Eight Fall Events Along the PA Turnpike
We all know Pennsylvania is famous for its jaw-dropping fall foliage, but the leaves aren’t the only thing putting on a show. Along the PA Turnpike, autumn brings giant pumpkins, crisp apples, Oktoberfest cheer and more reasons to hit the road.
These eight Pennsylvania Fall events span the Commonwealth, from Pittsburgh to Jim Thorpe, offering the chance to explore traditions and make new memories.
Mars Applefest
Turnpike Exit: 39 (Butler Valley)
Mars is more than its iconic flying saucer. Applefest welcomes visitors to the downtown area for a kid-centric event with vendors, live music, activities and food trucks – including dozens of apple-themed treats. Snap a photo with the famed flying saucer, then browse the more than 150 vendors for a souvenir.
Applefest takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Oct. 4, 2025.
National Move Over Day
Turnpike Exit: 247 (Harrisburg East)
Sponsored by TIM Heroes, Tyler Laudenslager Memorial Fund and the PA Turnpike Commission, this public awareness event aims to educate and remind drivers to “protect those who protect us” by moving over and slowing down for all responders – police, fire, and ambulance, stopped tow trucks and maintenance vehicles.
National Move Over Day takes place from noon to 3 p.m., Oct. 18, 2025, at the PA Turnpike Central Administration Building, and features food trucks, special guests, touch-a-truck, and fun activities for the whole family. Admission and parking are free.
Pittsburgh Monster Pumpkins Festival
Turnpike Exit: 57 (Pittsburgh)
Pittsburgh’s beloved Strip District invites visitors to check out “pumpkins so big, you need a forklift to pick ‘em,” carved by artists from around the world.
Festive events include a 5K costume run, pumpkin drop, glass blowing, horse drawn carriage rides, various food vendors, games, arts and crafts and character appearances.
The Pittsburgh Monster Pumpkins Festival takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Oct. 18 and 19, 2025. Admission and most activities are free. Visit the website for parking information and directions.
Johnstown Apple Cider Festival
Turnpike Exit: 146 (Bedford)
Prince Gallitzin State Park welcomes visitors to an event offering more than 100 vendors with homemade crafts, local food, hayrides and more. Families can watch chainsaw carving demonstrations and apples being pressed into cider or enjoy activities like live music, educational displays and a petting zoo.
The Johnstown Apple Cider Festival takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Oct. 5, 2025. Admission and parking are free.
Sideling Hill Trailhead Grand Opening
Exit at the Sideling Hill Service Plaza, east or west bound
This fall, the Pennsylvania Turnpike will open its Sideling Hill Trailhead, located within a short walking distance of the Sideling Hill Service Plaza.
The trailhead offers connectivity to more than 600 miles of trails within a 25-mile radius, including the TOPP Trail, Bicycle PA Route S, Buchanan State Forest and Raystown Lake. The trail can be accessed by travelling 1.5 miles on a shared roadway from the trailhead. Some trails offer scenic views and interesting natural features. The TOPP Trail is under development and is designated for non-motorized users.
Built beyond the service plaza’s restricted gates, the trailhead is accessible to PA Turnpike customers and off-Pike travelers. Trailhead amenities include a pavilion with picnic tables, bike racks, a bike wash station, a bike repair station and a wayfinding trail signage. All visitors can access Sideling Hill’s dining amenities, truck parking, seasonal farmers market, restrooms and other services. The grand opening and community event celebration will take place from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20.
Ashcombe’s Fall Harvest Days and Oktoberfest
Turnpike Exit: 236 (Gettysburg Pike)
The whole family can enjoy this month-long celebration of all things fall. In addition to themed activities, games and horse-drawn hayrides, visitors can peruse a generous selection of Pennsylvania desserts made from in-season fruits, including whoopie pies, apple pies, apple and pumpkin donuts.
Fall Harvest Days run from September 27 to October 26, 2025. The event schedule can be viewed here.
Oktoberfest takes place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Oct. 26, 2025. It features German foods and Fall Harvest Days activities. Kids can trick or treat in the store from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire’s Oktoberfest, Halloween Days & Spooky Knights
Turnpike Exit: 266 (Lebanon-Lancaster); new, alternate route instructions can also be found here
The Shire of Mount Hope has so much to offer for children, families and adults. Step into another realm while enjoying food, games, craft vendors, live music, performances and more.
The Oktoberfest weekend takes place September 27- 28. Enjoy traditional German costumes, food, dancing, beer and games.
Halloween Days & Spooky Knights run over three weekends from October 11-26, with each weekend offering a new Halloween experience. Gates open for both events at 11 a.m.
Tickets and admission can be purchased online only. Visit the website for parking information.
Jim Thorpe Foliage Festival
Turnpike Exit: 74 (Mahoning Valley)
This historic town is captivating in the fall. From hillsides blazing with colorful leaves to quaint streets lined with shops and restaurants, visitors of all ages will find something to enjoy. Go for a train ride, take a lantern-lit haunted legends walk, or dine, shop and explore among the numerous restaurants, arts and crafts vendors, and shops.
This festival occurs on weekends, from October 4-19. Admission is free but parking can be limited. Visit the website for complete information.