Renowned for its history and status as a haunted hotspot, Gettysburg is the ultimate Halloween destination for folks of all ages and interests. This includes those looking for more versatile, family-friendly fall festivities. Fortunately, the greater surrounding stretches of Adams County are known to divvy out the delights in all of the above categories. Here’s a comprehensive guide to several happy Halloween happenings and other fun-for-all fall festivities to enjoy this month.
2nd Saturday Downtown Trick or Treat
October’s second Saturday event, held in neighboring Hanover, Pennsylvania, will feature special downtown trick-or-treating during brighter, early daytime hours. Registration is FREE. You need only stop by the Main Street Hanover tent in Center Square to check in and receive a Trick-or-Treat Card. Live music will be ongoing throughout the day, and costumes are encouraged. Trick-or-treating will take place between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Visit the website for more information.
Apple Indulgences
The popular National Apple Harvest Festival, an annual mainstay tradition in Adams County, continues its second round this weekend, October 10 and 11. Featuring more than 300 arts and crafts vendors, ongoing entertainment, and delicious food, the two-weekend event is held at the South Mountain Fairgrounds in Biglerville. Click here to learn more.
Also, take note that this is the season for Apple Harvest Weekends at Hollabaugh Bros. The free event will run from noon to 4 p.m. on the same weekends as the National Apple Harvest Festival. Be sure to visit other great area orchards as well, including one of my personal favorites, Boyer’s Nurseries & Orchards.
Fall Family Day at Spangler Farm
George Spangler Farm & Field Hospital will be hosting a free-to-attend Fall Family Fun Day event on October 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Come out and enjoy the cooler, albeit still nice, weather while witnessing living history demonstrations, taking part in harvest-themed hands-on activities, and even delighting in a free scoop of ice cream from Gettysburg’s Cone Sweet Cone while you’re at it! More information can be found on the Gettysburg Foundation website.
Trick-or-Treat Trail 2026
The Adams County Farmers Market at Gettysburg Rec Park will present its ever-popular annual Trick-or-Treat Trail this Saturday, October 10. Located on Long Lane, the trail will be open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is entirely free to the public (adults and children alike). Costumes are encouraged. Click on the event link for more details.
Annual Gettysburg Fall Cycling Weekend
Gettysburg’s annual Fall Cycling weekend kicks off on Friday, October 23. Running through Sunday, October 25, the annual event is hosted by Bike Tours by Linda and features a cultivated all-inclusive cycling package. It’s great for active outdoor enthusiasts looking for a proactive way to explore the sights and sounds of Adams County’s most bucolic trails. Visit the website to learn more.
Trunk or Treat at Caledonia Café
Caledonia Café and Sew’n Place will present a Trunk or Treat evening event on the evening of October 23 between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Pop on by to trick or treat your way through a fun and functional format featuring decorated cars doling out the goods. All are welcome! In addition to this event, the café will host a special pumpkin painting event on October 17. Visit the café’s events page to explore more.
Annual Harvest Day Festival & Parade / Harvest Hunt
New Oxford’s ultimate annual weekend fall celebration will kick off on Saturday, October 24. Running between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., this ultimate family-friendly celebration of the season will include the highly anticipated parade of great acclaim and a townwide Harvest Hunt scavenger hunt (continuing through Sunday)! It’s the ultimate culmination of fun festivities for all to enjoy. Click here for more information.
Haunted Halloween Concert
Come out to Gettysburg Lutheran Seminary Chapel on Friday, October 30, for a charming Haunted Halloween Concert. Made possible by Music, Gettysburg! and presented by Peggy Haas Howell, this event is free, open to the public, and, yes, kid-friendly and family-oriented on every level. The concert, with narration, will feature the story of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. The Gettysburg Children’s Choir will be featured among many other talented performers. The concert begins at 7 p.m. Visit the website to learn more.
Hollabaugh’s Halloween Fest
In addition to Apple Harvest Weekends, Hollabaugh Bros. has plenty of fun seasonal activities to delve into any season. But for those looking for some kid-friendly, non-gory ghoulishness, be sure to stop by on Saturday, October 31 (Halloween day!) for Hollabaugh’s Halloween Fest. A spooktacular day of Halloween fun awaits as you come dressed in your favorite Halloween costumes and make your rounds exploring all the different Halloween activity stations. Visit the website for full details.
These are just a handful of awesome autumnal endeavors to entice the whole family this festive fall season throughout the greater Gettysburg region. Be sure to explore the many other optimal locations throughout Adams, York, and Franklin Counties as well.