Guide to Labor Day Weekend in Lancaster, PA

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 the school year. Friday through Monday, look forward to everything from fine wine and masterful artwork, to waterparks and live music.

Special Events:

Labor Day Auction | Solanco Fairgrounds

September 4th & 6th, 2021

The 2021 Hospice & Community Care Labor Day Auction is back in person at the Solanco Fairgrounds! This year’s Labor Day Auction will be presented by Rodgers & Associates, a tremendous supporter of the organization for over 15 years. From homemade treats prepared by the Amish community and hand-made quilts, to original art and sports memorabilia, the Auction will be back in full swing. For a full schedule of events, click here.

Labor Day Block Party & Food Truck Festival | Tanger Outlets Lancaster

September 5, 2021

Join Tanger Outlets for a kick off event this Labor Day Weekend! Enjoy a sports-themed family fun event with entertainment and activities for everyone! FREE fun can be found at the kids creation station and bounce house, and with the strolling super hero characters. Local food trucks including The Nacho Depot, Fuego Latino, Nano Grill, Mac Stack, Sam and Jo Gyros and Sabatino's Pizza Grill will be on-site, along with live music with DJ Tyler! Activities will be held in the festival zone near the playground, Michael Kors and American Eagle. The Outlet Center will also be offering major sales this holiday weekend, so plan to spend the day shopping and celebrating at Tanger!

Local Maker's Market & Labor Day Tent Sale | The Shops @ Rockvale

September 3 - 6, 2021

Stop by The Shops @ Rockvale, Suite 1709 on September 4th for the Local Maker's Market. The market will have an amazing variety of handmade goods, including items such as: body & skin care, candles, home decor, woodworking items, jewelry, apparel, accessories, photography, pottery, sweet & savory goodies, wine/mead tastings and so much more! Food Trucks will be on site outside to serve you with an outdoor seating area to enjoy live music from the Brandon Isaiah Project.

The Labor Day Tent Sale kicks off September 3rd and continues through the 6th. Shop all your favorite brands for low prices at Rockvale!

Art Festival | Long's Park

September 3 - 5, 2021

The Long’s Park Art Festival, hosted by the Long’s Park Amphitheater Foundation, is the primary funding event for the Foundation’s Summer Music Series. Your ticket purchase helps the Foundation achieve its goal of enriching Lancaster through art and music. The annual Art Festival and the Summer Music Series at Long’s Park present great art and music to people in our community and those who visit us in this great city in ways that might otherwise not be possible. The Art Festival welcomes thousands of visitors each year and hosts 200 exhibitors who are chosen through a competitive jury process.

First Friday | Downtown Lancaster

September 3, 2021

There’s nothing like a First Friday in Lancaster! Join in Lancaster’s highly popular arts extravaganza from 5 to 9 pm. Discover innovative exhibitions, performances and perhaps a few surprises as you explore Downtown Lancaster.

Dog Days in the Maze | Barnyard Kingdom

September 3 - 6, 2021

Dog Days in the Maze at the Barnyard Kingdom is your opportunity to enjoy the maze with your furry friend! All dogs must be leashed for the entirety of their visit and must be up to date on all their vaccinations. Please clean up after your dog and bear in mind that unruly dogs and dog parents will be asked to leave. This fabulous event features over 30 fun, farm activities for you & your family including a huge jump pad, giant slides, barnyard animals, pig races, 5 acre corn maze, mini wagon rides and more!

Annual Ice Cream Social | Lititz Historical Foundation

September 5th, 2021

Head down to the Lititz Historical Foundation for their Annual Ice Cream Social in the Mary Oehme Gardens. The event is free for guests. Enjoy live music, a beautiful garden setting, and of course, ice cream!

Family Fun:

Duke’s Lagoon at Dutch Wonderland | 2249 Lincoln Hwy E., Lancaster

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!

Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum | 2451 Kissel Hill Rd., Lancaster

Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum, part of the PA State Museum system, is a living history museum interpreting Pennsylvania German life from 1740-1940. Once an actual rural crossroads village, Landis Valley has more than 40 historic structures located on 100 scenic acres. Costumed guides explain Pennsylvania German traditions and folklore, skilled artisans demonstrate traditional crafts and open hearth cooking. Plan your visit to take a step back in time at this living history destination.

River Discovery Boat Tours | 1706 Long Level Rd., Wrightsville

The Susquehanna National Heritage Area offers River Discovery Boat Tours for groups up to 10 passengers. On these pontoon boats, guides will lead you on a 70-minute tour of the river where you will experience the joy the water, hearing stories of the river and viewing beautiful scenery ant wildlife. Tours are offered free of charge thanks to the grants from the PA Department of Conservation and Nation Resources/Heritage Areas programs, as well as the National Parks Service/ Chesapeake Bay Gateways Program. Tours depart from the Zimmerman Center for Heritage dock, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays August 21 – September 5, and Labor Day Sept. 6 at 10:00 AM, 11:45 AM, 1:30 PM, and 3:15 PM. Online reservations are recommended.

Sip & Savor:

Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire | 12275 Lebanon Rd., Manheim

Visit the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire! In addition to live entertainment and dazzling costumes, enjoy fine wines and local brews as you step back in time to the Renaissance era for a day.

Nissley Vineyards and Winery Estate | 140 Vintage Dr., Bainbridge

Visit the Nissley Winery for a wine tasting! Bring a picnic and some lawn chairs or a blanket, and enjoy an evening with a chilled bottle of wine. Must be 21 to attend, bring photo I.D.

Get your Grill On! | 23 N. Market St., Lancaster

Everyone loves a good cook-out for Labor Day, try serving some of our locally produced meats and vegetables at your party. Fresh foods can be picked up at Central Market on Friday or Saturday from 7 AM - 2 PM, or at many of the various farm stands around the county. If you aren’t sure where to visit, we have a roadside stands round-up for you to review.

For more things to do and details on upcoming events be sure to sign up for our e-newsletter or request a free copy of our getaway guide! Visit our Events page for more things to do in Lancaster!