Corn mazes, pumpkin patches, fall festivals, beer and food fests abound in Franklin County
UPDATE: The Greencastle Beer and Wine Festival is no longer happening, according to the Greencastle-Antrim Chamber of Commerce.
If you are all about fall events and want to get to as many activities as you can in October, you better rest up now.
You can find a fall activity in Franklin County every single day in October. Local farms host corn mazes, hayrides, pumpkin shootin' and so much more. There are vendor shows and festivals all over the county. And don't miss opportunities to try out beer and food from around the region.
Here is a rundown of just some of the many things to do this October in Franklin County. This list does not include Halloween events; we will publish a separate list soon.
Franklin County corn mazes open day and night
Stoner's Dairy Farm
Everyone in the family will find something fun to do at this farm near Mercersburg. There's a five-acre corn maze featuring two miles of paths, hayrides around the farm, a petting zoo, barrel train, pedal cart track, jump pad and several play areas. You can even make your own scarecrow at the Scarecrow Factory. Be sure not to tire yourself out before visiting the pumpkin patch and the sunflower field.
Where is it? 7678 Oellig Road, Mercersburg
When can I go? The "Fall Corn Maze Weekends" go through Oct. 31, noon to 10 p.m. on Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays (admission ends 45 minutes before closing). Note: The farm will close at 6 p.m. Oct. 23 and 30.
How much money should I bring? General admission is $8 (free for ages 3 and under; $4 for seniors and military with ID), but it will cost you extra to ride the barrel train or make a scarecrow. Ice cream, snacks, pumpkins, mums and other items are also available for purchase.
Are there nighttime events? Flashlight Nights are held 7-10 p.m. every Friday in October and on Saturdays through Oct. 16. For $8, you can wander the corn maze in the dark and take a hayride. Bring a few extra bucks if you want to buy marshmallows and S'mores kits to use at the campfire. If you don't have a flashlight, you can rent one for $2 (first come, first serve). The last two Saturdays in October, the corn maze will transform for Haunted Maze Nights. For $10, you can walk the darkened maze while monsters and movie murderers lurk about.
Where can I find more info? stonersdairyfarm.com/
Country Creek Produce
Nestled in the countryside just south of Chambersburg, Country Creek Produce will offer fall fun every day of the week in October. Wander four miles of trails in the corn maze, this year themed "Concrete and Construction," take a hayride to the pumpkin patch, and don't miss the hay pyramid, jump pad, mountain slides, zip lines, "rat racers," pedal cart track, corn hole, a petting zoo and more. You can even shoot pumpkins and apples out of cannons.
Where is it? 3794 Etter Road, Chambersburg
When can I go? 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays through Nov. 2; noon to 5 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 31 (admission ends one hour before closing).
How much money should I bring? General admission is $7 on weekdays and $10 on weekends (free for ages 2 and under). You can also get an all-weekend package for $12 or a season pass for $25. The pumpkin and apple cannons and barrel train cost extra. You will need extra money if you want to buy pumpkins, food or drinks, or items in the greenhouse.
Are there nighttime events? The Night Maze and After Dark Hayrides are open 6-10 p.m. every Friday and Saturday in October. Admission is $11 and concessions will be available. This is included in a season pass.
Where can I find more info? countrycreekproducefarm.com/events
Fall festivals in Franklin County
Fall Fest
More than 200 small businesses and craft vendors will be set up and ready to sell. There will also be a variety of food trucks, three local breweries/distilleries on site, and a kids zone.
Where is it? On the property of Blaise Alexander Body Shop, 650 N. Antrim Way (U.S. 11), Greencastle
When can I go? 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23
How much money should I bring? However much you think you might spend to shop and eat. Admission is free.
Where can I find more info? facebook.com/events/251614866716502
Chambersburg AppleFest
Always held the third Saturday in October, hundreds of art and craft vendors, dozens of food trucks, and community groups will line the streets of downtown Chambersburg for this annual festival.
Where is it? In and around Chambersburg's Memorial Square
When can I go? 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 16
How much money should I bring? That depends on how much you plan to buy. There is no admission fee.
Where can I find more info? facebook.com/ChambersburgAppleFest/
Greencastle Apple Festival
Get apple cider, apple dumplings, chicken barbecue and lots of other good eats, and check out antique farm equipment at this long-running tradition in Greencastle. It returns this year after being canceled due to COVID-19 in 2020.
Where is it? Tayamentasachta Environmental Center, on the east end of the Greencastle-Antrim School District campus, 500 Leitersburg St.
When can I go? 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 9
How much money should I bring? Admission is free, but you will need to bring cash if you want to buy food, drinks or any other items for sale.
Where can I find more info? facebook.com/Tayamentasachta-Environmental-Center-125138287512617/
Pumpkin and Pippin Festival
This festival will include pony rides, a story hike, a kids zone/yard games, apple cider press demonstrations, craft vendors, live music, pie walk, pumpkin patch, food/drink vendors and more. Don't miss the Trebuchet Pumpkin Launcher. You can even win $100 in the Decorated Pumpkin Contest.
Where is it? Pine Hill Recreation Area, Mentzer Gap Road, Waynesboro
When can I go? Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 16
How much money should I bring? Admission is $10 per car, cash only. Bring extra money for food and drinks and to spend at the craft vendors.
Where can I find more info? natureandcultureinstitute.org/event/pumpkins-pippins-fall-festival-fundraiser/ (be sure to go to the website if you're interested in participating in the Decorated Pumpkin Contest).
Harvest Day Festival
Enjoy a fall day in nature. There will be kids activities, hayrides, craft and food vendors and more.
Where is it? Cowans Gap State Park, 6235 Aughwick Road, Fort Loudon
When can I go? 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 16
How much money should I bring? Admission and most activities are free, but bring some money for food.
Where can I find more info? explorefranklincountypa.com/home/events/harvest-day-festival-cowans-gap-state-park/
Franklin County beer, food festivals
Spend the day at these events to get your fill on beer, wine and food from around Pennsylvania and beyond. If you've visited this list before, please note that this section has changed.
Mercersburg Beer and Wine Festival
The Tuscarora Area Chamber of Commerce invites those 21 and older for an afternoon sampling beer, wine and spirits in a Mercersburg park. There will be food and entertainment. Those who purchase tickets in advance online will have access to shuttle service and early entry.
Where is it? Lions Club Park, 405 S. Park St., Mercersburg
When can I go? 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 9 (early entry at noon for online ticketholders)
How much are tickets? $30 at the gate, or $25 in advance online at eventbrite.com/e/7th-annual-mercersburg-beer-wine-spirits-festival-tickets-169661382763.
Where can I get more info? The ticket website has details, including shuttle information.
Chinchorreo Latin/Hispanic Food Crawl
Downtown Chambersburg is home to a variety of restaurants inspired by South America and Central America. In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Downtown Chambersburg Inc. is hosting this event where you can try tastes from Bori Delicias, Jade’s Juice Stop, La Joya Mexican Restaurant, Veroni Cafe, Jordyn’s Cafe, Square One, Mikey’s Pincho’s/Mini Donuts, El Gallo Garcia and others that may be added.
Tickets are on sale for two start times, 1 and 2 p.m., and each wave of guests will have three hours to hit each stop and get samples of favorite dishes.
Where is it? Downtown Chambersburg
When is it? 1-4 p.m. and 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 2
How much are tickets? $25, must be purchased online at https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/e0HvbkC5BOHzL3LUSWUN2w
Where can I get more info? Go to the ticket website for details.
Also don't miss: Downtown Chambersburg Inc. will host its seasonal Food Truck Festival from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24. At least 20 food trucks/vendors will be set up in downtown Chambersburg.
Amber South can be reached at asouth@publicopinionnews.com.