1. Lancaster Balloon Festival
Up, up, and away at the Lancaster Balloon Festival, an amazing event designed to showcase the balloons as well as Lancaster County. For those sheepish of heights, the balloons still offer an amazing sight aloft — competing in the Hound and Hare race and fly-ins — and there will be a bonfire and s’mores on the ground. For those who may be curious about the rides, but may not be ready for take-off, there’s a tethered option, still tied to the ground, but with an amazing view. For those ready to head up, choose from private or shared balloon rides. Even without a ride, there’s a scavenger hunt, a DJ, food trucks, and more included with free entrance to the event. Saturday morning, watch as the annual half-marathon runs by. Sure to be fun for all ages and levels of bravery. Check website for full listing of scheduled events.
September 6-8 / Lancaster Launch Area / 2727 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird-in-Hand /
800-763-5987 / ushotairballoon.com
2. Gettysburg Wine & Music Festival
With a focus on Pennsylvania’s adult beverages, the 15th annual wine and music festival features hundreds of wines from 27 PA wineries like Allegro Vineyards, Deer Creek Winery, Kingview Mead, and Hungry Run Spirits, to name a few. And, of course, the event would not be the fun weekend festival that’s earned a loyal following without the music, food, artists, and vendors. Listen to bands like Nearly York, Radio Bravo, and Stonewood. A variety of food will be offered from crab cakes and soul food to BBQ. The popular event has a “packages” section on the website for those looking to catch all the tunes and sample all the sips over the fall weekend without leaving the area.
September 7-8 / Gateway Gettysburg Complex / 95 Presidential Circle, Gettysburg, PA /
717-334-8151 / gettysburgwineandmusicfestival.com
3. Vintage Wine and Food Festival
Sip and sup on over 60 global wine varieties and food from more than 10 local restaurants at the Vintage Wine & Food Festival. Heading into its third year, the event offers regular and VIP admission. The regular provides wine, food bites, access to the York County Ale Trail Brew Bus, music, and a donation to the Cultural Alliance of York County. The premier VIP ticket adds on a special tasting hour, a souvenir glass (with two additional wine pours), access to the wine tent, and more. Grab some friends and have a fun time tasting sips from around the world.
September 29 / Agricultural and Industrial Museum / 217 W. Princess St., York, PA /
717-873-0270 / vintagewinefest.com
4. Lancaster Printers Fair
With technology constantly in everyone's hands, it’s easy to forget that printing words was a very labor-intensive process and also an amazing feat. Those behind the Lancaster Printers Fair want to remind people of the long-lost art by throwing the 7th annual event, the largest of its kind on the East Coast. See hands-on demonstrations at the Heritage Press Museum’s 1920s print shop at 346 North Queen Street and participate in the “record-setting potato printing.” Also, at the street fair on Saturday will be vendors, food, live music, and printing displays. The event was started to show Lancaster's historical significance in printing. Find letterpress equipment, ephemera, cards, and other interesting items. Members of the .918 Club host the event and also provide year-round information on printing.
September 20-21 / 300 Block of North Queen St., Lancaster, PA / .918club.org
5. Paws in the Park
Putting the fun in fundraiser is Paws in the Park, raising money for Leo’s Helping Paws, an all-volunteer-led non-profit that provides financial assistance to dog rescue groups. The pet-friendly event will have canine contests, games, live bands, food trucks, vendors with products to pamper any pooch, and other cool activities. Presenting will be the Lancaster City Police with the K-9 unit, as well as the Mounted Patrol Unit, an exciting demonstration for both kids and adults. Stop by with a pup and learn about helping other furry friends and the great organization behind the event.
September 28 / Lititz Springs Park / 18 N. Broad St., Lititz, PA /
717-475-9621 / leoshelpingpaws.org
6. York Harvest VegFest
With a national growing interest in plant-based lifestyles, it’s no wonder the Harvest VegFest is back for its second year spotlighting the produce from York and surrounding areas. The family-friendly event will have lots of food but also activities, entertainment, artisans, and musical performances. The veg-curious or established vegans will all benefit from cooking demos, informative vendors, and a teen speaking panel. Hosted and run by the volunteer-led group Animal Advocates of South Central PA, they are also encouraging a zero-waste approach, as many plastics and other materials often have negative effects on animals and fish. Consider bringing a reusable bag (or purchase a commemorative tote!), a personal water bottle, a folding chair, and any other items that may help reduce single-use products. The first 100 attendees will receive a free goodie bag.
September 21 / Cousler Park / 1060 Church Road, York, PA /
717-887-4906 / yorkvegfest.com
7. Fort Hunter Day
Celebrate Fort Hunter Day on the grounds of Fort Hunter Museum & Park, a parcel originally settled in 1725 that once served as an actual war fort, a hub for commerce, and a private estate. Take a trip back in time to see activities and demonstrations geared for the whole family with antique tractors and fire engines, an arts and crafts show, and more. In addition to the scheduled musical entertainment, there will also be strolling musicians playing bagpipes. Enjoy old-time crafts like apple butter making, spinning and weaving, and open-hearth cooking, or sit back and relax with a pony and carriage ride. A quilt exhibit by the African American Quilters Gathering of Harrisburg will be on display. For a small additional charge, take a tour of the mansion to learn more about the great history right here in Pennsylvania.
September 15 / Fort Hunter Mansion & Park / 5300 North Front St., Harrisburg, PA /
717-599-5751 / forthunter.org
8. Landis Woods Art Show
Don't forget your walking shoes for this one! Landis Woods is a 70-acre gem nestled in Manheim Township with multiple hiking trails that can be visited after the art show, now boasting its 20th anniversary. The woodsy setting will have around 50 artists displaying their wares, ranging from watercolor paintings to jewelry. In addition to the art, there will be food and refreshments, several live bands on stage, and a bonus wine tasting from Thornhill Winery. A raffle will take place every hour awarding a lucky patron with a $75 gift certificate to use towards a favorite piece.
September 28 / Landis Woods / 2369 Lititz Pike, Lancaster, PA /
717-569-4648 / landiswoodsartshow.org
9. Lancaster Music Fest
Back for a second year, the Lancaster Music Fest again brings a local musical lineup, artisans, food, and craft beer. Aiming to benefit area non-profits, the event produced by the SmartHub Foundation seeks to create a more “engaged, healthy, and vibrant Lancaster”. Recipients this year will be Lancaster Housing Opportunity Partnership (LHOP) and the Children’s Miracle Network at Penn State Children’s Hospital (a portion of proceeds supports the expansion of the Music Therapy program). There will be a regular ticket admission that includes access to the fest and a VIP level that adds a t-shirt, a VIP tent, a separate viewing area, table service, and an artist meet-and-greet.
September 14 / Buchanan Park / 901 Buchanan Ave., Lancaster, PA /
717-208-4980 / lancastermusicfest.com
10. Rubber Duckie Race
For anyone who’s never watched 20,000 rubber ducks get poured into the Conestoga River, now’s the time to finally get to Lancaster County Central Park for the Schreiber Pediatric 21st annual Rubber Duckie Race. Purchase one duck or a flock to race for a variety of prizes including a $1,000 VISA gift card. As always, the last duck to cross the line wins a jar of molasses.
September 8 / Lancaster County Central Park / 1050 Rockford Road, Lancaster, PA /
717-393-0425
