
Major Events & Festivals in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, United States
1. Pennsylvania Farm Show
Largest indoor agricultural event in the U.S., showcasing farm animals, foods, and equipment.
- Agricultural Education: Offers educational programs for visitors about farming practices.
- Unique Exhibits: Showcases innovative agricultural technology and trends.
- Local Delicacies: Features regional foods and dishes, providing a taste of Pennsylvania.
2. Harrisburg Celtic Music & Craft Beer Fest
Celebration of Irish culture with live music, dance, and craft beer.
- Live Entertainment: Hosts performances by traditional Irish musicians and dancers.
- Craft Beer Tasting: Showcases local and regional craft breweries.
- Authentic Irish Foods: Offers traditional Irish dishes and cuisine.
3. Festival of the Arts
Celebration of visual, performing, and culinary arts in Harrisburg.
- Visual Art Displays: Features works by regional and national artists.
- Performing Arts Events: Hosts concerts, dance performances, and theater productions.
- Culinary Demonstrations: Offers cooking demonstrations by local chefs and food vendors.
4. Symphony of Lights
Holiday light display at Wildwood Park featuring over 600 illuminated displays.
- Holiday Tradition: A beloved Harrisburg tradition since 1988.
- Animated Displays: Features moving and synchronized light displays set to music.
- Community Event: Proceeds benefit local charities and community organizations.
5. Harrisburg Marathon & Half Marathon
Annual marathon and half marathon race through downtown Harrisburg.
- Scenic Course: Routes take runners past historic landmarks and riverfront views.
- Competitive Racing: Attracts professional and amateur runners from around the world.
- Community Support: Community members line the streets to cheer on participants.
6. Harrisburg Chinese Lantern Festival
Celebration of Chinese culture with illuminated lanterns, music, and dance.
- Lantern Displays: Features hundreds of colorful and intricately designed lanterns.
- Cultural Performances: Hosts traditional Chinese music, dance, and martial arts performances.
- Food Vendors: Offers authentic Chinese cuisine and dishes.
7. Art-A-Fair Art Show & Sale
Annual art show featuring local artists and craftspeople.
- Original Artwork: Showcases original paintings, sculptures, and crafts for sale.
- Meet the Artists: Provides opportunities to meet and interact with local artists.
- Art Demonstrations: Offers live demonstrations of various artistic techniques.
8. Harrisburg Greek Festival
Celebration of Greek culture with food, music, and dance.
- Authentic Foods: Features traditional Greek dishes such as gyro, moussaka, and baklava.
- Live Entertainment: Hosts live Greek music and dance performances.
- Community Connection: Provides an opportunity to learn about Greek culture and traditions.
9. Capital City Jazz Fest
Annual jazz festival featuring renowned artists and local talent.
- Live Music Performances: Features live performances by jazz musicians from around the world.
- Educational Workshops: Offers workshops and seminars on jazz history and performance techniques.
- Community Engagement: Provides opportunities for local musicians to perform and collaborate.
10. Harrisburg Pride Festival
Celebration of the LGBTQ+ community with music, speakers, and vendors.
- Community Support: Provides a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community to gather and celebrate.
- Educational Events: Offers workshops and speakers on LGBTQ+ issues and advocacy.
- Cultural Celebration: Showcases the diversity and culture of the Harrisburg LGBTQ+ community.
11. Harrisburg Restaurant Week
Annual event showcasing the culinary scene of Harrisburg with discounted meals.
- Restaurant Sampling: Allows visitors to sample multiple restaurants at reduced prices.
- Local Dining Experience: Provides an opportunity to explore the local dining scene.
- Supporting Local Businesses: Supports Harrisburg's restaurant community by encouraging patronage.
12. Harrisburg Oktoberfest
German-themed festival with food, beer, and music.
- Authentic German Foods: Features traditional German dishes such as bratwurst, pretzels, and sauerkraut.
- German Beer Tasting: Offers tastings of German beer and brewing demonstrations.
- Cultural Entertainment: Provides live music, dance performances, and polka lessons.
13. Harrisburg Greek Food & Wine Festival
Celebration of Greek cuisine and wine with food vendors and live music.
- Authentic Greek Foods: Features traditional Greek dishes such as gyro, moussaka, and baklava.
- Greek Wine Tastings: Offers tastings of Greek wines and wine pairing seminars.
- Cultural Entertainment: Provides live music, dance performances, and cooking demonstrations.
14. Harrisburg Food Truck Festival
Annual event featuring local food trucks and vendors.
- Food Sampling: Allows visitors to sample a variety of local cuisines.
- Supporting Local Businesses: Supports Harrisburg's food truck and vendor community by encouraging patronage.
- Community Gathering: Provides a fun and social atmosphere for the whole family to enjoy.
15. Harrisburg Halloween Parade & Festival
Annual Halloween celebration with a parade, costumes, and trick-or-treating.
- Costume Contests: Offers contests for best costumes in various categories.
- Community Celebration: Provides a fun and festive atmosphere for families to enjoy.
- Trick-or-Treating Opportunities: Allows children to trick-or-treat at participating businesses.