Crisp air, amber leaves, and all things pumpkin mark the arrival of fall in Pittsburgh. The city and its surrounding towns come alive each October with events that highlight the season’s best flavors and traditions. From giant gourds in the Strip District to sprawling corn mazes in the South Hills, there is no shortage of autumn magic for families, friends, and visitors to enjoy.
Festivals bring excitement but also large crowds, temporary walkways, and busy vendor setups. With that comes the possibility of accidents. For safety tips and legal help if something goes wrong, click here to connect with our law firm. Here is a guide to the top fall fests around Pittsburgh this year featuring pumpkins, food, fun, and more.
Overview of Pittsburgh’s Fall Festival Scene
VisitPittsburgh highlights a wide range of seasonal fairs, pumpkin patches, and community events that pop up across the region each autumn. From city-centered street festivals with pumpkin drops to farm-based gatherings with hayrides and corn mazes, the fall lineup is diverse.
Pennsylvania’s strong role in pumpkin production adds to the appeal. The state consistently ranks among the top growers, which helps explain why local festivals are packed with pumpkin displays and activities.
Whether you prefer exploring the Strip District or heading to the countryside, there are plenty of options to choose from. This guide shares the best picks while also offering tips on food, entertainment, and family logistics.
Spotlight: Pittsburgh Monster Pumpkins Festival
One of the city’s signature fall events is the Pittsburgh Monster Pumpkins Festival, returning to the Strip District at the 3 Crossings campus on October 18–19, 2025. Admission is free, and the festival runs both days from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The highlight is the pumpkin spectacle itself. Growers bring in massive “Atlantic Giant” pumpkins, competing in weigh-offs that showcase fruits tipping the scales at over a thousand pounds. Spectators can watch pumpkins hoisted by cranes and dropped for dramatic effect, or see teams compete in pumpkin pull contests.
Family-friendly activities are everywhere. Misty Lane Farms offers horse-drawn carriage rides, while the Carvers Court features live carving competitions and graffiti-style pumpkin art. Kids can try squash slings, pedal tractor pulls, and other contests.
Vendors round out the event with festival foods, artisan booths, and seasonal crafts in the “Fall Festival Fantasia.” Parking is available at nearby Hub and Hive garages, though spots fill quickly. For anyone who loves pumpkins, this is a must-see event.
Farm-Based Festivals & Pumpkin Patches
For a more rustic experience, Pittsburgh’s farms deliver seasonal charm alongside pumpkin picking.
Soergel Orchards in Wexford runs a weekend fall festival throughout October. Families can enjoy apple and pumpkin picking, hayrides, carnival-style games, and a full market stocked with cider donuts, baked goods, and produce. The on-site cider house makes it a favorite for adults as well.
Trax Farms in Finleyville hosts one of the area’s largest fall festivals. Activities include hayrides to pumpkin patches, a corn maze, farm animals, live music, and a rotating lineup of food trucks. Tickets for hayrides and maze access are separate, and pumpkins are priced by weight.
Shenot Farm in Wexford offers a classic pumpkin patch with hayrides and a corn maze. Simmons Farm in McMurray expands the fun with a large corn maze, petting zoo, flower picking, and festival rides.
Tips for farm visits: wear boots or older shoes since fields can be muddy, plan for shuttle or small-lot parking, buy tickets online when possible, and check hours before traveling. Carry snacks and water for kids, and know when the last hayride departs.
Pumpkin & Seasonal Themed Food, Treats & Vendors
No fall festival is complete without seasonal food. Visitors can count on pumpkin donuts, hot cider, kettle corn, and pumpkin spice treats at nearly every stop. Apple cider slushies, pies, and jams are also popular at farm stands.
At the Monster Pumpkins Festival, the “Fall Festival Fantasia” hosts local vendors serving everything from comfort foods to creative pumpkin-inspired dishes. At Trax Farms, food trucks rotate weekly, featuring barbecue smokehouses, crepes, fried specialties, and other regional favorites. Orchards like Soergel and Shenot also sell cider by the gallon and baked goods to take home.
Festival tip: bring both cash and a card, as some vendors still rely on simple setups. Inspect stalls for spill hazards if visiting with children, and be ready for lines during peak hours.
Family & Kid Activities
Fall festivals around Pittsburgh are designed with kids in mind. The Monster Pumpkins Festival is filled with family-friendly contests like pedal tractor pulls, squash slings, and pumpkin carving demos. Horse-drawn carriage rides and live art areas keep younger visitors engaged.
Corn mazes are a highlight at Shenot, Trax, and Simmons, with some routes built for small children and others more challenging for older kids and adults. Hayrides and wagon rides are staples at nearly every farm, giving families a chance to enjoy the scenery together.
Photo opportunities are everywhere, from pumpkin patches and hay bales to craft booths with fall décor. To plan ahead, dress in layers, pack sunscreen and insect repellent for warm days, and carry wipes or sanitizer. Establish meeting points before dark to avoid confusion in crowded areas.
Safety, Logistics & Tips from Our Law Firm
Crowds, outdoor terrain, and temporary vendor setups all carry risks. Watch your step on muddy or uneven ground, and supervise children near grills or food stands.
Traffic is another concern. Many festivals rely on shuttle parking, and farm roads can back up during peak times. Allow extra travel time and use marked crossings.
Vendor tents may have stakes, cords, or liquids on the ground. If you spot a hazard, alert staff right away. If an injury occurs, document it with photos, gather witness names, and keep medical or purchase records. Our firm assists with premises liability, slip-and-fall, and festival accident claims.
Conclusion
Whether you are marveling at massive gourds in the Strip District or wandering through a corn maze on a local farm, Pittsburgh’s fall fests offer something for everyone. Food, music, pumpkin picking, and family activities combine to create weekends filled with seasonal joy and community spirit.
As much fun as these events bring, it is important to stay safe and know your rights if something goes wrong. If you or someone you know experiences an injury at a festival or wants guidance before attending, click here to connect with Pittsburgh Injury Lawyers, P.C. for support. With preparation and awareness, you can make the most of autumn in Pittsburgh.