Things to do this July in Lancaster, PA

Special Events

All aboard at the Strasburg Rail Road this summer! Watch the stunt spectacular The Great Diamond Heist, can you help get the train back to Strasburg safely after the bad guys reveal themselves?

Festivals in Lancaster continue this summer with the Roots & Blues Festival downtown, featuring music throughout the city! You can also check out the Sweet Corn Festival at Cherry Crest Adventure Farm, with sweet corn menu items, crafts, games and all the farm fun you know and love.

Music and wine lovers rejoice! Music in the vineyards continues into July with Wine by the Vine at Grandview Vineyard, Decked Out Live at the Vineyard at Hershey, and Summerfest at Nissley Vineyards. Hop onboard the Wine & Cheese Train at the Strasburg Rail Road to sample wines from Waltz Vineyards and their cheese pairings. You can also head to Mount Hope for Blues & Brews where you're able to try local breweries and listen to live music. You can also head out to Longs Park on Sunday nights with your chairs and blankets for the Longs Park Summer Music Series!

Celebrate Independence Day in Lititz, PA. The annual Lititz 4th of July event occurs on July 1st and 2nd this year, with a free concert, a parade, food trucks, fun and fireworks! There's even more fireworks happening throughout Lancaster County, check them out here! After watching an amazing concert from the US Army Band: Pershing's Own, watch an amazing fireworks display on July 3rd at Long's Park! Check out some other places to catch the fireworks and celebrate this year!

Explore the foodie fun in the village by taking a Picnic Tasting Tour of all the goodies in Kitchen Kettle Village.

Step back in time at Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum for Civil War Weekend, filled with demonstrations and activities.

Art lovers can explore the Lititz Art Association's Outdoor Fine Art Show, featuring over 130 artists, including local artists! You can also explore tons of local galleries and their upcoming exhibits.

Keep up to date by checking out our events calendar, signing up for our e-newsletter, and requesting your free copy of the Getaway Guide.

Catch a Show

Check out the amazing Broadway-caliber shows happening in July below, and check out more upcoming shows here.

Jersey Boys | Fulton Theatre | June 28 - August 7
How did four kids from Jersey become one of the greatest successes in pop music history? Jersey Boys takes you up the charts, across the USA and behind the music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. Previous Jersey Boys ticketholders will be contacted by the theatre.

The Little Mermaid | Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre | July 1 - August 6
Ariel, King Triton’s youngest daughter, wishes to pursue the human Prince Eric in the world above, bargaining with the evil sea witch, Ursula, to trade her tail for legs. But the bargain is not what it seems, and Ariel needs the help of her colorful friends, Flounder the fish, Scuttle the seagull and Sebastian the crab to restore order under the sea.

David | Sight & Sound Theatres | Through December 31
Master Poet. Fearless Warrior. Anointed King. From still waters to shadowed valleys, David’s ascent to the throne is filled with towering giants, wild animals, and Philistine soldiers.

Believe | Magic & Wonder Theatre | Through December 31
Journey to the wonder of the "North Pole", see toys come to life in "Santa's Magical Workshop", all while remember the True reason for the season.

A Simple Sanctuary | Bird-in-Hand Stage | Through August 10
When her past catches up to her, Melissa James does what she always does – she runs – from her happy life in Connecticut and her beloved husband, Ryan, a successful investment manager, leaving a note begging him to trust her.

Mystery | Magic & Wonder Theatre | Through October 29
In this all new variety magic show, illusionist Brett Myers and his cast explore mysterious worlds such as the lost empire of “Atlantis,” the magic of never growing old in “Neverland,” and the excitement of the “Roaring 1920’s.”

Ryan & Friends: Hilarity Happens! | Bird-in-Hand Stage | Through October 15
Laugh out loud and get a look at Lancaster County like you’ve never seen it before when Ryan and his colorful cast of friends present a hilarious multimedia tour of the region.

Gypsy | Mt. Gretna Playhouse | July 13 - July 16

The unforgettable tale of an ambitious stage mother fighting for her daughters’ success, as well as her own. With a glorious score featuring some of Broadway’s most iconic numbers, this blockbuster musical shows the ups and downs of show business with passion, humor and class.

Outdoor Adventure

Get outside this summer in Lancaster!

There's tons to do by the river such as exploring the Northwest River Trail, the White Cliffs of Conoy, or even going out on the river and kayaking with kayakLanCo and Chiques Rock Outfitters. Have a true adventure rock climbing, hiking and more with Adventure Explorations this summer.

There's lots of unique ways to get outdoors in Lancaster such as taking a hot air balloon ride, touring the wolf sanctuary, meeting critters at the Wildlife Center, going ziplining, or taking a backroads scooter tour! You should also check out outdoor attractions for the whole family like Dutch Wonderland, Cherry Crest Adventure Farm, Barnyard Kingdom, Amish Farm and House, and more.

Stay for awhile at one of Lancaster's great campgrounds, and be sure to root for the home team this summer at a Lancaster Barnstormers game at Clipper Magazine Stadium!

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, Tiny Town offers Kids Night Out where the little ones can play while you explore the city. From 5-7pm on First Fridays, the Lancaster Science Factory is free for you to explore over their 70 interactive exhibits.

Similarly, you can explore the small town of Manheim on First Thursdays and Lititz on Second Fridays.

Check out more ideas for free things to do in Lancaster here.