Summer fun is plentiful in Lancaster, PA—whether you’re looking for family fun, outdoor adventure, or great ways to spend the evening. Start planning your summer visit with our list of top things to do this season in Lancaster County:
Below are some activities you can enjoy in Lancaster County this summer:
Amish Country is best visited in the summer with its fresh produce, lively attractions, and bustling atmosphere. Don't miss out when you're in Lancaster County!
Things to do:
Places to stay:
Where to eat:
Who doesn’t love watching those bursts of color brighten up the whole sky? July is the time for fireworks and Lancaster County has them!
We have put together a list of places to see dazzling fireworks displays in Lancaster, not only on July 4th, but throughout the summer.
Festivals and fairs are happening in the county with abundance this month.
From large-scale amphitheaters to smaller-scale live entertainment at some of our favorite restaurants, you’ll be sure to get your live music fix for this summer in Lancaster County.
Don't miss out on seeing a concert in Lancaster! American Music Theatre hosts a ton throughout the year, and Mickey's Black Box and Lititz Shirt Factory hosts a plethora of concerts. Just outside of the county is Giant Center in Hershey, which hosts big-name acts.
Our experience passes offer exciting opportunities, deals, and discounts that are sure to elevate your visit to Lancaster. Check-in and redeem offers at various local businesses to earn points towards exclusive prizes.
When you've earned enough points, head over to the Discover Lancaster Visitors Center to pick up special prizes!
Christmas in July is here, so head out and enjoy the many unique offerings of our small businesses. Whether you're shopping downtown in our city or heading out to the countryside to visit the Amish-owned businesses, or traveling to the corners of the county in Columbia and Adamstown to partake in the unique antique shopping that this county is famous for.
Here are a couple of businesses to get you started and take you around the county:
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory | Fulton Theatre | June 14th - July 21st
The world-famous Willy Wonka is opening the gates to his mysterious factory… but only to a lucky few. Young Charlie Bucket and four other golden ticket winners will embark on a life-changing journey through Wonka’s world of pure imagination including chocolate waterfalls, nutty squirrels, and the great glass elevator, all to be revealed by Wonka’s army of curious Oompa-Loompas.
Beauty and the Beast | Fulton Theatre | June 22nd - July 20th
The actors have gone rogue, and the Director is here to ensure the beautiful story of Rose and Chadwick is told in the most magical way. This behind-the-scenes, and in front-of-the-scenes, musical will capture your heart and share its message that imagination, not technology, is the key to unlocking your dreams!
The Sound of Music | Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre | June 28th - August 10th
Follow Maria, the high-spirited nun, sent from her convent to be the governess to seven unruly children of a strict father, Captain von Trapp. The timeless score includes “Do-Re-Mi,” “My Favorite Things,” “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” “Sixteen Going on Seventeen,” “Edelweiss,” and “The Sound of Music.”
Ryan & Friends: All-star Comedy | Bird-in-Hand Stage | April 6th - October 19th, 2024
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.
The Confession | Bird-in-Hand Stage | April 4 – August 3, 2024
Katie Lapp’s parents have been keeping a secret. When Katie learns the truth, she heads to New York to find her birth mother— a wealthy woman who is battling a life-threatening illness and who aches for her long-lost daughter. What follows is a brilliant love story full of music, mystery, and mistaken identities. If you haven’t seen it, don’t miss it—and if you have, fall in love all over again.
Daniel | Sight & Sound Theatres | March 14th - December 31st
Taken from his people, Daniel is exiled far from home in the powerful 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 the one true God remain steadfast through every test of faith?
Jukebox Jive & IMAGINARIUM at Magic & Wonder Dinner Theater playing until this fall.
Chess in Concert | Gretna Theatre | July 11th - 20th
Featuring the music of ABBA members Andersson and Ulvaeus, as well as lyrics by musical theatre icon Tim Rice (Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Aida), this gripping musical was inspired by the political and international spectacle of the 1972 World Chess Championship between American Bobby Fischer and Russian Boris Spassky. Set in the 1980s at the height of the Cold War, Chess illustrates how something as trivial as a game of chess can mean so much more when fueled by the threats and propaganda of nations at war.
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 over 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.
On select Saturdays of each month, the Shops @ Rockvale hosts their Baby Goat Yoga by the Stream. Join them for an hour of yoga surrounded by adorable baby goats in a beautiful outdoor setting at The Shops @ Rockvale down by the stream. Get ready to stretch, relax, and maybe even cuddle some cute baby goats from Swartz’s Farm!
Keep up to date by checking out our events calendar, signing up for our e-newsletter, and requesting your free copy of the Visitors Guide.
20 Things To Do this Summer in Lancaster, PA
For the fast-paced or relaxed; there’s something for everyone.
Ice Cream Spots in Lancaster County
Find the best ice cream spots in Lancaster County!
Outdoor Dining in Lancaster, PA
Dining al fresco is one of the many reasons we love Lancaster in the warmer weather. With so many patios and porches to sit on…
Live Music in Lancaster, PA
Find exciting concerts and live music events happening in Lancaster County, PA.
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special event
All Day River Festival
Bring you lawn chair and love of outdoor fun to Riverfest June 27 - 29. Participant in the Bridge Burner Run & Paddle Challenge, ride along a trolley tour, and enjoy the outdoor rec expo!
stay overnight
Boutique Bed & Breakfast
The Hollinger House Bed & Breakfast is a Federalist style mansion that's been completely renovated and restored with all modern amenities while preserving it's historic charm.
outdoor adventure
Tube Down Pequea Creek
The perfect mix of the need for speed and easy, gentle relaxation. Float from Sickman’s Mill down Pequea Creek.
