Posted: 04/21/2022

Things to do this May in Lancaster, PA

Find a summer state of mind with these activities.

Special Events

All aboard for one, or more, of the fun-filled events happening at the Strasburg Rail Road this May! Try and solve the Escape Room before time runs out, or solve a Murder Mystery all while traveling down the tracks to Paradise, PA. Adults can hop on the Wine & Cheese Train to taste wines from Waltz Vineyards alongside their cheese pairings in the luxurious First Class car, or unwind during Le Train Cabaret. At the end of April and very beginning of May, be sure to spend the Day Out with Thomas. A new event for the Rail Road is the Tap Takeover on May 21st where Bespoke Brewing will be featuring their beers as you head down the tracks.

Head out to Dutch Wonderland on May 21st and 22nd for Carnival Weekend where jugglers, balloon artists, special treats and more will be at the park! Furry friends are welcome in the park on May 15th for Duke's Doggy Day, pre-registration required.

Summer music begins this month with Wine by the Vine at Grandview Vineyards, and Decked Out Live at the Vineyard at Hershey

Gardener's rejoice as the Herb & Garden Faire returns! Head out to Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum on May 6th and 7th to see features from the museum's Heirloom Seed Project and other hard-to-find plant varieties for purchase

Have a culinary adventure at Kitchen Kettle Village on May 7th. Your Picnic Tasting Tour features stops at participating restaurants, bakeries, and food shops in the village where you can discover special samples and experiences, while learning bites of history. You can also explore the village on May 20th and 21st during the Rhubarb Festival! Try delicious themed dishes, race the fastest rhubarb cars, and enjoy music and entertainment throughout the village. Get your tickets for these awesome events today

Take a tour with LancasterHistory and James Buchanan's Wheatland. The featured tour for May 7th is Harriet Lane: America's First Fair Lady of the Land, where you can learn all about Harriet Lane's life growing up at Wheatland, her time at the White House, and more.

Wine-lovers should head to the Mount Hope Estate on May 28th and 29th for Pennsylvania's premier wine event, FlavorFest! On Saturdays, you can join Nissley Vineyards for tastings, live music, food trucks, and more during their Springing into Summer event. Nissley Vineyards is also offering Springfest with three bands, food trucks, local vendors and more on May 27th.

Speaking of festivals, Barnyard Kingdom is hosting their annual Strawberry Festival May 28th and June 4th. Family-fun and farm-themed activities, contests, live music and goodies will all be available.

Animal lovers can head to Amish Farm & House on May 7th and 14th for Sheep Shearing Days where you can watch the shearing process, take hayrides, enjoy a petting zoo, yummy BBQ and more.

Take your mom out for Mother's Day at the Middletown and Hummelstown Railroad. Enjoy a hot dinner and a beautiful train ride alongside a creek. You can also check out some great places to take your mom for brunch!

Be sure to keep up to date with all things Lancaster by checking out the events calendar, signing up for our e-newsletter and by requesting a free copy of the Getaway Guide.

Catch a Show in Lancaster, PA this Month

David | Sight & Sound Theatres
After unprecedented victories lead to devastating failures, this passionate warrior will face the biggest battle of all: the one within himself.

Mystery | Magic & Wonder Theatre
Join Brett and his cast as they captivate with more large illusions and more dynamic circus arts than ever before, while reminding audiences of the true magic that exists all around us.

A Simple Sanctuary | Bird-in-Hand Stage
When her past catches up to her, Melissa runs to Amish Country until she's tracked down. Will she share her secrets? Who can she trust?

The Little Mermaid | Fulton Theatre | Through May 7th
Melody has a wish to explore the world that is unknown to her and allows the music to guide her. Lucky for her, she has her friends Bobell, the frog, Turtell, and Flutter, a beautiful butterfly, and many others along the way to keep her out of harm’s way as the battle between Seaweed, the sea witch, and Poseidon escalates.

Rock of Ages | Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre | Through May 14th
When a development company comes to town with plans to turn the Sunset Strip into another capitalist strip mall, it’s up to a group of wannabe rockers to save the day – and the music!

Ryan & Friends: Hilarity Happens | Bird-in-Hand Stage
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.

Jukebox Jive | Magic & Wonder Theatre | Starting May 18th
Travel back in time to experience your favorite hits from the era when the Jukebox was the center of the fun!

Man of la Mancha | Fulton Theatre | May 17th - June 12th
Cervantes is in prison awaiting trial during the Spanish Inquisition. He and his fellow prisoners perform a play-within-a-play, telling the story of the elderly Alonso Quijana, who renames himself “Don Quixote” and the mad knight goes on a quest to right all wrongs in the world.

Shrek | Fulton Theatre | May 28th - July 9
Throw in a short-tempered bad guy, a cookie with an attitude, and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you’ve got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. Luckily, there is one on hand… and his name is Shrek.

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Watch all of the fun in Lancaster, PA and come see it for yourself this summer!

children smiling while standing in sprayground at water park in Lancaster PA

For those days when the heat is simply too much

Two blonde women sit at a table as one takes a drink from a glass during Lancaster City Restaurant Week in Lancaster, PA.

Where to go for outdoor dining in Lancaster County.

Top Outdoor Things to Do with Kids in Lancaster, PA

Burn off some energy with these exciting ideas.

Things to do Outdoors in Lancaster, PA

Explore the great outdoors with one of Lancaster's hiking and biking trails or some fun activities by and on the river. Stay for awhile at one of Lancaster's great campgrounds to further your outdoor adventure

Have a unique experience by taking a hot air balloon ride with Lancaster Balloon Rides, visiting the pack at the Wolf Sanctuary of PA, or taking a guided tour of the county with Strasburg Scooter Tours

Catch a game this season with the Lancaster Barnstormers

Head to the small town of Manheim for the Rock-N-Glow 5K, featuring a DJ, music, food, and more! Or sign up for the Lions Prowl 2-mile Obstacle Course Race in Leola.

Free Things to do in Lancaster, PA

On May 6th, head into Lancaster City for First Friday! Peruse local shops and galleries, and be wowed by live music and entertainment. Make a whole night of it and try out some great places to eat. On First Fridays, the Lancaster Science Factory offers their over 70 exhibits for free for K-8

Similarly, on May 5th you can head to the small town of Manheim for First Thursday and head to downtown Lititz on May 13th for Second Fridays

Head out to the Shops @ Rockvale on May 7th for the Local Makers Market! Check out goods like candles, soaps, jewelry, sweets, and more! On May 13th, peruse local vendors and hear some live music during the Food Truck Friday Summer Music Series. Food & beverage trucks will be available with items for purchase

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

Keep up to date with events happening in Lancaster.