Photo by Naz Israyelyan on Unsplash
Autumn provides a picture-perfect backdrop for spending time outdoors, before the bitter cold, snow, and unpredictability of another winter arrives. Whether you love the spooky season or embrace the chilled air, colorful leaves and everything pumpkin spice, you’ll find so much to do throughout the commonwealth all season long. When you’re making plans, check out these 10 dog-friendly fall festivals in Pennsylvania.
Before heading to any of these dog-friendly fall festivals in Pennsylvania, confirm days, times, and associated costs (if applicable) on the linked website.
1. Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival – Jim Thorpe
Celebrate the awe-inspiring beauty of the season at the annual Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival, set for the first three weekends (Saturday and Sunday) in October. The dog-friendly fall festival promises seasonal fun for the whole family. Stroll through the quaint town, known as the “Switzerland of Pennsylvania,” browse the shops and vendors, check out the local restaurants, and climb aboard a scenic train ride with Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway to drink in the splendor of the fall foliage.
The Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival will offer a full menu of family-friendly fun, including activities for the kiddos, live entertainment, and vendors. The dog-friendly fall festival in Pennsylvania will be will held the weekends of Oct. 3-4, Oct. 10-11, and Oct. 17-18, 2026.
Address: Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
2. Hallo-Fun at Knoebels – Elysburg
Get into the Halloween spirit at Hallo-Fun, a pet-friendly event that transforms Knoebels for the spooky season. Climb aboard some or all of the more than 50 rides that will be open for the Halloween season; play classic games at the park’s Block Party, and catch some of the live entertainment.
The pet-friendly fall festival in Pennsylvania also offers paint your own pumpkin; color your own treat bag, and cookie decorating. All of that fun is sure to work up an appetite, and Knoebels delivers with its seasonal favorites, including candy apples, pumpkin funnel cakes, and corn chowder.
Knoebels Amusement Resort welcomes pets in designated areas and on select rides. However, pets must be on a leash and accompanied at all times. Pets are not allowed in park buildings.
Hallo-Fun will be held weekends (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) from Oct. 9 through Nov. 1, 2026.
Address: 391 Knoebels Blvd, Elysburg, PA 17824
3. Dogtoberfest – Waynesboro
Bring your pup for a day of fun at Dogtoberfest, set for Oct. 10, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Main Street Park in Waynesboro. It’s all about the dogs at this annual festival, which will include the Paws 5K Race (10 a.m.), the chance to meet adoptable dogs, and the Doggie Costume Contest (12:30 p.m.). Dress your dog in their best costume and bring dog supplies or a monetary donation to enter.
The day will also feature pet products, vendors, and beer from Rough Edges Brewing.
Address: Main Street Park, 25 E Main St, Waynesboro, PA 17268
4. Barktoberfest – Center Valley
Mark your calendar for dog-friendly fun at Barktoberfest at Promenade Saucon Valley. The two-day event kicks off on Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, at 4 p.m. with Dock Diving. Register your dog for Dock Diving on Friday or Saturday. To participate, dogs must be older than six months. Or just plan to watch the competition both days.
Barktoberfest will continue on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with countless dog-friendly activities, including a pet costume contest, free pet portraits, free face painting, a K9 officer demonstration, and balloon twisting.
Browse the Main Street Market, too, which will host animal shelters, vendors, and others, and then check out the dog-friendly shops at the Promenade.
Address: Promenade Saucon Valley, 2845 Center Valley Pkwy, Center Valley, PA 18034
5. Bark or Treat – Allison Park
Introduce your dog to the excitement of Halloween at Bark or Treat, set for Oct. 17, 2026, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Dog Park at Hartwood Acres. Snap photos of your dog dressed in their favorite costume as they enjoy a free treat and sniff out hidden tennis balls.
While Bark or Treat is a free event, the Allegheny County Parks Department encourages all guests to register ahead of time.
Carve out some time, too, to check out Punkin Chunkin, a dog-friendly fall festival at Hartwood Acres, which will also be held on Oct. 17, 2026. Punkin Chunkin, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., will feature cookie decorating, crafts, face painting, and storytelling with a variety of vendors – Hop Farm Brewing Company, Aviva Brick Oven, and more – also attending. Be sure to register ahead of time.
Address: Hartwood Acres Dog Park, Off the Red Loop, Allison Park, PA, 15101
6. Punkin’ Chunkin’ Fall Festival – Howard
Turn your eyes to the sky for flying pumpkins at the Punkin’ Chunkin’ Fall Festival at Bald Eagle State Park in Howard, set for Oct. 17, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. While the highlight of the free dog-friendly event is pumpkins launching over Sayers Dam, the day will also feature vendors, food, hayrides, and family-friendly activities. Gear up for the pumpkin pie eating contest, too.
Hosted by the Howard Fire Department, Punkin’ Chunkin’ Fall Festival is free admission with free parking.
Address: Bald Eagle State Park, 149 Main Park Rd, Howard, PA 16841
7. Autumn Alive – Quakertown
Cheer on your pup during the pet parade at Autumn Alive, a pet-friendly fall festival that will be held in Downtown Quakertown on Oct. 17, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (The rain date is Oct. 24, 2026). Plan to spend at least a few hours at the festival, so you can experience everything. Grab a tasty bite to eat at the food court (adults 21 and older can visit the Beer Garden). Meet representatives from pet rescues, browse the many vendors, and tap your foot to the live music. Children’s activities and an Author’s Corner are also planned for the festival.
Address: Downtown Quakertown, PA 18951
8. Paws on the Farm – McDonald
Dress your pup up in their favorite Halloween costume for Paws on the Farm at Bedner’s Farm & Greenhouse. The dog-friendly event will be held on Oct. 17, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The day will feature pet photos, a costume parade, a Moon Wreath Workshop at 10 a.m. and a Succulent Pumpkin Workshop at 2 p.m., a scavenger hunt with prizes for the kiddos, live music, and food vendors. No Dog Left Behind, Kitty Creations, Empowered Pet, and Ivy’s Ice Cream are among the vendors who will be on hand.
Bedner’s Farm & Greenhouse will hold two fundraisers the week of Oct. 12-17, 2026. The farm will donate $1 for every dog who visits (up to $250). All donations made directly to No Dog Left Behind Rescue that week will be matched (up to $500). (Donations should say “Bedner’s” in the notes section.) The proceeds from the fundraisers will benefit No Dog Left Behind Rescue.
Address: Bedner’s Farm & Greenhouse, 315 Coleman Rd, McDonald, PA 15057
9. Seventeenth Annual Bandshell Bark Dog Walk and Festival – Johnstown
Join the fun at the Seventeenth Annual Bandshell Bark Dog Walk and Festival on Oct. 24, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Roxbury Park in Johnstown. (Rain date is Oct. 31, 2026.) The day’s festivities will begin at 11 a.m. with the walker and contest registration. The walk will kick off at noon and will be followed by a variety of activities, including pet contests, pet demonstrations, and wiener dog and wannabe races.
Dogs are welcome at the fall festival but must be current on their vaccinations and have a license. Preregistration for the event must be completed by Oct. 21, 2026. The preregistration fee is $10 while registration on the day of the walk will be $15. You can also purchase a commemorative t-shirt for a $15 donation.
Address: Roxbury Bandshell, 1430 Franklin St, Johnstown, PA 15905
10. PA Bacon Fest – Easton
Gather with fellow bacon lovers for the 15th PA Bacon Fest in Easton. The epic bacon festival is set for Nov. 7-8, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days. You might need both days to see, do, and taste everything. The dog-friendly event is jam-packed with activities, including live entertainment, bacon bingo, face painting, a pet costume contest, rock climbing, and slime making. Don’t forget to check out all the vendors, including Annie’s Pooch Pops, Bacon Bites, Bacon Me Crazy, Bacon on a Stick, Easton Candle Company, Melmo’s Dog Treats, and more.
Address: Downtown Easton, PA, 18042
Autumn is an idyllic time to get outdoors and make memories. These dog-friendly fall festivals are just a sampling of all there is to do in Pennsylvania. Did you know there are also dog-friendly pumpkin patches in Pennsylvania?
Do you have a favorite pet-friendly fall festival in PA? Tell us about it on our Pet-Friendly PA Facebook page!
