Halloween events, including parades, spooky happenings and hair-raising benefits, dominate the calendar this week.
Cherry Crest Adventure Farm
October
Ronks
The farm’s 5-acre corn maze offers 2.5 miles of pathways. This year’s theme is “Let Freedom Ring.” During October, the Flashlight Maze is offered Friday and Saturday nights until 10 p.m. Also on October weekends, guest breweries and wineries will be onsite, and fireworks will light up the night sky. 150 Cherry Hill Rd., Ronks. Information: Cherrycrestfarm.com.
Strasburg Rail Road
October
Ronks
The Strasburg Rail Road has plenty of fun planned for October, including the Brakeman’s Curse ride that recalls a mysterious crash that occurred 40 years ago and gave way to tales of a mysterious curse that seemed to have followed the restored rail car. A cast of characters will be onboard to try and solve the mystery. Dates: Weekends through October 25.
The family-friendly Pumpkin Junction Fall Festival (weekends) will feature a train ride, games, food and a pumpkin-carving contest.
300 Gap Rd., Ronks. Information: Strasburgrailroad.com
Spooky Scoot
October
Strasburg
Strasburg Scooters Tours is offering a different view of Lancaster County’s winding backroads, as it “treats” visitors to a nighttime tour of the area that includes stops to hear tales of local folklore. Fridays and Saturdays, 6:45 p.m. 246 N. Decatur St., Strasburg. Information: Strasburgscooters.com.
Spring Awakening
Now through October 25
EPAC
In a world where curiosity is punished and innocence collides with expectation, a group of young people struggles to navigate the exhilarating and terrifying journey into adulthood. As they confront first love, awakening desire and the consequences of a society that refuses to answer their questions, they discover both the beauty and heartbreak of growing up. Featuring Duncan Sheik’s soaring, Tony Award-winning score, Spring Awakening is a breathtaking and deeply moving musical about finding your voice in a world determined to silence it. This is the show that made Jonathan Groff a star! Times vary. 320 Cocalico St., Ephrata. Information: Epactheatre.org
Beautiful, The Carole King Musical
Now through November 7
Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
This inspiring true story about Carole King spans from her early days as a Brooklyn teenager struggling to enter the record business to her years spent as a chart-topping music legend and one of the most successful singer-songwriters in music history. Before she was a star, Carole King was crafting chart-toppers for artists like The Shirelles, The Drifters, and Aretha Franklin. As her personal life shifted, so did her voice, culminating in the groundbreaking Tapestry album and a sound all her own. With unforgettable hits like It’s Too Late, You’ve Got a Friend, So Far Away, and (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman, Beautiful is a moving, music-filled portrait of resilience, self-discovery and the healing power of song. This show is rated PG13. Days and times vary; lunch and dinner options available. 510 Centerville Rd., Lancaster. Information: Dutchapple.com
Tales From the Shadows: The Thing
October 18
Zoetropolis
Released in 1982 and directed by John Carpenter, the film stars Keith David, Kurt Russell and Wilford Brimley as members of an Antarctic research team who are hunted by a shape-shifting alien that assumes the appearance of its victims. 6 p.m. 112 N. Water St., Lancaster. Information: Zoetropolis.com
Columbia Mardi Gras Parade
October 22
Columbia
Now in its 79th year, the theme for this year’s Mardi Gras “Halloween” Parade is Celebrating Our Roots: Columbia 300th & America 250th Anniversaries. Sponsored by the Columbia Lions Club and the Sunsnappers, the parade features high school and community bands, floats, baton groups, fire departments and local businesses. The last unit in the parade is always a steam calliope. The parade steps off at 7p.m. at the Columbia Borough Fire Department, 10th and Manor Streets, and then winds its way through town. It consists of five divisions, with each division sponsored by local businesses and organizations. Information:Facebook.com
Taste of Science
October 22
Lancaster Science Factory
It’s an evening of entertainment, food, drinks and science – all to benefit the nonprofit Lancaster Science Factory and its goal to ensure that STEM experiences are accessible to all students across Lancaster County. Event will feature dinner provided by Frisco’s Peruvian Chicken, science-themed cocktails with Thistle Finch Distillery, beer tastings provided by the Lancaster Brewers Club, a Live Science trivia contest, raffles and silent auction and more. Must be 21+ to attend. (Note: This is a ticketed event.) 6 p.m. 454 New Holland Ave., Lancaster. Information: Lancastersciencefactory.org
Halloween Movie Series
October 22
Wrightsville
John Wright Restaurant invites you to pull up a chair on the lawn, enjoy the river view, sip on a spooky-themed cocktail, nosh on frighteningly delish pizza and watch Nosferatu, a 2024 American Gothic horror film written and directed by Robert Eggers. It is a remake of Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror (1922), which was in turn inspired by Bram Stoker’s novel Dracula (1897). Movie starts at 7 p.m. Food/drink available 5-8 p.m. 234 N. Front St., Wrightsville. Information: Jwrpa.com
Haunted Lantern Tours
October 23, 24
Columbia
This annual theater-in-the-streets production, which is presented by Rivertown Theatre Productions and a cast of volunteers, explores the history and lore of Columbia. Wright’s Ferry’s Legendaries will introduce you to the remarkable men and women whose vision, courage, sacrifice and determination shaped the community that would become Columbia, Pennsylvania. Meet founders and reformers, poets and physicians, entrepreneurs and abolitionists. Listen as forgotten stories emerge from weathered stone, and history comes alive through moments of humor, heartbreak and humanity. Groups depart from St. John’s Evangelical Church every half hour, beginning at 6:30 p.m. 616 Locust St., Columbia. Information: Columbiahlt.com
Haunted Marietta
October 23-24
Marietta
Marietta’s Halloween extravaganza has a new home (Marietta Community House), where the spooky experiences will continue. Each evening from 4:30-6:30 p.m., the haunt will be a bit tamer for the kids to enjoy. Then, from 7-9 p.m., the experience ramps up for those who dare to enter. Food trucks will be onsite. Saturday will feature the annual Halloween Parade, which will be staged in the town’s square at 4 p.m. 264 W. Market St., Marietta. Information: Facebook.com
Ephrata Shadows
October 23-24 & 30-31
Ephrata
Mainspring of Ephrata and the Historical Society of the Cocalico Valley are hosting this guided historical ghost tour through the downtown streets, where cloaked guides will share spine-tingling tales of local legends, unexplained phenomena and stories of the restless spirits said to still roam the area. Along the way, your guides will share the historical facts about buildings and the stories behind the folklore. This walking tour for ages 16+ blends real history with the ghost stories passed down through generations. Choose from tours on the east side or west side of town, with departure times being 6:30 and 8 p.m. In addition, a Ghost Hunt hosted by the Paranormal Nut Podcasters will be held from 9:30-11 p.m. (Note: These are ticketed events.) Information: Mainspringofephrata.org
Lititz Departed Spirits Tour
October 24
Lititz
Guided by a costumed docent, guests will explore the Lititz Moravian Church’s property, where they will encounter several “departed spirits” who will share their tales and fascinating history. One stop will include a haunted, former Revolutionary War hospital, as well as a 1786 corpse house, plus many more interesting places and characters along the way. Tours will begin at 5 p.m. and depart every 15 minutes until 8 p.m. This is a ticketed event, with proceeds benefiting the Lititz Historical Foundation and Lititz Moravian Archives. Tours depart from 2 Church Square. Information: Lititzpa.com
Bainbridge Halloween Parade
October 24
Bainbridge
The parade will showcase costumes and floats. 5:30 p.m. The route begins on N. Second St. and travels through town, ending at the firehouse, where prizes will be awarded. Food trucks will be on hand. Information: Conoytownship.org
Farm to Table Dinner
October 24
Inn at Twin Linden
The final dinner of the season will feature seasonal cuisine, local ingredients and the beauty of Lancaster County. The six-course menu is crafted in partnership with nearby farmers and growers, highlighting the freshest flavors of each season. The event begins with a complimentary signature cocktail and time to explore the gardens, the party barn and the meadow as the sun sets. Dinner is served outdoors under the stars, with unhurried pacing and a relaxed, communal feel (or if the weather isn’t cooperating, in the barn). When the weather allows, the evening ends with a bonfire and a final goodnight drink. 2092 Main St., Churchtown. Information: Innattwinlinden.com
An Evening with Steven Schwartz: A Benefit for Prima
October 24
Rock Lititz
Prima Theatre welcomes Broadway legend Stephen Schwartz, the Grammy, Oscar and Tony awards-winning composer of Wicked, Pippin, Godspell, Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, The Prince of Egypt and Enchanted, who will perform (piano) his most beloved works and share stories from a career that has shaped Broadway and Disney alike. He will be joined by powerhouse Prima performers. This benefit will help Prima to continue its goal to launch bold new theatrical works born in Lancaster, bring national artists and creative voices to our community and give audiences world-class experiences here at home. 8 p.m. 100 Rock Lititz Blvd., Lititz. Information: Primatheatre.org
Halloween Days & Spooky Knights
October 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.
Halloween Scooptacular
October 25
Turkey Hill Experience
Now in its sixth year, the event features Halloween-themed ice cream floats, trick-or-treating, pumpkin decorating, games and other activities. Costumes encouraged! Reservations required. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 301 Linden St. Information: Turkeyhillexperience.com
Fall Makers Market
October 25
Barn at Paradise Station
Creatively Lancaster is hosting the show that will feature items from a curated assortment of talented makers, creators, artists, hobbyists, crafters, bakers, etc. Food trucks will be onsite, as will a petting zoo. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 312 Paradise Lane, Ronks. Information: Creativelylancaster.com
Halloween Happenings
October 25
Columbia
The historic Columbia Market House will be the scene of fascinating demos, a spooky dungeon tour and other surprises. Outside the Market House, vintage cars will be decorated for a wicked car show (vote for your favorite). A home decorating contest will also be held (vote for your favorite). It’ll be a scream! (Note: This is a ticketed event.) 3-8 p.m. 15 S. Third St., Columbia. Information: Createcolumbia.org
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