This weekend in Lancaster, Oct 30 to Nov 1, Halloween in Lancaster PA

Halloween lands on a Saturday this year, so the weekend of October 30 to November 1 is packed in Lancaster County. There's family trick-or-treating, a spooky stage thriller, Rocky Horror in Lititz, a costumed bar crawl downtown, and a rock show to close out Sunday. One more thing: daylight saving time ends early Sunday, November 1, so set your clocks back an hour and enjoy the extra sleep.

Here are my picks for the weekend, with times and where to check details. Event times can change, so confirm with the venue before you head out.

Friday, October 30

Trick or Treat at Cherry Crest Adventure Farm (Ronks)

4 to 6 PM. A costumed trick-or-treat on the farm with live music, plus Bespoke Brewing for the parents. It's a great option for little kids who'd rather trick-or-treat in daylight. Details: cherrycrestfarm.com

The Woman in Black at Ephrata Performing Arts Center (Ephrata)

Running Friday through Sunday. A chilling stage thriller built on suspense and atmosphere, and it's perfect for a Halloween weekend date night. Details: ephrataperformingartscenter.com

The Rocky Horror Show at Mickey's Black Box (Lititz)

Friday and Saturday, 8 to 11 PM, at 101 Rock Lititz Blvd. Upfront Theatre's take on the cult classic includes a 21+ pre-show party with members of the cast. Costumes are encouraged. Details: mickeysblackbox.com

Saturday, October 31 (Halloween)

Lancaster Central Market (Lancaster City)

Saturday morning is a classic way to start the day downtown. Grab coffee, a pastry and some fall produce before the costume chaos starts. Check the market's site for current hours. Details: centralmarketlancaster.com

Yummie's Boo Bash at Kitchen Kettle Village (Intercourse)

Check-in starts at 9:30 AM. A costume contest, a whoopie pie making experience, a scavenger hunt for the kids and a treasure hunt for adults. Details: kitchenkettle.com

Lancaster Rec Trick-or-Treat (Southwest Lancaster City)

1 to 3 PM at the Lancaster Rec Center, 525 Fairview Ave, together with the Lancaster SouthWest (SoWe) community. Park in the Rec lot (entrance on New Dorwart Street). Details: lancasterrec.org

Neighborhood Trick-or-Treat

Each municipality sets its own hours. Many Lancaster County towns are trick-or-treating on Saturday from 6 to 8 PM, but check your township or borough website to be sure.

Lancaster Official Halloween Bar Crawl (Downtown)

3 to 10 PM, with check-in at Rural City Taproom, 25 W King St. Hundreds of costumed partygoers, drink specials and dance floors, 21+. Details: Discover Lancaster Halloween guide

Halloween at West Art (Lancaster City)

West Art on Buchanan Avenue has a Halloween show with The Nielsen Family Band, Health Club and more. Check the West Art calendar for the time and tickets. Details: westartlanc.com

Sunday, November 1

Capturing Fall at Nissley Vineyards (Bainbridge)

A relaxed Sunday at a family winery in the far western corner of the county, surrounded by fall color. Check the vineyard for times and reservations. Details: nissleywine.com

Hannah Wicklund and Turning Jane at West Art

7 to 10:30 PM. A loud, guitar-driven rock double bill to close out the weekend. Details: westartlanc.com

Last call for Hersheypark Halloween

It's a short drive from Lancaster, and Sunday is the final day of the park's Halloween season. Details: hersheypark.com

Albert's Pick

If you have little ones, do Cherry Crest on Friday afternoon and your own neighborhood on Saturday night. You get two rounds of trick-or-treating without a single meltdown in the dark. For a night out without the kids, I'd go with The Woman in Black in Ephrata. It's a small theater, the show is genuinely tense, and you can grab dinner on Main Street before the curtain.

Tips for Halloween weekend in Lancaster

• Parking downtown: Saturday night will be busy with the bar crawl. Garages like Prince Street and Duke Street are easier than hunting for street spots.

• Clocks go back: Daylight saving time ends at 2 AM Sunday, November 1. It gets dark earlier next week, so plan evening walks with that in mind.

• Book shows early: Small venues like Mickey's Black Box and EPAC can sell out on holiday weekends.

Looking for more to do in town? My 10 things to know about living in Lancaster PA is a good place to start. And if you're exploring towns around the county, check out my guide to things to do in Mount Joy.

FAQ

When is trick-or-treat in Lancaster County in 2026?

Many municipalities are trick-or-treating on Saturday, October 31, from 6 to 8 PM, but each town sets its own hours. Check your township or borough's website.

Are there daytime trick-or-treat events for young kids?

Yes. Cherry Crest Adventure Farm runs one on Friday, October 30, from 4 to 6 PM. Lancaster Rec hosts one on Saturday, October 31, from 1 to 3 PM at the Rec Center on Fairview Avenue.

What's happening downtown Lancaster on Halloween night?

The Official Halloween Bar Crawl runs from 3 to 10 PM with check-in at Rural City Taproom on W King St. West Art also has a Halloween concert.

When does daylight saving time end in 2026?

Sunday, November 1, 2026, at 2 AM. Clocks go back one hour.

Curious about life in Lancaster?

If you're curious what's happening in Lancaster or thinking about moving here, grab my free Living in Lancaster guide. It covers neighborhoods, things to do and what it really costs to live here. And if you're starting to picture yourself in a home here, you can always book a quick call with me.

About Albert Linsdell

Albert Linsdell is a Lancaster, PA real estate agent helping buyers and sellers across Lancaster County, including Lancaster City, Manheim Township, Lititz, Ephrata and Mount Joy. He's known for numbers-first pricing, creative financing strategies, and a trusted contractor network that helps sellers get top dollar. He's rated 5 stars across 22 Google reviews. Book a call with Albert.