1. Gettysburg Brew Fest
The only thing better than a craft beer sample is more than 150 craft beer and cider samples. Adding in a historically significant location just makes the Gettysburg Brew Fest even cooler. Taste brews and ciders from across the United States, as well as from PA, while jamming out to a four-piece rock band and munching from any of the six food trucks. Tickets are available for general admission (includes sampling glass and unlimited fills), while the popular VIP ticket adds on a one-hour preview with exclusive samplings, both a stein and a pint glass, and catered food. Parking and lodging information on the website. Rain or shine.
August 17 / Lutheran Seminary at Gettysburg / 61 Seminary Ridge, Gettysburg, PA /
717-338-3000 / gettysburgbrewfest.com
2. Farm to Fork Fondo
Take part in this amazing opportunity known as a “fondo” and enjoy an organized bike ride with a customizable length, while sampling chef-prepared bites of food from local farms along the way. At this unique event, participants not only sample gastronomic goodies on the trek, but also receive a ticket to the post-ride farm-to-fork BBQ, a Victory brand beer (no pun intended!), a swag bag, raffle tickets, and more. In partnership with the Wrenegade Foundation, the event commingles cycling with farmers and the landscapes they create, with a goal of preserving farmland. Cyclists can meet the farmers, as the sampled foods actually come from each farm stop. Choose 82-, 45-, 33-, or 9-mile ventures.
August 23-24 / Cherry Crest Farm / 150 Cherry Hill Road, Ronks, PA / 717-687-6843 / farmtoforkfondo.com
3. YorkFest Fine Arts Festival
Ramble along the Rail Trail from Philadelphia to Princess Street and around the Colonial Complex appreciating the art of more than 100 select artists from around the country at YorkFest Fine Arts Festival. This summer arts show serves up plenty of free entertainment for adults and children with a Chalk Walk along Market Street; a Silken Literary Tent housing writers, poets, and storytellers performing readings; the Historic Codorus Creek boat parade; and more. An evening community jazz concert provides a lovely backdrop for those shopping or just enjoying the scenery. Check the website for a full list of activities and schedules.
August 24-25 / Various locations in York, PA / 717-849-2221 / yorkcity.org
4. Key Krawl
Thanks to the popular Keys for the City program that placed pianos around downtown Lancaster, anyone tall enough to reach the ivories has been able to bust out their best “Mary had a Little Lamb” or Bach symphony. After ten quick years, it’s time to celebrate with the first annual Key Krawl. Music for Everyone, the non-profit behind the idea, invites locals to participate in bar-hopping, singing, and even dancing centered around the pianos. Those attending just need to decide how much merch they want by choosing from $10 for a button or $35 for a cool pair of sunglasses and a limited edition bottle opener. Help support the organization that benefits both schools and communities through a range of programs including camps, instrument donation, Music Fridays, and more.
August 10 / The Ware Center / 42 N. Prince St., Lancaster, PA / 717-871-7804 / musicforeveryone.org / keysforthecity.com
5. Mt. Gretna Home & Garden Tour
Stroll under the trees while enjoying the stunning architecture and curb appeal of Mt. Gretna’s 35th annual Tour of Homes & Gardens. With a wristband and included map in hand, amble the self-guided tour to see homes, many over 100 years old, coupled with their unique feel (especially with the woody beauty that Mt. Gretna offers). See around ten homes, take a trolley to see a home by the lake, and explore the Mt. Gretna Area Historical Society museum and the Hall of Philosophy Building. Stop for lunch at the famous Jigger Shop and have some ice cream to top off the day. Free parking; rain or shine.
August 3 / Mt. Gretna Post Office / 101 Princeton Ave., Mt Gretna, PA / 717-361-1508 / gretnamusic.org
6. Star and Sky Festival
Stargazing, a fun and popular activity for millennia, has been spoiled by light pollution, making it hard to see even the brightest stars. But at the Muddy Run Observatory’s Star and Sky Festival by the Rittenhouse Astronomical Society, darkness reigns. In an homage to Muddy Run turning 50 and a celebration of the stars and planets being made more viewable by the observatory built by Exelon Corporation in 2016, an all-day festival will delight both experienced and novice astronomers. Get the party started during the day with a trip through the visitor center, highlighting both space and the natural world around Muddy Run, as well as fun from vendors, food trucks, music, a splash park, a bounce house, wagon rides, and tours of the observatory. By night the skies come alive with observation through the large telescopes, fireworks, and a Perseid meteor shower. Have fun under the sun and stars.
August 10 / Muddy Run Observatory / 172 Bethesda Church Road West, Holtwood, PA / 717-284-5850 / facebook.com/MuddyRunObservatory
7. Kipona Festival
Riverfront Park and City Island are the perfect places to perambulate during the 103rd annual Labor Day celebration known as Kipona Fest. Views of the Susquehanna River, which will hold canoe races and the Annual Duck Derby (a benefit rubber ducky race), are just the beginning of an event-filled weekend. Listen to music from over 30 bands on three different stages, witness a Native American pow-wow, shop handmade crafts and art in the Artist Village, participate with the children doing hands-on activities, visit the Biergarten, check out the Festival of India, and finally watch the fireworks on Sunday night. For anyone who has never been to Riverfront Park, Kipona is a Native American word for “sparkling waters,” which will be understood after just one visit.
August 31-September 2 / Riverfront Park & City Island, Harrisburg, PA / 717-255-3034 / harrisburgPA.gov
8. Heart of Lancaster Arts & Crafts Show
For over 30 years the Heart of Lancaster Arts & Craft Show has been doing things right, as evidenced by its growth. Since its inception 32 years ago, the show has seen the number of vendors, the number of days, and even the total number of actual art shows increase with an additional spring event that was added over five years ago. Now stretching over two days during the Labor Day weekend, the event returns with over 200 juried artists from near and far. With a special focus on live demos, you can see many of the participants creating their wares for shoppers in real time. Roots Market helps provide the food, recruiting standholders to whip up their specialties. Voted in the top 50 best shows in the country, this art event, complete with live music both days, is not one to miss.
August 31-September 1 / Roots Market / 705 Graystone Road, Manheim /
717-898-6297 / hlcshow.com
9. Sunflower Festival
Due to their impressive stature and vibrant, gorgeous hue, a field of sunflowers is a sight to behold. At the 2nd annual Sunflower Festival, enjoy the traditional activities of the Country Barn, like a cute animal petting zoo, a corn maze, pedal carts, and much more, but with an added bonus opportunity to cut a beautiful sunflower to take home (more available for purchase). With all of the fun family activities, the Country Barn might not seem like an actual working farm, but it does grow produce, potatoes, and their ever-popular pumpkins. As a bonus, the sunflowers attract bees that, in turn, help pollinate the crops. Enjoy the photo opportunity where the flowers might be taller than their human subjects.
August 17-18 & 24-25 / The Country Barn / 211 S. Donerville Road, Lancaster, PA / 717-872-1554 / countrybarnmarket.com
10. Lancaster Aviation Days
The gates to the Lancaster Airport open, and the community is welcome to attend Aviation Days, full of fun and educational activities for the whole family. Kids and adults can take part in on-the-ground viewing of planes like Skippy the two-seater, which kids can get inside, as well as a bounce house, food trucks, and a WWII encampment. Watch up in the air, as airplanes perform tricks during the noon air shows both days and see a Vietnam War-era helicopter. Extra special this year is the chance to ride aboard a B-25 Yankee Warrior. Parking and some activities are extra, but entrance is free.
August 24-25 / Lancaster Airport / 500 Airport Road, Lititz, PA / 717-569-1221 / lancasterairport.com
