posted Aug 05, 2024

Top Things to Do in September in Lancaster, PA

•Updated: August•

September is when fall arrives, but not until the 22nd! So, make the most of the last bits of summer before the brisk autumn weather sets in.

However, if you're ready for fall, Lancaster County is also a great place to be during harvest time. It's the best time to get local produce, seasonal baked goods, homemade crafts, and wares at roadside stands and farmers' markets. Gear up for fall with these festive activities

Book Your Trip

Special Events

Festivals

PA Renaissance Faire

Experience Trails

Fall Fun!

Shopping

Live Theatre

Free!

Special Events in Lancaster, PA

Here are some special events that you need to make your way out to this September.

Grandparents Weekend | Corn Cob Acres | September 7 - 8
The Lancaster Airshow | Lancaster Airport | September 7 - 8
Traditional Crafts Market | Fasig & Keath Log Houses | September 8
AQS QuiltWeek - Lancaster | Spooky Nook Sports Conference Center | September 10 - 14
Hersheypark Halloween | Hersheypark | September 13 - November 3
Christiana Heritage Days | Christiana Historical Society | September 13 - 14
Date Night in the Garden | Conestoga House & Gardens | September 19
Guided Meadow Exploration | Greenfield Park | September 21
Touch a Truck | Corn Cob Acres | September 28
The Great Create Craft Workshop | Horst Arts | September 29

More Events

Festivals & Fairs

Get ready for non-stop fun because Lancaster County hosts festivals and fairs all year round, especially in the Fall! Check out the exciting line up of events happening this September!

Lancaster MusicFest | Buchanan Park | September 7
One World Festival | Franklin & Marshall College | September 8
Denver Fair | September 10 - 14
Hometown Heroes Festival | Cherry Crest Adventure Farm | September 16th
Tailgating Festival | Kitchen Kettle Village | September 20 - 21
Ephrata Fair | September 24 - 28
West Lampeter Community Fair | September 25 - 27
Quilt Fest | Garden Spot Village | September 28

More Festivals & Fairs

PA Renaissance Faire is Back

The Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire kicks off on August 17 and runs Saturdays & Sundays until October 27. Experience knights, stunts, delicious food and amazing artisans, and more throughout the Faire.

Can't make it to this year's Renaissance Faire? Stay tuned for the Yuletide at the PA Renaissance Faire happening end of November to December!

Lancaster Roots and Blues Festival

Lancaster Roots and Blues is a vibrant three-day music festival that takes place across multiple venues within walking distance in beautiful downtown Lancaster.

Featuring a mix of nationally recognized acts, regional and local talent attendees can enjoy a diverse range of music genres while exploring the charming cityscape.

It's a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of Lancaster while enjoying some incredible live music.

When: September 27 - 29
Where: Lancaster City

Full Day Itinerary

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Lancaster County Experience Trails

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 of mobile passports:

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

Fall Fun!

Let's head to a market, whether it's the small stand along the road, or in one of our many farmer's markets. The end of summer and the beginning of summer is the perfect time to visit.

Here's a list of markets that you need to visit this month:

Lancaster Central Market
Bird-in-Hand Farmer's Market
Cherry Hill Orchards & Farm Market
Kauffman Orchards
Lititz Farmer's Market | happening every Thursday till October 17
Green Dragon Farmer's Market
September Makers Market | The Shops @ Rockvale | September 7

Don't forget to visit our roadside stands this time of year! Local farmers will be selling their abundance of crops at local stands dotted across the roads of Lancaster County.

Find Roadside Stands

Trains have a rich history here in Lancaster, PA, as Strasburg RailRoad is America's oldest operating railroad! Hop aboard this historic train and enjoy their Wine & Cheese Train or Escape Room on the Train

Corn maze fun! Head to Family Fun at Oregon Dairy to partake in their Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch starting September 20!

The crisp autumn air brings apples and pumpkins to the forefront; they are perfect for picking. Visit different orchards and fields to pick the perfect pumpkin for carving or the perfect apple for snacking or baking. Mums are back at our greenhouses, so be sure to pick one or more up and decorate your home with the beautiful colors of fall.

Explore the great outdoors with one of Lancaster's hiking and biking trails or some fun activities by and on the river while you're at it. If you're headed to the river and are ready to get active check out kayakLanCo, and Chiques Rock Outfitters for rentals and guided excursions. If you want a more relaxing way to enjoy the river, take a boat cruise along the Susquehanna River, on the Chief Uncas boat.

Scoot around the county and see how beautiful PA's Amish Country truly is. Go on a Country Roads Excursion or their Covered Bridge Tour with Strasburg Scooters.

Head out to Old Windmill Farm for an Amish farmhouse experience in the farm kitchen, baking homemade bread, churning butter from our own cream, making cider, and more! Call us today to book your reservations.

Fun Activities

Shopping for Cozy Items

Looking for more items to added to your Fall shopping list, to totally deck out your life in everything fall? Well, there are tons of local shops that you should check out this Fall. Grab a friend and coffee and hit the road to various shops:

More Shops

Catch a Show

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

Beautiful, The Carole King Musical | Fulton Theatre | September 20 - October 20
This Tony and Grammy award-winning musical phenomenon is filled with the songs you remember and a story you’ll never forget. Featuring such unforgettable classics as “You’ve Got a Friend”, “One Fine Day”, “So Far Away”, “Take Good Care of My Baby”, “Up on the Roof”, “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling”, “Will You Love Me Tomorrow”, and “Natural Woman.”

Jersey Boys | Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre | August 16 - September 28
Go 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. The chart-topping hits include "Can't Take My Eyes Off You," "Sherry," "Big Girls Don't Cry," "Dawn," "My Eyes Adored You," and many more! Contains adult language and content.

Golden Era | Prima | September 20 - October 6
Prepare to dance and sing along to your favorite tunes from all-female vocal groups in this energy-packed tribute concert! Fierce performers bring to life the music of the Andrews Sisters, The Supremes, Destiny’s Child, The Spice Girls, and everything in between. From Doo-Wop to K-Pop, “spice up your life” with this unforgettable experience!

Ryan & Friends | Bird-in-Hand Stage | Through October 19
Comedy rules when Ryan returns to our stage with every one of his friends: witty 8-year-old Jeffrey, who lives in a suitcase and travels Third Class on airplanes; Harold and Irene, who have way more opinions than your average grandparents; and not-so-silent beasts Ardy the Skunk and Randy the Rooster, plus a new mystery guest—all hilarious and high-energy friends who barely let Ryan get a word in edge-wise.

Half-Stitched… the Musical | Bird-in-Hand Stage | Through October 24
Emma 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 31
Taken from his people, Daniel is exiled far from home in the perilous kingdom of Babylon. Now this faithful servant must navigate his new life inside a palace filled with golden statues and shifting empires. As royal pressures mount, Daniel is faced with a dangerous choice. Will his trust in God remain steadfast through every test of faith?

IMAGINARIUM | Magic & Wonder Theater | Through November 2
Go as far as imagination can take you in this BRAND NEW variety magic show! Experience 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. Your eyes will witness the impossible as people appear, disappear, and fly. All ages enjoy the wonder of this new show infused with grand-scale illusions, comedy, and variety arts.

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

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 in Lancaster County

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

Keep up to date with all things Lancaster by signing up for our e-newsletter and requesting a free copy of our Visitor Guide!

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Author

Tori•

Marketing Coordinator

Having lived in Lancaster for 2 years, Tori has a fresh perspective on the county and its experiences. She enjoys spending time outdoors, enjoying various international cuisines and participating in the many creative outlets Lancaster provides. Tori wants visitors to venture past the typical tourist attractions and visit all the small towns that Lancaster County has to offer. Outside of work, Tori enjoys visiting unique coffee shops and cafes across the county.

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