Top Things to do in April in Lancaster, PA

Spring has sprung and spring fever has officially begun in Lancaster, PA. Crops are beginning to poke through the soil, buds are appearing on the trees, and we cannot wait to get outside to do some exploring. Not only does the warmer weather bring opportunities for outdoor activities, it also brings a wave of new shows, experiences, and events to partake in around the county. Keep reading for our guide of what to do this April.

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Special Events in Lancaster County

Music industry professionals and music lovers should check out Launch Music Conference on April 13th-16th. The ticketed conference features panels, seminars, events and performances weekend-long. As well, it allows artists, professionals, and fans to meet and network.

Take a special tour at James Buchanan's Wheatland. April's tour places the spotlight on the domestic workers who worked to create Buchanan's comfortable lifestyle, and the social division between them and the Buchanan family.

Joe Hottenstein & Earle Rock merge their creativity and talent into one special art exhibit. Come to experience the arts inside the historic Haldeman Mansion and be amazed at the works - some of which have come from displays in New York City. Happening April 15th through April 23rd.

Spend the night, or a few, by booking a staycation! Locals receive special deals through the end of the month at participating hotels and bed & breakfasts.

More Events

Shows & Performances

We have many amazing theatres in Lancaster County who are putting on just as amazing shows this month. You must see at least one of them! Fulton Theatre is showing Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf and Titanic.

If you happen to find yourself at either end of the county, Bird-in-Hand Stage kicks off their Dear Solider Boy and Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre performs their much anticipated show Footloose!

For smaller production shows check out the many Servant Stage productions; as well as Fancy Nancy and Pinkalicious The Musical that will be showing at The Trust Preforming Arts Theatre.

Not into theatre? Then maybe seeing an upcoming concert style show at American Music Theatre is the right fit for you. They always have productions going so check them out to see what show you should attend.

More Upcoming Shows

Easter Celebrations

Kitchen Kettle Village is hosting their annual Egg-stra Special Easter Event April 1st, 7th and 8th! Enjoy a delicious meal, an egg hunt, a scavenger hunt, and meet the Easter Bunny alongside the Village's mascot, Yummie!

Calling all pet parents! That Fish Place - That Pet Place is hosting Photos With The Easter Bunny event, specially crafted for your pet. Bring your furry, feathered or scaly best friend and have them get their picture taken with the Easter Bunny.

Celebrate Easter

Fun On The Railroad

At the Strasburg Rail Road, hop on an Easter Train where the Easter Bunny is your train conductor! The Easter Bunny will surprise kids as he makes his way through the train to greet the passengers on April 7th-9th.

At the Railroad Museum of PA, sample beers and foods from local breweries and vendors during their Rails & Ales event on April 1st.

Train Town, USA

For the Foodies

Lancaster City Restaurant Week is returning this year, not just once but twice! The first one will be held the 17th through the 23rd! Participating restaurants will offer signature specials and Restaurant Week options for both budgets and culinary adventures. Experience the rich diversity of the culinary community of the city of Lancaster.

Where to Eat

Things to do Outdoors in Lancaster, PA

Head down to Marietta to see, River Towns Plein Air! This is Lancaster County’s premier outdoor painting event spotlighting original artwork completed on location over an 8-day period in the historic Susquehanna River communities of Marietta, Columbia and Wrightsville PA. This is a fun event to support local artists!

As the weather gets warmer and kids get closer to summer break, being outdoors is the only thing they can think of. Take those kids and have a Homeschool Day at Refreshing Mountain! April 25th, 26th and May 5th are all available to take those kids to enjoy hands-on activities while learning about the environment around them.

Learn the farming life at Open Fields at Homefields Care Farm on April 29th! Go inside our greenhouses, visit the bee habitats, beneficial insect hotels and take home a DIY planter (good for all ages). Homefields Care Farm has created vocational and volunteer opportunities for hundreds of people who have a disability or other barriers to traditional employment.

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 or visiting the pack at the Wolf Sanctuary of PA.

Catch a game this season with the Lancaster Barnstormers! Their season kicks off towards the end of the month.

Go on a Country Roads Excursion with Bird-in-Hand Scooter Tours. Wind your way through back country roads, on two or three wheels, in search of our favorite Pennsylvania Dutch treats, off-the-beaten-path shops, and special surprise encounters along the way.

More Outdoor Adventure

Free Things To Do in Lancaster County, PA

In Adamstown, PA, a.k.a. the "Antiques Capital", on April 26th-30th is the Spring Antiques Extravaganza! Check out dozens of antique shops, outdoor markets, and more.

Peruse local vendors at the Shops @ Rockvale during their Local Makers Market on April 1st, but be ready to purchase some amazing handmade goods.

Springtime in Lancaster means mud sales! Mud sales offer everything from hand-stitched quilts and crafts to furniture, produce, antiques and more. They're especially known for offering staple PA Dutch foods throughout the sale.

On April 7th, head into Lancaster City for First Friday! You can explore galleries and local artists, see performances and more. You can also take the kiddos to the Lancaster Science Factory from 5-7pm to interact with over 70 hands-on exhibits for free. Similarly, Lititz hosts Second Fridays and Manheim hosts First Thursdays to allow exploration of the art scene in some of Lancaster's cool small towns.

More Free Things to Do

Check out more things to do and events happening in Lancaster.