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Nothing says fall like a classic festival, and Erie weekends are filled with them. Dress the kids in their best flannel and boots and make your way to Erie for these five family-forward fall festivals.

1. Port Farms Harvest Fest September 13 – November 2
Experience fall the way it’s meant to be at Port Farms, a sprawling and modernized working family farm that features more than 20 attractions and an onsite brewery and restaurant. Located in Waterford, south of Erie, Port Farms features one of the largest corn mazes in western Pennsylvania, wagon rides, a goat pen, corn box, and a litany of pumpkins and fall décor to take home. While on site, the kids can sip on an Apple Cider Slush (complete with cider donut), and the parents can partake in a pint brewed at Poverty Knob Farmhouse Ales onsite. Several weekends offer special themes, including the Fall Harvest Kickoff Music Festival (September 13) and Paw Patrol Days (September 19-21).

Hours: Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and on Columbus Day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

Admission: Prices vary. Ticket information is here.

2. Asbury Woods Scary Creature Feature October 9-11
Little explorers will love this opportunity to explore the woods at night, and learn about the not-so-scary nocturnal creatures that call Asbury Woods home. The event features storytelling, kids activities, and a guided walk through the woods at night. 

Hours: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. each day.  

Admission: $9 per person. Children under three are free.  

3. Peek’n Peak Fall Fest October 11-12 and 18-19
Set against a backdrop of brilliant fall color in western New York, Peek’n Peak’s Fall Fest is a celebration of all things autumn. More than 100 artisan vendors will be on site selling their wares, in addition to a farmers market inside the Main Lodge. For the kids, check out the inflatables, pony rides, petting zoo and fall activities, and let them load a pumpkin into one of the most popular attractions: the pumpkin cannon that launches pumpkins at high speed up a hillside. The whole family can enjoy live music throughout the day, rides through fall foliage on the ski lift, and the zip lines. 

Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each weekend. 

Admission: Free. 

4. ZooBOO 2025 October 16-30
At the Erie Zoo, Halloween comes with just the right mix of spooky and silly. Costumes, trick-or-treat stations, and DJ music set the scene, while the Eerie Express winds guests through the dark and mysterious BOOtanical Gardens. It’s a playful way to enjoy the season. New this year is Sensory Awareness Night on October 16, a quieter option for families to experience the fun.

Hours: Daily from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Gates close at 8:15 p.m. 

Admission: Prices vary. 

5. 7th Annual Downtown Fall Fest October 26
Perry Square comes alive with the sights, sounds, and flavors of fall during this family-friendly celebration in the heart of downtown Erie. Stroll through handmade crafts, grab a bite from local food trucks, and enjoy live music, classic car trunk-or-treat, a costume contest, and kids’ activities.  

Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Admission: Free.