Fall in Erie is a vibrant blend of crisp air and an explosion of autumn colors. It’s the season for epic experiences and unforgettable moments. Whether you're looking to witness pumpkins soar through the sky, indulge in a wine tasting journey, or cuddle up to some cute piglets, Erie has you covered. This season, make sure these fall favorites are at the top of your Erie travel plans.

September 14 – October 31
Port Farms Harvest Fest
Groups of all kinds can enjoy various activities, shopping, dining, and fall’s brilliant display of colors, all while visiting an actual working farm. This annual celebration features more than 20 attractions including an eight-acre-corn maze, wagon rides, and apple cannons. Port Farms also offers pumpkins, corn stalks, and other fall décor for purchase. Look for new events throughout the Fall Harvest Fest including Oktoberfest September 27-29.

Port Farms Harvest Fest is open 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.  

September 14
Fall Fest at the Erie Land Lighthouse
The Erie Land Lighthouse was built in 1818 and was the first commissioned lighthouse on the Great Lakes in the United States. While no longer an active aid to navigation, its tower provides breathtaking views of Lake Erie and Presque Isle State Park. The 2024 Fall Fest includes free tower climbs, food trucks, vendors, a bake sale, and a new attraction this year, a piglet experience! Experience the joy of the Tree Family Party Piggies, who will be on-site with their adorable piglets to bring smiles to everyone. Enjoy piglet cuddling and feeding, snout art, watching piglet tricks, snapping piglet selfies, and much more!

Fall Fest at the Erie Land Lighthouse hours are Noon to 5 p.m. Admission is free.

September 15
Homegrown Harvest Festival
Goodell Gardens and Homestead is an accredited arboretum, public garden, and community gathering place in charming Edinboro, Pennsylvania featuring 78 acres of beautiful gardens, woodland landscapes, and trails. The annual Homegrown Harvest Festival celebrates local agriculture and the fruits of their labor. Festival goers can browse from more than 60 local merchants, along with local food trucks and beverage vendors, live music, Erie County Library Book Mobile, raffles, local artists, and farmers.

Homegrown Harvest Festival Hours are Noon to 5 p.m. Admission is free.

September 21
Lake Erie Lit Fest
A collaboration between the Erie Art Company, Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier Park (LEAF), and Werner Books, Lake Erie Lit Fest celebrates the creative, literary, and storytelling voices of the Erie region and beyond. The event’s mission is to increase access to literature and culture within the community while fostering joyful creative and critical thinking both on and off the page. Lit Fest includes main stage readings and performances, interactive workshops with experienced storytellers, and a vibrant marketplace with authors, books, food, crafts, and more.

Lake Erie Lit Fest hours are Noon to 6 p.m. Admission is free, donations are appreciated.

October 12-13 and 19-20
Peek’n Peak Fall Fest
Celebrate the season among the scenic foothills of Western New York during the 36th Annual Peek’n Peak Fall Fest!  Brilliant foliage sets the scene for two weekends of fall fun including a juried arts and craft show featuring a variety of artisan vendors, woodsmiths, photographers, painters, and bakers, plus farm-fresh fruits and piping hot pizzelle cookies at the Farmers’ Market inside the Main Lodge. Other activities include live entertainment, a pumpkin cannon, a classic car cruise-in, and the annual snow sports equipment swap.

Fall Fest hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.

October 27
6^th Annual Downtown Fall Fest
Immerse yourself in the beautiful colors of fall, endless tables of local handmade crafts, and delicious food during Erie’s annual Downtown Fall Fest! Located in the heart of Downtown Erie in Perry Square, this year’s celebration includes various produce and merchant vendors, live entertainment throughout the event on the Perry Square Stage, children’s activities, food trucks, costume contests, and more. A Classic Car Trunk or Treat will take place on State Street throughout the festival where car owners show off their timeless beauties while handing out candy to the little ones. The festivities also include various spookily decorated State Street businesses, restaurant specials, sidewalk sales, and even more opportunities for kids to grab some candy!

Downtown Fall Fest hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.

November 1-3, 8-10
Lake Erie Wine Country Harvest Celebration Weekends
Get immersed in Erie County’s wine culture and celebrate the bounty of the fall harvest in Lake Erie Wine Country: the second-largest grape-growing region east of the Rocky Mountains featuring 53 miles of sprawling vineyards and 20 wineries nestled along the shoreline of Lake Erie. During Harvest Celebration #1 November 1-3, and Harvest Celebration #2 November 8-10, wineries open their doors to visitors for tastings of their latest releases and seasonal wines paired with delicious autumn-inspired food samples. Harvest Celebration Weekends take place over two weekends. Choose your weekend, select your host winery (where you will begin your harvest tour), and purchase your ticket for access to tastings and food pairings at all participating wineries.

Hours for each weekend are Friday from noon to 5 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are on sale; however, they typically sell out quickly.