As October “creeps” along, the calendar is filled with harvest and Halloween celebrations, as well as food and music events, fundraisers and the last of our community farm shows.
Manheim Community Farm Show
October 5-9
Manheim
This family-friendly fair features a parade, shows, competitions, demonstrations, kid’s activities, food vendors (all food stands are operated by nonprofit organizations) and more. Hours vary. 502 Adele Ave., Manheim. Information: Manheimfarmshow.org
Supper Club
October 8
The Whisk Café
Each month The Whisk Café partners with local vendors to present a themed dinner. This month fall is in the air thanks to Grandview Vineyard, Masonic Village Farm Market and Lancaster Brewing. The three-course menu will feature such dishes as apple butternut soup, maple-glazed salmon, corn fritters, shaved Brussels sprouts and hibiscus pavlova. Cocktails, wine and beer will also be available. 5 p.m. 98 Masonic Dr., Suite 102, Elizabethtown. Reservations required. Information: Thewhiskcafe.com
Winter Cocktail Series
October 8
John Wright Restaurant
With home entertaining gearing up for the holiday season, John Wright is holding a series of cocktail-making sessions that will make your parties sparkle. This month the theme is “Spooky Espresso Martinis.” As you learn and sip the night away, you’ll be treated to the restaurant’s signature wood-fired pizzas. 6:30 p.m. 234 N. Front St., Wrightsville. Information: Jwrpa.com
Lancaster County Best Kept Secrets Tour
October 8-24
Lancaster County
This shopping, food and fun adventure tour will feature more than 40 unique and off-the-beaten-path businesses. Set up like a home or garden tour, you’ll travel at your own pace to discover places you’ve always meant to visit or make discoveries that become your favorite places to shop or dine. Early birds get the goody bags that are filled with coupons, freebies and more. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Lighthouse Vocational Services. Information: Bestkeptsecretstour.com
Harvest Celebration of PA Wines
October 9
Stone Gables Estate
The Pennsylvania Wine Association is celebrating the state’s wine industry and PA Wine Month with an event that will feature 15 wineries from across the state. The event will also feature cheesemakers, food trucks, live music, tasting and pairing sessions, vineyard tours, educational seminars and more. (Note: This is a ticketed event.) 3-8 p.m. 1 Hollinger Lane, Elizabethtown. Information: Pennsylvaniawine.com
Apple Dumpling Days
October 9 & 10
Historic Ephrata Cloister
Apple dumplings, those tasty apples wrapped in pastry and covered in sweet cinnamon syrup, are a fall tradition. Sales will help raise funds for the Back to the Cloister Fund that enables the Cloister to compete with private collectors and other institutions on the open market for original items made there. Over the years, sales of apple dumplings have been used to purchase one-of-a-kind furniture, rare music manuscripts, and the original 1739 deed to the historic site. In all, more than 100 items have been returned to the Cloister since the fund was established more than 40 years ago. Purchases can be made at the drive-thru tent on the property (no online orders). Fri., 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat., 9 a.m. till sold out. 632 W. Main St., Ephrata. Information: Ephratacloister.org
Lancaster Symphony: Festivals & Folklore
October 9-11
Gardner Theatre
The Lancaster Symphony Orchestra launches its 80th Anniversary Season with a vibrant celebration of folk traditions from across Europe. Anna Clyne’s PIVOT opens the concert with Scottish fiddle tunes and festival energy, followed by Grieg’s beloved Piano Concerto in A minor (featuring Van Cliburn Gold Medalist Jon Nakamatsu), with its Norwegian folk-inspired melodies and foot-stomping finale. The evening culminates with Stravinsky’s dazzling Petrushka, a Russian street fair brought to life with colorful orchestration and folk dances. Pre-concert lectures will be held 45 minutes before the start of the concerts. Fri., 7:30 p.m. Sat., 2:30 & 7:30 p.m. Sun., 2:30 p.m. 725 Hamilton Rd., Lancaster. Information: Lancastersymphony.org
Gifts That Give Hope Fair
October 10
Farm & Home Center
Back for its 19th year, this fair is unique in that its organizers partner with nonprofits (locally and globally) to create a marketplace of charitable gift options. Guests can choose a nonprofit or a gift category (like education, health care, or housing), make a donation, and receive a gift card or printable certificate to present to their recipient. Or shop for fair trade and sustainable gifts from makers whose lives have changed thanks to people appreciating and purchasing their products. Food trucks and vendors, kids’ activities and live music are also part of the event. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 1383 Arcadia Rd., Lancaster. Information: Giftsthatgivehopelancaster.org
Lititz Chocolate Walk
October 10
Lititz
Regarded as trick-or-treating for grownups, chocoholics have converged on Lititz for the past 25 years to indulge in a day of chocolate bliss! With more than 25 locations, participants visit the shops and other venues in downtown Lititz in search of chocolate treats that have been donated by some of the region’s top chefs, bakers, ice cream shops, chocolatiers and candy makers. New this year is the addition of an Artisan Maker’s Market at Historic Rudy’s Hall. The money raised from ticket sales support children-focused charities in the Lancaster County region. (Note: This is a ticketed event.) 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Information:Lititzchocolatewalk.com.
Macabre Market
October 10
Mount Bethel Cemetery
It’s time to decorate for Halloween! Who knows what treasure – or oddity – you’ll find at this market. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 700 Locust St. Information: Mtbethelcemetery.org
Wolf Awareness Day
October 10
Wolf Sanctuary of PA
This annual fundraising event will feature self-guided tours, educational games, children’s activities, live music and more. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 465 Speedwell Forge Rd., Lititz. Information: Wolfsantctuarypa.org.
Albatwitch Day
October 10
Wrightsville
What is an Albatwitch you ask? Rooted in Native American legend, the furry creature is said to roam the river hills in search of apples. Like its cousin, Big Foot, the Albatwitch eludes capture. Now in its 13th year, Albatwitch Day pays homage to one of the river area’s most infamous “residents.” The day will feature lectures, appearances by well-known authors and the Stormers’ mascot, Cylo, music, vendors, a cigar lounge, trolly tours and more. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Riverfront Park, S. Front St., Wrightsville. Information: Albatwitchday.com
Blues, Brews & “Boos” Music Festival
October 10
Marietta
The open-air festival will feature live music on four stages, artisans, food trucks, adult beverage stations (must be 21+) and a costume contest. Free admission, but a $5 donation will support Marietta’s Front Street Cherry Tree Restoration & Monarch Habitat and provide you with a wristband that unlocks discounts on drinks. 1-6 p.m. Front Street. (Note: rain date is October 11.) Information: Discovermariettapa.org.
Harvest Days
October 10-11
Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
This annual event offers visitors of all ages an immersive experience of 19th-century rural life. Stroll through the historic village and watch skilled artisans demonstrate traditional crafts like blacksmithing, weaving, tinsmithing and more. Enjoy hands-on activities, live music (including Hammer Creek), wagon rides and delicious seasonal foods prepared using heirloom recipes. Activities for children will include harvest-themed games, pumpkin painting and opportunities to meet farm animals. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. each day. 2451 Kissel Hill Rd., Lancaster. Information: Landisvalleymuseum.org
Halloween Days & Spooky Knights
October 10-11, 17-18, 24-25
PA Renaissance Faire
It’s that time of the year: ghosts, goblins, fairies, vampires and creatures make their presence known at the Shire at Mt. Hope. Don your costumes, take part in a treasure hunt, go trick-or-treating and have fun. Gates open at 11 a.m. 2775 Lebanon Rd., Manheim. Information: Parenfaire.com.
Fall Cider Celebration
October 11
Historic Rock Ford
Rock Ford pays homage to the beverage of choice during America’s Colonial period. The multifaceted event will feature Mark A. Turdo, whose lecture, “Cider: Pennsylvania’s Once (& Future?) Favorite,” will touch on everything from William Penn to Prohibition, how cider was historically made, its presence and importance in Pennsylvania, and where it’s heading today. After the lecture, Forbes Road Frolic will perform traditional colonial era tavern music. Food and both hard and non-alcoholic cider will be available for purchase. In addition, Mark Turdo will be conducting living history demonstrations about 18th century cider. 5:30-9 p.m. 881 Rockford Rd., Lancaster. (Note: This is a ticketed event.) Information: Historicrockford.org
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