Staff Writer
October 18, 2024
As the leaves turn golden and crisp air rolls in, Upstate Pennsylvania transforms into a Halloween lover’s paradise. From kid-friendly fun to adult-only scares, the region offers something for everyone to enjoy.
Family-Friendly Halloween Fun
For families with little ghouls and goblins, there are a variety of creative, community-driven events designed to make Halloween safe, fun, and memorable for kids of all ages.
- Trunk or Treat Events: These popular alternatives to traditional trick-or-treating see local businesses, schools, and organizations decorate their vehicles, transforming them into themed candy stations. Kids can safely collect treats while marveling at the decked-out cars.
- Farmers Markets & Fall Festivals: Local farmers markets come alive in the fall with seasonal produce, apple cider, homemade jams, and freshly baked pumpkin pies. Many fall festivals include pumpkin carving stations, corn mazes, and hayrides to round out the experience. Some of the annual highlights include Lakeland Orchard’s Apple Harvest Festival, Roba Family Farms’ Pumpkin Harvest Festival, and Jim Thorpe’s Fall Foliage Festival.
- Live Entertainment: You’ll also find live music and performances popping up in local parks and community centers, adding a festive, energetic vibe to the season. Many events are free and open to all ages, making them a great weekend option for families.
- Kid-Friendly Haunted Attractions: For families looking to add a little scare factor without the nightmares, the region offers several kid-friendly haunted attractions. Think “not-too-spooky” hayrides and daytime corn mazes filled with fun surprises, rather than frightful jumps. These attractions are perfect for children who love Halloween but aren’t quite ready for the more terrifying experiences.
Halloween Events for Adults
Halloween isn’t just for kids – Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA) has no shortage of entertainment for adults looking to get in on the action. The region hosts a variety of unique, adults-only events that put a playful twist on the spooky season.
- Themed Bars and Restaurants: Several local establishments go all out with Halloween decorations, themed cocktails, and special menus. Whether you’re sipping a spooky-themed craft beer or indulging in a pumpkin-flavored cocktail, there’s no shortage of festive flavors to enjoy.
- Costume Contests: Competitive spirits can strut their stuff at one of NEPA’s many costume contests. Whether you’re going for scary, funny, or downright creative, these events offer cash prizes, bragging rights, and endless fun.
- Hallo-Wine Festival: One of the standout adult events is the annual Hallo-Wine Festival in Scranton. Picture an evening of wine tastings paired with gourmet food, live entertainment, and, of course, a costume contest. It’s a perfect blend of Halloween spirit and sophisticated fun.
- Haunted Attractions: For those who prefer to embrace the scarier side of Halloween, the region is home to dozens of haunted houses and ghost tours that are sure to raise your heart rate. Brave souls can explore eerie, expertly crafted haunted attractions, many of which are run by passionate volunteers who excel at bringing the fear factor to life with professional-level acting, makeup, costumes, and set design.
Autumn Vibes for Everyone: Celebrate Fall in NEPA
So, whether you’re getting out the plastic pumpkins or dressing up for a costume party, Upstate Pennsylvania is the place to be this Halloween season. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience all the chills, thrills, and fall delights this region has to offer!
