posted Jul 05, 2024

Things to Do this August in Lancaster County

Fun ideas for the family before school starts! Take a look at some of our suggestions below for an amazing final month of summer.

With the last few golden days of summer nearing, and the start of school edging in on the horizon why not go out with a bang? It is just the place to cap off your summer and cross a few more things off your bucket list.

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Events

Festivals

FREE Experiences

Must-do Activities

Eat

Catch a Show

Free

Special Events

Before Fall hits make your way out to the many unique events happening in the county in the month of August.

70th Anniversary Celebration | August 1 - 3
Terre Hill Lunch in the Park | August 2
Pool Party | Conestoga House & Gardens | August 2
37th Annual Middle Creek Wildlife Art Show | August 2 - 4
Yummie's FREE Birthday Party | August 3
Model Railroading Day | Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania | August 3, 10, 17 & 24
Red Rose Rumble Wrestling | Clipper Magazine Stadium | August 3
A Midsummer Night's Dream | Historic Rock Ford | August 9 - 18
Liverpool Legends Concert | August 10
Tadpole Time: Scat | Columbia Crossing River Trails Center | August 14
Date Night in The Garden | August 15
Celebrate Lancaster | Lancaster City | August 16th
"Spud"-tacular Potato Dig | Barnyard Kingdom | August 17th

More Events!

Festivals, Fairs & Live Music

Get ready for non-stop fun because Lancaster County hosts festivals and fairs all year round! Check out the exciting events happening this August!

Peach Festival | Flinchbaugh's Orchard and Farm Market | August 3 and 10
Bacon Fest 2024 | Stoltzfus Meats Inc. | August 10
Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire | Saturdays & Sundays August 17 – October 27
Experience Lancaster County like a local head out to the Elizabethtown Fair, August 19 – 24.
Nook Brew Fest | Spooky Nook Sports | August 24
The Lancaster Craft Beerfest | August 24
Long's Park Labor Day Art Festival | August 30 - September 1
Sunflower Festival | Cherry Crest Adventure Farm | August 31 - September 7

And don't miss out! August is the last month to enjoy live music around the County.

Decked Out Live | Vineyard at Hershey
Summerfest | Nissley Vineyard
Long's Park Summer Music Series
Wine by the Vine | Grandview Vineyard
Jazz on the Patio Summer Series | The Barn at Paradise Station
Concerts at Greenfield Park - 7 Briges: The Ultimate EAGLES Experience | August 15th

Summer Live Music

Take a Tour!

Tours are a great way to discover a new place and fully engage in its culture. Fortunately, Lancaster County offers a wide variety of options, including historical, Amish, and food tours. Here is a list of tours that you should check out during your time in Lancaster:

Chief Uncas Boat Tour
Take a one-hour tour of the Susquehanna River on a 1912 electric boat once owned by Adolphus Busch. Experience the beautiful and relaxing views of the river while hearing stories about the river and the vessel.

Unique Lancaster Experiences
From an e-bike tour around Lancaster City exploring its history to an international food tour where you get to try various local businesses authentic cuisine. Unique Lancaster Experiences has lots more to choose from so be sure to check them all out.

Amish Dinner Tour
Experience a scenic sunset dinner on an Amish farm. Hop on a bus and drive through beautiful backroads till you get to an Amish farm where they will serve you a traditional Amish dinner.

Strasburg Scooter Tours
Take a ride through the Amish countryside on a motorized scooter! There are multiple tours to choose from, our favorite for summer is their Scootin' for Scoops...of Ice Cream and a Date Night in Amish Country.

Brewery Tours
Brewery Tours believes that "craft beer was meant to be experienced." Their Walk-a-Bout tour will guide you through 3 amazing breweries with a tasting of 12 different craft beers.

More Tours

Beat The Heat

While being outside is great in the summer, sometimes the heat is unbearable. When it is, take the opportunity to enjoy our indoor activities.Head to the northern end of our County and go underground at the Indian Echo Caverns. Revel in the natural underground beauty that has been there for centuries and hear about the story of the Pennsylvania Hermit.

While you're in the northern end stop by the unique town of Lititz, and learn about its rich history at Lititz Historical Foundation, indulge in famous Wilbur Buds, and visit the first commercial pretzel bakery in America, Julius Sturgis.If you or the kids need a brain break then head to Laserdome or Escape Room Lancaster! Fun for all ages!Another great way to beat the summer heat is to go shopping!

One of the top shopping spots in Lancaster County is Kitchen Kettle Village is a must-visit.

Next, head to Lancaster City and shop their 300 Block of shops, this is where you'll find lots of boutique shops!

If you're looking for great deals, look no further than the Tanger Outlets, conveniently on Route 30.

Beat the Heat

Lancaster County Experience Passes

Discover Lancaster County, PA your way! Our experience passes offer exciting opportunities, deals, and discounts that are sure to elevate your visit to Lancaster.

1. Download one or all of our 4 mobile passports:
Lancaster County Sweet & Salty Trail
Lancaster County Craft & Cork Trail

2. Check in to various local businesses.
3. Redeem coupons
4. Earn points towards exclusive prizes. When you've earned enough points, head over to the Discover Lancaster Visitors Center to pick up special prizes!

Join Our Trails

Must-do Activities in Lancaster, PA

Hop aboard on the Strasburg Rail Road! Take a historic ride through the Amish Countryside, and enjoy one of their specialized trains like their Murder Mystery, Wine & Cheese, and Escape Room on the Train are happening until the end of the year.

Visit Amish Country! Amish Country is best visited in the summer with its fresh produce, lively attractions, and bustling atmosphere. Don't miss out when you're in Lancaster County!

Things to do

Places to stay:

Where to eat

Katie's Kitchen
Miller's Smorgasbord
Strasburg Country Store & Creamery
Amish Meals at Home with Samuel and Ruth Lapp

Amish Owned Businesses

Take your Instagram to new heights with these beautiful and Instagram-worthy spots.

Of course, anywhere and everywhere around Lancaster County is great for photos, however, here are a few locations to get you started.

Photo-worthy Spots

Grab the Perfect Bite

When traveling, some people prioritize discovering the ideal local food spot over the destination itself. When traveling, some folks cherish finding the perfect local spot more than the destination itself! Here is a list of some that we recommend trying out:

Foodie Spots

Catch a Show

Lancaster is home to many amazing theatres, check out some shows happening this month!

The Sound of Music | Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre | July 8 - August 10Follow Maria, the high-spirited nun, sent from her convent to be the governess to seven unruly children of a strict father, Captain von Trapp.

Jersey Boys | Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre | August 16 - September 28Go behind the music and inside the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons! Discover the secret of a 40-year friendship as the foursome work their way from the streets of New Jersey to the heights of stardom.

Ryan & Friends | Bird-in-Hand Stage | Through October 19Audiences never seem to tire of laughing along with Ryan & Friends. Fresh, family-friendly and always funny, they’re back by popular demand. This season’s show features fan favorites – skits and songs from past shows – with music, new comedy and an all-new finale that will leave you rolling in the aisles.

Half-Stitched… the Musical | Bird-in-Hand Stage | August 13 - October 24Emma Yoder, a recent widow, plans a peaceful weekend quilting class. As her students—a biker, an estranged couple, a pastor’s wounded wife, a young military veteran, and a rebellious young girl—spend the weekend learning Amish quilt patterns, seams and secrets come unraveled, tears and truths emerge, and Emma must navigate her way through the upheaval that ensues.

Daniel | Sight & Sound Theatres | Through December 31stFrom the banks of the Nile River to the depths of the Red Sea, MOSES is a spectacular entertainment experience for the whole family! Set adrift as a baby, he is an unlikely hero — until God calls him to lead His people out of Egypt and into the Promised Land.

IMAGINARIUM | Magic & Wonder Theater | Through November 2Experience wonder as illusionist Brett Myers takes audiences to a larger-than-life-circus, the whimsy of Wonka, the glamour of Hollywood, and the curiosities of a Steampunk era.

Jukebox Jive | Magic & Wonder Theater | Through October 19Jukebox 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!

Every Brilliant Thing | Gretna Theatre | August 1 - 4Every Brilliant Thing is a heart-wrenching and hilarious one-man play that will have your belly laughing and your eyes brimming.

Great Balls Of Fire | Gretna Theatre | August 22 - 25After playing Jerry Lee Lewis in “Million Dollar Quartet” in over 80 cities, Jason Cohen brings his ivory-smashing, high-energy performance to a new theatrical concert.

The Marvelous Wonderettes | Servant Stage | July 11 - August 11, 2024Set in the nostalgic 1950s and ‘60s, this musical extravaganza takes you on a journey through time, delivering an electrifying blend of chart-topping hits, dazzling choreography, and heartwarming tales of friendship and love. Join Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy, and Suzy, as they harmonize their way through the highs and lows of high school, celebrating the power of music to transcend any challenge in The Marvelous Wonderettes!

Don't miss out on seeing a concert in Lancaster! American Music Theatre hosts a ton throughout the year, and just outside of the county is Giant Center in Hershey.

See more upcoming shows

Free Things To Do

Head downtown on the First Friday of the month to explore local artists and galleries, independent retailers, music, and entertainment. You can even turn it into a night out on the town by checking out some downtown dining! On the same night, from 5-7pm on First Fridays, the Lancaster Science Factory is free for you to explore their 70 interactive exhibits.

Similarly, you can explore our small towns on their select days. Manheim hosts First Thursdays, Lititz Second Fridays, and Ephrata First Saturdays.

Free in Lancaster, PA

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