Whether you prefer to watch the leaves turn colors and enjoy some fall crafts and cider, or hike through the woods at night — and maybe being spooked a time or two — this weekend’s events bring out the best of the season.
In nearby Fayette County, a festival featuring local wineries will help take the chill off with samples.
And if it’s October, it’s time for The Clarks to pack The Palace Theatre for the annual Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Laurel Region fundraising concert.
Maybe you’ll hear “Snowman.” After all, sweater weather has arrived in Westmoreland County.
Hiding from hobgoblins
Can you handle the parks in the dark? Hobgoblin Hikes are back, sponsored by Westmoreland County Parks and Recreation.
This year’s events are planned from 7 to 9 p.m. Oct. 19 at Northmoreland Park in Allegheny Township and Oct. 26 at Mammoth Park in Mt. Pleasant Township.
Parents are encouraged to accompany children on the half-mile walks in the “haunted” woods. Visitors will be led through tunnels and cemeteries, and past more than 100 zombies, ghosts and monsters, according to the county website.
The hikes are recommended for those age 8 and up. Admission free, donations accepted.
Volunteers staff the trail guides and scare stations.
Details: 724-830-3950 or co.westmoreland.pa.us/parks
Jeannette festival welcomes fall
Jeannette Business Association will hold its annual Ethnic Food and Fall Festival from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 19 on the 400 and 500 blocks of Clay Avenue.
The event will include a selection of ethnic food, a disc jockey playing tunes, face painting, pumpkin painting and other children’s activities. Also planned are more than 20 crafters and vendors, free flu shots and an opportunity to view the submissions for this year’s scarecrow contest.
Those 21 and up can enjoy a drink from Sobel’s Obscure Brewery or Crooked Creek Distillery in the beer garden.
The free event is scheduled rain or shine.
Details: facebook.com/jeannette-business-association
Bring your big hair ‘On Saturday’
Leave your “Cigarette” behind, though, when you come to the Palace Theatre at 7 p.m. Oct. 19 to see The Clarks, back to entertain the crowd with homegrown music and help out a worthy nonprofit.
The band will take the stage to benefit the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Laurel Region in an annual show that typically sells out.
The Clarks will be at The Palace Theatre next Saturday, Oct 19 at 7 PM. All proceeds benefit @BBBSLR – tickets are on sale now! https://t.co/do61La9s2l pic.twitter.com/M2NZ6TexSH
— Palace Theatre (@PalacePA) October 12, 2019
Opening for The Clarks will be the Fayette County band, Blended Reality, comprised of two brothers and their sister playing original country-tinged music influenced by country music influences ranging from Taylor Swift and Lady Antebellum to Little Big Town and Johnny Cash.
Details: 724-836-8000, 724-837-6198 or thepalacetheatre.org
Haunting, historical tales told
The Compass Inn Museum will again host Halloween hauntings tours Oct. 19, 26-27 at the former stagecoach stop in Laughlintown.
The family-friendly tours include tales of the inn’s various inhabitants and travelers. Visitors will hear the fabled ghost stories surrounding those individuals, and enjoy a candlelight tour of the inn, cookhouse and blacksmith shop, adding a spooky atmosphere to the tales being told.
Details: 724-238-4983 or compassinn.org
Sampling sips
Christian W. Klay Winery in Chalk Hill will host the Southwest Passage Wine Trail Fall Wine Festival at noon Oct. 19.
Plans include live music, food trucks, local vendors and wineries offering samples.
Admission to this 21 and up event includes a custom souvenir wine glass.
Details: 724-439-3424 or eventbrite.com
