For a complete list of events and attractions, please visit our calendar of events or follow us using Twitter at www.twitter.com/visitPA. All information is subject to change.
JANUARY 2013
Jan. 1
Mummers Day Parade
The Mummers Parade is a beloved Philadelphia tradition and a one-of-a-kind celebration, blending neighborhood roots with European customs and culture. This annual New Year’s Day event brings South Broad Street alive with everything from 10,000 performers in elaborate costumes and the unique musical sound of the string bands to the staging of the fancies and of course, the “strutting.” www.mummers.com
Jan. 1-31
Pennsylvania Learn a Snow Sport Month
Sponsored by the Pennsylvania Ski Areas Association, the month of January provides visitors with the opportunity to learn to ski or snowboard this winter. Throughout January, the 22 member resorts of the Pennsylvania Ski Area Association will offer a $5 coupon on all “Learn a Snow Sport” packages. www.skipa.com
Jan. 5-12
Pennsylvania Farm Show
The Pennsylvania Farm Show is the largest indoor agricultural event in America, attracting more than 400,000 spectators with more than 290 commercial exhibitors, 6,000 animals and 10,000 competitive exhibitors. The 2013 Pennsylvania Farm Show is themed “Made in PA. It makes a difference,” highlighting the PA Preferred® program that helps identify products made or grown in Pennsylvania. These agriculture goods generate $5.7 billion in cash receipts and $57 billion in economic impact for the commonwealth. www.farmshow.state.pa.us
Jan. 18-20
Fire & Ice Festival
This winter festival in the Laurel Highlands thrives on chilly temperatures and the frozen handiwork of international ice carvers, who spend the weekend creating dozens of life-size, hand-carved ice sculptures. The talents of fire jugglers, bonfires, a fireworks display and red-hot chili add the heat to this unusual festival. www.somersetincpa.org
FEBRUARY 2013
Feb. 2
Groundhog Day
Every year, visitors gather in Punxsutawney for the famous weather forecast from internationally recognized weather expert, Punxsutawney Phil. The multi-day festivities include everything from breakfast with Phil and s'mores with the Inner Circle (local dignitaries who plan Groundhog Day events and care for Phil), to children’s activities and the procession to Gobbler’s Knob, where Phil will appear to make his famous prognostication early in the morning on Feb. 2, Groundhog Day. www.groundhog.org
Feb. 16-23
International Chainsaw Carvers Rendezvous
Each year hundreds of chainsaw carvers from around the world gather in Ridgway to share their art and skill with the public and to raise money for charities at the world’s largest event of its kind. The International Chainsaw Carvers Rendezvous, located in the heart of the Pennsylvania Wilds, has delighted thousands with chainsaw competitions, safety classes, carving displays and much more since its start in 2000. www.chainsawrendezvous.org
MARCH 2013
Weekends in March
8th Annual Tour de Tanks on the Mason-Dixon Wine Trail
Each Saturday and Sunday throughout the month of March, more than 20 family-owned wineries of the Mason Dixon Wine Trail provide guests the ultimate wine tasting experience. Celebrate the arrival of new vintages with special tank and barrel tastings to preview the season’s upcoming wines before they are bottled, and meet winemakers as they share an inside look at the winemaking process. www.masondixonwinetrail.com
March 2-10
The Philadelphia Flower Show
The British have a word for something that's inventive, dazzling, extraordinary - "brilliant!" This year, the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Philadelphia Flower Show will glow with the majestic beauty and creative genius of Great Britain, and pay tribute to centuries of inspiring, influential culture - culminating in the polished design of 21st-century London. www.theflowershow.com
March 9
Scranton St. Patrick's Day Parade
Boasting more than 12,000 participants, Scranton is said to be home to the second largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the country. Celebrating the region’s rich Irish heritage, this annual event will feature food, entertainment and festivities all day. www.stpatparade.com
APRIL 2013
March 30, April 13
Opening Days of Trout and Salmon Fishing Season
With more than 83,000 miles of streams and rivers and a large variety of fish including pink and chinook salmon and rainbow, brook and lake trout, Pennsylvania is every fisherman’s dream. Fishing begins for 18 southeastern counties on March 30 and statewide on April 13. www.fishinpa.com
March 28-April 27
Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts
It’s Philadelphia’s moment as the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA) turns a bright spotlight on the city’s arts and cultural scene. For three weeks, audiences will revel in an array of one-time, only-in-Philadelphia productions by some of the region’s top talents – many of whom will partner with or present international performers. PIFA will feature music, dance, fashion, fine arts, poetry, cuisine and more. The theme this year asks, “If you had a time machine...” www.pifa.org
April 5-14
Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest
This 10-day jazz extravaganza features dozens of top-name performers and an array of styles from jazz to blues to gospel. The festival, now in its 23rd year, will be held at a variety of venues in Berks County. www.berksjazzfest.com
MAY 2013
May 9
Pittsburgh Wine Festival
The Pittsburgh Wine Festival is known as one of the largest and most respected wine festivals in the country. Full of special events, wine seminars, demos and tastings, the Grand Tasting event attracts more than 2,500 wine connoisseurs from around the region to sample wines from around the globe at Heinz Field. Culinary demos, tastings in local restaurants, entertainment and more complete this extravaganza. www.pittsburghwinefestival.com
May 23-June 2
Devon Horse Show and County Fair
From its humble beginnings as a one-day show in 1896, the Devon Horse Show and County Fair has become the oldest and largest outdoor multi-breed competition in the United States. In 2010, it was named the fourth American horse show to be honored with the designation as a United States Equestrian Federation Heritage Competition. Hosting some of the top riders from around the world, this internationally recognized show and fair in Devon is an exciting and fun-filled event for the whole family. www.thedevonhorseshow.org
May 25
Perry 200 Grand Patriotic Memorial Day Parade
Commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Lake Erie and the War of 1812 at the Perry 200 Grand Patriotic Parade, anticipated to be Erie’s largest parade in history with more than 100,000 spectators. The Patriotic Parade will take place from 1-4 p.m. on May 25 and will include military and marching bands, history floats of American wars highlighting the War of 1812, family fun and much more! www.perry200.com
JUNE 2013
June 7
Point State Park Fountain Reopening
Celebrate the grand reopening and dedication of Pittsburgh’s iconic Point State Park Fountain. The reopening celebration, called Riverlights at the Point, commemorates the conclusion of the $35 million renovation of Point State Park. Riverlights at the Point is free, open to the public and will include a dedication ceremony, musical entertainment and a special lighting installation throughout the park. www.pointstatepark.com
June 7-16
Three Rivers Arts Festival
This annual kickoff to summer in the city features more than 300 artists in the Artists Market, with popular concerts, public art and special exhibitions throughout the weekend. Over the course of more than 50 years, the Three Rivers Arts Festival has grown from a “little outdoor art show” to the region's largest multidisciplinary showcase of visual and performing arts. www.3riversartsfest.org
June 8-10
5th Annual Pocono Raceway Festival
Taking place the day before the fan-driven 400 NASCAR Spring Cup Series race at the Pocono Raceway, the Pocono Raceway Festival is a free, all-day music and racing celebration. Along Main Street will be a wide number of activities, including NASCAR and antique show cars and dozens of beer tents and food vendors. This year’s festival will also include a rock climbing wall and a full carnival, featuring a number of carnival staples such as the big slide and Ferris Wheel. www.poconoraceway.com/pocono-raceway-festival-3-day-weekend.html
June 14-16
Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival
Many aren’t aware that Butler, Pa., is the birthplace of the Jeep, and The Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival is a premier annual event. The festival attracts Jeep enthusiasts from all over the Mid-Atlantic region and has even set Guinness Book of World Records in the past. This three-day event features a Jeep parade and cruise, a Jeep show, off-road events, historical exhibits, vendor displays, children’s activities, a concert and much more. www.bantamjeepfestival.com
June 20-23
Thunder in the Valley® Annual Motorcycle Rally
First offered to the public a decade ago, the Thunder in the Valley® motorcycle rally is one of the largest of its kind in the Northeast. More than 125 vendors and more than 100,000 bikers visit Johnstown and Cambria County for scenic rides and to mingle with other enthusiasts. The weekend also offers live musical entertainment and other events at local dealerships. www.visitjohnstownpa.com/thunderinthevalley
June 25-30
The Spirit of Erie Perry 200 Commemoration Pageant
The Spirit of everything Erie comes to life to commemorate the area’s extraordinary heritage and celebrate the future through this original, multimedia, musical extravaganza. Six visually breathtaking segments bring together 200 years following the Battle of Gettysburg, the Battle of Lake Erie. The Erie Playhouse will produce this 70-minute spectacular community event with more than 200 talented performers.
www.perry200.com/events/index.php?elD=59
June 28-July 7
Gettysburg’s 150th Anniversary Commemoration
Gettysburg, the site of the American Civil War’s most tragic battle and Lincoln’s immortal Gettysburg Address, will observe the 150th anniversary of that epic battle through a 10-day commemoration in 2013 that will include battle re-enactments, special battlefield tours and programs and performances, along with new ways to learn about and pay respects at the nation’s most visited battlefield. www.gettysburgcivilwar150.com
June 29-July 7
The Kutztown Festival and America’s Largest Quilt Sale
More than 2,500 locally handmade quilts will be on display at this Pennsylvania Dutch festival, known as America’s largest quilt sale. With a variety of traditional crafts, food demonstrations and tastings, music, animals and more, the Kutztown Festival is where the whole family can learn about and enjoy Pennsylvania Dutch folk life. www.kutztownfestival.com marching bands, history floats of American wars highlighting the War of 1812, family fun and much more! www.perry200.com
JULY 2013
July 4
Big Butler Fair Fourth of July Fireworks
The largest fair in Western PA, the Big Butler Fair, has been a family tradition for more than 150 years. Celebrate the 4th of July and American independence with the whole family at the Big Butler Fair. Bring a blanket and enjoy an evening of food, festivities and fireworks as everyone anxiously awaits the famous annual fireworks spectacular by Shivley Fireworks. http://bigbutlerfair.com/big_butler_fair_fireworks.html
July 11-14
Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts™
Attracting more than 100,000 visitors to downtown State College and the adjacent Pennsylvania State University campus, the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts is an annual celebration of the visual and performing arts with presentations of diverse and high quality art. In addition, there are events for kids, a 10K race and plenty of restaurants and food vendors during the festival. www.arts-festival.com
July 12-14
Erie Summer Festival of the Arts
The Erie Summer Festival of the Arts has grown into the premier fine art exhibit in the region with a demonstrating artists program and an exciting schedule of theatre, dance, music performances and children's arts programming. Every year regional, and local talent is featured at the festival, including the Erie Philharmonic, the Erie Chamber Orchestra, Erie Civic Ballet and the Erie Playhouse.
www.eriesummerfestivalofthearts.org
July 14
Independence Day in the “Fireworks Capital of America”
New Castle, the “fireworks capital of America,” is home to two of the world’s biggest fireworks manufacturers – Pyrotecnico and Zambelli Fireworks Internationale – and attracts thousands of fireworks enthusiasts for this annual spectacle. New Castle also bears the name as the “Hot Dog Capital of the World,” serving some of the first chilidogs brought here by Greek immigrants in the early 1900s. www.fireworkscapitalofamerica.com
AUGUST 2013
Aug. 2-4
AmeriServ Flood City Music Festival
The Flood City Music Festival is a three-day, three-stage music festival considered to be one of the largest music festivals in the nation. Flood City Music Festival features American roots music with more than 20 national and regional acts during more than 75 hours of entertainment. Music styles range from bluegrass, rock ‘n’ roll, jazz and polka. www.floodcitymusic.com
Aug. 2-11
Musikfest
A 10-day music event that attracts one million people annually, Musikfest features more than 300 musical performers at 14 indoor and outdoor stages and includes food, children’s activities and a closing night fireworks display. www.musikfest.org
Aug. 3 - Oct. 27
Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire
Named one of the Top 100 Events in America by the American Bus Association, the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire is a mesmerizing re-creation of a 16th Century country festival celebrating a visit by Queen Elizabeth I. More than 75 shows take place daily on the 35-acre Elizabethan village, including a “Final Joust.” Visitors can sample authentic foods from the time period. www.parenfaire.com/faire/main.php
Aug.15-25
International Little League World Series
Every year, the top 16 Little League baseball teams from more than 6,000 leagues across the country gather in Williamsport to compete for the World Series championship title. Join the series for some exciting youth baseball and visit the Peter J. McGovern Little League Museum for a unique history of the sport. The museum is debuting new renovations at their grand opening on June 15, 2013. www.littleleague.org
Aug. 15-18
30th Annual Pittston Tomato Festival
The 30th Annual Pittston Tomato Festival will be held in downtown Pittston and will host more than 50,000 people. The festival will include delicious food, live entertainment, a parade, 5K run, games, rides, arts and crafts, bingo, and home-grown Pittston tomatoes. The Tomato Fights are the highlight of the festival, which will be held Saturday, August 17.
Aug. 17-18
39th Annual Mount Gretna Outdoor Art Show
Years ago, local artists began to informally display their work on the historic grounds of the Pennsylvania Chautauqua. Now, 39 years and 20,000 visitors later, the Mount Gretna Outdoor Art Show has become a true treat for the community, the artists, and of course, the visitors. Be a part of the excitement when this small town comes to life with art, music, food and fun for everyone. www.mtgretnaarts.com
Aug. 17-18
The Pennsylvania Great Outdoors Elk Expo
Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the restoration of elk in Pennsylvania’s Great Outdoors, the expo will feature vendors, seminars, elk calling contests including a 3D archery shoot and fastest shot contest by Bucktail Archers and more. www.elkexpo.com
Aug. 23-25
Corvettes at Carlisle
Join Corvette enthusiasts from around the globe for the world’s largest Corvette extravaganza and a weekend of entertainment, education and more! The annual Corvettes at Carlisle event features more than 5,000 Corvettes representing all generations of America’s classic sports car. Activities include the famous Corvette Race Reunion, the chance to test Corvette skills on the Autocross, a restoration gallery and activities for kids. www.carsatcarlisle.com/events/corvettes
Aug. 31-Sept. 2
La Festa Italiana
La Festa Italiana is Northeastern Pennsylvania's largest celebration of culture and cuisine and characterizes the area’s rich Italian heritage. La Festa Italiana is an end-of-summer tradition that attracts thousands of visitors, as more than 70 vendors offer a wide variety of foods and displays. www.lafestaitaliana.org
SEPTEMBER 2013
Sept. 5-9
Tall Ships Festival II
Erie will host the largest gathering of tall ships the city has ever seen as an incredible fundraiser for the Flagship Niagara. This festival is set to educate and entertain spectators with a parade of sails, ship tours, demonstrations, entertainment, children’s activities, crafts/gift vendors, food vendors and much more. Celebrate the conclusion of Perry 200’s two-year bicentennial celebration of the U.S. victory in the Battle of Lake Erie with a fully orchestrated Erie Philharmonic Summer Pops concert, followed by the lighting of the eternal flame atop the Perry Monument. http://tallshipserie.com/
Sept. 7-8
The 28th Annual Mushroom Festival
Known as the “Mushroom Capital of the World,” Kennett Square will host the 28th Annual Mushroom Festival complete with two days full of music, mushroom soup cook-offs, cooking demonstrations, educational seminars, children’s rides and T-shirt design contests. www.mushroomfestival.org
Sept. 11
Flight 93 Memorial
One of the most recent memorials erected in Pennsylvania honors the passengers and crew aboard Flight 93, the third plane that went down during the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. The memorial captures the heroic actions of the flight and crew through dedicated areas like the Tower of Voices, which has 40 wind chimes as a tribute to the last sounds before the plane went down, memorial groves, ponds, the Field of Honor and a memorial plaza. www.nps.gov/flni
Sept. 14-15
106th Annual Flax Scutching Festival
The art of making linen from the flax plant is demonstrated throughout the weekend. Homemade food and pastries, live family entertainment, crafts, wagon train rides and encampments will provide entertainment during the second oldest continuous flax scutching festival in the world. www.flaxscutching.org
Sept. 20-29
Farmers National Bank Autumn Leaf Festival
Experience the largest daytime parade in Pennsylvania, the “Tournament of Leaves Parade,” at the Autumn Leaf Festival. The festival also offers everything from sidewalk sales and a carnival with evening fireworks, to a crafters’ day with more than 300 crafters. Held each fall, this award-winning festival celebrates Clarion and Cook Forest's beautiful foliage. www.clarionpa.com/event/66/
Sept. 21-22
Kinzua Bridge Fall Festival
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Kinzua Bridge State Park by walking across the sky on the Kinzua Sky Walk that extends 625 feet into the Kinzua Gorge. The park was designated in 1963 to showcase the Kinzua Viaduct, an amazing engineering structure which when constructed in 1882 was the highest and longest railroad viaduct in the world. Visitors can now enjoy scenic vistas, picnicking, geo-caching and hiking trails at the park. The festival includes arts and crafts, food, vendors, and live music entertainment. www.visitanf.com/kinzua-state-park-sky-walk
Sept. 21-28
158th Annual Bloomsburg Fair
This annual event is the largest agricultural fair in Pennsylvania. Top-notch musical acts entertain the crowd at the grandstand each evening, while visitors can explore the hundreds of exhibits, food stands, craft stands, livestock, poultry and rabbit exhibits daily. www.bloomsburgfair.com
Sept. 27-29
Wine Festival 2013
Enjoy wine by the glass, grape stomping demonstrations and wine and food seminars throughout this weekend celebrating the local wine harvest. A champagne breakfast, bus tours of nine local wineries, arts and crafts and main stage entertainment are just a few of the treats awaiting visitors during the three-day festival. www.nechamber.org/events/wine_fest/
Sept. 28
PotatoFest
Enjoy all things potato by celebrating one of Cambria County's biggest agricultural exports. Children can enter potato sack races and potato-peeling contests, as well as a Miss Tater/Mr. Tot competition. More than 200 crafters and artisans line the streets for blocks with homemade wares and food of all kinds. Live entertainment, a myriad of crafts, good food (including potatoes!), bingo and face painting are just a few of the fun activities. www.potatofest.com.
OCTOBER 2013
Oct. 3-6
Covered Bridge and Arts Festival
Situated in the beautiful surroundings of Knoebels Amusement Resort, this festival celebrates the arts with nearly 350 crafters, live entertainment, games, more than 25 vendors with regional delicacies for meals, wagon rides and scenic guided tours of local covered bridges. A “Fun Auction” on Saturday featuring works of local craftsmen and the antique car show on Sunday always draws a crowd. www.itourcolumbiamontour.com/events/covered-bridge-festival/
Oct. 4-6
Applefest
This annual fall tradition features more than 300 arts and crafts booths in nearby parks, live entertainment and shows, a classic and antique car show, a farmers’ market, a 5K race, and of course, everything apple – from cider press making and an apple pancake breakfast to a visit from Johnny Appleseed and an apple pie eating contest. www.franklinapplefest.com
Oct. 5-6
Annual Pennsylvania Apple 'n Cheese Festival
Set in the beautiful Endless Mountains of rural Pennsylvania amid fall scenery, the Apple ‘n Cheese Festival is a must-see. The annual event is held the first full weekend in October at the family-friendly Manley-Bohlayer Farm. From chainsaw carving and free entertainment to apple butter making and wine and cheese tasting, this festival is the largest show of its kind. www.paapplecheese.com
Oct. 5-6; 12-13
Annual Bedford Fall Foliage Festival
The Bedford Fall Foliage Festival is organized entirely by volunteers and draws an estimated 70,000 attendees annually. Visitors can browse the work of more than 400 artists and craftsmen lining the streets and the square in Bedford and enjoy food and musical entertainment. In Fort Bedford Park, scarecrow making and the antique car parade are just a few of the activities that make this event so special. www.bedfordfallfestival.com
Oct. 5-6; 12-13
46th Annual National Apple Harvest Festival
Located 10 miles northwest of Gettysburg, the National Apple Harvest Festival began more than 40 years ago with the Adams’ County Fruit Growers Association. With six stages and demonstrations including chainsaw carving, a display of birds of prey and Native American dancing, the festival has grown significantly in recent years. Apple butter made hot from the kettle, applesauce made from scratch and apple fritters are available for visitors to taste. www.appleharvest.com
Oct. 5-6; 12-13; 19-20
Fall Foliage Weekends
For three weekends in October, the picturesque town of Jim Thorpe comes alive with entertainment, old-fashioned train rides, arts and crafts, ethnic food and antiques. Free music at venues all over town encourages visitors to explore quaint shops and restaurants, while nearby Reading & Northern Trains provide a unique way to view the Pocono Mountains’ best fall foliage aboard a steam train. www.jimthorpe.org
Oct. 11-13
Pennsylvania State Flaming Foliage Festival
Since 1949, the beautiful colors and views of fall are celebrated at the Pennsylvania Flaming Foliage Festival during the second weekend in October, when leaves are at their peak. For the last 64 years, nature has lent the colorful backdrop to this festival with great food, crafts and a parade. www.pavendors.com/events/clinton-county/renovo-pa-october-flaming-foliag...
Oct. 11-13
Fort Ligonier Days
This spectacular fall festival commemorates the key strategic battle of the French and Indian War at Fort Ligonier. Battle reenactments, 150 juried craftsmen, specialty foods, entertainment, a huge parade and a performance by the U.S. Marine Corps Band are just a few of the highlights. www.ligonier.com/fld.html
Oct. 18-20
Black Bear Film Festival
Held each year in Milford, the mission of the Black Bear Film Festival is to support and promote innovative and independent films. The festival has become known for screening high-quality, yet often unreleased new films, including world premieres of major movies such as John Sayles’ “Sunshine State” and Jim Carrey’s “The Majestic.” www.blackbearfilm.com
