How to Meet Locals & Make Friends in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, United States

1. Lancaster Central Market

Visit this bustling farmers' market to mingle with locals and enjoy fresh produce. It's been running since 1730!

Historic Attraction: Oldest continually operating farmers' market in the U.S.
Diverse Vendors: Over 60 merchants offering fresh produce, baked goods, and more.
Community Gathering Spot: A popular meeting place for Lancaster residents.

Stop by this information center to learn about local events and activities. Pick up advice from friendly staff.

Information Hub: A wealth of resources for travelers, including event calendars.
Knowledgeable Staff: Staff members are well-informed about the local area and events.
Community Events Listings: A great resource for finding local gatherings and festivals.

Attend a show at this historic theatre to connect with locals who share a love of the arts.

Historic Venue: One of the oldest community theatres in the U.S.
Varied Performance Schedule: Offers a wide range of shows, from musicals to dramas.
Local Arts Community: Home to many talented artists and performers in Lancaster.

Grab a pint at this local brewery to socialize with fellow beer enthusiasts.

Local Craft Beers: Offers unique Lancaster-brewed beers.
Community Trivia Nights: Hosts weekly trivia nights attracting locals and visitors alike.
Friendly Atmosphere: A welcoming environment for meeting new people.

Shop for fresh produce and baked goods at this family-owned farm market.

Family-Owned Business: Fourth generation of the Rohrbach family running the business.
Seasonal Produce: A wide variety of fruits and vegetables throughout the growing season.
Locally Sourced Goods: Many items are sourced from local farmers.

Catch a baseball game and cheer on the Barnstormers with fellow sports fans.

Step back in time at this living history museum to learn about Lancaster's agricultural roots.

Living History Museum: Authentic 19th and early 20th century buildings and artifacts.
Guided Tours: Knowledgeable guides share stories about Lancaster's past.
Historic Buildings & Exhibits: Over 40 buildings showcasing various aspects of Lancaster's history.

Join the celebration at this annual city-wide festival featuring music, food, and arts.

Attend events at this creative arts space, such as concerts, workshops, and exhibits.

Creative Arts Space: A hub for local artists and musicians.
Varied Programming: Offers a diverse schedule of events throughout the year.
Community Engagement: Encourages active participation and collaboration in the arts.

Explore this family-owned farm for seasonal produce and unique gifts.

Family-Owned Business: Third generation of the Bomberger family running the farm.
Seasonal Produce: A wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and flowers during their respective seasons.
Local Crafts & Gifts: Offers handmade gifts from local artisans.

Dine at this restaurant located in a historic building to enjoy good food and conversation.

Historic Dining Experience: Dining in a building from the 1850s.
Locally Sourced Menu: Many ingredients sourced from Lancaster County farms.
Friendly Atmosphere: A warm and inviting environment for meeting new people.

Attend a sporting event or concert at this local university to connect with students and staff.

Educational Institution: Largest university in Lancaster County.
Varied Events Schedule: Offers numerous sports, music, and cultural events throughout the year.
Student & Staff Community: A large and diverse community of students and staff.

Participate in or spectate this annual marathon to engage with the active community.

Annual Event: Held every fall.
Community Support: Strong local support for the event and runners.
Fitness & Wellness: A great opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals.

Join a book club or attend a program at this public library to meet locals with similar interests.

Public Resource: A valuable resource for the community.
Varied Programming: Offers a wide range of programs, including book clubs, author talks, and workshops.
Community Engagement: Encourages active participation and collaboration in the community.

Volunteer at this recycling center to contribute to the local community and meet like-minded individuals.

Environmental Action: Contributes to Lancaster's goal of reducing waste.
Community Engagement: A great opportunity to meet and work with local volunteers.
Sustainability Efforts: Promotes recycling and waste reduction in Lancaster County.