Lancaster County Events: Celebrating The Best Of Pennsylvania

A Personal Experience in Lancaster County

As a native Pennsylvanian, I have always had a deep appreciation for the rich history and culture of Lancaster County. From the picturesque Amish countryside to the bustling city streets of Lancaster, this area truly has something for everyone. One of my favorite things about this region, however, is the wide range of events and celebrations that take place throughout the year. Whether you’re a local looking for a fun weekend activity or a tourist eager to experience the best of Pennsylvania, Lancaster County events are not to be missed.

What are Lancaster County Events?

Lancaster County events are a diverse range of celebrations, festivals, and competitions that take place throughout the year in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. From agricultural fairs to music festivals to historical reenactments, these events showcase the best of Pennsylvania’s culture, traditions, and communities.

List of Lancaster County Events

Lancaster County Fair
Amish Farm and House Tour
Strasburg Railroad Day
Long’s Park Art and Craft Festival
Lititz Craft Beer Fest
Cherry Crest Adventure Farm Fall Festival
Christmas Tree Lighting in Lancaster City
Lancaster City First Friday
PA Renaissance Faire
Lancaster County Hot Air Balloon Festival

Events and Celebrations in Detail

One of the most popular events in Lancaster County is the Lancaster County Fair. This agricultural fair features everything from livestock competitions to tractor pulls to carnival rides. The fair also includes live entertainment, local food vendors, and a wide range of educational exhibits and displays.

For those interested in experiencing the Amish way of life, the Amish Farm and House Tour is a must-see attraction. This tour takes visitors through the heart of Lancaster County’s Amish community, providing a rare glimpse into the traditions, customs, and daily lives of these fascinating people.

Another popular event is the Strasburg Railroad Day, which celebrates Lancaster County’s rich railroad history. Visitors can take a ride on a historic steam train, explore vintage train cars and equipment, and enjoy live music and entertainment throughout the day.

The Long’s Park Art and Craft Festival is a great event for art lovers, featuring hundreds of local and national artists selling everything from pottery to painting to jewelry. Visitors can also enjoy live music, food vendors, and family-friendly activities throughout the weekend.

The Lititz Craft Beer Fest is a newer addition to Lancaster County’s event lineup, but has quickly become a favorite among locals and visitors alike. This festival features dozens of local and regional breweries, as well as live music, food vendors, and games and activities for all ages.

The Cherry Crest Adventure Farm Fall Festival is a perfect event for families with young children. The festival includes a huge corn maze, pumpkin patch, hayrides, and a wide range of other fall-themed activities and games.

During the holiday season, Lancaster City comes alive with festive lights and decorations. The Christmas Tree Lighting in Lancaster City is a beloved tradition, featuring live music, food vendors, and of course, the lighting of the city’s giant Christmas tree.

For those interested in the arts, Lancaster City First Friday is a monthly event that showcases the best of Lancaster’s local galleries, studios, and art spaces. Visitors can enjoy free art exhibits, live music, and food and drink specials throughout the city.

The PA Renaissance Faire is one of Lancaster County’s most popular events, drawing thousands of visitors each year. This festival features live jousting, period costumes, and a wide range of medieval-themed activities and games. Visitors can also enjoy delicious food and drink, including turkey legs and mead.

Finally, the Lancaster County Hot Air Balloon Festival provides a unique perspective on the area’s beautiful countryside. Visitors can watch as dozens of hot air balloons take to the skies, enjoy live music and entertainment, and explore local food and craft vendors.

Lancaster County Events Table

Event	Date	Location	Description
Lancaster County Fair	July	Lancaster County Fairgrounds	Agricultural fair featuring livestock competitions, carnival rides, and local food vendors.
Amish Farm and House Tour	Year-round	Various locations throughout Lancaster County	Tour of Lancaster County’s Amish communities, including visits to traditional farms, markets, and homes.
Strasburg Railroad Day	June	Strasburg Rail Road	Celebration of Lancaster County’s historic railroad industry, featuring vintage trains, live music, and family-friendly activities.
Long’s Park Art and Craft Festival	August	Long’s Park	Art and craft festival featuring hundreds of local and national artists, live music, and family-friendly activities.
Lititz Craft Beer Fest	September	Downtown Lititz	Festival featuring dozens of local and regional breweries, live music, and games and activities for all ages.
Cherry Crest Adventure Farm Fall Festival	September – October	Cherry Crest Adventure Farm	Fall-themed festival featuring a huge corn maze, pumpkin patch, and family-friendly activities and games.
Christmas Tree Lighting in Lancaster City	December	Lancaster City Square	Annual tree lighting ceremony featuring live music, food vendors, and festive decorations.
Lancaster City First Friday	Year-round	Downtown Lancaster City	Monthly event showcasing the best of Lancaster’s local galleries, studios, and art spaces.
PA Renaissance Faire	September – October	Mount Hope Estate & Winery	Medieval-themed festival featuring live jousting, period costumes, and a wide range of activities and games.
Lancaster County Hot Air Balloon Festival	June	Lancaster Airport	Festival featuring dozens of hot air balloons, live music, and food and craft vendors.

Question and Answer: FAQs about Lancaster County Events

Q: When is the best time to visit Lancaster County for events?

A: The best time to visit Lancaster County for events depends on your interests. Many of the county’s most popular events, such as the Lancaster County Fair and the PA Renaissance Faire, take place in the summer and early fall. However, there are also plenty of events that take place year-round, including the Amish Farm and House Tour and Lancaster City First Friday.

Q: Are Lancaster County events family-friendly?

A: Yes, the vast majority of Lancaster County events are family-friendly and offer activities and entertainment for all ages. From agricultural fairs to craft beer festivals to hot air balloon rides, there is truly something for everyone in Lancaster County.

Q: How can I find out more about Lancaster County events?

A: There are several resources available for finding out more about Lancaster County events. The Discover Lancaster website offers a comprehensive calendar of events, as well as information on local attractions, accommodations, and dining options. Additionally, many individual events have their own websites or social media pages that provide up-to-date information on dates, times, and activities.

Q: Is parking available at Lancaster County events?

A: Yes, most Lancaster County events offer on-site parking or shuttle services from nearby parking lots. However, it is important to plan ahead and arrive early, especially for popular events such as the Lancaster County Fair and the PA Renaissance Faire.

Q: Are Lancaster County events accessible to people with disabilities?

A: Yes, many Lancaster County events offer accommodations for people with disabilities, such as wheelchair-accessible parking and restrooms. However, it is important to check with individual events for specific details and accommodations.