Photo courtesy Open Streets
1. Open Streets Lancaster
Dust off your bike, skateboard, scooter, or sneakers and get ready to stroll the streets of Lancaster. Enjoy a car-free experience along Water Street from Farnum Park (Conestoga Street) to Janice C. Stork Park (James Street), meeting new neighbors, trying delicious foods, dancing to live music, and interacting with numerous businesses, nonprofits, and community members. Lancaster joins a concerted effort of more than 90 other Open Street initiatives throughout the United States and Canada. Enjoy the “paved park” experience of “playing in the street” thanks to the Lancaster Recreation Commission, the City of Lancaster, and Lancaster Bikes.
May 20 / Water Street, Lancaster, PA / 717-392-2115 / openstreetslnc.org
2. Gyro Fest
A Lancaster favorite, Gyro Fest returns for another weekend of gyro platters with Greek fries and salad. A Greek meal wouldn’t be complete without authentic, homemade baklava (including a sundae) and other pastries, so pick up a few whether dining in, taking out, or driving through. Greek dancing will also accompany the festival.
May 11-12 / Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church / 64 Hershey Ave., Lancaster, PA / 717-394-1735 / annunciationorthodox.org/gyrofest
3. LancasterArt Walk
Lancaster City has always taken pride in its art galleries; the only thing that’s changed is that there are more of them and more events to celebrate them. Since 1965, Art Walk has been all about bringing city dwellers and everyone else into the galleries to see art, meet artists, and engage in artistic activities. This year is no different. Following First Friday, the semi-annual Spring Art Walk will woo visitors with special exhibitions, live demonstrations, children’s activities, and meet-the-artist opportunities, all within the galleries. Many galleries sign on (see complete list online), but to name a few: Christiane David Gallery, Freiman Stoltzfus Gallery, and the Friendship Heart Gallery. The self-guided tour allows visitors to take their time and enjoy the scenery.
May 5-6 / Various locations, downtown Lancaster, PA / 717-413-0094 / lancasterartwalk.org
4. Give Local York
In its inaugural year, Give Local York will celebrate giving via a huge community-wide event benefitting hundreds of nonprofits throughout York County. Serving as the hub and headquarters, Central Market York will also host a wrap party concluding the event. York Federal Fellows Alumni Association, a program committed to encouraging leadership in the York community, is spearheading the “give.” Give Local York sponsors will also be stretching donations. Along with First Friday activities, the city will be booming with activity and philanthropy. Join in on the fun and the giving!
May 4 / Central Market York and various locations / 34 W. Philadelphia St., York, PA / 717-456-0366 / givelocalyork.org
5. Arts Fest Harrisburg
More than just a weekend to shop for some new home adornment, Arts Fest is an outdoor experience over Memorial Day weekend enjoyed by over 40,000 people from near and far. Spend one or all three days strolling along the Susquehanna in Riverfront Park enjoying the sights, sounds, flavors and smells, even if you leave empty-handed. With more than 250 juried artists and craftsmen in more than 16 categories, entertainment by Central PA Friends of Jazz (as well as many others over the three days!), food trucks and stands, a Kidsfest and a Filmfest, it’s no wonder the festival is in its 66th year.
May 26-28 / Riverfront Park / Harrisburg, PA / 717-412-1515 / artsfesthbg.com
6. Lancaster Young Professionals Urban Living Tour
Founded in 1999 with intentions to “cultivate emerging leaders,” Lancaster Young Professionals (LYP) brings back its annual Urban Living Tour. The self-guided tour of Lancaster showcases homes and businesses with a vision to present “what it’s like to live in neighborhoods downtown.” By incorporating more businesses this year—like shops, cafes, galleries, and restaurants—the tour hopes to paint a more holistic portrait of downtown life. Attendees will receive a pamphlet with their paid ticket that includes a map highlighting all of the sponsored stops. Even those not looking for a new neighborhood can enjoy a glimpse into the thriving areas of downtown Lancaster life.
May 12 / Various locations in downtown Lancaster, PA / lyp.org/urban-living-tour
Photo by Sam Kolokithas
7. PA Greek Fest
The annual PA Greek Festival invites attendees to be “Greek for a day” by immersing in the flavors of Greek food, dancing, and enjoying Greek music. The expansive menu will include traditional entrees like moussaka, pastitsio, gyros, and kebabs. Even vegetarians can enjoy a veggie gyro, the new Greek fries and Greek salads. Dessert is a whole other menu with various Greek pastries and a few spins on delicious baklava in the form of cheesecake and sundaes. Rounding out the event will be music and dancing followed by shopping.
May 18-20 / Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral / 1000 Yverdon Dr., Camp Hill, PA / 717-763-7441 / pagreekfest.com
8. Landis Valley Herb & Garden Faire
Spend Mother’s Day weekend at the annual Herb & Garden Faire and celebrate the bounty of Mother Nature by purchasing both native and heirloom varieties to take home to the garden. In addition to plant sales, shoppers can revel in handmade herbal skin products and pick up some garden art or jewelry. Spend the day shopping, eating lunch from food vendors, and enjoying the music outside the historic grounds of Landis Valley Museum. Demonstrations will take place for a full, educational, and fun day.
May 11-12 / Landis Valley Museum / 2451 Kissel Hill Road, Lancaster, PA / 717-569-0401 / landisvalleymuseum.org
9. Sertoma Chicken BBQ
Most visitors to the 66th annual Sertoma Chicken BBQ won’t be in the Guinness Book of Records, but the event itself is in the book for the World’s Largest Chicken BBQ. Anyone who’s ever attended knows it’s quite an impressive feat to serve so many dinners. This year adds a new family fun area with a bounce house and obstacle course for the kids. Plus wine, beer, and cider samples from Mt. Hope Winery are being added as a perk for those over 21. So this year instead of doing the optional drive-through, stick around and enjoy the park while digging into the nine-item meal that includes chicken, snacks, fruit, roll, drink, candy, ice cream, and applesauce. All components of the meal are from local businesses like Turkey Hill, Herr’s, Kegel’s Produce, and Cherry Hill Orchards. More than 70 percent of profits go towards upkeep and beautification of Long’s Park.
May 19 / Long’s Park / Route 30 & Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster, PA / 717-823-0066 / lancastersertomabbq.com
10. Gettysburg BBQ Festival
Get ready to spend Memorial Day in historic Gettysburg enjoying regional BBQ flavors and foods. Meant to ring in the holiday, this event is packed with activities for everyone, including the massive kid’s zone with a rock climbing wall, pony rides, face painting, and more. BBQ competitions will take place with trophies for winners, while live music plays all day. Appalachian Brewing Company will be serving up suds to wash down all the delicious food being served by area restaurants. Local businesses, crafters, artists, and vendors will add a shopping component to the feast-filled day. And the best part is that net proceeds from the event will go to local charities.
May 26 / Gateway Gettysburg Complex / 95 Presidential Circle, Gettysburg, PA / 301-259-1991 / gettysburgbbqfestival.com
