Teresa Bitler 2020-01-07 03:57:36
FESTIVALS WORTH PLANNING A TRIP AROUND While Pennsylvania has exciting events throughout the year, you won’t want to miss the sights, sounds, and spectacles of the state’s — and nation’s — biggest and best festivals to experience art, agriculture, music, and sports. PA FARM SHOW January 4–11, 2020 | Harrisburg, farmshow.pa.gov The nation’s largest indoor agricultural exposition under one roof, the PA Farm Show features nearly 6,000 animals and 12,000 competitive exhibits spread throughout 11 halls and three arenas. Don’t miss the traditional butter sculpture event that has depicted cows, school children, and Ben Franklin in past years. GROUNDHOG DAY February 2, 2020 | Punxsutawney, groundhog.org There’s more to Groundhog Day than Punxsutawney Phil’s prognostication. In the days leading up to February 2, take a hay ride through town, have breakfast with Phil, listen to live music, and tour Gobbler’s Knob, where Phil will look for his shadow on the big day. LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL WORLD SERIES August 20-30, 2020 | South Williamsport, littleleague.org/world-series One of Pennsylvania’s biggest events, the Little League Baseball World Series attracts teams from around the world every summer to compete for seven championship titles. Cheer for your favorite Little Leaguers, and then head to the World of Little League Museum to learn about the program and purchase souvenirs MUSIKFEST July 31–August 9, 2020 | Bethlehem, musikfest.org Musikfest celebrates almost every genre of music — from rock and rap to country and classical — with more than 500 performances on 17 stages over 10 days. Many of the performances are free, and ticketed shows are often headlined by internationally acclaimed artists. PHILADELPHIA FLOWER SHOW February 29–March 8, 2020 Philadelphia, theflowershow.com Started in 1829 by the Pennsylvania Horticulture Society and featuring the world’s best floral and landscape designers, the Philadelphia Flower Show is the nation’s largest and longest-running horticulture event. This year, expect to see exotic Mediterranean gardens and clusters of scented flowers inspired by the show’s theme, “Riviera Holiday.” THUNDER IN THE VALLEY June 25–28, 2020 Johnstown, visitjohnstownpa.com/thunder-valley Motorcycles roar through historic downtown Johnstown the fourth weekend in June for Thunder the Valley. In addition to the Thunder Parade of motorcycles on Saturday at noon, the free event includes vendors, manufacturer displays, demo rides, stunt shows, live music, kids’ activities, and food booths. CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS July 8–12, 2020 State College, arts-festival.com Often ranked one of the nation’s top three fine arts shows, the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts, referred to as “Arts Fest,” welcomes more than 100,000 people annually to downtown State College each July. Watch artists at work and browse the booths of more than 300 artists selling fine art and handcrafted goods. JANUARY PH Longwood Gardens’ Orchid Extravaganza Kennett Square, longwoodgardens.org Longwood’s conservatory is glorious with breathtaking orchids. Come in from the cold and delight in the sights of a soaring archway, giant orbs, and a curtain all made of orchids. PW Marienville Winterfest Marienville, visitpago.com Take in the beauty of winter at this annual event featuring a snowmobile torchlight parade, chili cook-off, bake-off, food, vendors, sky lanterns, bingo games, and a raffle. FEBRUARY PO Jim Thorpe Winterfest Jim Thorpe, jimthorpe.org Over President’s Day Weekend, enjoy a family-friendly mix of train rides, family activities, special sales, and entertainment for a weekend of winter fun in the Pocono Mountains. PH Philly Theatre Week Philadelphia, theatrephiladelphia.org Over 10 days, take your pick from more than 100 unique performance experiences, such as musical productions, readings, and interactive events priced at special rates. MARCH UP Scranton St. Patrick’s Day Parade Scranton, stpatparade.com This is said to be the secondlargest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the country, which celebrates the city’s Irish heritage. MARCH/APRIL LH Pennsylvania Maple Festival Meyersdale, pamaplefestival.com With a tree-tapping ceremony, parade, Maple Race Run/Walk, quilt show, and tractor show, this festival celebrates the bounty of maple trees, as well as the local community. APRIL PW Chainsaw Carvers Rendezvous Ridgway, chainsawrendezvous.org Chainsaw carvers gather annually to share their art and skill with the public at the world’s largest event of its kind. PI Maple Syrup Festival Beaver Falls, visitbeavercounty.com At Bradys Run Park, indulge in an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast served with maple syrup made from local trees, and then browse dozens of craft booths. SU McClure Bacon Fest McClure, mcclurebaconfest.com Pig out on all-things-pork at this feast, featuring more than 80 vendors serving everything from chocolate-covered bacon to maple bacon cupcakes. UP Wilkes-Barre Cherry Blossom Festival Wilkes-Barre, visitluzernecounty.com In Kirby Park, take in the beauty of the cherry blossoms while enjoying food, crafts, live music, a car show, and dance performances. MAY UP Chocolate & Wine F estival Montrose, chocolatewinefestival.com Regional wineries, numerous vendors, and local businesses come together to offer tastings of wines and gourmet chocolates, paired with live music and shopping. AL Dirt Rag Dirt F est Hesston, dirtragdirtfest.com Admission to this weekend mountain biking event includes access to demo bikes, shuttles, group rides, clinics, educational seminars, kids’ rides and activities, music, and movies. AL The Path of the Flood Historic Races Johnstown, jaha.org The hybrid road/rail-trail course of this race allows runners to experience the historic 1889 Johnstown Flood in its entirety with the half-marathon, or in small droplets through the 5K or 12K races. JUNE PW Art in the Wilds Kane, artinthewilds.org At this outdoor, juried fine arts show held the fourth weekend of June, artists display and sell original works of art. Admission is free. PI Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival Slippery Rock, bantamjeepfestival.com This event celebrates Butler’s role as the birthplace of the Jeep. Join visitors from around the world at Cooper’s Lake for this three-day festival. GL Grove City Strawberry Days Grove City, visitmercercountypa.com This three-day festival features musical entertainment, more than 70 crafters and artisans, and delicious strawberry foods of all kinds. It’s always held the weekend of the first full week in June. DU Kutztown Folk Festival Kutztown, kutztownfestival.com This annual event showcases more than 200 of America’s finest craftsmen and folk artists, as well as antiques, Amish culinary specialties, and old-fashioned pastimes. PI 10th Annual Pit tsburgh International Jazz Festival Pittsburgh, pittsburghjazzfest.org World-renowned jazz performers, more than 140 local musicians, jam sessions, food trucks, and a craft beer garden garner crowds of music lovers at this annual festival. PO NASCAR Doubleheader Week Long Pond, poconoraceway.com Spend a long weekend at Pocono Raceway to watch racecars roar around the track in a series of highprofile events. JULY GL WaterFire Sharon, waterfiresharonpa.org This event takes its name from the more than 50 braziers anchored in the Shenango River, which are lit at nightfall during the festival. PW 100 Mile Yard Sale Multiple Locations visitclearfieldcounty.org The 100 Mile Yard Sale offers an opportunity to find that hidden gem, item, antique, or treasure that you have always wanted. PI Fort Armstrong Folk Festival Kittanning, armstrongfestival.com From a historical encampment and craft demonstrations to a classic car show and live music, this annual festival features an array of history, heritage, and entertainment for all ages. DU ChambersFest Chambersburg explorefranklincountypa.com A range of events will be held during the festival, including ChambersFest Restaurant Week, Tim and Susan Cook Memorial 1-Mile Race, Old Market Day, and 1864: The Burning. SU Danville Heritage Festival Danville, itourcolumbiamontour.com This celebration features train rides, historical speakers, living history demonstrations, downtown architecture tours, a 5K walk/run, and sports tournaments. PI Picklesburgh Pittsburgh, picklesburgh.com Located on the Roberto Clemente Bridge, this foodie festival celebrates everything-pickled, from traditional international foods and wacky creations to fun competitions and DIY demonstrations. PI Rain Day Festival Waynesburg, raindayfestival.com With an umbrella decorating contest, live music, petting zoo, face painting, and “Diaper Derby” baby crawl, this is a fun event for the whole family. GL Erie BikeFest Erie, hderiebikefest.com This week-long annual event brings motorcycle-related activities, charity rides, vendors, and contests to Liberty Park & Highmark Amphitheater. AL Revolutionary War Days Altoona, fortroberdeau.org Watch history come to life with encampment and battle reenactments at historic Fort Roberdeau, which dates back to 1778. PI Western PA Balloon Quest New Castle, wpaballoonquest.webs.com See the sky sprinkled with hot air balloons, and at night, see the “Balloon Glow” where the balloons dance to music and you can enjoy amusements, live entertainment, and food. PO Wildflower Music Festival White Mills, dorflinger.org This annual music festival at the Dorflinger-Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary showcases an array of live music, such as brass band, modern jazz, and tribute performances held in the great outdoors. AUGUST PW Cameron County Fair Emporium, visitpago.com Held the first full week of August, this county fair includes a tractor parade, talent shows, pie eating contest, cornhole tournament, and beautiful baby contest. DU Corvettes at Carlisle Carlisle, carlisleevents.com The largest Corvette show in the world converges on Carlisle with more than 5,000 of America’s classic sports car. Don’t miss the Corvette Parade through downtown Carlisle. AL Juniata County Fair Port Royal, juniatacountyfair.com Enjoy competitive exhibits, entertainment, rides, games, food, commercial vendors, races and more at this annual event. DU Mt. Gretna Outdoor Art Show Mt. Gretna, mtgretnaarts.com Presented under the oak trees of Old Chautauqua, stroll the booths of nearly 300 artists as they display their work, and also enjoy live music, plein air painters, and a kids-focused art show. DU Perry County Fair Newport, pecofair.org Livestock shows, the Miss Perry County Fair competition, a chili cook-off, and live music are just a few of the exciting activities at this annual event. PH Philadelphia Folk Festival Upper Salford Township, pfs.org The longest continuously running outdoor music festival in North America, the Philly Folk Fest brings some of the leading names in folk music to Montgomery County for three days. SEPTEMBER PW Allegheny Toyota Autumn Leaf Festival Clarion, clarionpa.com More than 500,000 people come to this annual event featuring carnival rides, a parade, antique tractor show, cultural demonstrations, and car cruise. LE The Great Allentown Fair Allentown, allentownfairpa.org Live music of all kinds, a thrilling demolition derby, carnival rides, and decadent fair food garners crowds at this annual fair. SU Bloomsburg Fair Bloomsburg, bloomsburgfair.com The largest agricultural fair in Pennsylvania hosts top-notch musical acts, exhibits, food stands, craft stands, live-stock, poultry, and rabbit exhibits daily. PH Doylestown Arts Festival Doylestown, dtownartsfestival.com This two-day street festival in historic downtown showcases 160 juried artists, live music on five stages, local food vendors, live art, and interactive demonstrations. AL Goose Day Multiple Locations, juniatarivervalley.org A local legend states that if you eat goose on Sept. 29, you won’t want for money in the coming year. Restaurants in Mifflin and Juniata counties serve the lucky bird in a variety of ways, including classic roast goose dinners, sliders, and pizza. AL Italian Food & Heritage Festival Tipton, mydelgrossopark.com All manner of Italian specialties (think lasagna, sweet peppers stuffed with Italian sausage, cheese tortellini, and Italian rum cake) can be savored at this annual foodie fest at DelGrosso’s Amusement Park. PW Johnny Appleseed Festival Sheffield, johnnyappleseedfest.net Professional lumberjack competitions, cornhole tournament, apple pie baking contest, tractor pulls, and kids’ activities are the draw at this annual festival. UP Pennsylvania Bowhunters Festival Forksville, pabowhunters.com This three-day event offers a wide variety of shooting activities and events designed to prepare bowhunters for the upcoming archery season, while also providing fun and entertainment. PH Pints in the Square Craft Brew Fest and 5K Newtown Square, pintsinthesquare.com Run a 5K fun race (or just cheer on the runners), and then listen to live music and sip your way through craft beer from dozens of breweries. UP Pottsville On Tap Pottsville, downtownpottsville.com This all-day festival in downtown includes a beer garden, wine tasting, regional food, live music with local bands, local artisans, and craft makers. PI Covered Bridge Festival Multiple Locations, visitwashingtoncountypa.com This annual festival includes activities at covered bridge locations throughout Washington and Greene counties, showcasing live music, historic reenactments, home cooking, children’s activities, and craft vendors. DU Whoopie Pie Festival Strasburg, whoopiepiefestival.com Celebrate one of Lancaster County’s delicious and world-famous Dutch confectionery icons in a big way through games, contests, music, and general culinary merriment. PH Mushroom Festival Kennett Square, longwoodgardens.org Celebrate mushrooms with music, rides, and entertainment in the “Mushroom Capital of the World.” Learn about cooking and storing mushrooms from the pros. OCTOBER GL Applefest Franklin, franklinapplefest.com Enjoy more than 300 arts and crafts vendors, live entertainment, historic district tours, 5K race, an antique and classic car cruise, apple pancake breakfast, and apple pie baking contests. AL Bedford Fall Foliage Festival Bedford, bedfordfallfoliagefestival.com Centered in the historical downtown, Fall Foliage Festival brings together arts, crafts, and culture in the crisp mountains of central Pennsylvania. PO Black Bear Film Festival Milford, blackbearfilm.com The Black Bear Film Festival at the Historic Milford Theatre is one of Pennsylvania’s premier independent film festivals. GL Fall Pumpkin Fest Conneaut Lake, conneautlake.com This family-friendly festival draws nearly 25,000 people to Conneaut Lake Park with rides, arts and craft show, food vendors, entertainment, parade, and the Giant Pumpkin Drop. PW Falling Leaves Festival and Outdoor Show Coudersport, visitpottertioga.com Enjoy the fall foliage, as well as a parade, food vendors, arts and crafts, farmers market, live music, and kids’ activities. PW Flaming Foliage Festival Renovo, pastateflamingfoliagefestival.com Take in the beauty of the area’s colorful fall leaves, and then celebrate at this festival that includes the crowning of a queen, a parade, crafts, vendors, and excitement. LH Fort Ligonier Days Ligonier, fortligonierdays.com Battle reenactments, 150 juried craftsmen, and a huge parade commemorate the key strategic battle of the French and Indian War. PW HalloweenFest Punxsutawney, visitpago.com On the last weekend in October, Barclay Square comes to life with DJ music, magic shows, a range of performances, a bouncy house, and over 45 vendors. DU Hersheypark in the Dark Hershey, hersheypark.com Bring a flashlight for this nighttime event over three weekends, where you’ll ride roller coasters, go trick-or-treating, and explore ZooAmerica® North American Wildlife Park in the dark. DU National Apple Harvest Festival Biglerville, appleharvest.com This event has been celebrating beautiful crafts, great music, and wonderful food for more than 50 years. It features hundreds of craft dealers, demonstrations, contests, apple-themed food vendors, and entertainment. UP Pennsylvania Apple & Cheese Festival Canton, paapplecheese.com From chainsaw carving and free entertainment to apple butter making and wine and cheese tasting, this festival is a must-taste event. SU Warrior Run — Fort Freeland Heritage Days Turbotville, freelandfarm.org Enjoy Colonial foods, demonstrations, period-costumed crafters, tradesmen, and lectures that will help you better understand the lives of the early settlers in the Warrior Run area. NOVEMBER PH Thanksgiving Day Parade Philadelphia, visitphilly.com Celebrate the bounty of the season at the country’s oldest Thanksgiving parade, featuring massive balloons, over-the-top floats, dazzling dance performances, and local marching bands. LE PA Baconfest Easton, pabaconfest.com Explore downtown Easton as the streets line with food vendors, beer tents, and more than 80,000 attendees. Be sure to bring your appetite. Runners can lace up for the Racin’ Bacon 5K. PI It’s A W onderful Life Festival Indiana, wonderfullifefestival.com Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with a festive parade, holiday lights and decorations, and visits with Santa in the “Christmas Tree Capital of the World.” DECEMBER UP Christmas in Our Home town Tunkhannock, tunkhannockbusiness.com Holiday cheer fills the streets of Tunkhannock when the annual celebration kicks off the first weekend of December. Vendors, live entertainment, and activities for the whole family bring the spirit of the season to the streets. PW Dickens of a Christmas Wellsboro, visitpottertioga.com Wellsboro’s Main Street transforms into an early Victorian marketplace, with more than 175 craft and food vendors dressed in Victorian garb, as well as carolers strolling the streets. AL Fulton County Festival of Lights McConnellsburg, fultoncountypafair.com Go for a scenic drive through the twinkling light exhibits at the fairgrounds. Stop at the Welcome Center for pictures with Santa and enjoy kids’ crafts, a train display, and sweet treats. SU Mifflinburg Christkindl Mifflinburg, oldchristkindl.com Enjoy a German-style holiday market, as well as choral concerts, zither music, international dancers, a living nativity scene, and traditional foods for the season, including strudel and roasted nuts. LE PEEPSFEST Bethlehem, steelstacks.org Celebrate New Year’s Eve like you never have before with this family-friendly festival featuring a kids’ fun run, age-appropriate activities and music, magicians, clowns, and a PEEPS Chick Drop to commemorate the new year. INDIANA COUNTY IS KNOWN AS THE “CHRISTMAS TREE CAPITAL OF THE WORLD.” PI Pittsburgh and Its Countryside LH Laurel Highlands PW Pennsylvania Wilds UP Upstate PA PO Pocono Mountains LE Lehigh Valley PH Philadelphia and The Countryside DU Dutch Country Roads AL The Alleghenies SU Valleys of the Susquehanna GL Pennsylvania’s Great Lakes Region
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