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. Fireworks will also be held Saturday nights through November 7, when Pumpkin Madness (10 a.m.-10 p.m.) closes the season with a thrilling quest to discover the ultimate pumpkin destruction techniques. From smashing and throwing to bowling, dropping and carving, there’s no shortage of excitement. Bring along your leftover Halloween pumpkins or use some of Cherry Crest’s. There’s a pumpkin drop at 5 p.m. and fireworks at 8:30 p.m. 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 October 2-25.
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 2-31
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.
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
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
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.
Haunted Lantern Tours
October 16, 17, 18, 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
History, Lore & Trivia
October 18
Historic Rock Ford
Historic Rock Ford will welcome Adam Zurn and Benton Webber for a fun afternoon of “History, Lore & Trivia.” First, Adam Zurn of Uncharted Lancaster will present “Legendary Tales from the Mighty Susquehanna River.” Then, Benton Webber will host his “Revolutionary Lancaster Quiz Bowl.” Tables of four will comprise teams for the Quiz Bowl. 2 p.m. 881 Rockford Rd., Lancaster. Information: Historicrockford.org
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
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
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
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
Lititz Halloween Parade
October 26
Lititz
The Lititz Lions Club presents this annual Halloween extravaganza that features ghosts, goblins, floats, community organizations and more. 7-9 p.m. Main St., Lititz. Information: Lititzpa.com
Boos & Brews Fest
October 30
Penn Medicine Park
More than 20 breweries will be on hand for this night of revelry that includes a costume contest, movies screened on the videoboard, live music and more. 21+ only. VIP and Designated Driver tickets available. 6-10 p.m. 650 N. Prince St., Lancaster. Information: Pennmedicinepark.com
Yummie’s Halloween Boo Bash
October 31
Kitchen Kettle Village
Ticketholders for this family-friendly event will enjoy a breakfast buffet at the Kling House, participate in a costume contest, decorate a Gingerbread Man, pose for photos with the village’s mascots, take part in a scavenger hunt (kids) and more. 9:30 a.m. check-in. 3029 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse. Information: Kitchenkettle.com
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