Poconos' Fall Festivals You Shouldn't Miss This Year

Planning a trip to the mountains this fall? Poconos’ fall festivals are the perfect reason to visit. These events have local traditions, seasonal foods, and music that put you in the autumn spirit. Add the crisp mountain air and fall colors, and it’s the ultimate fall getaway.

But it’s not only about the festivals. The Poconos in the fall are simply stunning. Enjoy waterfall hikes, small towns, and fall flavors on a couple's getaway or a family trip. Lively Oktoberfests and lantern-filled nights add even more variety, so there’s always something special happening.

It’s all waiting for you in one unforgettable mountain getaway surrounded by breathtaking fall foliage.

October might be the very best time to enjoy the Poconos. Peak fall foliage shows off in mid to late October. Everywhere you look, the mountains glow in fiery reds, oranges, and golden yellows. Crisp, cool air makes hiking, leaf peeping, and small-town strolls even more refreshing.

Crowds are lighter than they are in the summer, so the area feels relaxed and welcoming. Local bakeries and markets serve apple cider, pumpkin donuts, and other fall flavors you’ll love. Weekends buzz with festivals, offering music, food, and plenty of seasonal fun for every visitor.

Each day brings invigorating mornings, colorful views, and lively events. If a fall getaway is on your list, October is the month you don’t want to miss. It’s the perfect balance of weather, scenery, and activity.

The Poconos truly know how to celebrate autumn — and the festivals are the season's highlight. Each offers something unique, from heritage traditions and live music to lantern-lit nights and mouthwatering food. No matter your style, you’ll find events that unite the community and showcase fall magic. 

Grab your cozy sweater, bring your appetite, and prepare for weekends packed with color, flavor, and fun!

The Quiet Valley Harvest Festival is an interactive experience. It takes place at a living history farm, making it truly unique. Visitors experience old-fashioned skills like blacksmithing, spinning, and open-hearth cooking brought to life by costumed interpreters. Seasonal treats, hayrides, and farm animals add even more fun for families and kids.

The festival highlights the region’s heritage while celebrating everything we love about autumn. It’s engaging, memorable, and perfectly seasonal. It’s one of the Poconos' fall festivals that takes you back in time.

The Poconos Lantern Festival is one of fall’s most memorable celebrations. It combines live music, fire pits, and s’mores with a breathtaking lantern release. Hosted at the Pocono Raceway, the setting feels festive yet relaxed, perfect for a crisp autumn evening.

As the lanterns lift into the night, the sky transforms into a glowing backdrop for the season. The simple yet striking display makes this festival a must for anyone visiting the Poconos in the fall.

The Fall Foliage Festival fills Jim Thorpe with fall magic and charm. It runs the first three weekends in October. Colorful leaves drift across cobblestone streets, while cafés tempt visitors with seasonal drinks and fresh-baked treats. Storytellers add to the fun, sharing haunted legends by lantern light after dark.

Surrounded by the Lehigh River Gorge, the town shines with scenery and activity. Visitors enjoy train rides, rafting, or live music downtown. The festival captures everything people love about small-town life during the fall season.

Ready for a taste of Bavaria in the mountains? Oktoberfest is one of our favorite Poconos fall festivals. You’ll find authentic German food, seasonal beer, and live music from late September through October.

Blue Mountain Resort brings a lively, high-energy crowd. Prefer something smaller? The Hawley Silk Mill offers a cozy biergarten feel. Wallenpaupack Brewing Company mixes craft beer, local flavors, and outdoor games for a relaxed, festive vibe.

Mohegan also joins the fun with live entertainment, German-inspired food, and family activities. Add colorful foliage, and you’ve got festivals that feel like fall at its best.

Hungry for fall flavors? Head to Shawnee Mountain for the Pocono Food Truck Festival. This two-day event brings food trucks, crafters, and kid-friendly activities for the whole family. You’ll find everything from tacos and burgers to barbecue and desserts, plus a full bar for adults. Grab a plate, enjoy live music, and browse artisan vendors while you explore.

Ride the scenic chairlift for sweeping foliage views across the mountain. Free parking and a relaxed atmosphere make this festival a tasty, stress-free fall outing.

The Poconos aren’t just about festivals; our local, charming small towns shine brightest in autumn. Each offers history, culture, and stunning scenery. They make perfect stops during your fall getaway, all within an hour of Mountaintop Lodge.

• Jim Thorpe: Known as the “Switzerland of America,” with cobblestone streets, Victorian architecture, and vibrant foliage views.

• Stroudsburg: A lively downtown filled with murals, galleries, and cafes creates a fun, artsy atmosphere.

• Milford: Nestled near the Delaware Water Gap, Milford offers boutique shopping, historic sites, and nearby waterfall hikes.

• Honesdale: Birthplace of the American railroad, where the first steam locomotive ran in 1829. Today, it features antique shops, cozy eateries, and timeless small-town charm.

• Hawley: Set along Lake Wallenpaupack, with waterfront dining, seasonal festivals, and welcoming local shops.

Each town brings its own character but captures the magic of autumn in the Poconos.

Fall weekends in the Poconos are filled with festivals, but your trip doesn’t end there. This region is ideal for a fall getaway, with endless ways to enjoy the mountains between events.

Crisp autumn weather makes waterfall hikes especially inviting. Trails lead through forests glowing with peak fall foliage, offering unforgettable views at every turn. Scenic drives are another great choice, adding color and charm to your mountain getaway.

If you’d rather slow the pace, stop into local cafes or browse small-town shops. Breweries, wineries, and farm markets highlight seasonal flavors with cider, apples, and fresh-baked treats.

For more outdoor experiences, rent an ATV, zipline over treetops, or take a train through colorful valleys. Couples looking for a romantic getaway can enjoy cozy bars, candlelit dinners, spa days, and vineyard tours.

There’s no better time to plan your trip than now. With the Poconos’ fall festivals, colorful foliage, and endless adventures, autumn is full of excitement and charm. Lanterns brighten the night sky, and small towns brim with character. Each weekend brings something new.

Make Mountaintop Lodge your home base for the season. Cozy rooms, thoughtful touches, and a central setting make our lodge the perfect fall retreat. Book your stay today and experience the best of fall in the Poconos!

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