Montco Happening’s Fall Guide 2020

Amid an everchanging climate, one thing is for certain – the anticipated arrival of fall, complete with crisp, sweet apples, pumpkins ripe for the picking, cozy sweaters, hearty chili, and pumpkin-spiced delicacies. Usher in cooler temperatures, frightful happenings throughout October and other unique thrills this season with a full menu of offerings. Whether it is sweet or savory flavors, an outdoor adventure, or a movie under the stars, autumn in Montgomery County (and its surrounding towns) is bound to be an unforgettable and exciting season!

Bookmark this handy 2020 Fall Guide to Montgomery County, so that you don’t miss any of the fun!

Read on for:

Fall Festivals/Special Fall Events

Apple Festivals/Picking

Pumpkin Patches/Corn Mazes

Halloween Fun

Ideas for Fall Fitness

Fall Flavors

Skippack Scarecrow Festival at Floral & Hardy

When: September 19 & September 20, 10am-3pm
Where: Floral & Hardy, 4007 Skippack Pike, Skippack, PA 19474

• Bring your friends and family and build your own scarecrow! With the help of an instructor, attendees will stay in their assigned, socially-distanced pod to create their own creature. Then finish your design at a painting station!
• Requires pre-registration HERE and $20.

Winetober Fest 2020

When: Saturday, October 10, 12pm-6pm
Where: Skippack Village, Skippack Pike (Route 73) Skippack, PA 19474

• Sip Pennsylvania’s award-winning and best wines for a day of outdoor, socially-distanced fun. With live bands, vendors, shopping and samplings, purchased admission guarantees a full day of unique flavors and sights. Bring along the canines – the event is dog-friendly!
• Purchase General Admission for $20 in advance or $25 at the door, or VIP Admission for $30 in advance. Get tickets HERE.

Harvest Days at Merrymead Farms

When: Weekends in October (possibly on weekdays as well, but is still to-be-determined; check website and social media pages for the latest and up-to-date information!)
Where: Merrymead Farm, 2222 S. Valley Forge Road, Lansdale, PA 19446

• Though much is still being decided at the current time, the farm will still be offering a 5-acre maze, hayrides, wagon train ride and corn stalk tunnel for their Harvest Days.
• While enjoying the activities, also be sure to stop into the market for pumpkin treats like freshly made pumpkin ice cream, apple cider donuts and various fruit pies.
• Be sure to check their WEBSITE for the latest updates:

10th Annual Narberth Scavenger Hunt (Virtual Style)

When: October 2 through October 9
Where: Here’s the LINK to the Facebook Event Page

This year’s hunt will be different than the past, but it will maintain the same community spirit and philanthropic mission. The event will kick off on Friday, October 2 at 7 p.m. You’ll have 7 days to search Narberth for answers to questions, hidden pictures, silly walks, opportunities to eat, be fit and more! Visit the Facebook Event Page to register and find out more details.

Zoosnooze at the Elmwood Park Zoo

When: Saturday, October 24, 6pm-October 25^th at 9am (an overnight event)
Where: Elmwood Park Zoo, 1661 Harding Road, Norristown, PA 19401

• Must register for this event online via WEBSITE; $45 for members and $55 for non-members
• Experience the excitement of the zoo in the dark, after hours and under the glow of the stars! Enjoy a flashlight tour of the zoo, campfire & other activities, as well as dinner and breakfast, educational learning and zoo admission in the morning!

Breakfast with the Giraffes at the Elmwood Park Zoo

 When: Saturday, September 12 – 9am; Sunday, September 13 – 9am; Saturday, September 19 – 9am; Sunday, September 20 – 9am.
Where: Elmwood Park Zoo, 1661 Harding Road, Norristown, PA 19401

• Must make reservation and book online in advance via WEBSITE: Table of 4 = $140; Table of 2 = $80; each additional guest 3 and older = $35 and under 2= $15.
• Wake up and refuel amid the giraffes at Elmwood Park Zoo, socially-distanced style. Enjoy breakfast favorites, then hand feed the giraffes!

Longwood Gardens (Autumn’s Colors exhibit)

When: October 1-November 14; Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri = 10am-6pm; Fri-Sat = 10am-9pm, Closed Tuesdays.
Where: Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348

• Delight in the changing colors of the season and the great outdoors just miles outside of Montgomery County. Enjoy the gardens’ famed Main Fountain Garden performances and delight in the Garden Railway, a model train display located outdoors.
• Beginning on October 22^, take in the Chrysanthemum Festival, as an ode to the Fall’s “crown jewel” of flowers, with thousands on display.
• *TIP: For the best chance at catching the season’s prime and most vibrant foliage, the website suggests visiting in October!
• Reservations are required (timed tickets) with masks worn and social distancing observed. Visit their website for more information and to reserve a time.

Cars Under the Stars

When: Now through September 24 (Sept 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 24); Gates open at 7:30pm and the movie begins at 8:30pm.
Where: Arasapha Farm, 1835 Middletown Road, Glen Mills, PA 19342

• For $25 per vehicle, this drive-in movie event is limited to 150 cars and tickets must be purchased in advance, online via the WEBSITE.
• Enjoy a movie from the comfort of your own car under the twinkling night sky. Upcoming movies include: Ghostbusters, Harry & the Hendersons, The Goonies and many more!

Colebrookdale Railroad: Autumn Splendor Fall Foliage Train Ride

When: Saturday, October 3-Sunday, November 8, 2020 at various times, weekends only (must purchase tickets in advance)
Where: Colebrookdale Railroad, 64 S. Washington Street, Boyertown, PA 19512; (610)367-0200

• Take in plentiful and breathtaking views of Autumn colors in full bloom! Enjoy local-produced snacks and beverages of the season to enhance the two-hour train ride! Affectionately referred to as “the perfect hayride on the rails,” it will be 120 minutes of a relaxing, mobile foray into the splendors of the Fall season!

As an area filled with vast arrays of orchards and farms, apple season is in fullswing throughout Montgomery County! Enjoy a fun day of apple picking, while enjoying other festive activities and flavors at these options:

Linvilla Orchards

When: For Picking = Now/Ongoing – 9am-3pm for picking apples, corn, tomatoes, peppers and more.

Apple Festival = September 26-27, 8am-7pm.

Pumpkinland = September 12-October 30^th

Costume Parade = Saturday, October 25, at 12pm.

Where: 598 Linvill Road, Media, PA

• The possibilities and fun are boundless at Linvilla Orchards! Enjoy fruit & vegetable picking, savory and sweet treats, plus hayrides, train rides, mazes, mountains of pumpkin displays and lots more!
• Note: Masks must be worn and unlike other years, tickets must be purchased for many Pumpkinland events!
• Visit their websites for more information: Apple Festival and Pumpkin Land

Weaver’s Orchard

When: Now & Ongoing; Mon-Fri = 8am-6pm; Saturday = 8am-4pm; Closed Sundays.
Where: 40 Fruit Lane, Morgantown, PA 19543

• Enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh fruits ripe for the picking! Choose from an assortment of apples, pears, plums and more!
• Each year, the farm hosts Fall Family Fun Days and plan to this year, as well, but are still ironing out the details, per their website. Check back for updates on their WEBSITE and plan to attend on Saturdays and Columbus Day, September 19-October 31!

Frecon Farms

When: Fall U-Pick Apples, Pears & Pumpkins open Labor Day Weekend through all Fall season, every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Where: 501 S. Reading Ave, Boyertown, PA 19512

• The farm boasts arrays of apples and pears to pick, plus pumpkins beginning mid-September! Be sure to stop into the farm market to pick up a fresh-baked pie, quiche, breads, pastries, or sip on cider and enjoy the season cooked and cooled to perfection!
• Check their WEBSITE for the latest updates.

Highland Orchards

When: Reserve a time slot between 9am-3pm, online via WEBSITE
Where: 1000 Marshallton-Thorndale Road, West Chester, PA 19380

• Take full reign of the orchard and pick apples and pears and coming soon, pumpkins! Also be sure to stop into the farm market for more homegrown goodies, such as jams, jellies, local honey and a full bakery, which even boasts gluten-free items!

Tabora Farm & Orchard

When: Mid-September for apples and pumpkins (check their WEBSITE for the latest updates and schedule)
Where: 1104 Upper Stump Road, Chalfont, PA 18914

• Explore the orchard and pick the season’s best apples! Then stop into the bakery, country store, gift shop and deli for the comforting flavors of the Fall season while keeping it local!

Delight in the process of choosing the perfect pumpkin for display, carving or both, while getting playfully “lost” in a corn maze with family and friends at these numerous options throughout the area:

Merrymead Farm

When: Moonlit Corn Maze is open from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, September 25; followed by First Fall Fun of the Season on Saturday, September 26 from noon to 8 p.m. and Sunday, September 27 from noon to 4 p.m. Harvest Day Activities run every Saturday in October from 11 a.. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. During the week, there are limited activities Monday through Friday.
Where: 2222 S. Valley Forge Road, Lansdale, PA 19446

• A five-acre maze offering daytime or moonlight fun, 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.
• There’s also a corn stalk tunnel, animals, wagon train rides, pumpkin painting and more!

Northern Star Farm

When: Open September 26 through November 1; Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 112 East Third Ave., Trappe, PA 19426

• Pumpkin patch, hay rides, scavenger hunt, corn maze, pony rides, scarecrow contest, super cannon, apple slingshot, private bon fires and farm animals!
• Free admission and parking.

Olszanowski Farm

When: Opening September 26, Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 315 Pughtown Rd., Spring City, PA 19475

• Per their Facebook page, the farm will be doing pumpkin picking, hayrides and corn mazes. Currently, they will only have evening activities for scheduled groups and they are now scheduling times for fire rings, the maze and hay rides.
• Note: Masks are required to participate in these events.
• Contact the farm to schedule your excursion, as slots can fill up quick! Email olsfarm@yahoo.com or consult the Facebook page.

R & J Farm Market

When: Continue to check their Facebook page for the latest information and updates.
Where: 325 Allentown Rd., Souderton, PA 18964

• In years past, R&J’s six-acre maze always features a unique design that is personally created by the farm’s owners and was open Fridays and Saturdays throughout October (check their Facebook page for announcements and this year’s dates)
• Visit the farm stand for apples, pumpkins, baked goods and seasonal decorations and plants.

Varner Farms

When: Farm Market reopens September 21; Harvest Land reopens Saturday, September 26
Where: 746 S Trappe Rd., Collegeville, PA 19426

• In years past, visitors enjoyed a corn maze and tractor ride to the pumpkin patch, as well as scarecrow making. These events may still occur and they encourage visitors to check their Facebook page.

Winding Brook Farm

When: Daytime pumpkin picking is slated to be offered October 17, 18, 24, 25, and 31^st from 12-5pm, in the front field only (no hayrides or concessions) and reservation-group only hayrides and birthday parties (each group will have their own bonfire area)
Where: 3014 Bristol Rd., Warrington, PA 18976

• Per their Facebook page, most public events for Fall 2020 have been cancelled due to the uncertainties in relation to the coronavirus, however, pumpkin picking will be offered.

Wilcox Farms

When:

Large Corn Maze: September 11-October 31 on Fri-Sat = 9am-midnight, Sunday = 9am-9pm; November hours = 9am-9pm.

Kids Corn Maze: September 11-November 8, open daily, 9am-dark.

Hayrides: September 11-November 8^th, Fri-Sunday; for weekday hayrides call for availability.

Market: 8am-7pm, daily.

Where: 1134 Reading Ave., Boyertown, PA 19512

• Over 8 miles of trails wind through a 25-acre maze of corn.
• The large maze is actually made up of many small ones, with a Gargoyle theme, this year.
• Little ones looking for fun will enjoy the smaller Owl-themed corn maze or the hay bale maze. Flashlights are available to rent (or bring your own) for fun after dark. The mazes are open Fri. – Sun. through mid-November. Farm stand with seasonal items and hand-dipped ice cream. Check out all the details HERE.

Abby’s Pumpkin Farm

When: Opening Saturday, September 26
Where: 2471 Little Rd., Perkiomenville, PA 18074

• Pumpkin picking, hayride and corn maze!
• Call for further information: 610-220-7608

Harvest Hayride at Arasapha Farms

When: September 1, 2020 -Ongoing (Be sure to check their Facebook page and WEBSITE for the latest updates and to confirm.
Where: Arasapha Farm, 1835 Middletown Road, Glen Mills, PA 19342

• Enjoy an all-new, 5-acre corn maze, plus pumpkin picking, a 3-acre sunflower field and the option to pick your own flowers!
• Plus, an option to reserve your own birthday parties and gatherings is also available. For more information and to book, email: andothecommando@comcast.net.

Though many of the typical and routine events to celebrate the Fall season’s most coveted holiday have been cancelled on account of COVID concerns, there are still countless others throughout the county to both guarantee safety and fun! Take in some these new and returning haunts for an unforgettable Halloween experience in Montgomery County and its neighboring towns.

NOTE: For our COMPLETE Halloween Guide, click HERE.

Bates Motel & Haunted Attractions

When: September 25-November 1; 7pm-10pm (reserve tickets online HERE)
Where:  1835 Middletown Road, Glen Mills, PA 19342

• Celebrate the 30^th year of spooky fun safely while sporting a mask and social-distancing at this event. Enjoy admission to the all-new “Psycho Path”, “Revenge of the Scarecrows Haunted Trail” and the Bates Motel Haunted Mansion!

Boo at the Zoo

When: October 10-November 1; 12pm-3pm (weekends only)
Where: Elmwood Park Zoo; 1661 Harding Boulevard, Norristown, PA 19401

• Chicken of all ages can attend this annual, fun-filled Halloween-themed event in costume and enjoy socially-distanced trick or treating alongside their favorite animals! Check the website for the latest updates and information as it becomes available: https://www.elmwoodparkzoo.org/boo-at-the-zoo/

Third Annual Haunted Hayride in the Park (Drive-thru)

When: October 10, 2020; 5:30pm-9:30pm (rain date: October 11)
Where: Green Lane Park; 2144 Snyder Road, Green Lane, PA 18054; (215)234-4528

• As a free event, this year, the hayride will be conducted via drive-thru! Enjoy the same spooky spectacular sites and creepy campgrounds from the comfort and safety of your own vehicle!

Boo at Bolton: Food Truck Fest & Trick-or-Treat Event

When: October 10, 2020; 11am-4pm
Where: Historic Bolton Mansion; 85 Holly Drive, Levittown, PA 19055

• Enjoy savory and sweet treats of the season from local vendors while engaging in children’s activities, trick-or-treating, music and more! Mask-wearing and social distancing are both required. For more information, visit the event’s Facebook page.

Trick-or-Treat with the Animals

When: Saturday, October 17, 2020; 1pm-5pm
Where: The Shops at Valley Square, 1501 Main Street, Warrington, PA 18976

• Enjoy a walk-thru zoo event serving as a fundraiser for animal care and a fun event to celebrate Halloween all in one! Don your best costume, bring along a $5 participant fee and your own bag to collect tasty treats!
• A special raffle will also take place for $25 a ticket with the prize being a Percy the Camel home visit! Catch a glimpse of the infamous camel at this event, as well! Check out the event’s Facebook page for more information and updates.

With a crispness in the air and the splendor of fall foliage, spending time outdoors is an ideal way to take in the season. Check out these options to maintain fitness while delighting in all that makes fall an exciting time to be in Montgomery County:

Hike Montgomery County’s Trails:

When: Anytime
Where: At various locations throughout the county.

• Montgomery County has over 60 miles of well-maintained trails throughout the region. Hop on your bike or hike and take in the fall foliage and tranquil waters of our many streams and rivers. Favorites include the Perkiomen Trail, the Pennypack, the 202 Trail or the Wissahickon Green Ribbon Trail. Check out the county WEBSITE for parks, trails and to plan your excursion.

Tree Walk & Talk

When: Saturday, October 3, 2020 at 10am
Where: Pennypacker Mills, S. Haldeman Road, Schwenksville, PA 19473

• Offered as a free, all-age event, registration is required (call 610-287-9349); attendance is limited and masks must be worn while practicing social-distancing.
• Enjoy an Autumn morning strolling and taking in more steps for the day, while learning about the vast landscaped grounds of Pennypacker Mills! In a mobile discussion, arborist Ken LeRoy will detail information about tree species and their unique characteristics.

With the Fall season offering many of the most sought after and beloved spices, flavors, delicacies and comforting bites, check out these various locations for the season’s best ice cream, beer, coffee &warm beverages, baked Goods and “Fall by the Meal” – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Spots to taste & toast the season:

Ice Cream:

Merrymead Farm, Lansdale (Happening List Ice Cream Finalist)

• Boasting over 32 flavors of hand-dipped ice cream, stop in for their freshly-made pumpkin ice cream, offered daily throughout the season. While there, also enjoy cider donuts and other seasonal baked treats.

Downtown Scoop, Souderton (Happening List Ice Cream Finalist)

• Enjoy both dairy and non-dairy coconut milk-based frozen scoops, custom-made, daily.

Freddy Hill Farms, Lansdale (Happening List Ice Cream Finalist)

• Hand-dipped ice cream is offered daily in an array of flavors, served in a cup, cone, milkshake, flurry or even in half-gallons!

Petrucci’s Ice Cream, King of Prussia (Happening List Ice Cream Nominee)

• Craving ice cream AND a pillowy, sweet baked good? The much-loved apple dumpling has returned to Petrucci’s and can be enjoyed as a sundae or own its own! Don’t forget, pumpkin pie ice cream made its return early this year and is available now!

Zwahlen’s Ice Cream & Chocolate Co, Audobon (Happening List Ice Cream Nominee)

• Stop in and enjoy a sweet and savory creamy treat with the arrival of maple bacon ice cream! Also enjoy a plethora of other unique, seasonal and/or traditional ice cream flavors.

Bruster’s Ice Cream, Limerick (Happening List Ice Cream Nominee)

• Enjoy Bruster’s newest seasonal arrivals of warmed apple dumplings served aloft cinnamon ice cream and topped with cinnamon sauce. Also, spoon into their deep dish apple pie flavor made with apple ice cream, apple swirls, plus pieces of cinnamon shortbread scattered throughout!

Beer:

Local Tap, Lansdale (Happening List Beer Nominee)

• Enjoy hard cider, a Lancaster Brewing Company Baked Pumpkin Ale and many more!

The Butcher & Barkeep, Harleysville (Happening List Beer Finalist)

• Enjoy bottles of comforting chocolate stouts, a chocolate and peanut butter porter, plus a vanilla porter, among many others!

Iron Abbey Gastro Pub, Horsham (Happening List Beer Nominee)

• Join Iron Abbey for their annual Oktoberfest featuring authentic Hofbrau beers, burgers of the month and other German beers and delicacies.

Union Jack’s Pub, Glenside (Happening List Beer Bar Winner)

• Enjoy an array of seasonal beers alongside sandwiches, chili and other comforting bites.

Blue Dog Tavern, Chalfont (Happening List Beer Finalist)

• Sip on the flavors of hot cocoa in offerings such as Solemn Oath Bourbon Barrel Aged Goldmund, a Mexican-hot chocolate style imperial stout.

Round Guys Brewing Company, Lansdale (Happening List Beer Finalist)

• Choose from a wide array of brews including, “Reinventing the Steel – Oreos and Vanilla,” an imperial stout brewed with a variety of barrels, plus Oreos and vanilla!

Coffee:

White Horse Coffee & Creamery, Jenkintown (Happening List Coffee Nominee)

• Warm up to the season with signature beverages such as The Cedric, a vanilla latte topped with whipped cream, caramel drizzle and cinnamon sugar, plus plenty of other seasonal favorites.

Backyard Beans, Lansdale (Happening List Coffee Winner)

• Enjoy their new seasonal coffee blend – “Family Drama,” offering notes of brown sugar, toffee vanilla, almond and more! Plus, sip on a brown sugar latte, bear hug latte and savory bites, as well.

Brewed Awakening, Royersford (Happening List Coffee Nominee)

• Sip on gingerbread lattes, pumpkin spice lattes and more, all offered hot or iced!

Nourishing Storm Studio & Café, Hatboro (Happening List Nominee)

• Keep checking their Facebook page regularly for the arrival of their Fall menu, featuring the return of Autumn-inspired smoothies, pumpkin-spiced lattes and more!

Seasonal Baked Goods:

Merrymead Farm, Lansdale (Happening List Ice Cream Finalist)

• Pop in for a taste of old-fashioned apple and pumpkin pies, pumpkin rolls, whoopee pies, warm apple cider donuts& more!

Lochel’s Bakery, Hatboro (Happening List Bakery Nominee)

• Pumpkin has officially landed at this family-owned and operated establishment, celebrating over 75 years in business.
• Enjoy homemade pumpkin bars with a rich layer of frosting, custom-made cakes to order, pies, donuts and more!
• Be sure to pick up a special “Election Poll” cookie to support your favorite Presidential candidate!

Alice Bakery & Confectionary, North Wales (Happening List Bakery Finalist)

• The time for pumpkin has officially arrived at Alice Bakery! Featured now in their case is a pumpkin salted caramel cake!
• Also enjoy hand pies filled with an assortment of fresh fruits.

Izenberg’s Bakery, Conshohocken (Happening List Bakery Nominee)

• Celebrate the best flavors of apple season with a freshly-baked Jewish Apple Cake, bursting with apples and fresh cinnamon.
• Also enjoy an apple cake, bundt-style or even a cake pop and many more!

The Cheesecake Lady, Elkins Park (Happening List Bakery Nominee)

• Delight in the warm spices and apples of the season in the form of cheesecake! Offering an assortment of flavors each day, including: caramel apple crunch, carrot cake, cinnamon roll and plenty of others, visit quickly and early, as they often sell out each day!
• Be sure to check out their Instagram and Facebook pages for inventory updates, live demos and more!
• *Fun Fact: The Cheesecake Lady appeared on 6abc’s weekend program, FYI Philly a few short weeks ago, chatting and showcasing her cheesecakes, all baked fresh daily and in high demand.

Fall by the Meal: Top spots for seasonal eats for breakfast, lunch & dinner

Breakfast:

Nudy’s Café, Wayne (Happening List Breakfast Nominee)

• Enjoy the best flavors of the Fall season in pillowy pancake form! Choose from pumpkin spice, gingerbread, apple cinnamon, cinnamon bun and many more!

Main Street Nutrition, Collegeville (Happening List Breakfast Nominee)

• Stop in for a taste of the season offered as a waffle! Recent waffle flavors include: pumpkin spice, caramel apple, and blueberry banana crunch!
• Craving a cold, sweet, flavorful but still healthy way to enjoy the flavors of the season AND start your day? Enjoy smoothies such as carrot cake, apple pie, honey buns and more, for a taste of decadence without compromising on nutrition.

Lunch/Dinner:

The Metropolitan American Diner & Bar, North Wales (Happening List Breakfast Nominee)

• Celebrate the savory tastes of mushrooms, a Pennsylvania staple and most notable vegetable and enjoy a vegetarian option: vegetarian Bolognese, an assortment of fresh cooked mushrooms in a rich vegetable and tomato gravy with braised lentils and linguine.
• Gear up for Turkey Day with a turkey, cranberry and cheddar melt bursting with applewood bacon, a tarragon aioli, melted cheddar, cranberry chutney and shaved turkey!
• Note: Also enjoy breakfast at any time; it is served all day!

Sweet Briar Café, Ambler (Happening List Burger & Ice Cream Nominee)

• Savor the season with choices such as apple roasted pork, butternut squash ravioli, chili, sweet potato fries and many more.
• Create a sweet ending with ice cream, offered at their ice-cream window to round out your meal.