
Major Events & Festivals in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, United States
1. Lancaster Marathon
Annual running event featuring a full marathon, half marathon, and 5K run. Offers a scenic route through Lancaster County.
- Scenic Route: Provides stunning views of Amish farmlands and Lancaster city.
- Variety of Distances: Caters to runners of all skill levels with three different race distances.
- Community Spirit: Encourages local engagement and a sense of camaraderie among participants.
2. Lancaster Roots & Soul Festival
Celebration of African American music, food, and culture in Lancaster city. Features live performances and workshops.
- Authentic Cultural Experience: Offers a deep dive into African American history, heritage, and arts.
- Live Performances: Showcases both local and national talent in various music genres.
- Community Engagement: Encourages interaction between festival-goers, artists, and educators.
3. Lancaster Craft Beer Fest
Annual event showcasing local craft beers from Lancaster County breweries. Includes food trucks and live music.
- Local Breweries: Highlights a variety of unique, locally-brewed craft beers.
- Food Trucks and Live Music: Adds to the festive atmosphere with a wide selection of food options and live entertainment.
- Educational Workshops: Provides insights into the brewing process and beer-related topics.
4. Lancaster County Balloon Festival
Annual event featuring hot air balloons in a variety of shapes and colors. Offers tethered rides, night glows, and live music.
- Balloon Displays: Showcases a stunning array of colorful hot air balloons.
- Tethered Rides and Night Glows: Offers unique opportunities for spectators to experience hot air balloons up-close.
- Live Music and Entertainment: Enhances the festival atmosphere with various music performances and activities.
5. Lancaster Central Market
America's oldest continuously operated farmers market, featuring local produce, meats, crafts, and more.
- Local Produce: Offers a wide variety of fresh, locally-grown fruits, vegetables, and meats.
- Crafts and Specialty Items: Showcases unique, handcrafted items from local artisans.
- Community Gathering Space: Serves as a gathering place for the Lancaster community since 1730.
6. Lancaster National Farm & Home Show
Annual event showcasing agriculture, farming equipment, and home improvement products.
- Agriculture Education: Offers insights into modern farming techniques and technologies.
- Home Improvement Ideas: Provides inspiration for home improvement projects and DIY ideas.
- Livestock Shows: Features competitions and exhibits showcasing various livestock breeds.
7. Lancaster International Auto Show
Annual event featuring new cars, classics, and exotic vehicles. Offers test drives and seminars.
- New Car Reveals: Showcases the latest models and innovations in the automotive industry.
- Classic and Exotic Cars: Highlights rare, classic, and exotic vehicles from various eras.
- Test Drives and Seminars: Provides opportunities for attendees to test-drive new models and learn about automotive topics.
8. Lancaster Science Factory
Interactive science museum designed to make learning fun. Offers hands-on exhibits for all ages.
- Hands-On Exhibits: Encourages exploration and learning through interactive activities.
- Educational Programs: Provides a range of educational programs for schools, families, and scouts.
- Special Events: Offers themed events and workshops throughout the year.
9. American Music Theatre
A premier live entertainment venue showcasing Broadway shows, concerts, and comedy acts.
- Broadway Shows: Offers a variety of hit Broadway productions in an intimate setting.
- Concerts and Comedy Acts: Features well-known artists, bands, and comedians throughout the year.
- Dinner Packages: Provides dining options at nearby restaurants before shows.
10. Lancaster Symphony Orchestra
Professional orchestra performing classical music in various venues around Lancaster.
- Classical Music Performances: Offers a range of classical music concerts featuring both familiar and lesser-known works.
- Educational Programs: Provides educational opportunities for students, families, and the community.
- Collaborative Concerts: Partners with other arts organizations to present unique, collaborative concerts.
11. Plain and Fancy Theatre
Small theatre company producing original Amish-themed plays in downtown Lancaster.
- Amish Culture Portrayal: Offers insight into the customs and traditions of the Amish community.
- Original Plays: Creates unique, original productions that are both humorous and heartwarming.
- Intimate Venue Experience: Provides a more personal, engaging experience compared to larger theaters.
12. Lancaster County Heritage Center
Museum featuring exhibits on Lancaster's history, including the Amish and Pennsylvania Germans.
- Local History Exploration: Offers a deep dive into Lancaster County's rich historical background.
- Amish and Pennsylvania German Culture: Highlights the traditions, values, and way of life of these communities.
- Educational Programs: Provides educational resources for students, families, and the community.
13. Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
Living history museum showcasing Pennsylvania German farm life from the 18th through early 20th centuries.
- Historical Reenactments: Features costumed interpreters demonstrating daily life and tasks.
- Farm Animals: Houses a variety of farm animals and hosts livestock demonstrations.
- Craft Demonstrations: Offers opportunities to observe traditional Pennsylvania German crafts like quilting, weaving, and blacksmithing.
14. Lancaster County Mennonite Relief Sale
Annual fundraising event supporting Mennonite Central Committee's relief and development work.
- Community Fundraiser: Raises funds for humanitarian efforts around the world.
- Traditional Food and Crafts: Features Amish and Mennonite foods, crafts, and baked goods for sale.
- Live Entertainment: Offers live music performances throughout the event.
15. Lancaster Pride Festival
Annual celebration of the LGBTQ+ community in Lancaster. Features parades, music, and vendor booths.
- Community Celebration: Brings together the LGBTQ+ community and allies for a day of unity and celebration.
- Parade and Live Entertainment: Features a colorful parade, live music performances, and dance parties.
- Supportive Environment: Promotes inclusivity and acceptance in Lancaster County.