Posted: 08/16/2022 | by Jessica

Things to Do in Lancaster County in August

Fun ideas for the family before school starts!

With the last few golden days of summer nearing, and the start of school edging in on the horizon why not go out with a bang? There is a ton to do in Lancaster in August. It is just the place to cap off your summer and cross a few more things off your bucket list. Take a look at some of our suggestions below for an amazing final month of summer.

Special Events in Lancaster, PA

Festivals and fairs continue on into August with the Nook Brew Fest on August 13th, where you can try beers from 40 breweries, enjoy music, games, food and more. The Sunflower Festival at Cherry Crest Adventure Farm begins at the end of the month offering farm fun and a variety of experiences.

Join the Shops @ Rockvale on August 2nd for National Night Out, an event featuring food trucks, bounce houses, live music and more to recognize and support the community's first responders. On August 12th and 13th, A Vintage Heatwave will be at the shops with small businesses, food trucks and more.

Explore the village with Kitchen Kettle Village's Picnic Tasting Tour on August 6th. This event is the perfect chance to taste all of the delicious foods, snacks, and treats the village has to offer. Kitchen Kettle Village's mascot, Yummie, has their birthday in August! Help the village celebrate at Yummie's Birthday Bash on August 6th.

Have some farm on the farm as well as exploring beautiful fields of flowers at Barnyard Kingdom and Cherry Crest Adventure Farm during their respective Sunflower Festivals.

Try something new and unique by ghost hunting or joining in on a theatrical feast at Bube's Brewery, a historic and supposed haunted brewery and restaurant in Mount Joy, or by taking a Full Moon Tour at the Wolf Sanctuary of PA.

Fair season is back with the Elizabethtown Fair, offering fair food, fun rides, livestock and agriculture, and all the fair-fun you love August 22-27. As well, the Allentown Fair begins on August 31st and features agriculture, shows, games and more. The Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire kicks off on August 20th and runs through the end of October 30th. Experience knights, stunts, delicious food and amazing artisans, and more throughout the Faire.

Music lovers rejoice, live music continues this month in Lancaster. Wine by the Vine at Grandview Vineyard continues on Friday and Saturday nights through October. Decked Out Live happens every Friday night at the Vineyard at Hershey through September. Summerfest is also taking place at Nissley Vineyards on Fridays and Saturdays through August 27th. Check out more live music here. Longs Park's Summer Music Series returns through August 28th with live concerts every Sunday night.

Head out to the Strasburg Rail Road for the Wine & Cheese Train and The Great Diamond Heist, as well as their beautiful ride to Paradise, PA. You can also hop onboard the train at the Middletown and Hummelstown Railroad for the Ice Cream Sundae Caboose. The Railroad Museum of PA has their Model Railroading Days on August 20th and 21st.

Keep up to date with all things Lancaster by signing up for our e-newsletter, requesting your free copy of the Getaway Guide, and checking out more upcoming events!

Catch a Show

Lancaster is home to many amazing theatres, check out some shows happening this month and check out what's coming up!

Jersey Boys | Fulton Theatre | Through 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.

The Little Mermaid | Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre | Through 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.

Chicago: The Musical | Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre | August 12 - September 17
In the 1920s, Chicago is roaring with hot jazz and cold-blooded women killers. Among them is Roxie Hart, an aspiring vaudevillian who murders her lover and goes to jail; there she meets her hero, the double murderess and nightclub entertainer Velma Kelly. The two vie for the spotlight and the attention of Chicago’s slickest criminal lawyer to transform their malicious crimes into sensational headlines.

Josiah for President | Bird-in-Hand Stage | August 18 - October 21
After throwing in the towel on his presidential campaign, former Congressman Mark Stedman meets Josiah Stoltzfus – and learns more from the Amish farmer in a few hours than in his many years in office. Stedman believes that someone like Josiah should be running the country, introduces him as a write-in candidate, and does everything in his power to make sure Josiah gets elected.

David | Sight & Sound Theatres | Through December 31
After unprecedented victories lead to devastating failures, this passionate warrior will face the biggest battle of all: the one within himself. Come alongside this young shepherd on his journey to become a man after God’s own heart.

Mystery | Magic & Wonder Theater | 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.

Jukebox Jive | Magic & Wonder Theater | Through October 29
Jukebox Jive is a music variety show that celebrates the biggest hits of the 50s, 60s, and 70s. Travel back in time to experience your favorite hits from the era when the Jukebox was the center of the fun!

Summers | Mt. Gretna Theatre | August 3th - 6th

A guided tour through Marc’s life, from an early obsession with magic to his appearance on Oprah announcing his ongoing battle with OCD. Marc stars in this tell-all about his life, his disorder, and taking the physical challenge.

Get Happy; Angela Ingersoll Sings Judy Garland | Mt. Gretna Theatre | August 24 - 27th

In an Emmy-nominated performance seen on PBS, acclaimed actress Angela Ingersoll celebrates Judy Garland in concert. Backed by a dynamite band, Ingersoll delivers virtuosic vocals, passionate storytelling, humor, and heart.

Get Outdoors in Lancaster, PA

Check out some great outdoor attractions like Eastland Alpacas and Cherry Crest Adventure Farm, perfect for the whole family.

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. Check out kayakLanCo, Chiques Rock Outfitters, PA Adventures, and Adventure Explorations for rentals and guideded excursions to get outdoors this summer.

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

You can also catch a game and root on the home team at the Lancaster Barnstormers! In August, the Barnstormers have a variety of special event games such as Robotics Night, Halloween in the Ballpark, National Night Out, and Star Wars Night!

Free Things to do in Lancaster County

Head into Lancaster City to explore local galleries and peruse shops. You can even check out First Friday downtown where galleries stay open later and entertainment is all around. On First Fridays, the Lancaster Science Factory's 70+ exhibits are free! Similarly, Lititz offers Second Fridays and Manheim has First Thursdays.

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

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Author

Jessica