All aboard for fun at the Strasburg Rail Road! Adults can hop onboard the Wine & Cheese Train and sample local cheeses along with wine from Waltz Vineyards on select weekend nights. September 16th - 19th, take the kiddos out to the Rail Road for an unforgettable ride on Thomas the Tank Engine during their Day Out with Thomas event.
Fair season is upon us! The PA Renaissance Faire features live performances including jousting, delicious food and drink, artisans and more through the end of October.
The Allentown Fair runs through September 5th with fun rides and games, vendors and food, as well as agricultural celebrations!
You can also check out the Denver Fair the 13th through 17th for rides, contests, livestock and more.
The Solanco Fair takes place September 14th through 16th featuring great food, a parade, and more.
The New Holland Farmer's Fair and the West Lampeter Community Fair, both featuring agriculture and competitions, kick off the 28th.
Head out to the Shops @ Rockvale on September 3rd for the Local Makers Market where you can purchase a wide variety of goods such as soaps, candles, jewelry and more from tons of local artisans. You can also check out Food Truck Friday Summer Music Series on September 9th.
Check out Corn Cob Acres for family fun on the farm and special events like exotic animals and grandparent's day this month!
Festivals are popping up all throughout the county this month! September 10th and 11th, head out to Barnyard Kingdom for the Potato Festival Spudtacular, an event all about the potato with delicious treats and contests!
Also on September 10th, try over 400 flavors of whoopie pies, enjoy contests, local artisans, and the largest whoopie pie ever made during the Whoopie Pie Festival.
Peruse the village's shops and celebrate the Tailgate Festival at Kitchen Kettle Village September 16th and 17th with tailgate foods, live music, and games. On September 17th, Cherry Crest Adventure Farm is offering their fun on the farm as well as the Hometown Heroes Festival, where you can touch-a-truck and meet local First Responders before a fireworks display closes out the night.
Towards the end of the month, enjoy tasting beers from local breweries and watching a homebrew competition during the Lititz Craft Beer Fest.
Have a unique experience this month by checking out the Lancaster Hot Air Balloon Festival on September 16th through 18th. Ride in a hot air balloon, try a tethered ride, watch over 30 balloons ascend together or get lit up in the evening as well as explore food vendors, family fun and more.
Try a seasonal menu including salad, salmon, chicken and more under the twinkling lights of Kitchen Kettle Village. You can even enjoy s'mores, local wines, and live entertainment during the September Sunset Soiree Dinner on September 23rd!
Live music continues into September with Wine by the Vine at Grandview Vineyard and Decked Out Live at the Vineyard at Hershey.
Keep up to date on what's happening in Lancaster, PA by signing up for our e-newsletter and by exploring our events page.
Catch a Show in Lancaster!
Chicago: The Musical | Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre | Through September 17th
In the 1920s, Chicago is roaring with hot jazz and cold-blooded women killers. Among them is Roxie Hart, an aspiring vaudevillian who murders her lover and goes to jail; there she meets her hero, the double murderess and nightclub entertainer Velma Kelly. The two vie for the spotlight and the attention of Chicago’s slickest criminal lawyer to transform their malicious crimes into sensational headlines.
Saturday Night Fever | Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre | Starting September 23rd
Streetwise Brooklyn kid, Tony Manero, lives for Saturday evening and his visit to the local disco, 2001 Odyssey. Wanting to escape his dead-end life through dancing, he meets Stephanie Mangano and the two decide to take part in a dance competition. Saturday Night Fever explores relationships on and off the dance floor with humor, conflict, style and unforgettable swagger.
David | Sight & Sound Theatres | Through December 31st
Master Poet. Fearless Warrior. Anointed King. From still waters to shadowed valleys, David’s ascent to the throne is filled with towering giants, wild animals, and Philistine soldiers. After unprecedented victories lead to devastating failures, this passionate warrior will face the biggest battle of all: the one within himself. Come alongside this young shepherd on his journey to become a man after God’s own heart.
Mystery | Magic & Wonder Theatre | Through October 29th
In this all new variety magic show, illusionist Brett Myers and his cast explore mysterious worlds such as the lost empire of “Atlantis,” the magic of never growing old in “Neverland,” and the excitement of the “Roaring 1920’s.” You’ll also dive into other worlds that keep you guessing such as the mysteries behind a “Masquerade Ball” and the daring escapades of a “Secret Agent.” Join Brett and his cast as they captivate with more large illusions and more dynamic circus arts than ever before, while reminding audiences of the true magic that exists all around us.
Ryan & Friends: Hilarity Happens | Bird-in-Hand Stage | Through October 15th
Laugh out loud and get a look at Lancaster County like you’ve never seen it before when Ryan and his colorful cast of friends present a hilarious multimedia tour of the region.
Jukebox Jive | Magic & Wonder Theatre | Through October 29th
Jukebox Jive is a music variety show that celebrates the biggest hits of the 50s, 60s, and 70s. Travel back in time to experience your favorite hits from the era when the Jukebox was the center of the fun!
Outdoor Things to do in Lancaster
Check out some great outdoor attractions like Eastland Alpacas and Cherry Crest Adventure Farm, perfect for the whole family. Explore the great outdoors with one of Lancaster's hiking and biking trails or some fun activities by and on the river. Stay for awhile at one of Lancaster's great campgrounds to further your outdoor adventure. Check out kaya kLanCo, Chiques Rock Outfitters, PA Adventures, and Adventure Explorations for rentals and guided excursions to get outdoors this summer.
Have a unique experience by taking a hot air balloon ride with Lancaster Balloon Rides, visiting the pack at the Wolf Sanctuary of PA, ziplining or meeting wildlife at Refreshing Mountain, or taking a guided tour of the county with Strasburg Scooter Tours.
Free Things to do in Lancaster
Head downtown to enjoy First Fridays in Lancaster City. The first Friday of every month galleries are open later, music and street performances are out, and of course be sure to try some of the amazing restaurants downtown. Take the kiddos with you because the Lancaster Science Factory is free from 5-7pm on first Fridays and you can explore over 70 fun and interactive science exhibits. While not free, you can also take the kiddos to Tiny Town on First Fridays for Kid's Night Out and enjoy a night out on your own. You can also check out local galleries, museums, and more throughout the city during Second Saturday!
Similar to Lancaster City's First Fridays, the cool small town of Lititz hosts Second Fridays from 5-9pm. Local merchants are open late, music, entertainment, and more await.
Check out more free things to do!
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