Events And Seasons In Pennsylvania

Part of our Pennsylvania guide.

Pennsylvania’s events and seasons range from spring-fed historic structures to autumn harvest festivals. This page collects seven places and guides from our Pennsylvania coverage that highlight those seasonal and year-round attractions.

Spring Houses

Spring houses are small stone or wooden buildings, often found on old farms, that used the constant temperature of flowing spring water to keep milk, butter, and cheese cool before refrigeration. Many still stand across Pennsylvania, offering a direct glimpse into 18th- and 19th-century food storage. These structures are among the secrets hidden in Pennsylvania, tucked away on rural properties and sometimes visible from public roads. A spring house typically has a stone trough inside where the water runs continuously, and the building’s thick walls and lack of windows helped maintain a stable cool temperature. Some have been restored as guest cottages or museum pieces, while others remain in their original, weathered state.

Sacred Spring

Boiling Springs, a village in Cumberland County, takes its name from the bubbling springs that feed its 11-acre lake. The lake is stocked with trout and ringed by tree-lined paths where ducks and swans are common sights. The Appalachian Trail passes directly through the village, and the historic iron furnace—a relic of the region’s 19th-century industrial past—sits near the water. The spring rises from a limestone aquifer at a constant 52°F, pushing up through sand in a boil-like effect that gives the village its name. Visitors can fish from the shore or a small pier, and the nearby Children’s Lake is a popular spot for picnicking.

The Best Fall Festivals In PA

Pennsylvania’s fall festival season runs from late September through October, with events in every region of the state. Traditional harvest celebrations include corn mazes, apple picking, and pumpkin patches, while larger Oktoberfests in cities like Pittsburgh and Philadelphia feature German music, food, and beer. The Keystone State’s varied geography means that a festival in the Pocono Mountains will emphasize foliage and outdoor activities, while one in Lancaster County highlights Pennsylvania Dutch food and crafts. Many small towns hold their own versions: the National Apple Harvest Festival in Biglerville, the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire in Manheim, and the Bloomsburg Fair are among the largest. Most festivals charge admission between $5 and $15, with children often admitted free.

Bellefonte's Secret Park With A Natural Spring

Bellefonte’s Talleyrand Park, located in the center of town, contains a natural spring that feeds a small creek running through the park. The spring emerges from a limestone outcrop near the park’s gazebo and flows into a pond stocked with ducks. Benches line the water, and the park’s walking path connects to the Bellefonte Historic District. The spring’s water is clear and cold year-round, and locals fill jugs from a pipe that taps the source. The park is free to enter and open daily from dawn to dusk, with parking available on adjacent streets.

Fall Brook Waters

Fall Brook Waters, located in Tioga State Forest, is a series of cascading waterfalls along Fall Brook. The main drop is about 25 feet, with several smaller falls upstream and downstream. The trail to the falls is a 1.5-mile round trip hike that follows the brook through hemlock and hardwood forest. In spring, snowmelt and rain make the falls particularly powerful; in autumn, the surrounding maple and oak trees turn red and gold. The site is free to visit, and the trailhead has a small parking area off Fall Brook Road. Because the trail crosses the brook several times, waterproof boots are recommended after rain.

Fall Run Park Hidden Waterfall Mystery

Fall Run Park in Shaler Township, Allegheny County, contains a 30-foot waterfall that drops over a sandstone ledge into a pool below. The trail from the parking lot to the waterfall is a 0.4-mile walk on a gravel path, making it accessible for families with strollers and casual walkers. The waterfall is fed by Fall Run, a tributary of Pine Creek, and flows year-round but is heaviest after rain. The park also has picnic tables, a playground, and a fishing pond. Admission is free, and the park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset. The waterfall is visible from a wooden viewing platform that keeps visitors off the slippery rocks.

Spring Valley

Spring Valley, in northern Bucks County, is a 1,200-acre preserve managed by the Bucks County Parks Department. The valley contains a 50-acre lake, miles of hiking trails through mixed hardwood forest, and several springs that feed the lake. The lake is open for catch-and-release fishing (a Pennsylvania fishing license is required) and non-motorized boating. The trails range from easy 1-mile loops to a 5-mile route that circles the entire lake. Birdwatchers regularly spot great blue herons, kingfishers, and bald eagles. The preserve is open daily from sunrise to sunset, and parking is free at the main lot on Spring Valley Road. The springs emerge from the base of a ridge on the eastern side of the lake, where the water temperature stays near 50°F even in summer.