The leaves are turning, the nights are chilly, and the pumpkin patches and apple orchards are resplendent with a harvest-ready bounty. Autumn is here in Southwestern Pennsylvania, and that means an exciting time of family activities, delicious food and holiday get-togethers. In Washington County, it also means a schedule of seasonal festivals and special events spread across the weeks of autumn.

For those who love fall, it’s time to pull on a chunky sweater, do some leaf peeping on the way, and enjoy the autumn bounty of Washington County.

“The fall season is best enjoyed away from the city and found in the rural communities in Washington County,” said Jeff Kotula, president of the Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency. “Between the foliage, fresh air, home-baked goods and free parking, our fall festivals are a retreat from the everyday.”

Some of the main festivals to attend in the area are:

• The Hickory Apple Festival, held over the weekend of Oct. 1-2

• The Houston Pumpkin Festival, held Oct. 7-9

• The PA Arts and Crafts Christmas Festival, held over two weekends: Oct. 21-23 and Oct. 29-30

For apple lovers, autumn is the ultimate food season. At the Hickory Apple Festival, on Main Street in Hickory, fans of the fruit can enjoy it in many preparations, from apple crisp to apple butter. For especially ravenous attendees, there’s even a pie eating contest.

Beyond the consumption of apples, there are tons of activities to be found at the festival, located at 106 Main St. in Hickory. Kids can enjoy pony rides, a petting zoo, clown shows and more while adults can shop and watch demonstrations from nearly 100 craft vendors and attractions. These include shows of chainsaw sculpting, blacksmithing, rope making and more. More information on this weekend of fun can be found at hickoryapplefest.com.

Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency At the Hickory Apple Festival, live music is part of the roster.  

Some people prefer pumpkins for fall flavors and decor. For them, the second weekend of October is the perfect time to celebrate their favorite gourd at the Houston Pumpkin Festival. The festival, which will be held in the American Legion Post No. 902 fairgrounds, will feature family fun and plenty of pumpkin-related contests and activities.

Kotula noted that the parade is an especially important part of the Houston Pumpkin Festival’s tradition. The 38th Annual Pumpkin Festival Parade will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, on Pike Street from Shady Avenue to Cherry Avenue. The weekend schedule also features performances by artists like Black Dog Hallow Band and the Canon-McMillan High School Steel Drum Band. Most importantly for festivalgoers who are wild about pumpkin, there will be a pumpkin pie-eating contest at 3:30 p.m. Saturday.

The weekend will also feature crafts and food vendors, as well as kids’ activities like pumpkin decorating and face painting. To find out more, visit houstonpumpkinfestival.net.

“It is worth noting that proceeds from both the Hickory Apple Festival and Houston Pumpkin Festival benefit their respective Volunteer Fire Departments,” Kotula said.

Later on in October, as people start preparing for the winter holidays, attendees can prepare to deck their halls at the PA Arts and Crafts Christmas Festival. Held at the Washington County Fairgrounds on two weekends — Oct. 21-23 and Oct. 29-30 — the festival will feature more than 210 exhibit spaces full of holiday magic.

Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency The Pennsylvania Arts and Crafts Christmas Festival is held at the Washington County Fairgrounds the last two weekends in October.  

With so many of the best vendors in the region in one place, holiday gifts and decorations for any taste can be found at this festival. Wood crafts, Christmas ornaments, specialty clothing, photography and glass work are just a few of the featured items for sale. There will also be packaged specialty foods available to furnish amazing holiday parties and for gift baskets. To get ready to shop, check out familyfestivals.com.

There is even more to explore in Washington County this season. “In addition, The SpringHouse, Bedner’s, Simmons and Trax Farms all host unique, family-friendly fall activities and special events,” Kotula said.

He is excited to welcome many visitors to the beautiful fairgrounds and plentiful events in Washington County. “Although the summer is behind us, the fun continues in Washington County with our many fall festivals and events,” he said. “Bring your family, your curiosity and maybe a jacket.”

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