From Hayrides to Haunted Houses: Fall Festivals That Make Pittsburgh Feel Like Home

From Hayrides to Haunted Houses: Fall Festivals That Make Pittsburgh Feel Like Home

  • Zita Billmann
  • 09/3/25

As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, Pittsburgh and its surrounding neighborhoods come alive with the spirit of fall. From charming neighborhood harvest fairs to thrill-filled amusement park nights, the region offers a vibrant mix of events that showcase its community spirit and seasonal magic. Whether you're house hunting or already calling Pittsburgh home, these fall festivals are a great way to explore the area and connect with what makes it so special.

 

Soergel Orchards Fall Festival – Wexford, PA
 2573 Brandt School Road, Wexford

Soergel Orchards is a local favorite, and their fall festival is a must-visit. Running from Sept. 14 to Oct. 27, the weekends are packed with tractor hayrides to the pumpkin patch, apple picking, games, and delicious seasonal treats. Friday evenings even offer twilight hayrides—perfect for date night or family fun.

Explore Soergel Orchards

 

Shenot Farm & Market – Wexford, PA
 3754 Wexford Run Road, Wexford

Shenot Farm’s pumpkin patch opens Sept. 28 through Oct. 27, with daily hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hayrides run on weekends, and the farm offers fresh produce, award-winning apple cider, and cozy fall vibes.

Visit Shenot Farm

 

Trax Farms Fall Festival – Finleyville, PA
 528 Trax Road, Finleyville

A bit of a drive, but worth it! Trax Farms has been celebrating fall for over 150 years. From Sept. 28 to Oct. 27, enjoy hayrides, a 3-acre corn maze, live music, food trucks, and pumpkins galore.

Details on Trax Farms

Phantom Fall Fest at Kennywood – West Mifflin, PA
 4800 Kennywood Blvd

From Sept. 12 to Nov. 1, Kennywood transforms into a Halloween haven. By day, enjoy festive food, family rides, and autumn décor. By night, brace yourself for six haunted houses—including the all-new Detached, a terrifying toy store haunt—and four scare zones with nearly 200 scare actors roaming the park.

Kennywood Phantom Fall Fest

 

Zombies of the Corn – Freedom, PA
282 Rochester Road, Freedom

Looking for something spooky? This family-owned attraction opens Sept. 26 and runs every weekend in October. With a 3D Funhouse, Z-maze, and outdoor movies, it’s a thrilling twist on traditional fall fun.

Zombies of the Corn Info

 

Mars Applefest – Downtown Mars, PA
October 4
Celebrate all things apple with 150+ vendors, crafts, food, and live music. A charming small-town event that’s perfect for families and fall lovers.

Mars Apple Fest

 

Jack O’Lantern Extravaganza – Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium

Oct. 2 to Nov. 2
Thousands of hand-carved pumpkins light up the zoo paths. Don’t miss ZooBoo trick-or-treating on the last two weekends of October.

Pittsburgh Zoo

 

These festivals aren’t just about pumpkins and cider—they’re about community. They’re where neighbors meet, memories are made, and the warmth of Wexford shines through. If you’re house hunting this season, take a break from open houses and immerse yourself in the local charm. You’ll see why so many fall in love with Pittsburgh—season after season.

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