It was 50 years ago that faithful Linus first waited in the pumpkin patch for the appearance of the Great Pumpkin (the CBS special premiered October 27, 1966 and will air again October 28). Our weekend recommendations in Montgomery County are plentiful - and if you'd like to add one, sitting in a pumpkin patch and waiting for toys would be wholly appropriate.
The Hollow - Playcrafters of Skippack
October 20-22
This 1951 drama, staged by Playcrafters of Skippack, is a theatrical adaptation of a book by the same name, done by its original author, Agatha Christie. The set-up is classic: A number of guests arrive at a country house outside London, all with intertwined pasts. It doesn't take long before offstage gunshots propel the story forward, bringing on an intrepid inspector to figure it all out - along with the audience.
Taste of Ardmore - Ardmore Toyota
October 20
Organized by the Ardmore Initiative, this Main Line signature fall event focuses on locally sourced dishes complemented by wines, beers and specialty cocktails. The Melange Jazz Trio will provide lively music in the expanded outdoor event space. The event DJ, Joe Stefankiewicz, will keep the party going indoors.
House of Wax 3D - Ambler Theater
October 20
Forget the Paris Hilton 2003 remake; this is the original 1953 classic with Vincent Price. Better still, it's being projected in all its 3D splendor at the Ambler Theater. Sharp-eyed baby boomers will recognize the actress playing Cathy Gray. It's Carolyn Jones, who went on to play Morticia Addams in The Addams Family on TV.
Cinema Classics Seminar: Diabolique - Bryn Mawr Film Institute
October 20
This creepy 1955 French feature actually inspired Hitchcock when he had Psycho in the works. The film involves two women who conspire to murder a school's cruel headmaster. When his body disappears - or does it? - things begin to unravel psychologically for all involved. The movie is followed by a guided BMFI discussion of everything from the plot to the writing to the director's uniquely unsettling style.
Scarecrow Walk & Design Contest - Morris Arboretum
October 21-23
More than 30 locally crafted scarecrows are wrapping up their display in the Morris Arboretum's Oak Allée, making this the final weekend for the public to judge the best. The theme this year is "Sense of Adventure," inspiring a bumper crop of creativity to turn ordinary straw, burlap and twine into something magical.
2016 Harry Potter Festival - Chestnut Hill
October 21-22
Wizardry and wonder take over the streets of Chestnut Hill, turning them into a two-day panorama of all-things Potter. A costumed pub crawl features foamy mugs of butterbeer; literary events include readings and group discussions; and the fields of Chestnut Hill College are the setting for the grand and glorious Quidditch Tourney. This festival demands that even modest fans don't fall victim to the Immobulus spell, get moving, and go.
Restaurant Opening - Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse
October 21
The King of Prussia Town Center welcomes one of its most highly anticipated dining experiences. Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse brings one of Philadelphia's celebrated menus to the suburbs, meaning its signature grace, style and stellar flavor profiles are now in our backyard. The Northern Italian cuisine features homemade pasta, fresh seafood and salads as well as prime aged
Boo at the Zoo - Elmwood Park Zoo
October 22-23
These Halloween weekends at Elmwood Park Zoo are something kids from across Montgomery County go bats for, year after year. In addition to experiencing the zoo's usual menagerie, attendees can rock to live entertainment, line up for a costume parade and hit the candy stops tucked throughout the property.
Philadelphia Ultimate Women's Expo - Greater Philadelphia Expo Center
October 22-23
Explore your own personal style, renew your soul and uncover your passions during this two-day event at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center. The inspiring keynote speakers are reason enough to go: Susan Lucci, NeNe Leakes and Ramona Singer. Their life-coaching advice is part of the greater experience that includes shopping, fashion, food, entertainment, cosmetics and travel.
Children's Halloween Bash - Ardmore
October 22
Ardmore Initiative invites all junior ghosts and ghouls to its second annual Cricket Avenue Boo event. The schedule of events is enough to tucker out a tarantula: treat-bag decorating, pumpkin painting, cookie frosting, photo booth, spooky songs, face painting, balloon art, trick-or-treat and a spidery maze. It's a great afternoon for youngsters, daddies and mummies.
Brewfest - Pottstown
October 22
More than 150 brews, ciders and even mead (!) are served up in Manatawny Park, 75 West King Street. Games include giant beer pong and a costume contest, with all proceeds benefitting the Pottstown Police Athletic League.
Battle of the Bands - Centre Theater
October 22
B Sharp Productions brings together five bands in Norristown's primo concert space, where they will battle it out in a note-by-note showdown. The audience determines who comes out on top, which, given the level of talent, means each band is going to have to put it all on the line to emerge victorious.
Children's Halloween Parade - Skippack
October 22
Kids can "test drive" their Halloween costumes before the big October 31 night by suiting up and marching down Route 73 in scenic Skippack. Things kick off at 10 a.m. and end at Mal's Diner (4006 Skippack Pike) with a treat and a craft.
Panorama Festival - Main Line Art Center
October 22
The Main Line Art Center's evening gala is a mash-up of digital and hands-on creativity that also includes a DJ, food trucks and interactive art. Highlight performances include fire spinners, stilt-walkers and a large-scale projection show. Guests can also flex their own imaginations with indoor opportunities to try different art mediums for themselves.
Pumpkinfest - Phoenixville
October 22
Gourds galore take over Bridge Street for this free, family-friendly festival that culminates in a parade. A carving expert demonstrates artistic knife skills, inspiring the participants in the carving contest. And there will be plenty of pumpkin-infused dishes to try. Pumpkin risotto, anyone?
Candy Apple Workshop - Cairnwood Estate
October 23
Beautiful Cairnwood Estate, part of the Bryn Athyn Historic District, sheds its seemingly austere exterior for some good, old-fashioned fun at the October 23 Candy Apple Workshop. From 10 a.m. to noon, the grounds will come alive with candy apple-making (and plenty of toppings), Victorian dress-up (and photos) and plenty of spiced cider and s'mores.
Medieval Festival - Glencairn Museum
October 23
The yearly Medieval Festival within the Bryn Athyn Historic District may come late in the season, but it is well worth the wait. Journey back to the days of knights and ladies, of hurdy-gurdy music and spinning wheels, when illuminated manuscripts and stained glass windows were made to kindle heavenly inspiration. The museum's tower is also part of the day, offering spectacular views of colorful trees for miles around.
The final scene of It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown shows Linus tucked in bed by his sister after his exhausting vigil in the pumpkin patch. If you find yourself in need of a similar rest, check out our countywide list of hotels, inns and B&Bs. There is no trick to what they do; the way they surround guests in comfort is a huge treat.
