique products of all sorts. There will also be plenty of great food, harvest-themed follies, face painting, and more.
Big Valley Harvest Fest will run for two days. Operations will commence on Friday, October 4 at noon and remain in full swing through the 9 p.m. hour. Things will get started early at 9 a.m. on Saturday, October 5, and run until 4 p.m. The event is free to attend.
You will find the Big Valley Harvest Fest off the intersection of 322 & 655 in Reedsville. Follow the arrows to the Youth Park. For additional information, click here.
Ghosts & Goblins at Lincoln Caverns
Just in time for Halloween, Lincoln Caverns & Whisper Rocks will play host to a ghoulishly good time. It’s their Annual Ghosts & Goblins event, which will run from October 4 through October 26. Introducing a new theme for the 2024 season, these tantalizingly terrifying tours will take place on Friday and Saturday evenings from 6 p.m. to 9:40 p.m. Admission for these Evening Terror Tours include the Haunted Cave, Haunted Trail, and Haunted Hayride.
An alternate afternoon version is offered on Saturdays between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. The lineup for these offerings includes the Haunted Cave, Natural Cave, Haunted Hayride, and a mining for gems activity.
Lincoln Caverns & Whisper Rocks is located at 7703 William Penn Highway, (U.S. Route 22)
Huntingdon, PA 16652. For tickets and information visit the website.
Bedford Fall Foliage Festival
Ranked among the “22 Best Fall Harvest Festivals and Events Across America” by Oprah, the Bedford Fall Foliage Festival offers an awesome annual autumnal celebration like no other. Spanning two full weekends, this year’s event marks a 60-year milestone as a community mainstay.
Every year, the festival draws in more than 70,000 visitors. Over 400 exhibitors come out, vending vast and versatile goods of all kinds. And don’t forget about all the other onsite festivities and events to pursue, including live entertainment and classic kid activities. There’s also a featured antique car parade to boot!
The 2024 installment of the Bedford Fall Foliage Festival will be presented on October 5 and 6 and then again on October 12 and 13. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on all days. Visit the website to learn more.
Hartslog Day Heritage Festival
Hartslog Heritage Museum in Alexandria will be presenting its Hartslog Day Heritage Festival on October 12. Taking place on Main Street, the seasonal celebratory setup will include local vendors and artisans, arts and crafts, live entertainment, fantastic food, and plenty of pleasing extras for all ages.
The Hartslog Day Heritage Festival will occur between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Discover more about the festival and the museum on the website.
PEANUTS™ The Great Pumpkin Patch Express at East Broad Top Railroad
Beginning on October 12 and running through October 27, East Broad Top Railroad will present its PEANUTS™ The Great Pumpkin Patch Express. Offered on weekends from 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., riders are welcome to dress in their Halloween best costumes and hop aboard for a train excursion to the famed Great Pumpkin Patch featuring appearances by Charlie Brown and Snoopy. Children will have the opportunity to select their perfect pumpkin to take home while also joining in various other fun follies onsite.
Trains depart northbound from the Orbisonia Station. The physical address for East Broad Top Railroad is 421 Meadow Street, Rockhill Furnace, PA 17249. Go to the website for tickets, pricing, and all other information.
The Raystown Lake Region boasts bountiful other options in addition to those highlighted here. It’s a beautiful place to head for year-round; the sensational attractions and events to be had are always in season.