Let's face it: Pennsylvanians celebrate when a furry rodent sticks his head out of a hole in the middle of winter. In other words, we're a state that loves to party! Just give us a reason.
Groundhog Day is lots of fun, but you can find plenty of other fairs and festivals in Pennsylvania all year long. For instance, the Gettysburg Festival, from June 19 to 29, is one of the country's most comprehensive arts festivals, featuring more than 60 world-class exhibits and performances from the Brubeck Brothers Quartet, the Gettysburg Festival Orchestra, and more than 20 American brass bands.
If you prefer to celebrate by season, Pennsylvania is the place. Harvest festivals bring the tastes of autumn, especially in the rich farmlands of the Dutch Country Roads region, and foliage festivals show off our state's blazing fall finery. Summertime brings the thrills of carnival rides and other old-fashioned fun to small towns and cities throughout the Commonwealth. In the spring, you can visit farm fairs and catch arts festivals both big and small. Winter brings holiday cheer in the form of Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa celebrations. Ice festivals and other outdoorsy gatherings showcase the state's seasonal beauty.
The many ethnic groups who settled in Pennsylvania love to celebrate their heritage with festivals all year long; check out our new Ethnic & Folk Festivals page for more on these family-friendly get-togethers. Pennsylvania's rich history also gives reason to celebrate. You'll find festivals commemorating the state's involvement in the Civil War and the Revolutionary War and the proud histories of industries like railroading, steel, and iron.
In short, there's so much going on in the State of Independence that if you're bored, it's your own fault!
GENERAL
Submitted By: LISA
I JUST WANT TO LET PEOPLE WHO HAVENT BEEN TO ERIE PENNSYLVINA THAT IT IS A WONDERFUL PLACE TO VISIT, WE HAVE BEACHES, WATER PARK AMUSEMENT PARK, ZOO, HISTORIC PLACES, OUR DOWNTOWN LIVES IN THE SUMMER FROM BLOCK PARTIES ON STATE STREET TO ROAR ON THE SHORE,FROM RIB COOK OFF TO CELEBRATE ERIE THERES ALWAYS SOMETHING TO DO. IN ERIE WHENEVER YOU COME ITS EXICTING TO EXPERANCE ALL FOUR SEASONS WINTER.
It's Fair Week!!!
Submitted By: Junglegirl45
I remember the Crawford County Fair and how everyone always goes all out for a week of fun and enjoyment.
Just going to the fair for a suasage sandwich and a funnel cake and candied apple would be enough. No it's not!!
The animals, the crafts and produce the kids raise and make is incredible.
The stars that play at the fair is also enough to bring the house down.
One year the rock show was Styx and REO Speedwagon.
This year Brad Paisley promises to to be a big draw for the fair.
Big City Folks Find Fun in Small Town PA
Submitted By: Kim Moores
My aunt and I are both from Philadelphia, and wanted a few days break from the hustle and bustle of the city. We stayed at the Victorian Charm Inn, where we learned about the Sullivan County Fair, which had a lumberjack competition and a chainsaw carving competition, as well as a plethora of arts and crafts, homemade goods, and great food. We had so much fun!
Lebanon County Fair
Submitted By: Karen
I grew up in Lebanon County, and we always looked forward to the fair. But the Bologna Fest is even better.
Chambersburg AppleFest
Submitted By: Ted Alexander
Mmmm, you can smell the apple butter cooking! This fall festival, held on the third Saturday of October, celebrates Franklin County's agricultural heritage with everything apples. From caramel-covered apples to apple art, this festival held in downtown Chambersburg spices up Main Street and Lincoln Way with food and craft vendors and plenty of entertainment for the entire family.
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