Before we get started this week, shout out to Jimmy for giving up his space this week! I am running a little (OK, a lot) long this week and appreciate the extra leg room for this story.
By now, we all know that I am pretty infamous for the Uncompleted Fall Bucket List. I have notoriously made these lists over and over again to maybe — if I’m lucky — get one or two of the items checked off the list.
This year is different. I’m not going to make a Fall Bucket List for myself, I’m going to make one for you — sort of.
It’s like this: there’s a plethora of exciting fall activities to do in our area, and there are few places more beautiful to do them in. So, I’ve done the leg work for you. I’ve compiled a diverse range of fall (mostly) family-friendly activities for you to do throughout the fall season! There is a lot of fun to have and stuff to do, so let’s not waste any more time!
Sidenote: I was going to try to arrange these by date, but that became a little too cumbersome, so they aren’t in any particular order. To prevent this from being the only article in the paper this week, I’ve narrowed the list down to things taking place between September 25th and October 31st, along with some general stuff that runs through fall.
On Saturday, October 5th, the Pajama Factory will host its Central PA Vintage Fest — Fall Edition. This will be the Pajama Factory’s second curated vintage goods event, featuring clothing, home decor, vinyl, retro kitsch, and more! The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the Pajama Factory is located at 1307 Park Ave., Williamsport.
Friday, October 18th, brings us LIVE UNITED IN MUSIC IV, benefiting the Lycoming County United Way! Tickets are on sale now, and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Community Arts Center in downtown Williamsport.
The Lycoming County SPCA will be hosting a Paws & Claws Adoption Wellness Event on Saturday, October 5th, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. You will be able to see their dogs and kittens available for adoption in person at our shelter, inside and outside! They will also be holding a Wellness Clinic that will include Rabies vaccines, microchipping, dog distemper, cat distemper, Bordetella vaccine, and flea and tick prevention for dogs and cats.
Save the date for the 2nd Annual West Branch Pride “Fall Ball!” Join WBP on October 19th, from 7-10 p.m., for fun in a safe space where everyone is welcome and everyone belongs! Proceeds from this fundraiser will go back to the community through free Pride Wednesday activities and programming, as well as LGBTQ+ education, awareness, outreach, and special events in the area.
Join Wildberry Studios in Downtown Williamsport for an exciting Halloween stained-glass class. You will create two adorable Halloween stained-glass pieces from scratch in this class. Choose your designs from candy corn, a witch hat, or a ghost. Learn how to cut, grind, foil, and solder your pieces. All materials and instructions are provided. The class is $45. Ages 18 and up. They have classes on October 10th, 11th, and 12th, so check out their Facebook page for details and to register!
Get a jump start on Halloween! Loyalsock Township High School will host a Trunk-or-Treat on October 29th from 5 to 7 p.m.
If you want to start even earlier, Gators Auto Sales is hosting its first annual Trunk-or-Treat on October 26th. Stop by from 5 to 7 p.m. at 2459 Lycoming Creek Rd., Williamsport.
If you can’t wait, Hope Enterprises will hold its Trunk-or-Treat on October 24th from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at 2445 Reach Rd., Williamsport.
RoseBird Vet is hosting its 2nd annual Trunk-or-Treat on Sunday, October 13th, from 2 to 5 p.m.! There will be hot chocolate, crafts for the kids, and treats for all the dogs! RoseBird is located at 204 Thomas St., Jersey Shore.
JAM at First UMC Muncy, 602 S. Market St., invites families to enjoy their Trunk or Treat! It will be held inside to be prepared for any weather. Come out and enjoy candy, games, and fun from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, October 27th.
Come and celebrate the start of fall at the 8th annual Cochran Primary School Fall Festival! There will be games, activities, prizes, gift basket raffles, obstacle courses, face painting, dance parties, first responder vehicles, hayrides, yummy food, and MORE! The festival will be held on September 26th from 5-7 p.m. at the school, 1500 Cherry St., Williamsport.
Throw it back to the 90s on Saturday, October 19th, at 7:30 p.m. when Blues Traveler takes the stage at the Community Arts Center. Blues Traveler has played over 2,000 live shows in front of more than 30 million people, and, in “Run-Around,” had the longest-charting radio single in Billboard history, which earned them a Grammy® for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.
If you are more of a country fan, Josh Turner is playing at the CAC on September 27th at 7:30 p.m.
Let’s get ready for soup season at the YMCA with a fun and easy clam chowder class. The class will be held on October 12th from 10 a.m. to noon. The cost is $25 for members and $35 for non-members. To register, visit the Williamsport YMCA or register Online at http://www.rvrymca.org. If you have questions about this class, contact Wellness Director Nikki Fiel at 570-323-7134 Ext 174 or nikkif@rvrymca.org. The Williamsport YMCA is located at 641 Walnut St., Williamsport.
Head to Lifland Skate Park for this year’s Radical Ride on Saturday, October 12th. Take a leisurely ride around Williamsport and support the skatepark. Approximately 4.5 miles. Runs from Lifland Skatepark in Elm Park to downtown along Third Street and back again along Fourth Street — $5 to enter. Registration starts at 10:30 a.m., and ride-out begins at noon. T-shirts for the event can be pre-ordered for $20 before September 30th, payable to liflandskatepark@gmail.com on PayPal. Please provide contact info and shirt size. Sizes 2X and larger are $2 extra. Rain date is Sunday, October 13th.
The Vernal School of Environmental Education and Rider Park have teamed up to bring an evening of family fun, music, and education to the Hiawatha River Boat on Friday, October 25th, at 6 p.m. This fundraiser is the first collaboration between the Vernal School and Rider Park and promises to be an evening of family fun. All proceeds will be split evenly between the two organizations. Activities for the event include A fall foliage presentation with Sara Street, Rider Park Manager, live music from local musician Mike Lundy, family-friendly fall-themed crafts with the Vernal School, and a river trivia contest with Riverkeeper John Zaktansky. Head to the Hiawatha’s Facebook page to purchase tickets.
Tired of cooking? Me too! If you want the best fish fry in town, stop by the Old Lycoming Township Fire Hall any Friday in October from 4-7 p.m. Adult meals are $13.50, and kids meals are $10.50 and include fried haddock, fries, cole slaw, applesauce and a beverage — eat in or take out. The fire hall is located at 1600 Dewey Ave., Williamsport.
Saturday, October 26th, brings us the Fall Craft Show at Agape Fellowship, 485 E. 3rd St., Williamsport. The show runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and they still have vendor space available!
Get your favorite furry friends right with the Lord at the Blessing of the Pets, hosted by Trinity Episcopal Church on October 4th from 4-8 p.m. Find them in the parking lot behind Trinity and in Downtown Williamsport at First Friday. Pets should be on a leash or in a carrier. Dog treats, dog bandanas, and catnip toys will be available for sale at the booth downtown.
“Catch Me If You Can” is a high-energy musical based on the true story of Frank Abagnale Jr., a con artist who successfully impersonated a Pan Am pilot, a doctor, and a lawyer, all before his 19th birthday. Set in the 1960s, the musical follows Frank as he embarks on a thrilling journey filled with deception, charm, and adventure. Pursued by the relentless FBI agent Carl Hanratty, Frank’s escapades take him around the world, all while trying to escape his troubled past and win the affection of the girl of his dreams. As the stakes get higher and the chase intensifies, Frank must confront the consequences of his actions and decide what truly matters in life. Filled with catchy tunes, dynamic choreography, and a captivating story, “Catch Me If You Can” is a rollercoaster ride of excitement, humor, and heart. With themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the power of identity, this Tony-nominated musical is sure to entertain audiences of all ages. The show will play at the Community Theater League from October 11th-13th and October 17th-20th. Head to ctlshows.com for tickets and showtimes.
The Jersey Shore Campus of Crossroads Community Church’s Fall Festival will be held on October 12th from 4-7 p.m. Join them for a fun-filled day of games, bounce houses, and free food! The Muncy Campus will host its on October 5th, 628 East Penn Street, Muncy.
The Jersey Shore Historical Society continues its “Stories behind the Stones” Jersey Shore Cemetery tours. Join them on Saturday, October 19th, at 4:30 p.m. at the Jersey Shore Cemetery for a glimpse into the lives and deaths of some of the residents of the cemetery. Each resident has a story to tell. Some stories are tragic, some are odd, and some are mysterious, but all are interesting. This is a rain-or-shine walking tour, so wear comfortable shoes and prepare for the weather. The gathering spot is the Slonaker Monument, east of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument. Please call (570)398-1973 for more information or questions.
Don’t Miss Today Farm’s 2nd Annual Oktoberfest! On Saturday, September 28th, from 1-8 p.m., and Sunday, September 29th, from noon-6 p.m. They will have live music, delicious food & beers, and epic contests — show off your skills in the Stein Lift, Keg Toss, and Best Dressed contests — prizes await the champions! Support incredible local creators and discover unique products you’ll love. There will also be hayrides, a corn maze, animal experiences & more. This year, they are ticketing the event to make sure everyone has the best experience possible. Today Farm activity tokens will be accepted for all farm-led activities valued at $5 or below, so you can easily enjoy all your favorite attractions.
It wouldn’t be Spooky Season without the Pennsdale Haunted Barn! Admission is $15, or $20 for VIP Express Lane. They are open 7-10 p.m. every Friday in October and 7-11 p.m. every Saturday in October. They will have food trucks each night, along with a bonfire. They do not have an age restriction; you are the best judge of what your children can handle, but no refunds will be issued. The Pennsdale Haunted Barn is located at 262 Village Rd., Pennsdale. Be sure to stop by their FB page for all the details.
On Saturday, September 28th, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the small businesses of Penn Hills Plaza in Muncy will join together for a location-wide Open House event. They’ll have specials, giveaways, family-friendly activities, and art projects for guests to enjoy.
Join the Gallery Ink crew on Sunday, October 27th, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. for a Halloween flash event! Official flash will be released a week prior to the event (check FB), and they will have one MYSTERY sheet available only to those who join them! A few things to note for the event: No one under 18, no tattoos on the neck or above, and no tattoos on the ribs. Make sure to bring a valid ID and cash only for payment.
Take a Bird Walk on Saturday, October 19th, at 4 p.m. At Lycoming Audubon’s suggestion, the East Lycoming Recreation Authority decided to leave large areas of Lime Bluff un-mowed to provide habitat for birds. In addition to fields that attract raptors like Red-tail Hawks and American Kestrels, there is plenty of edge habitat favored by various songbirds. This is an easy walk along gravel and mowed paths. Directions: From Rt 405 in Hughesville, going south, turn right onto Elm Drive; after a 1/2 mile, turn left into Lime Bluff Recreation Area. Drive to the parking area.
There will be a Fall Festival at the Hughesville Volunteer Fire Company. This is a fundraiser for the Hughesville Volunteer Fire Company that helps us continue to help our community. The event runs from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on October 26th. If you are interested in becoming a vendor please email sueclayton2426@gmail.com. The fire company is located at 30 S. Railroad St., Hughesville.
These are just a portion of the events happening in our area. And that’s a lot! But that’s not all that fall has to offer in the area.
Places like the Green Barn Berry Farm, 7299 Armstrong Rd., Muncy, will soon open up for pumpkin picking and their sorghum maze.
Snyder’s Farm on Rt. 87 in Montoursville will be open for its corn maze, hayrides, and pumpkins, too! It will be open Friday through Sunday from noon to 9 p.m. Everything is self-serve except the hayrides, which are by appointment.
Kohls’ Stony Hill Tree Farm is back up and running for the fall season! They have one of the best corn mazes in the area! Corn Maze hours for October-November 3rd: Thursday: 4-8 p.m.; Friday: 3-9 p.m.; Saturday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sunday: noon-8 p.m. Flashlights are required for anybody entering the maze up to 1 hour before sunset. A minimum of 1 flashlight per 3 people will be required. Cell phones are NOT acceptable. Don’t forget; they also have a pumpkin patch, corn shooters, punkin’ chuckin’, and a games area! They are located at 3319 Mexico Rd., Milton.
Pine Creek Seed Farm, 204 Tiadaghton Ave., off the Pine Creek exit of 220, will open its corn maze every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday beginning September 27th. It will also have food, breweries, and live music!
And don’t forget, there is still some time left at the Bloomsburg Fair!
I know I am probably missing some really amazing Fall Family Fun, but y’all, we are over 2,000 words deep into this, and I think I have taken more than enough space in the paper and time in your life. And none of this includes all the amazing hiking, biking, and leaf-peeping that is on the horizon. And I just realized that I missed apple picking! I’m sure there are lot of great orchards around to do that too!
We’ll have more on the subject next week, but fall hunting and fishing is right around the corner too!
Hopefully, this will be enough to get you started on your fall adventures!
