October is here, and that means it’s time to get in the Halloween spirit! With so many things to do in Montgomery County, you can celebrate every weekend of the month. Here’s a list of the area’s best events, some ongoing, and some that you’ll want to put on your calendar so you don’t miss them.
Month-Long Events:
Morris Arboretum Scarecrow Walk
When: October 6 – October 31, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Morris Arboretum, 100 E. Northwestern Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19118
Take a stroll along Oak Allée at the Morris Arboretum any day October 6 through Halloween to enjoy the more than 30 scarecrows lining the path. The display is part of the annual design contest with this year’s theme of “A Moment in Time.” Come vote for your favorite. The Scarecrow Walk is free along with your paid admission to the arboretum.
When: Saturdays and Sundays in October, starting October 13 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Elmwood Park Zoo, 1661 Harding Blvd, Norristown, PA 19401
Explore the Elmwood Park Zoo in costume, collect treats at stations throughout the zoo, and enter the costume contest! This event is free with zoo admission. The zoo itself is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Fall Harvest Days at Merrymead Farm
When: Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 222 S. Valley Forge Road, Lansdale, PA 19446
Merrymead is a working dairy farm with plenty of fall activities. Visit the apple shed for seasonal produce, cider and decorations. Take a hayride around the farm. Little ones will enjoy the corn stalk tunnel, face painting, games and inflatables. The five-acre maze offers daytime or moonlight fun, so you’ll want to bring a flashlight if you’re visiting after dark. Visit the site for details, weekday hours and pricing.
Haunting of Elks Lodge #714
When: Friday and Saturday nights in October, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: 494 Ford Street, Bridgeport, PA 19405
The Elks Lodge #714 was built in 1900 and is currently run by the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. During the month of October, the historic building is transformed into a uniquely scary experience. Visit on Friday or Saturday nights for a tour. Admission is $10 for adults and $7 for children under 13.
Limited Date Events:
Skippack Village Children’s Halloween Parade
When: Saturday, October 20 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Rain date is October 27)
Where: Registration must be completed at Mal’s Diner, 4006 Skippack Pike, Skippack, PA 19474
Get your costumes ready – the Children’s Halloween Parade begins at 10 a.m. and ends at Mal’s Diner where the kids will enjoy treats.
Witches & Wizards Weekend
When: Friday, October 19 and Saturday, October 20
Where: Germantown Ave., Chestnut Hill, PA 19118
Formerly known as the Harry Potter Festival, this event will kick off on Friday night with a Brews & Broomsticks Pub Crawl. The fun continues with family-friendly programming on Saturday including favorite traditions such as the 9th Annual Brotherly Love Cup Quidditch Tournament and the Woodmere Art Museum Straw Maze. There will also be crafts, live circus performers, hayrides and more. Click here for a complete schedule of events and pub crawl ticket details.
All Hallow’s Eve Fall Festival
When: Saturday, October 20, 1 to 4 p.m.
Where: Pennypacker Mills, 5 Haldeman Rd., Schwenksville, PA 19473
Have some old-fashioned fun by pressing apples to make cider, creating vintage crafts and jumping in the hay. In addition, there will be pumpkin painting, hayrides and games such as bean bag toss and corn shucking.
Trunk or Treat at Limerick Community Park
When: October 20 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Limerick Township Parks and Recreation, 646 W. Ridge Pike, Limerick, PA 19468
Limerick Township Parks and Recreation will host a fun trick-or-treating event with local businesses and organizations.
When: Saturday, October 20 from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Bridge & Main Street, Phoenixville, PA 19460
This free, family-friendly event celebrates all things pumpkin! There will be pumpkin derby races, carving and pie eating contests. Carnival games, live music and more. Crawl the town sampling treats from local shops, or compete in one of the contests for a chance to win a prize.
Zombie Hunter Train
When: Tuesday, October 23 or October 30 at 7:15 p.m.
Where: Colebrookdale Railroad, 64 S Washington St, Boyertown, PA 19512
Rid the Zombie Camp along the rail line using Blaster Packs provided by Laser Quest. Trains are limited to 50 hunters. Must be 12 or over to participate.
The Witches of Narberth
When: Saturday, October 27 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: The corner of Forrest and Haverford Avenues, Narberth, PA 19072
Get ready to meet 13 of the scariest witches ever in Narberth during “The Witches of Narberth,” an annual community scavenger hunt. This free event begins at the corner of Forrest and Haverford Aves. and continues throughout the town. Find a witch and collect a Halloween treat. Finally, return to the start after finding all 13 to receive a special prize. Costumes are welcome! The hunt runs until 4 p.m. or when prizes run out.