posted Aug 02, 2024

Guide to Labor Day Weekend in Lancaster, PA

From festivals to amusement park fun, there’s plenty to do this Labor Day Weekend in Lancaster!

For many folks, Labor Day Weekend is the unofficial end to summer. However, there is still plenty to do before you pack your white pants away and dive into Fall. Friday through Monday, look forward to everything from fine wine and masterful artwork, to waterparks and live music.

Special Events:

Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire
The Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire kicked off on August 19th and runs every weekend through October 29th. See jousting knights, live music, stunts, try delicious foods, and more.

East Petersburg Blues Festival
Head out to East Petersburg on August 31 and enjoy live blues music! Happening 1PM to 7PM this free event is not one to miss for blues lovers.

Allentown Fair
The Great Allentown Fair begins on August 28 and runs through September 2. Rides, food, agricultural events, live music, and a fun time are waiting!

Decked Out Live
Head to the Vineyard at Hershey on Friday nights for food, wine, beer, cider and live music!

Wine by the Vine
Join Grandview Vineyards on Friday & Saturday night for wine, beer, cocktails, and live music on their deck.

Sunflower Fest
You can also check out the Sunflower Festival at Cherry Crest Adventure Farm on September 2nd, with sunflower and zinnia fields, wine and beer, live music, photo sessions and more.

Local Makers Market
The Shops @ Rockvale are hosting a Local Makers Market on September 7th. Shop local artisans with a variety of goodies including candles, jewelry, woodworking, as well as food and drink.

First Friday
Head into Lancaster City on August 30 for live performers, art galleries, live music and dining!

Long's Park Art Festival
Enjoy perusing 200 local artisans and vendors with handmade pieces and items.

First Saturday
September 7th is the last time to enjoy First Saturday in Ephrata before it comes back around next year. Enjoy the day exploring the main streets of Ephrata and the amazing businesses and history that makes this small town thrive.

Chief Uncas - Discovery Tour
Take a ride on an electric boat built in 1912 for the Busch family. Traverse onto the open waters of the Susquehanna River and take in the natural beauty located in Lancaster County. Make it a romantic date night on September 2nd on their sunset cruise.

Ice Cream Social
Head out on September 1st to Lititz Historical Foundation to welcome Steel Radiance, an all-female cover band that plays the best in classic rock and blues. Bring your dancing shoes, blankets, chairs, friends, family, and neighbors! This is a pay-what-you-can-event.

Family Fun:

Duke’s Lagoon at Dutch Wonderland

End the summer with a splash! Duke’s Lagoon at Dutch Wonderland closes for the season after Labor Day weekend, so don your swimsuit one last time and head on over while you can. If you are looking for other “cool” ideas- be sure to check out our list of activities to beat the heat!

See a Show!

There are plenty of theatres in Lancaster County showing off their talents through incredible stories. See Moses at Sight and Sound or head to one of our smaller theatres and enjoy The Home Game at Bird-in-Hand Stage.

Cherry Crest Adventure Farm

Enjoy over 50 farm fun activities for the family including a corn maze, wagon rides, hay chute slide, live animals and much more!

Horseback Trail Rides

Enjoy a relaxing guided horseback ride through the Ironstone Ranch at Stone Gables Estate. You and your horse will travel through shady forest trails and trek across open pastures.

Strasburg Rail Road

Head out to the Strasburg Rail Road, America's oldest operating railroad, and enjoy a 45 minute steam train ride from Strasburg to Paradise, PA.

Turkey Hill Experience

Take a break from the heat at Turkey Hill Experience where you sample teas and ice cream, learn about Turkey Hill's process, and create and taste your own flavor!

Strasburg Scooters

Have fun on a Country Road Excursion or a Covered Bridge Tour all weekend long as you scoot your way through Amish Country with Strasburg Scooters.

Amish Farm & House

Learn about Lancaster's Amish community, ride on an Amish scooter, take a tour of the countryside an,d more!

more top family attractions

Sip & Savor

Including live music, many of our wineries have tastings and offer a great place to hang out at on the weekends! You can also check out local breweries, and our brewery trail, for a craft brew and yummy food.

Dine outdoors while it's still patio season at spots like the treehouse at Loxley's, Annie Bailey's, Decades, and others. Enjoy great food and drinks on a rooftop at The Exchange, Altana, and Tellus360 and check out some of Lancaster's nightlife and bars.