Take the streets in the heart of the Strip District to celebrate resilience at the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival. Watch as downtown Pittsburgh is transformed before your eyes into a jazz club with beer gardens, food trucks, a KidsZone, and good vibes. Featuring more than a dozen artists, hop on the Jazz Train - coming from New York, Newark, and Philadelphia - and bring a chair to claim your front-row seat to this free, music-filled weekend.
When: September 17-20, 2026
Where: Pittsburgh
Wild & Uncommon Weekend
PA is known to be home to some one-of-a-kind events, places, and things. To embrace unique PA, go to York County’s Wild and Uncommon Weekend for unique seasonal tastings, guided hikes, and nature-based learning experiences. Don’t miss the 22nd annual Pawpaw Festival, the signature event of the weekend, that celebrates the largest edible fruit native to the eastern U.S. The four-day celebration recognizes the local ecosystem unique to the lower Susquehanna region and spreads the annual Pawpaw festival across the region.
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Please note: Tickets must be purchased online in advance to attend the Saturday Pawpaw Festival portion of the weekend.
When: September 17-20, 2026
Where: York
Chainsaw Carvers' Round-Up
Watch as carvers show off their craft as they transform pieces of log into art at the free, annual Chainsaw Carvers’ Round-Up. After watching these artists at work, participate in an auction and claim a one-of-a-kind piece for yourself.
When: September 18-20, 2026
Where: Cook Forest
ComiCon Erie 2026
Erie’s annual ComiCon is the ultimate playground for fans to celebrate their favorite fandoms. Enjoy seminars, merch vendors, cosplay contests, photo ops with celebrity guests, and video game tournaments — all in one fun-filled weekend. Whether you’re in costume or just sporting your favorite fan tee, it’s the perfect place to geek out, meet fellow fans, and snag some epic collectibles.
When: September 18-20, 2026
Where: Erie
Pennsylvania Bowhunters Festival
Aim to have a fun fall in PA as you make your way to Forksville for the Pennsylvania Bowhunters Festival. This three-day event brings together thousands of bowhunters from across the country to participate in shooting activities in preparation for the upcoming archery season. With food vendors to keep you nourished and the famous “Forksville Running Deer” target, archers are sure to be prepared for the upcoming archery season.
When: September 18-20, 2026
Where: Dushore
The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular
From Elmo to Cookie Monster to Big Bird, watch as your Sesame Street favorites embrace haunts and Halloween festivities this fall season. Have the whole family come in costume to celebrate silly and family-friendly spooky fun at The Count’s Spooktacular. Enjoy trick-or-treating in Big Bird’s Beach, Halloween-themed shows, the Sesame Street Halloween Parade, dance parties, the Scarecrow Scavenger Hunt, and Sesame Street-themed rides for a day of tricks, but mostly treats.
When: September 19 - November 1, 2026
Where: Langhorne
EQT Washington & Greene Counties' Covered Bridge Festival
Uncover more than 23 historic covered bridges during the EQT Washington and Greene Counties’ Covered Bridge Festival. This charming free festival celebrates local history with arts and crafts, homestyle food, reenactments, and demonstrations.
When: September 19-20, 2026
Where: Canonsburg
Bloomsburg Fair
Experience nine days of family fun, food, rides, and entertainment at the beloved Bloomsburg Fair, Pennsylvania’s largest and longest-running agricultural fair. From derby demos and tractor pulls to Grandstand shows featuring Nate Smith and Skillet, there’s something for everyone. Check out livestock exhibits, play midway games, and savor classic fair eats — all in the festive spirit of this timeless tradition.
When: September 25- October 3, 2026
Where: Bloomsburg
Bird-In-Hand Hot Air Balloon Festival
Incredible hot air balloons, tethered rides, monster show kites, music, food, and crafts fill the weekend skies at the Bird-In-Hand Hot Air Balloon Festival, formerly the York Hot Air Balloon Festival. Each night ends with the Grand Finale, as balloons glow in sync with lasers, music, and crowd “count downs.” Bring blankets, chairs, and umbrellas to claim your perfect viewing spot for this dazzling sky-high spectacle.
When: September 25-26, 2026
Where: Bird-In-Hand
Celtic Classic Highland Games & Festival
Follow the sound of traditional bagpipes in the Lehigh Valley during the Celtic Classic Highland Games and Festival. Dive into Scottish culture throughout this free festival weekend with five stages filled with continuous entertainment featuring international, national, and regional Celtic artists pipe bands, Irish dancers, and a marketplace of authentic Celtic merchandise and collectibles.
When: September 25-27, 2026
Where: Bethlehem
North East Wine Fest
Sip, savor, and celebrate in the rolling hills of Lake Erie Wine Country for free at the North East Wine Fest. Delight in fine wine samples from more than 10 local wineries and enjoy live music, food, and local artisans, plus a 5k run/walk and car show, while you bask in PA’s rural vineyards.
When: September 25-27, 2026
Where: North East
Goose Day
Celebrate more of unique PA and lock in your luck for the year at Juniata River Valley's annual Goose Day celebrations. The two-century-old legend says that if you eat goose on Sept. 29, you’ll attract wealth and prosperity for the coming year. Kick off the festivities on Friday and watch the sky be lit up by a Goose Day Drone Light Show. Throughout the weekend, attend a variety of events, find exclusive event deals at local stops and shops, enter contests and giveaways, and, of course, eat goose during the must-attend event.
