Unearth The Voyage
Fall in Pennsylvania brings more than just colorful leaves and crisp air. The season transforms the state into a foodie’s paradise, with festivals celebrating everything from apples to bacon. Each event offers unique flavors that make the drive worthwhile. Get ready to taste your way through the Keystone State’s most delicious autumn celebrations.
1. National Apple Harvest Festival — Biglerville, PA
Apple lovers consider this the crown jewel of Pennsylvania’s fall food scene. Multiple weekends in October bring thousands of visitors to sample cider donuts, apple fritters, and homemade apple butter.
Steam engine displays and orchard tours add charm between food tastings. Dozens of vendors compete to create the most creative apple treats, from traditional pies to innovative apple ice cream.
2. Lancaster Hot Air Balloon Festival & Country Fair — Bird-in-Hand, PA
Hot air balloons floating overhead create magic, but Pennsylvania Dutch food keeps visitors grounded at vendor booths. Amish-style markets offer authentic shoofly pie, fresh bread, and traditional comfort foods.
Food trucks complement the homestyle offerings with modern twists on classic recipes. The scenic Lancaster County backdrop makes every meal feel like a countryside picnic with friends.
3. Autumn Leaf Festival — Clarion, PA
Nine days of festivities draw over 500,000 food enthusiasts to this internationally recognized celebration. Hundreds of vendors create a massive outdoor dining experience featuring funnel cakes, roasted nuts, and creative pumpkin treats.
Regional specialties showcase local flavors alongside classic carnival favorites. The sheer variety means you could eat something different at every meal and still discover new tastes.
4. PA Bacon Fest — Easton, PA
Bacon takes center stage in ways you never imagined possible. Chocolate-covered bacon, bacon ice cream, and bacon-wrapped everything transform this protein into dessert, appetizer, and main course.
Creative vendors push boundaries with bacon donuts, bacon cotton candy, and even bacon cocktails. Live music provides the soundtrack while you explore dozens of porky possibilities that would make any carnivore weep with joy.
5. Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival — Jim Thorpe, PA
This charming mountain town pairs spectacular foliage with ethnic harvest foods that reflect the area’s diverse heritage. Steam train rides work up appetites for hearty German, Italian, and Polish specialties.
Local restaurants set up outdoor booths alongside craft vendors, creating a European village atmosphere. The historic downtown setting makes every bite feel like dining in a postcard-perfect autumn scene.
6. Pumpkin Festival at Country Junction — Pocono Mountains, PA
Pumpkin transforms from jack-o’-lantern material into culinary gold at this Pocono Mountains celebration. Pumpkin pancakes, spiced lattes, and creative baked goods showcase the versatility of this orange wonder.
Hayrides through pumpkin patches build anticipation for the next pumpkin treat. The festival runs throughout fall season, giving visitors multiple chances to sample seasonal flavors while surrounded by mountain scenery.
7. McClure Bean Soup Festival — Milton, PA
Massive kettles bubble over open fires, creating a scene from another century. Ham and bean soup, cooked in traditional cast iron, represents generations of Pennsylvania cooking wisdom.
This unique culinary tradition draws visitors who want authentic regional flavors rather than typical festival fare. The community gathering atmosphere makes sharing bowls of hearty soup feel like joining a large family dinner celebration.
8. Oktoberfest Celebrations — Various Locations, PA
German heritage comes alive through bratwursts, schnitzel, and authentic strudel at multiple Pennsylvania Oktoberfest celebrations. ArtsQuest’s Bethlehem event leads the pack with traditional foods and imported beers.
Polka music accompanies meals that transport diners straight to Bavaria. Each location adds local touches to German classics, creating unique fusion experiences that honor both Pennsylvania and German culinary traditions beautifully.
