The changing colors, falling leaves and cooler nights are all signs that fall is here. Fall is a great season for fitness as it’s the last chance to exercise outdoors before cold, snowy days return for the winter.
Below is a sampling of regional upcoming events happening this fall. Events include virtual yoga, an outdoor market, a corn maze, a do-it-yourself cycling ride and more.
2020 FOX TROT 5K
When: Now through Oct. 12
Where: Sly Fox Brewery – 331 Circle of Progress Drive, Pottstown
More Details: This year’s Fox Trot 5K at the Brewery will be done virtually. The traditional event is a road race through the neighborhoods around the brewery and is chip time. Participants of the 2020 event can decide where to start and end. People can now determine their own route and run on local trails or even a treadmill. For more information and to register, visit bit.ly/2020FoxTrok5K.
PUMPKINLAND & HAUNTED GARDENS
When: Now through Oct. 31
Where: Colonial Gardens – 745 Schuylkill Road, Phoenixville
Cost: Pumpkinland – free, Hayride – price varies
More Details: Pumpkinland is a free play area with popular character cut-outs. The area is open to the public through Oct. 31. Daytime and nighttime hayrides are also available. The community is invited to hop for 15-to-30-minute rides through the woods. Other activities include a funhouse, corn maze, Casper’s castle and more. All guests over 2 years old are required to wear masks. For more information, visit the Facebook event page at bit.ly/PumpkinlandHayrides.
POTTSTOWN FARM OPEN AIR MARKET
When: Oct. 3 and Oct. 17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Smith Family Plaza – 100 E. High St., Pottstown
More Details: The Pottstown FARM is a local outdoor market with farm and artisan vendors. Visit the open-air market for fresh, locally grown produce and more. All vendors accept cash while some accept credit cards. People can use their SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits at the market. Find out more information at pottstownfarm.org.
FREE VIRTUAL YOGA
When: 11 a.m. every Saturday until Oct. 31
Where: Zoom
More Details: The Reading Public Library is offering a free virtual yoga series. Each class will last one hour and will be done through Zoom. To register, email [email protected] For more information, visit the Facebook event page at bit.ly/ReadingVirtualYoga.
POTTSTOWN ATHLETIC CLUB YOUTH SERIES
When: Oct. 7 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Pottstown Athletic Club – 263 King St., Pottstown
More Details: The athletic club is hosting a free youth series training clinic for youth 12 years and older located in Pottstown. Spacing is limited to 30 participants. The youth participants will receive instruction on fitness movements and do group workouts. The entire series is 10 weeks and will continue until Dec. 16. For more information, visit the Facebook event page at bit.ly/PACYouthSeries.
INTRO TO MEDITATION
When: Oct. 10 & Nov. 14 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Where: Samana Holistic Center – 170 South St., Pottstown
More Details: This event is part of a series of introductory meditation classes. The class is open to beginners and people with meditation and mindfulness experience. Participants will learn about different forms of meditation and the history of the practice. For more information, visit the Facebook event page at bit.ly/SamanaMeditationIntro.
SCHUYLKILL BIRDS BY BIKE AND BOAT
When: Oct. 17 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Take It Outdoors – 57 Schuylkill Ave., Pottstown
Cost: $60 with $10 deposit required for registration
More Details: Take It Outdoors and the John James Audubon Center are teaming up for this fun outdoor event. The excursion will include birds, bikes and boats. Participants will ride bikes for about four miles then take a break for lunch while enjoying a birding presentation. Then everyone will paddle back to Take It Outdoors along the Schuylkill River. Registration includes all supplies such as bikes, boats and food. Certified instructors will guide participants on the bike ride and paddle. For more information and to register, visit bit.ly/SchuylkillBirdsBikesBoats.
2020 READING HOSPITAL ROAD RUN VIRTUAL CHALLENGE
When: Oct. 17 through Oct. 31
Where: Reading Hospital – Tower Health – 420 South Fifth Ave., West Reading
More Details: The Friends of Reading Hospital are hosting this running event, which is now virtual. People can register for a 1-mile, 5K, half-marathon, or 130-mile distance to be completed anytime between Oct. 17 and Oct. 31. Participants get to choose their own route. Registration includes a race shirt, race bib, race medal and other items. For more information and to register, visit bit.ly/2020ReadingHospitalVirtualRun.
RIDE FOR THE RIVER (DIY)
When: Oct. 24 through Nov. 7 from sunrise to sunset every day
Where: Pottstown to Birdsboro Schuylkill River Trail section
Cost: Free or with a $35 registration get the T-shirt and a swag bag
More Details: The community is invited to “Ride for the River” along a section of the Schuylkill River Trail for a do-it-yourself cycling tour. The full ride is about 20 miles round trip between Pottstown and Birdsboro, but participants can opt to just a section of the ride. An interesting twist was added to this year’s event. The self-guided ride includes tour stops along the trail as posted signage. The stops include mysteries, bridges and historical sites. Everyone who signs up for the ride receives a free entry into a raffle prize drawing which includes items from both the Schuylkill River Greenways National Heritage Area and the Sly Fox Brewery. For more information and to register, visit schuylkillriver.org/ridefortheriver.