Good plans. Local finds. A little frugal-ish fun.
Another weekend is almost here, and if your plans currently consist of laundry, grocery shopping, and wondering where the week went...we might be able to do a little better than that. 😉 Lancaster County has plenty happening, and you don't have to spend a small fortune to get out and enjoy it. I've rounded up a few things worth checking out this weekend, whether you're looking for something to do with the family, a little shopping, or just an excuse to get out of the house.
This Weekend in Lancaster County: October 23–25 🍁
10th Annual Manheim Carnival
When: Saturday, October 24 | 1–4 PM
Where: Overlook Activities Center, 301 Golf Drive, Lancaster
Admission: FREE | Food trucks available for purchase
Event Link: https://www.manheimtownship.org/Calendar.aspx?EID=4542&calType=0&day=6&month=10&year=2026
Looking for a little old-fashioned carnival fun? Manheim is celebrating its 10th annual carnival, and it's a great excuse to get out of the house and enjoy some local community spirit! Whether you're planning a family outing, meeting up with friends, or simply looking for something different to do this weekend, this is one worth checking out. And you know we love an opportunity to have a little fun close to home! 🎃
Columbia's Haunted Lantern Tour
When: Friday & Saturday, October 23–24 | Tours begin at 6:30 PM, departing every 30 minutes
Where: Mount Bethel Cemetery, 700 Locust Street, Columbia
Admission: $25 per person | Group rates available for 10+
Event Link: https://columbiahlt.com/
History, mystery, and a walk among the tombstones! 👻If you're looking for something a little different this Halloween season, Columbia's Haunted Lantern Tour brings the past back to life...quite literally! Follow a lantern-lit path through historic Mount Bethel Cemetery as costumed actors share the stories of those who helped shape Columbia's history. This year's theme, Wright's Ferry's Legendaries, celebrates the fascinating characters, forgotten stories, and colorful personalities of the town's past. It's part history lesson, part theatrical performance, and just the right amount of spooky! 💀🍂 Important Note: Approximately one-hour historical walking tour. Reservations recommended; call 717-587-5368 to book.
Ephrata Shadows
When: Friday & Saturday, October 23–24 | 6:30 PM & 8:00 PM
Where: Downtown Ephrata, with East End and West End tour options
Admission: $15 per person | Optional ghost hunt: Additional $25
Event Link: https://mainspringofephrata.org/event/ephrata-shadows-2026/
Every town has its secrets...and Ephrata is no exception! 💀 If you enjoy a little history mixed with mystery, Ephrata Shadows offers a spooky twist on exploring one of Lancaster County's historic communities. Think eerie tales, local legends, and the kind of stories that might make you look over your shoulder on the way back to your car. 😉 Perfect for anyone who loves Halloween but prefers a good ghost story over haunted-house jump scares! 🍂
Fall Makers Market by Creatively Lancaster
When: Sunday, October 25 | 10 AM–4 PM
Where: The Barn at Paradise Station, 312 Paradise Lane, Ronks
Admission: Not specified on the venue's event page
Event Link: https://www.barnatparadisestation.com/events/fall-makers-market-by-creatively-lancaster-gdywe
Calling all lovers of handmade treasures, unique finds, and a little retail therapy! 🍂🛍️ The Fall Makers Market at the Barn at Paradise Station is bringing together local artists, makers, and small businesses for a day of shopping with plenty of autumn charm. Whether you're hunting for one-of-a-kind gifts, getting a head start on holiday shopping, or just looking for an excuse to get out and browse, this is a great opportunity to shop small and support local talent. And with the holidays sneaking up on us, we can totally call this Christmas shopping instead of impulse buying, right? 😉💕Important Note: Shop local artists and makers, enjoy food trucks and nearby Casey Jones' Restaurant, and watch the Strasburg Rail Road trains pass behind the venue! A great opportunity to support small businesses while enjoying a little fall shopping.
Free Autism Fall Festival & Trunk-or-Treat
When: Saturday, October 24 | 12-1:30 PM
Where: SOS Lancaster, 1848 Charter Lane Suite 103, Lancaster
Admission: FREE
Event Link: https://allevents.in/lancaster/free-autism-fall-festival-trunk-or-treat/100002001400364366
Fall fun for everyone! 🍂💙 Looking for a family-friendly Halloween celebration? The Free Autism Fall Festival & Trunk-or-Treat is all about bringing families together for some seasonal fun in a welcoming, inclusive environment. It's especially wonderful to see community events designed with neurodivergent children and families in mind, giving everyone an opportunity to enjoy a little Halloween magic. And with FREE in the name, you know it caught our frugal-ish attention! 😉
Halloween Scooptacular
When: Sunday, October 25 | Reservation time required
Where: Turkey Hill Experience, 301 Linden Street, Columbia
Admission: $23.95 per person
Event Link: https://turkeyhill.aluvii.com/store/shop/productdetails?id=1&productId=744
I scream, you scream, we all scream for...Halloween ice cream! 🎃🍨 Who says Halloween has to be all about candy? Turkey Hill Experience in Columbia is mixing spooky-season fun with everyone's favorite frozen treat! It's a sweet way to celebrate Halloween with the family, especially if you're looking for something a little different from the usual pumpkin patches and haunted attractions. Costumes, ice cream, and Halloween fun? Now that's a combination we can get behind! 👻💕 Important Note: Includes Halloween-themed ice cream floats, trick-or-treating, games, a children's story with Witch Winnie, the Taste Lab, and unlimited ice cream and iced tea samples! Costumes encouraged. Arrive 45 minutes before your scheduled Taste Lab time and allow approximately 2 hours for your visit. Reservations required.
Haunted Marietta
When: Friday & Saturday, October 23–24 | 4:30-9 PM
Where: Marietta Community House “Crypt,” 264 W. Market Street, Marietta, PA
Admission: FREE, Donations Accepted
Event Link: https://www.discovermariettapa.org/eventdetails/7635fbb5-5b70-41c8-8e1a-1b51bad694bef
Who says you have to travel far to find a little Halloween mischief? 👻 Marietta is bringing the spooky season to life with Haunted Marietta! With its historic charm and small-town atmosphere, this Susquehanna River community makes the perfect backdrop for a little October adventure. Whether you're a Halloween enthusiast or just looking for something different to do, this is a fun excuse to explore one of Lancaster County's charming river towns. A little history, a little mystery, and possibly a few goosebumps? Sounds like a pretty good fall outing to me! 🎃
Lititz Departed Spirits Tour
When: Saturday, October 24 | 5:00–8:15 PM | Tours depart every 15 minutes
Where: Lititz Historical Foundation, Lititz
Admission: $14.00
Event Link: https://lititzpa.com/events/lititz-departed-spirits-tour
A little history, a little mystery, and maybe a ghost story or two! 👻 If you love historic towns with a spooky side, the Lititz Departed Spirits Tour might be right up your alley. Take a walk through charming downtown Lititz while exploring the eerie stories, local legends, and mysterious happenings connected to its past. It's the perfect October outing for anyone who prefers their Halloween fun with a side of history rather than jump scares. And really, what's better than a beautiful little town with a few skeletons in its closet? 💀🍂 Important Note: Family-friendly historical walking tour featuring costumed characters and reportedly haunted locations. Several flights of stairs are required. No strollers or pets (service dogs welcome). Advance tickets strongly recommended, as tours frequently sell out.
Market at Refreshing Mountain
When: Saturday, October 24 | 9 AM–5 PM
Where: Refreshing Mountain Retreat & Adventure Center, 455 Camp Road, Stevens
Admission: FREE
Event Link: https://allevents.in/stevens/fall-market-day/200030785865113
A little fresh air, a little shopping, and a whole lot of fall charm! If browsing local vendors and discovering unique handmade finds sounds like your kind of weekend, the Market at Refreshing Mountain is worth adding to your plans. It's a great opportunity to support small businesses, enjoy the beautiful Lancaster County countryside, and maybe find a little something you didn't know you needed. 😉Important Note: Browse local vendors offering handmade goods, jewelry, seasonal decorations, and treats. Enjoy yard games, giveaways, and special activity deals. Check the organizer's listing for updates before attending.
Mount Joy Spooktacular
When: Friday, October 23 | 5–8 PM
Where: Main Street, Downtown Mount Joy
Admission: FREE event | Individual activities or purchases may have costs
Event Link: https://mountjoychamber.com/event/spooktacular-2026/
If you've got little ones who are already counting down the days until Halloween, Mount Joy is getting the festivities started early! Downtown will be celebrating with trick-or-treating, vendors, games, and seasonal fun. It's a great excuse to break out those Halloween costumes before the big night. And with free admission, this one gets an enthusiastic frugal-ish thumbs-up!
The Brakeman's Curse at the Strasburg Railroad
When: Friday–Sunday, October 23–25 | 3:00 PM departure
Where: Strasburg Rail Road, 301 Gap Road, Ronks
Admission: $87.98 per person | $83 cash at the box office
Event Link: https://strasburgrailroad.com/event/the-brakemans-curse/
All aboard...if you dare! 👻🚂 Strasburg Rail Road is trading its usual scenic countryside charm for something a little more sinister with The Brakeman's Curse! This Halloween experience brings a spooky twist to a Lancaster County classic, combining the atmosphere of a historic railroad with a mysterious tale that's perfect for anyone looking for something beyond the traditional haunted house. Important Note: A 60-minute, 1980s-themed interactive murder mystery aboard a historic train car. Recommended for ages 10+ due to jump scares, loud effects, and strobe lighting. Advance reservations recommended.
Until Next Weekend...
Whether you're heading out to a festival, supporting local makers, or just enjoying a scenic fall drive through Lancaster County, I hope you find a little time to do something you enjoy.
And if your weekend still ends with laundry and grocery shopping? Well, at least you tried. 😂
Stay feisty. Spend frugal-ish. Enjoy the weekend! 💕
Event details are subject to change. Check the linked organizer information for updates, admission requirements, and weather-related changes before heading out.
Happy weekend, friends! 💕
