Pennsylvania is known for some unusual destinations and attractions! Discover the uniqueness of the state at these eccentric events and festivals this summer.
1. Bucks County Beach Days: Sand Sculptures in the Village
What’s 12 feet tall and loves to sit on the beach? It’s the Bucks County Beach Days: Sand Sculptures in the Village! The event showcases six massive sand sculptures and two smaller ones created by four world-renowned master sand sculptors. The spectacular sculptures on display in Peddler’s Village pay homage to the area’s rich history, landmarks, and scenery.
When: Now-Aug. 31
Where: Lahaska
Cost: Free
2. Whiskey Rebellion Festival
Fill up your glass this summer at the Whiskey Rebellion Festival. This festival – featuring dozens of vendors and distilleries — honors the significant period of America’s early days through historic reenactments, period exhibitions and demonstrations, family fun, frontier art, heritage music, and food.
When: Jul. 8-9
Where: Washington
Cost: Free
3. Woodcarvers Festival
It’s true that art mimics life at this year’s Woodcarvers Festival at the Cook Forest Sawmill Center for the Arts with the theme of “Nature in Our Forest.” This festival features carefully hand-carved creations judged by professional carvers and available for purchase. Seek out your inner artist in a carving class, at a demonstration, or around the vendors at the festival.
When: Jul. 9-10
Where: Cooksburg
Cost: $1
4. Picklesburgh
This event is a big dill! Picklesburgh is back this summer bringing you the best fermented finds along with drinks, live entertainment, and a pickle juice drinking contest. This is your year to attend America’s #1 Best Specialty Food Festival.
When: Jul. 15-17
Where: Pittsburgh
Cost: Free
5. Tie Dye Music Festival
Make this summer colorful with the Tie Dye Music Festival! Bring a lawn chair, blankets, and your creativity as you tie-dye t-shirts, listen to live music, and enjoy refreshments. Purchase a shirt to dye or bring one of your favorites from home to give it some flare.
When: Jul. 16
Where: Wallingford
Cost: Free
6. Rain Day Festival
Become a weather prognosticator for a day at Waynesburg’s annual Rain Day Festival. This hometown tradition traces its origins back to 1874 when a local farmer remarked to the town’s pharmacist that it always seemed to rain on his birthday, July 29. It has rained 116 times out of 148 years! Celebrate and watch for rain during this annual festival with umbrella decorating contests, live music, and shopping.
When: Jul. 29
Where: Waynesburg
Cost: Free
7. Rib & Wing Festival
Seven Springs Mountain Resort is giving you the sauciest, most epic backyard barbecue of the season at the Rib & Wing Festival. Dig into mouth-watering ribs and wings cooked up fresh by award-winning “ribbers” from all over the country; rock out to live musical entertainment; cool off at the beer garden; or play some games in the Kid’s Zone.
When: Jul. 29-31
Where: Champion
Cost: $10
8. Western PA Balloon Quest
The hottest event of the season, the Western PA Balloon Quest is a hot air balloon haven. Visitors can see the sky sprinkled with hot air balloons and, for one night only, watch balloons dance to music at the “Balloon Glow.” While admiring the sky, take part in amusement park rides, live entertainment, and food vendors.
When: Aug. 3-7
Where: New Castle
Cost: Free
9. Great American Banana Split Festival
Watch out for banana peels at Latrobe’s Great American Banana Split Festival. Bring family and friends along for food, activities, entertainment, and banana splits. Discover where the first banana split was made and enjoy the good-time recipe while participating in summer fun activities for one sweet weekend.
When: Aug. 19-21
Where: Latrobe
Cost: Free
10. Elk Expo
In a celebration of "everything elk," this year’s Elk Expo at the Elk County Visitor Center features displays, presentations, contests, entertainment, wagon rides, and music. Dozens of vendors — from Alpaca Creations apparel to Rut n Bugle Distillery drinks — fill the expo with never-ending sources of engagement for elk-loving attendees of all ages.
When: Aug. 20-21
Where: Benezette
Cost: Free
11. Wally Lake Fest
Make summer last a little bit longer at Wally Lake Fest. Lake Wallenpaupack is celebrated during this action-packed weekend event filled with live music, farmers markets, flavorful food, and drinks, and of course, boats!
When: Aug. 26-28
Where: Hawley
Cost: Price varies
Looking for more events and festivals in Pennsylvania? Be sure to check out the visitPA website and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more PA inspiration. Do not forget to sign up for our monthly Happy Thoughts e-newsletter so you never miss an update.