Halloween is right around the corner and we’re sipping warm apple cider while browsing costumes for trick-or-treat night. Fall flowers cover doorways in festive leaves and pumpkins line doorsteps, welcoming guests with autumn colors.

This is one of our favorite times of the year, and there is so much to do in our community! Lancaster is ready for your spooky, delicious, or exciting Halloween celebrations.

Read the stories and explore the events below to make sure this annual installment is the best yet.

1) Stories: All things spooky, delicious, and autumnal

Here are a few stories that showcase some of what Lancaster has to offer during this season.

Urban Phantoms

“It was the night of Saturday, October 7. I had gathered at Penn Square by the Soldiers and Sailors monument shortly before 8:00, a single soul amidst a pack of two dozen or so strangers. We were all there for a mutual reason: to attend a storytelling event hosted by Ghost Tour of Lancaster.”

Fig Contributor Erik Carrasquillo attended his first-ever haunted ghost tour in Lancaster City. Will you be brave enough to try it too? Read the story

No tricks here! Local treats for your Halloween celebration

“I never need an excuse to indulge in the sweet treats. I can’t help it. I have two large drawers at home full of a ridiculous assortment of all-things-sugar. Chocolate, sour gummies, baked goods…  I try to tell myself that this sugary-sweet collection is just for visitors and special occasions but let’s be honest—they are for exactly any moment I’m home.”

Fig Digital Content Manager Tony Gorick shared his love for all-things-candy, and recommended these 5 spots to find tasty treats for Halloween. Read the story

The Joy of Pumpkins!

“As a Lancaster transplant, I’ve recently learned that this county is a pumpkin-lover’s dream world where over 3,000,000 pumpkins are grown each year, making Lancaster one of the top ten pumpkin producing counties in the nation! Through the years, I’ve consumed my share of pumpkin ice cream, pies, cakes, donuts, muffins, scones, and lattes, but now it’s time to explore the perennial popular pumpkin — Lancaster style!”

Fig Contributor Debbie Dawson explored some local pumpkin favorites—from cocktails to food. Read the story

More than Pumpkin Spice

“I love coffee, but when the weather starts to cool down, there’s nothing quite like mixing it up and indulging in a delicious seasonal beverage. Here are four local favorites that are 100% worth trying.”

Fig Social Engagement Manager Susan Bowser shared her favorite selection of fall beverages in Lancaster! Read the story

2) Events: Mark your calendar for these celebrations

Movie Night at Aussie & The Fox – A Nightmare Before Christmas

Enjoy dinner, drinks or dessert while watching a movie on the big screen at Aussie & The Fox!

When: Wednesday, October 25 from 7-9pm

Location: Aussie & The Fox, 38 West King Street

More Info: Website

The Lancaster Public Library’s Haunted Library

We can’t wait for this family-friendly party at the Lancaster Public Library! Enjoy spooky story times, creepy crafts, ghoulish games, movies, costume contests, trick-or-treat, and more! Tickets are $5. Children under 2 free.

When: Friday, October 27, from 6-8:30pm

Location: The Lancaster Public Library

More Info: Website

Altana Halloween Party Weekend

Join on the Altana Rooftop Lounge for the Halloween Weekend full of fun! There will be costume contests, music, food specials, prizes, and more!

When: Friday, October 27 – Adult Costume Contest (8-11pm), live music by Jason Ager Trio (6-10pm) and DJ Salinger (10pm-2am)

Saturday, October 28 – Children’s Costume Contest (5-8pm), special guest appearances by the Central PA Avengers, live music by Some Hands/Kevin Block (6-10pm) and DJ Hue (10pm-2am)

Location: Altana Rooftop Lounge, 26 East King Street

More Info: Website

Trick or Trot 5k Run & Monster Run for Kids with Lancaster Rec

Race, jog or walk a scenic 5K course through historic Woodward Hill Cemetery and Lancaster County Central Park. Kids 12 and under have fun in the Monster Run course within the cemetery.

When: Saturday, October 28 (7:30am check-in begins, 9am Trick or Trot 5k, 10am Monster Run & Activities for Kids)

Location: Lancaster County Central Park

More Info: Website

Tellus360 Halloween Party

Get your costumes ready for the Halloween party at Tellus360 featuring a costume contest, live music, and dance party. 

When: Saturday, October 28 (8pm live music by Ton-Taun, The Vivien Lehigh Documentary, and The Bigness, 10pm Asylum in the Temple dance party with DJ Edge)

Location: Tellus360, 24 East King Street

More Info: Website