Days are longer, weather is warmer, and skies are brighter. It's time to get ready for fun-in-the-sun this summer in Lancaster County.
Between pool afternoons, beach trips, and barbecue celebrations, summer can definitely be a busy time of year! If you and your family are looking for ways to add some variety and adventure to your summer, Lancaster, PA is the place to be.
To make your planning a little easier, we have compiled a list of Lancaster summer activities and events that will be sure to keep you busy and enjoying this sun-shining warm weather season!*
*Please confirm days and times on event websites in case of changes that may have occurred after this post's publication.
Recurring Summer Activities in Lancaster
Grandview Vineyard
Wag & Wine Wednesday
Date night with your furry friends! Enjoy an afternoon on the deck, drink in hand and sunshine on your skin, all alongside your best friend.
- Now through the end of October
- Wednesdays 1:00 p.m.- 6:00 p.m.
Thursday Nights
Make it a date night or hang out with your friends Thursday nights at Grandview. Enjoy special activities such as 1st Thursday Trivia, 2nd Thursday Yoga, Charcuterie classes, Glass blowing classes, Macramé, Plant night, Paint night, and more.
- Thursdays 6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.
Summer Series
The Barn at Paradise Station
This event space is a beautifully restored and technologically enhanced 19th century Pennsylvania Bank Barn hosting weddings, events, inspiring musical entertainment and more. Join them this summer for two fun events; Inspiration, a musical journey, and Jazz on the Patio, A weekly treat of jazz, drinks and small plates fare on the patio.
- Jazz on the Patio
- Every Thursday from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
- Inspiration
- Select dates throughout the summer
- Select dates throughout the summer
Strasburg Scooter Tours
Explore Lancaster’s backroads, farmlands, covered bridges and more with this fun twist on tours! Grab a friend, hop on a scooter, and go! (no experience required)
- Summer Tours:
- Covered Bridge Tour: Various dates from now through November
- Bridges & Brunch: Saturdays and Sundays through November 3
- Ice Cream Experience: Various dates June through September
- Date Night In Amish Country: Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays through September 28
Long’s Park Summer Music Series
Enjoy music outdoors on Long’s Park’s amphitheater lawn!
- Every Sunday starting June 2
- What's playing:
- June 2: Monophonics
- June 9: Good Shot Judy
- June 16: Snacktime
- June 23: Carolyn Wonderland
- June 30: The U.S. Army Band, "Pershing's Own"
- July 7: A Night in Nashville
- July 14: Marc Broussard
- July 21: Roman Chicharron
- July 28: Watkins Glen Tribute
- August 4: The Sensational Barnes Brothers
- August 11: The United States Air Force Band: Max Impact
- August 18: Della Mae
Strasburg Railroad
Date Night Concerts
Enjoy an intimate evening in Lefever Hall with professional and well-renowned live entertainment from Strasburg Rail Road’s Entertainment Department.
- Last Friday of the month from Now through August
Murder Mystery Train
During this ride, guests will travel by rail for the big premiere of a new Broadway show and attend an intimate reception with its star. As the train departs, guests are treated to drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and shortly after departure, the news of a dead body on board. The killer must be found and named!
- Weekends and select weekdays through 2024
Bonnie & Clyde
Returning this summer, A Great Train Robbery: The Bonnie & Clyde Experience. This exciting, one-of-a-kind experience includes thrilling stunts, pyrotechnics, and more. Their 2024 Stunt Experience takes place in multiple locations around the Strasburg Railroad.
- Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from July 15 to September 1
The Confession: An Amish Love Story
Bird-in-Hand Stage
Visit Bird-in-Hand for a live show filled with secrets, scandals, and surprises. This love story is full of music, mystery and mistaken identities. Guests can choose to dine during the show, or simply go and enjoy the show.
- Now through August 3
- Due to a fire at theRestaurant, their Stage is temporarily located at the former Revere Tavern at 3063 Lincoln Highway East in Paradise.
Summerfest
Nissley Vineyards
Celebrate summer at these outdoor music events. Enjoy wine, beer, wine slushies, and food along with live music.
New This Year! Friday nights will be family-friendly. There will be face painting, milkshakes, and non-alcoholic beverages for everyone to enjoy! (Saturdays are only for 21+).
- Friday and Saturday nights, July 5 to August 31
Lancaster Special Summer Events
Family Farm Days
Oregon Dairy
Get outside and enjoy the farm life with this three-day family event at Oregon Dairy! Take a guided tractor or wagon tour of the Farmstead at Oregon Dairy. Partake in a stream study or enjoy special Barnyard Theatre Presentations. Have lots of fun at educational agricultural exhibits. Ride some ponies. Experience what it is like to live like a cow, and so much more!
- Tuesday, June 11 & Thursday, June 13, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, June 12, 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Splash into Summer
Kitchen Kettle Village
Celebrate the beginning of summer! Kick-off the warm months ahead with live music, yard games and contests, great shopping and grilled food. This event raises money for Music For Everyone, a non-profit charitable organization based in Lancaster County that's dedicated to raising awareness and resources to strengthen the role music plays in our schools and communities.
- Saturday, June 15, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Fête en Blanc 2024
Grandview Vineyard
Fête en Blanc is the premiere outdoor dining party celebrated worldwide. Fête encourages guests to wear their finest all white attire, pack their own outdoor picnic complete with tableware and decor, and join their friends, family, and neighbors for an unforgettable evening of dining, entertainment, and dancing.
- June 22, 6:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m.
Civil War Weekend
Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
History buffs, this one's for you! Returning to Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum is Civil War weekend! This event is full of activities and demonstrations all centered around the Civil War. More details will be posted to their website closer to the weekend.
- Saturday, July 20 and Sunday, July 21
Lititz Outdoor Fine Art Show
Lititz Springs Park
View original artwork and fine art from over 130 artists, both local and out-of-state. Visitors can browse the work of the artists and purchase the creations. All kinds of art from oils, acrylics, watercolors, drawings, ceramics, and sculpture of different kinds can be seen and purchased at this show.
- Saturday, July 27
Maker Festival
Lancaster Marriott
Create, learn, and connect at Lancaster’s Maker Festival. Discover new skills in a variety of fiber arts and bead work. During this festival you will be able to register for and attend a wide variety of workshops and shop the robust and diverse marketplace.
- July 31 - August 3
Nook Brew Fest
Spooky Nook Sports
This summer, Spooky Nook welcomes their 4th annual Brew Fest. Enjoy brews from 40 breweries, plus music and games.
- Saturday, August 24
- VIP, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
- General Admission, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Art Festival
Long’s Park
Come enjoying this once-in-a-lifetime gathering of 200 artists. Long's Park is transformed into a beautiful outdoor gallery. Stroll around Long's Pond in Long’s Park as you visit with local and national juried artists.
- August 30 - September 1
- Friday and Saturday 10:00am - 6:00pm
- Sunday 10:00am - 5:00pm
Lancaster Staples for Summer Fun
Cherry Crest Adventure Farm
Baby Animal Festival
Spring has sprung and that means baby animals are being born at Cherry Crest Farm! Come and meet the new little ones!
- Saturday, June 1
Cider Donut Festival
Who doesn’t love cider donuts?! This festival features a special cider donut menu, donut games and activities, and special donut photo ops! There is even an opportunity to take a wagon ride to the pasture and fed some donuts to the cows. That’s right, even the cows love the cider donuts!
- Saturday, June 8
Sweet Corn Festival
When you think summer in Lancaster County, you think sweet corn. This farm fresh, sweet and crunchy symbol of summer deserves to be celebrated!
The Sweet Corn Festival will feature specialty sweet corn menu items, corn crafts & games. Plus, a sweet corn eating contest.
- Saturday, July 20
Sunflower Festival
See beautiful sunflower and zinnia fields in full bloom at their annual Sunflower Festivals. There will be a winery & brewery, a live band, local craft vendors, and much more family fun.
- August 31 and September 7
Strasburg Railroad
Civil War Days
Passengers will experience a historical fictional scenario taking them back to the summer of 1863. This story follows the Confederate Army, whose goal was to march north to capture Lancaster and Harrisburg with Philadelphia as their ultimate goal. Live encampments, roaming uniformed troops, small battle skirmishes, artillery demonstrations, and more will happen on the train and around the mall.
- June 15 – 17; 20 – 23, 2024, various train times throughout the weekends
Day Out With Thomas
Join Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends when they return to the Strasburg Rail Road this spring! Thomas the Tank Engine will pull your 45-minute excursion ride through the beautiful Lancaster County countryside!
- June 17 and 18
- June 22 - 26
Mount Hope Estate
Celtic Fling & Highland Games
The Celtic Fling & Highland Games is a celebration of Celtic Culture which has captivated the world for many years. This festival offers a first-hand tour of these compelling cultures. Immerse yourself with the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of this spirited Celtic celebration. Enjoy traditional pipe bands, modern Celtic rock bands, and everything in between, plus delicious Celtic cuisine, fresh brewed ales, wines, ciders, and more!
- June 22 - June 23
- Gates open at 11:00 a.m.
Blues & Brews at Mt. Hope
Enjoy the taste of Maryland with an all-you-can-eat menu featuring crabs, brisket, and more (non-seafood options also available)! This summer staple welcomes guests to enjoy fresh seafood and other favorites while live music fills the air.
- Saturday, July 13
Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire
A staple celebration in Lancaster, PA, the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire will take you on an eventful ride back in time!! Meet kings and queens, watch an exciting joust, and enjoy a turkey leg as big as your head. Each week has a different theme and will showcase a different experience. With immersive experiences around every corner you will witness history right before your eyes.
- Starts Saturday, August 17
Clipper Magazine Stadium
Lancaster Barnstomers Baseball Game
Hop over to Clipper Magazine Stadium to watch our local baseball team play a game! These family-friendly games are perfect for a fun afternoon out!
Dutch Wonderland
- Summer hours start June 1, 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Hershey Park
- Summer hours start May 23, 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. *closing hours may change. Check the website for exact times for individual days
Lancaster County 4th of July Celebrations
Friday, June 28
Movie in the Park & Fireworks in East Petersburg
Saturday, June 29
Mountville Fireworks
Sunday, June 30
Long’s Park
Wednesday, July 3
Country Freedom Fest @ The Buck
The Barn at Paradise Station
Thursday, July 4
Country Freedom Fest @ The Buck
Lititz 4th of July at Lititz Springs Park
July 4th Celebration at the Star Barn Village
Marietta Fireworks
Friday, July 5
New Holland July 4th Celebration
Summer Fairs
York State Fair
- July 19 to July 28
Lebanon Area Fair
- July 20 to July 27
Kutztown Fair
- August 5 to August 10
Elizabethtown Fair
- August 18 to August 25
Allentown Fair
- August 28 to September 2
Ready, Set, Celebrate Summer in Lancaster!
We hope this guide to summer activities and events in Lancaster helps you and your loved ones enjoy this warm and sunny season.
*Please confirm days and times on event websites in case of changes that may have occurred after this post's publication.
