Events , Fairs & Festivals , Holiday & Seasonal
20 Can’t Miss Events in October 2020
Posted: September 29, 2020
October in NEPA Brings Spooky Attractions, Stunning Foliage and Pumpkin-Spiced Fall Festivities
Celebrate the start of sweater season with this list of awesome autumn events.
That crisp morning air — cider, cinnamon and pumpkin tickling the nose — the sudden appearance of Halloween stores in random places – this can mean only one thing. It’s fall… for real. Miss me with that fake September kind of fall. October is where the magic happens. And, when it comes to having a little autumn fun, we’ve got a million things to do.
Our picturesque parks are the perfect place for snapping foliage pics and taking long chilly hikes. And, just because it’s a little colder doesn’t mean you can ditch all the outdoor fun. Get out there and earn those end-of-a-long-day, blanket-wrapped, by-the-fire-pit siestas.
Spend your weekends seeking out seasonal goodies at one of our many farmers markets. Pair those harvest-inspired dishes with a few local, craft beers. Or, lose yourself in search of that perfect homegrown NEPA wine. Of course, you could save yourself a little time and still nail all three at one of our incredible restaurants. And when it’s time to take it easy, stroll into any of NEPA’s downtowns for a latte and a little retail therapy.
From Halloween to harvest festivals, if it’s happening in NEPA, we’ve got it covered. Stay in the know with our comprehensive events calendar. And, if you still need a little help finding local fun, check out this convenient can’t miss list.
October Events in NEPA
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NEPA's Haunted Houses
Through October
Dare to explore some of NEPA’s most terrifying haunts and hangouts this Halloween season. All of your favorite haunted houses, hayrides and walkthroughs are open for business and ready to put the fright in fall.
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Remote Control: Max Major
Thursday, October 1
Sign up and sign in to this incredible, hands-on mind reading experience brought to you by Wilkes-Barre’s F.M. Kirby Center. The interactive Zoom event pits viewers’ minds against one of the world’s most innovative mentalists.
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Pumpkin Season at Brown Hill Farms
Friday thru Sunday + Wednesdays in October
Soak up all the fall fun at this popular Tunkhannock farm and pumpkin patch. Enjoy wagon rides, hay bale towers, corn mazes, hot chocolate and so much more. And don’t miss their famous fresh-cut fries.
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“WHATEVER” Weekend (Clueless & Mean Girls on 35mm)
Friday, October 2 & Saturday, October 3
Throw it back for a weekend of 90s and 00s teen classics at the Mahoning Drive-In. Catch the legendary comedy hits in all their 35mm glory. Overnight camping tickets are available for this event.
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Super Hero Weekend
Saturday, October 3 & Sunday, October 4
Dust off the old cape and head out to Roba Family Farms in North Abington Twp. for this wild weekend of classic fall fun. Be sure to catch magic shows, wood carving demonstrations and movie night on Saturday.
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Germania 4th Annual Winefest
Saturday, October 3
Make your way to Duryea for this fall festival featuring local wines, craft beer and live music. The popular event also hosts plenty of local craft vendors and delicious festival-style food.
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Sukkot Harvest Fall Festival
Sunday October 4 & Sunday, October 11
Enjoy a little autumn shopping at The Friedman Jewish Community Center in Kingston. The adorable outdoor marketplace hosts dozens of local vendors. The event also features free pumpkins, prizes and basket raffles.
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Halloween Light Show
Thursdays thru Sundays all October
Load up the car and plan a trip out to Lakeland Orchard & Cidery in Scott Twp. for their brand new, state of the art light show. See it all from illuminated happy pumpkins to silly spiders and skeletons without ever leaving the car.
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Bingo at the Brewery
Every Thursday in October
If it’s Thursday, it’s time for Bingo at Susquehanna Brewing Company in Pittston. Stop in for some socially distant shenanigans, brewery-fresh beers, plenty of awesome prizes and delicious treats from the Lunchbox Foodtruck.
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Chase Rice LIVE at the Drive-In
Friday, October 9
Pile your friends in the car and head to Dickson City’s Circle Drive-In to catch rising country music star Chase Rice live. The singer/songwriter will perform his most beloved hits along with a little something new.
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Mega Whitewater Weekend
Saturday, October 10 & Sunday, October 11
Take in the gorgeous fall foliage and take on the wild, whitewater rapids of the Lehigh River. This outdoor adventure outfitter in Nesquehoning has everything you need for an unforgettable weekend on the water.
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Lobsterfest
Saturday, October 10
Treat yourself to a little decadence at this popular seafood celebration in Spring Brook. The Spring Brook Volunteer Fire Company hosts this enticing evening of all things lobster. Please purchase tickets in advance.
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Harvest Lake Stroll
Sunday, October 11
Welcome the sights, sounds and tastes of the harvest season at this iconic Poconos resort. The Skytop Lodge hosts the annual lakeside event featuring food samplings, local wines live entertainment and so much more.
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Sake & Sushi Night
Thursday, October 15
Get your sushi fix at Glass-wine.bar.kitchen. located in the famous Ledges Hotel in Hawley. The evening’s menu will feature a la carte sushi and Japanese specials. Pair your selections with delicious flights of Sake. Reservations suggested.
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Glow Burn Nighttime Trail Run
Friday, October 16
Experience all the thrills of an autumn trail run after dark at Blue Mountain Resort in Palmerton. Climb to the summit for an incredible Pocono Mountains sunset, and then head off into the dark to finish the race. Headlamps are required.
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7th Annual Lake to Lake 8K Trail Run & Woods Walk/Dog Walk
Sunday, October 18
Explore over 400 acres of pristine NEPA wilderness on this popular, annual trail run/hike/dog walk through the stunning Lacawac Sanctuary in Lake Ariel. Top 8K finishers will be awarded in each age group.
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Hallo-Fun at Knoebels
Fridays thru Sundays in October
Celebrate the spooky season at NEPA’s favorite family amusement park in Elysburg. Knoebels welcomes visitors to enjoy Halloween-themed rides, treats, games and attractions designed to entertain all ages.
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Josh Turner
Sunday, October 25
Head to the legendary Penn’s Peak in Jim Thorpe to catch this live performance from award-winning, Nashville superstar, Josh Turner. The soulful country crooner reaches back through nearly 2 decades of hits for the one-night-only event.
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Germanfest
Friday, October 30
Don’t end the month without a little taste of Oktoberfest. Stop by The Waterfront at Silver Birches in Hawley for their insanely popular festival featuring cold beer samples, German cuisine and live music.
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Pumpkin Pickup 5K & 1 Mile Kid’s Race
Saturday, October 31
Prepare for an evening of eating too much candy with a fun, trail run at Blue Mountain Resort in Palmerton. The event features a 5K and 1-mile kid’s run. Racers can grab pumpkins along the route and turn them in for fun prizes at the finish.
Gather up the whole gang for some awesome autumn fun. Check out our list of family fun in October.
Explore Our 1,307 Upcoming NEPA Events
Jill Patton
Courtney Snyder