It’s that time of year again—when all the fairs and farm shows start! Lancaster County is truly a unique place to live during fair and festival season, with a fair happening nearly every weekend in the late summer and early fall. You won’t find so many opportunities anywhere else!
If you grew up in a town that has a fair, you might not have visited the other fairs in Lancaster County. I am hoping this quick guide will provide the information you need to decide which fair or festival you’d like to visit next.
Here they are. The fairs and festivals in (and around) Lancaster County. These are listed in the chronological order in which they occur.
Lancaster County Fairs
Elizabethtown Fair
end of August
We offer animal, agricultural, competitive and commercial exhibits. We have a free petting zoo, free nightly entertainment, contests for all ages, rides and lots of great food!
York Fair
beginning of September
The York Fair, “America’s First Fair®” is an annual Fair held in September, beginning the first Friday after Labor Day in York, PA. In 2015, the York Fair celebrated 250 years since the first York Fair in 1765.
Denver Fair
mid-September
The Denver Fair is located in the Denver Memorial Park on Main Street in Denver PA. We have free entertainment, contests, rides, animal exhibits, fruit & vegetables displays, commerical exhibits and craft exhibits for you to enjoy. There is no admission to our Fair. There is a charge for parking but those proceeds go to the local Fire Company, Boy Scout Troop and Church. Shed the stress and worry of everyday life and enjoy a fantastic time at our hometown Fair!
Solanco Fair
end of September
Every September in the Southern Lancaster County you will find FFA and 4-H members grooming their animals for show; proud cooks in their kitchen baking treats for the judges to sample; farmers and gardeners choosing their produce for competition; young children participating in the parades; and an overall enthusiastic and excited attitude in the citizens of the Solanco area.
Ephrata Fair
end of September
The Ephrata Fair, “The largest street fair in Pennsylvania” has been a significant part of local history for 98 years showcasing our many agricultural events and exhibits, as well as all the fun on the Midway.
West Lampeter Fair
end of September
The three-day event provides friendly competition among neighbors and a wholesome, educational atmosphere for all ages. Farmers and small gardeners can compare their produce at one central location. Children can learn to appreciate quality food products and farm animals. Our Youth Program is especially designed to encourage both boys and girls to exhibit in all categories of baking, canning, cooking, art, sewing, fruits, vegetables, plants and animals.
New Holland Farmers Fair
beginning of October
Every autumn the streets of New Holland play host to the town’s magnificent celebration of farm and community. The fair is centered on the 100 blocks of East and West Main Street. There is no admission fee and parking can be found on many of the streets surrounding the fair.
Manheim Community Farm Show
beginning to mid-October
The Manheim Community Farm Show exists to promote agriculture, crafts and competition in a friendly environment that encourages family values and cooperation.
Lancaster County Fall Festivals
Shippensburg Corn Festival
end of August
Downtown main streets are closed to vehicular traffic and transformed into a huge street fair for the day. More than 250 craft and food vendors, an antique car show, free family entertainment and a lively corn eating contest! All events at the Festival are FREE, so bring the family for a day of fun! (but please, NO PETS on the festival grounds)
LONG’S PARK LABOR DAY WEEKEND ART FESTIVAL
beginning of September
For three days shop and enjoy breathtaking creativity in a beautiful city park transformed into an outdoor gallery, just on the edge of historic downtown Lancaster. Our 39th annual event will showcase over 200 top artists and craftspeople from across the country, American artists from over 30 different states. Live music, fine food, wine and craft beer … something for everyone! All proceeds benefit the free Long’s Park Summer Music Series. Pets are not allowed within the Festival area. Properly identified service dogs are welcome.
Hay Creek Festival
second weekend of September
Step back in time 200 years and experience the rural history of the Hay Creek Valley & the Joanna Furnace Iron Works at the 41st annual Hay Creek Festival. Held the weekend after Labor Day, families will enjoy this one-of-a-kind living history experience on the 26-acre Joanna Furnace ironmaking plantation.
Latin American Cultural Festival
beginning of September
FREE TO ATTEND | FAMILY FRIENDLY EVENT | LIVE ENTERTAINMENT | LATIN FOOD and more!
Whoopie Pie Festival
September
The Most Delicious Day in Lancaster County! The annual Whoopie Pie Festival features more than 100 different Whoopie Pie flavors and is held at the Hershey Farm Restaurant & Inn, located in the heart of the Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Who can resist rich, creamy icing spread between two soft, delicious cakes? They’ve been a favorite Lancaster County confection for years. And now the Whoopie Pie isn’t just for eating! Free admission.
Chile Pepper Food Festival
September • Bowers, PA (about 1 hour from Lancaster)
This festival isn’t in Lancaster County, but its worth mentioning because its so unique! Definitely worth the drive if you love hot peppers. You’ll find a field to pick your own fresh peppers of all varieties, great food, dozens of stands sampling salsas and sauces, wagon rides, a jalapeno eating contest and a salsa contest.
Rubber Duckie Race and Festival
September
Great food, pony rides, games, face painting and more! Watch 20,000 rubber duckies float down the Conestoga River in an exciting race for fabulous prizes! Admission is FREE! New ticketing process EASIER and FASTER! Proceeds benefit Schreiber’s pediatric health and wellness programs and services.
Tailgate Festival
September
What’s cooking? Lot’s of homemade tailgate foods — salsas, pickles, burgers, dips, salads and delectable drinks at the Eagles and Steelers tailgate tents.
Amos Herr Park Community Fair
September
Please mark your calendars for the 38th annual Amos Herr Park Community Fair, produced in cooperation with East Hempfield Township, Landisville Lions Club, and the Amos Herr House and Historical Society on Sunday, Sept. 17 (rain date 9/24), from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Amos Herr Park, 1700 Nissley Rd., Landisville.
Family Fest
end of September
A FUN AFTERNOON FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY! And It’s All Free! Food • Games • Inflatables • Crafts • Fire Trucks • Candy Drop Hayrides • Face Painting • Tethered Hot Air Balloon • Tonka Truck Miniature Horse Petting Zoo • And More!
Landis Valley Harvest Days
mid-October
A culmination of a year’s worth of hard work, Harvest Days is Landis Valley’s oldest and largest family event. Come for demonstrations, exhibits, live music and activities, as well as horse-drawn wagon rides and a children’s discovery tent. Taste heirloom varieties of apples and watch them become apple butter and cider. Witness wool go from sheep to shawl. Pick a pumpkin of your very own and then decorate it. All of this and more are packed into two fun-filled days. Food will be available for purchase on site. Free parking.
If you know of a fall festival you’d like to see added to this list, please submit it here.
