The Ultimate Lehigh Valley Fall Weekend: Can You Do It All?

Oktoberfest festivities, covered bridges, bacon festivals and pick-your-own pumpkins are just the beginning. This autumn, Lehigh Valley is daring visitors to out-adventure the season.

LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa., Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Forget pumpkin spice everything. This fall, Discover Lehigh Valley®, the region's official destination marketing organization, is daring visitors to see just how much of the season they can pack into one trip. Between scenic drives through brilliant views, festivals devoted entirely to bacon and garlic, plus a corn maze big enough to get you (pleasantly) lost, Lehigh Valley is giving visitors plenty of reasons to take on the challenge.

 "Each year, I am reminded just how much there is to experience here every fall," said Alex Michaels, President and CEO of Discover Lehigh Valley. "You can start the day picking pumpkins at Valley Fruits and Veggies, spend the afternoon exploring a festival or scenic trail, and end it with an autumn cocktail or mocktail at Eight Oaks Farm Distillery overlooking the stunning fall foliage. The real challenge isn't finding something to do; it's figuring out how much you can fit into one weekend."

Ready to take the challenge? Lehigh Valley has no shortage of ways to test just how much fun you can fit into one season. With peak foliage typically arriving in mid- to late October, there's no better time to take the dare and see how much you can check off your list, including:

The Great Outdoors

Scenic Drives & Covered Bridges: Take the long way through Lehigh Valley's countryside, where winding roads invite you to slow down and take in the views. Along the way, discover historic covered bridges and plenty of scenic spots to stop and enjoy the season.

Easton Farmers' Market: Visit one of the country's oldest continuously operating farmers' markets to browse fresh produce along with local specialties, while taking in the energy of downtown Easton.

Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley: Combine fall scenery with an afternoon of shopping and dining at this open-air destination surrounded by the rolling hills of Saucon Valley. Visitors can also check out seasonal events like Barktoberfest (Oct. 17–18), a dog-friendly celebration featuring activities, vendors and fun.

D&L RaceFest (Nov. 15): Lace up for an adventure along the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor at D&L RaceFest, where runners and walkers of every pace can experience Lehigh Valley's changing foliage, plus an entire weekend of deals at local participating businesses.

The Harvest Haul

Valley Fruits and Veggies: Head to the farm for a classic fall day filled with seasonal activities, including pumpkin picking, hayrides and more. Be sure to browse the farm market for fresh local produce and seasonal favorites, too!

Lehigh Valley Wineries: Spend an afternoon touring and tasting at local wineries like Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery and Franklin Hill Vineyards for locally produced wines alongside vineyard views and crisp autumn weather. For another taste of the season, rank pumpkin beers at breweries across the region,

Eight Oaks Farm Distillery: Visit this farm-based distillery for handcrafted spirits, cocktails and food made with locally sourced ingredients, all surrounded by Lehigh Valley's picturesque countryside.

The One-of-a-Kind

Celtic Classic (Sept. 25–27): Experience Scottish and Celtic traditions in Bethlehem, where highland athletics and pipe bands set the tone for a weekend filled with dancing, music and food the whole family can enjoy.

Oktoberfest at SteelStacks (Oct. 2–4 & 9–11): Celebrate German heritage at one of the region's signature festivals, featuring plenty of food, beer and live music throughout the weekend, plus crowd favorites like wiener dog races and the Pennsylvania State Stein Holding Championship.

Easton Garlic Fest (Oct. 3–4): Head to downtown Easton for a weekend celebrating the bold flavor of garlic, with plenty of opportunities to taste the beloved ingredient in unexpected ways while enjoying live entertainment.

PA Bacon Fest (Nov. 7–8): Return to Easton for PA Bacon Fest's 15th anniversary, including more than 100 vendors that turn bacon into everything from bacon on a stick to maple bacon cupcakes, backed by family-friendly activities for a full day of indulgence.

The Screams

Dorney Park's Halloween Haunt & Tricks and Treats: During the day, families can enjoy the park's Tricks and Treats (Sept. 19–Nov. 1) festivities before the atmosphere shifts after dark, when Halloween Haunt (Sept. 18–Oct. 31) turns the park into scare zones and haunted attractions built for an older crowd.

Boo at the Zoo at Lehigh Valley Zoo (Oct. 17–18, 24–25 & 31 – Nov. 1): Families can enjoy Halloween-themed activities and animal encounters at Lehigh Valley Zoo, making for a festive outing for visitors of all ages.

Screamin' Green Hauntoween at Crayola Experience (Sept. 19–Nov. 1): Enjoy a Halloween celebration with a colorful Crayola twist, featuring seasonal games, Halloween-themed crafts and plenty of hands-on fun for families.

Eerie Easton Walking Tour (Sept. 25–Nov. 8): Explore Easton after dark on a walking tour that dives into the city's spooky history, uncovering haunted places and local legends.

Think you can do it all? Take the dare and build your ultimate Lehigh Valley fall weekend using DiscoverLehighValley.com. Pick your must-do experiences, make your list and tag @LehighValleyPa as you check them off along the way.

About Discover Lehigh Valley:

Discover Lehigh Valley®, the official destination marketing organization of Pennsylvania's Lehigh and Northampton counties, is dedicated to driving economic growth and strengthening local pride through tourism to the region. Just 60 minutes north of Philadelphia and 90 minutes west of New York City, Lehigh Valley is home to must-see attractions and festivals, world-class sporting events, thrilling outdoor recreation, renowned colleges and universities, and historic sites, including Moravian Church Settlements – Bethlehem, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Historic Landmark District. Many of America's favorite brands, such as Crayola®, Peeps®, Mike & Ike®, Martin Guitars, Mack Trucks, and Olympus, originate from Lehigh Valley. Visit DiscoverLehighValley.com and follow @LehighValleyPa.

SOURCE Discover Lehigh Valley