Small Town, Big Living: Ellwood City Area Chamber of Commerce Announces Fall, Holiday Event Lineup

From crisp autumn evenings to the sparkle of holiday lights, the Ellwood City Area Chamber of Commerce’s event calendar brings neighbors together in warmth, whimsy, and community cheer. Whether you’re feeling foodie, nostalgic, artsy, or festive, there’s an event just right for you. The events showcase awesome vendors, businesses, culinary creators, and entrepreneurs with many offering free admission or great value for Chamber members.

Be sure to add these to your calendars.

Fall Fest & Car Cruise – September 27, 2025, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Vintage cars gleam, engines purr, and the streets of Lawrence Avenue become a parade of classic—and seriously cool—rides. This year’s Fall Fest & Car Cruise invites everyone to wander, chat, and check out the rolling art on wheels. Parking is free for cruisers, first-come-first-serve, and the atmosphere? Think nostalgically festive. 600 plus cars, live music, 50 plus vendors, food trucks, kids games and crafts, and a petting zoo.

Chef, Wine, & Ale – October 23, 2025, 6 to 9 p.m.

This one’s for the foodies and flavor-seekers in the crowd. Imagine savored bites, clinking glasses, and craft ales paired with culinary creativity—all at Shakespeare’s Restaurant & Pub. It’s the perfect date night or friends’ night out, focusing on local talent, taste, and togetherness. The evening brings together the best of our local restaurants, bakeries, wineries, and breweries. Guests enjoy unlimited samples, live entertainment, auctions, raffles, and unique experiences like cigar tastings. This event offers something special for everyone while raising funds to strengthen and grow the community. Get Tickets here.

“Thanks to the generosity of our community partners and the success of our fundraising efforts, we’re able to keep these beloved events free to the public,” McCandless said. “One of our biggest fundraisers, Chef, Wine & Ale, is celebrating its 19th year on October 23rd at Shakespeare’s Restaurant. Along with our annual golf outing, this event helps make possible the family-friendly traditions our community looks forward to each fall and holiday season. Now more than ever, we hope friends and neighbors will come out to support Chef, Wine & Ale—it’s a wonderful evening, filled with great food, local flavors, and community spirit, all for a great cause.”

Ellwood City Halloween Parade – October 25, 2025

Time to bring on the candy, costumes, and spooky cheer! Picture lanterns bobbing, whimsical floats rolling, and trick-or-treaters—or even vampires!—marching down Lawrence Avenue. Halloween in Ellwood City is where community creativity takes center stage—and fun is the only requirement. Sign up to participate here.

Let There Be Lights – December 5, 2025, 6 to 9 p.m.

Let There Be Lights heralds the festive season in full sparkle. On Lawrence Avenue (closed between 4th–6th Street) from 6 to 9 p.m., the street becomes a winter wonderland—street vendors set up shop, storefronts glow with holiday cheer, and horse-drawn carriage rides by Misty Lane Farms add old-world charm. As night deepens, gather in the Plaza for the tree lighting at 7:30 p.m., which ushers in a fireworks display sure to ignite festive delight. Sign up to be a vendor here. 

Ellwood City Christmas Parade – December 6, 2025, 3 p.m.

Continuing the holiday magic, Lawrence Avenue fills with festive floats and joyful marchers on Saturday, December 6 at 3 p.m., from 4th to 8th Street. Participants gather at Holy Redeemer School & 3rd Street by 2:30 p.m., whether they’re bringing vehicles, float groups, or walking with family and friends. Kids under 12 should be accompanied by an adult. It’s a parade full of holiday spirit, creativity, and community cheer. Sign up to participate here.

Ugly Sweater 5K Fun Run – December 13, 2025, 4:30 p.m. start

Lace up your fuzzy festive gear for this gleeful run through twinkling lights at Ewing Park, starting near Helling Stadium. The 5K race and a 1-Mile Fun Run both begin at 4:30 p.m., making it a perfect family outing. Every participant receives a long-sleeve tech shirt and a finisher’s medal—ideal swag for your festive efforts. Pricing is around $23, including fees. Sign up to participate here.

“What makes this lineup unique is how it brings people together. Families who have attended for decades now bring their children and grandchildren, while visitors from neighboring towns join in the celebrations,” McCandless said. “Each tradition is made possible by the dedication of local volunteers, businesses, and community partners – a true reflection of what “big living” looks like in a small town.”

Each gathering turns our streets into stages, sparkles into traditions, and neighbors into friends. Whether you’re strolling, racing, sipping, or waving, you’re part of a shared story. So get your cozy knit on, mark those calendars, and make this season one to remember.

Follow the Ellwood City Area Chamber of Commerce on:  Facebook and Instagram. Or visit their website.