Major Events & Festivals in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, United States

Harrisburg, United States, Harrisburg, Culture & Entertainment, Major Events & Festivals

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.