A Guide to Indigenous Peoples' Day Weekend 2026 in Hershey
Top Things to Do in The Sweetest Place On Earth Oct. 9-12
October weekends in Hershey, Pa., are always bustling with festive events and sweet happenings.
Indigenous Peoples' Day Weekend is a long weekend in The Sweetest Place On Earth, giving visitors extra time to experience all that the town built on chocolate has to offer in the fall.
Check out this guide of things to do from Oct. 9-12, 2026, in Hershey, Pa.
Hersheypark Halloween and Dark Nights
Hersheypark is open Friday through Sunday for Hersheypark Halloween and Dark Nights presented by Reese's and Kit Kat® immersive haunt experience. The USA TODAY Top 10Best Theme Park Halloween Event features family-friendly offerings and frights - all included in the one-price admission.
Guests can enjoy five haunted houses and five scare zones, including the all-new Reese's Depot Of Doom, thrills on 50 rides and attractions (weather and maintenance permitting), lights-out rides on select coasters, chocolatey trick-or-treat adventures and the scare-free Avenue Of The Afterlife path featuring street performances and a DJ Dance Party with select Hershey Characters in their Halloween costumes.
Event Hours
- Friday, Oct. 9, from 5-10 p.m.
- Saturday, Oct. 10, from 12-10 p.m.
- Sunday, Oct. 11, from 12-9 p.m.
- Dark Nights begins each night at 6 p.m. and extends one hour after Hersheypark Halloween closes - Fridays and Saturdays until 11 p.m. and Sundays until 10 p.m.
Tickets
Great ticket offers are available on Hersheypark.com. Check out our Family-Friendly Guide to Hersheypark Halloween and the Guide to Dark Nights for tips and tricks.
Spirit's Rooftop Bar at The Chocolatier
Guests who dare to explore Spirit’s Rooftop Bar at The Chocolatier Restaurant, Bar + Patio can order from a specially curated menu featuring limited-time spell-binding cocktails, sinful shareables and dreadfully delicious desserts to enjoy as spirits haunt the scarred. The all-new menu features 10 savory items, including an Auntie Mortem’s Butcher Block and the return of the popular Carnevil Wheel. Seating is first-come, first-served. Reservations are not accepted.
Event Hours
- Friday, Oct. 9, and Saturday, Oct. 10, from 4:30-11 p.m.
- Sunday, Oct. 11, from 4:30-10 p.m.
Hershey Bears vs. Texas Stars
Join Bear Nation at GIANT Center as the Hershey Bears take on the Texas Stars on Saturday, Oct. 10 at 7 p.m. The team will be back on the ice on Sunday, Oct. 11, for a second home game.
Game Times
- Saturday, Oct. 10, at 7 p.m.
- Country Night: The first 6,000 fans will receive a straw cowboy hat, courtesy of Pepsi.
- Sunday, Oct. 11, at 5 p.m.
- Pennsyltucky Night: Grab your camo and safety orange, because we’re tipping our camo hats to Central PA.
Relax at the Hershey Spas
The long weekend offers a sweet opportunity for a reprieve at the spa.
The Spa At The Hotel Hershey resort spa and MeltSpa by Hershey day spa are excited to bring back pumpkin-inspired spa treatments available now!
This season, experience fall seasonal treatments like the Pumpkin Soufflé Hydrating Body Wrap and Great Pumpkin Facial at The Spa At The Hotel Hershey. All appointments include complimentary access to steam rooms, saunas, relaxation lounges, an indoor pool and jacuzzi, a fitness center and more. To make an appointment, call 844-330-1797.
If you’re looking for a quick relaxation session, head to MeltSpa by Hershey day spa and experience the scents of the season with a treatment from the Pumpkin Spice Collection, or book a full day of pampering with the Ultimate Pumpkin Relaxation Package. For appointments, visit MeltSpa.com or call 855-500-2366.
Extend Your Stay at the Official Resorts of Hersheypark
Guests can turn their visit into a weekend getaway at one of The Official Resorts of Hersheypark. Throughout the long weekend at The Hotel Hershey and Hershey Lodge, guests can enjoy seasonal dining on property, splashes at the heated indoor pool complexes and family-friendly resort activities, like s'mores roasts, chocolate bingo, Hershey Character appearances and Halloween-themed fun. Or, head to Hersheypark Camping Resort for a sweet camping trip and activities like Kids' Check-In, face painting, fall crafts, s'mores roasts and more. Our newest resort, Hershey Inn and Suites, is also available for the whole family and offers amenities like a complimentary hot breakfast, indoor pool, outdoor patio with firepits, and a 24/7 arcade!
Plus, save with Halloween packages like the Dark Nights 2-Night Package, which includes two nights of deluxe accommodations, 2-day Hersheypark Halloween tickets, breakfast each day, a Hersheypark Halloween Tasting Pass and Dark Nights Houses Fast Track for each guest. Resort guests also receive FREE Resort Benefits, including extra hours at Hersheypark with Preview Plan and free front-gate shuttle service to and from the Park.
