Major Events & Festivals in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, United States

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

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.