The air is crisp, the leaves are colorful and crunching under your feet, and the air smells of pumpkin spice and possibility. With fall just around the corner, State College and the areas surrounding it are packed full of autumnal activities for you to take advantage of. This is a little guide to help you get started and give you some ideas to have the most fall fun!

Local Activities 

Downtown Fall Festival 

Date: October 15

Time: 10am-3pm

Location: 200 block of Allen Street and Sidney Friedman Park

The Downtown Fall Festival is back again for its 21st year, with all the activities that are known and loved. There will be events for all different age groups. This festival is great for families with kids of all ages. Activities include a pumpkin patch, food vendors, pony rides, games, a photo station, crafts, and much more! There will also be performances by magicians, dancers, and others. This event is perfect as a one-stop shop for multiple things, and admission is free. 

Pumpkin Festival at the Arboretum

Date: October 7 and 8

Time: 3pm-9pm

Location: H.O. Smith Botanic Gardens in The Arboretum at Penn State, East Park Avenue and Bigler Road

If you’re looking to be amazed, the Arboretum’s pumpkin festival is the place for you. Walk through hundreds of intricately carved pumpkins while enjoying food vendors and live music. Designs include everything from celebrities to food to monsters. 

Palmer Museum Art After Hours

Date: October 27

Time: 5pm-8pm

Location: Palmer Museum of Art, Curtin Road

For the fourth year, the Palmer Museum is holding its Halloween edition of Art After Hours. Mysterious museum fun after the closing will include games, music, and more. There will also be a costume contest where you can win prizes– extra points if you have an art-related costume!

Turkey Trot 5k

Date: November 24

Time: 9am

Location: Pennsylvania Military Museum in Boalsburg

If you’re someone who loves the fall weather, the Turkey Trot might be for you! This will be the 5k’s 10th year. If you don’t want to run, walking is encouraged as well. The race benefits Saint Joseph’s Catholic Academy’s cross country and track teams and the Friends of the PA Military Museum. 

Natural Places

If there’s one thing that people associate with fall, it’s the foliage. These places are free to visit and a great way to get outdoors and enjoy the fresh air and crisp leaves. 

Mount Nittany

Hike over 8 miles of trails on Mount Nittany to view State College from above. One of Penn State’s biggest environmental and cultural symbols, Mount Nittany is a natural treasure that becomes even more beautiful in fall. 

Millbrook Marsh

Millbrook Marsh is the ideal place to have a leisurely walk. With 62 acres of preserve, it features a variety of many different animals and plants. You can travel the boardwalk at your own pace and enjoy observing nature. 

Musser Gap 

Another place beautiful for scenery is Musser Gap. It’s a more intermediate trail if you’re looking for something more challenging. Hikers can also choose from multiple trail lengths. 

Jo Hays Vista

Hiking isn’t your thing? You can still get majestic views by just driving. Jo Hays Vista offers a stunning view from the top of Tussey Mountain.

We’re lucky to live in a place with so many wonderful ways to celebrate the autumn season. Get out there and fall in love with fall!