Step Back in Time: Covered Bridge Festival Returns to Greene County, PA
As summer gives way to crisp mornings, colorful hillsides and the first signs of fall, Greene County, Pennsylvania, welcomes one of its most beloved autumn traditions. The EQT Washington & Greene Counties’ Covered Bridge Festival returns September 19 and 20, 2026, bringing history, handmade crafts, local food, music and family-friendly activities to nine covered bridge locations throughout the region.
Now in its 55th year, the festival offers a unique way to experience the changing season while exploring some of the area’s most treasured historic landmarks. Each location has its own character, activities and stories to discover, making the weekend an invitation to slow down, explore the back roads and enjoy the charm of southwestern Pennsylvania.
Two of Greene County’s longtime festival destinations, the White Covered Bridge and Carmichaels Covered Bridge, offer especially memorable stops along the festival route.
A Weekend of History, Heritage and Fall Fun
Covered bridges are more than beautiful reminders of another era. They reflect the craftsmanship, transportation and communities that helped shape Greene County. During the festival, these historic structures become gathering places where visitors can experience local traditions, browse handmade goods, enjoy homemade food and step into the past.
Whether the goal is to photograph a covered bridge surrounded by autumn scenery, watch a historical reenactment, listen to live music, shop with local makers or simply enjoy a fall day outdoors, there is plenty to discover throughout the weekend.
White Covered Bridge: History Comes to Life
Located in Greene Township on State Game Lands, the White Covered Bridge is one of Greene County’s most distinctive historic landmarks. Built in 1919, the 77-foot bridge is the county’s tallest and longest covered bridge.
During the festival, the surrounding landscape becomes a lively destination filled with activities, demonstrations, food and entertainment.
Visitors can explore historical encampments and living-history demonstrations, including the popular Civil War reenactment and “Battle for the Bridge.” Costumed reenactors, period camps, replica equipment and cannon fire create an immersive experience that gives visitors a glimpse into life during the Civil War era.
The historical experience continues beyond the battlefield. Traditional demonstrations, including blacksmithing and other period skills, add to the atmosphere, while visitors can meet alpacas, browse handcrafted goods and enjoy live gospel and folk music throughout the day.
And, of course, no fall festival would be complete without plenty of food. Local nonprofit organizations serve up homemade favorites and festival treats, making the White Covered Bridge a destination where visitors can easily spend several hours exploring, eating and enjoying the scenery.
Wagon rides offer another way to take in the beautiful setting and surrounding fall landscape.
For the latest festival news and updates, follow the White Covered Bridge Association on Facebook.
Carmichaels Covered Bridge: Small-Town Charm and Local Tradition
In the heart of Carmichaels Borough, the Carmichaels Covered Bridge offers a different festival experience. Built in 1887, the 64-foot bridge is Greene County’s only covered bridge located within a borough.
The festival activities are centered around the historic Greene Academy of Art, creating a welcoming small-town setting where history, art and community come together.
Visitors can browse handmade crafts and locally created goods, enjoy free activities and listen to live entertainment throughout the weekend. Horse-drawn wagon rides add to the old-fashioned atmosphere, while demonstrations inside the Greene Academy of Art highlight traditional skills and craftsmanship.
The festival is also a great place to discover local flavors, with food vendors serving everything from barbecue and kettle corn to refreshing lemonade.
For those who enjoy music, the Carmichaels site features a variety of performers throughout the weekend, adding to the relaxed atmosphere and giving visitors another reason to stay awhile.
Explore All Nine Festival Locations
While White and Carmichaels are two of Greene County’s best-known festival stops, they are only part of the weekend.
The EQT Washington & Greene Counties’ Covered Bridge Festival encompasses nine covered bridge locations, stretching across Washington and Greene counties. Each site offers its own combination of activities, food, crafts, entertainment and history.
That makes the festival more than a single destination. It is an opportunity to take a scenic drive, discover places you may not have visited before and experience the character of the communities surrounding these historic bridges.
For visitors traveling from outside the area, the festival also makes a great starting point for a fall weekend in Greene County. Pair a day of covered bridge exploring with local dining, shopping, outdoor recreation or an overnight stay, and turn a day trip into a getaway.
Your Invitation to Fall in Greene County
There is something special about seeing a historic covered bridge framed by changing leaves, hearing music drifting across a festival field or watching a piece of local history come alive before you.
For more than five decades, the Covered Bridge Festival has brought people together to celebrate the places, traditions and stories that make this corner of Pennsylvania unique.
This fall, take the scenic route. Explore a little farther. Stop at a covered bridge. Talk with a local maker. Try something homemade. Listen to the music. And take your time.
The EQT Washington & Greene Counties’ Covered Bridge Festival returns September 19 and 20, 2026.
Come experience the history, scenery and small-town charm of Greene County, Pennsylvania, and slow down, stay awhile.
