From catching cherry blossom blooms to Easter egg hunts and fun-filled wine weekends, April is sure to be a hoppin’ good time in Pennsylvania.
1. Hayrides to Bunnyland
Hop aboard the Hayrides to Bunnyland to meet Linvilla Orchard's very own Easter Bunny in his woodland home. During the visit, the Easter Bunny will entertain visitors with a magical tale while you snack on tasty treats. Be sure to bring a camera to snap a picture with your special host!
When: Now-Apr. 8
Where: Media
Cost: Prices vary
2. Spring Blooms at Longwood Gardens
Step into spring – the season of renewal, growth, and ever-evolving splendor – when visiting Spring Blooms at Longwood Gardens. Enjoy the sweeping floral colors throughout the gardens from flowering trees, vivid tulips, and beautiful purple geophytes. Beginning Apr. 22, visitors can watch as the Open-Air Theatre and Italian Water Garden fountains spring to life with magical sounds and sights.
When: Apr. 1-May 7
Where: Kennett Square
Cost: Prices vary
3. Wally Wine Fest
Visit Silver Birches Resort’s Wally Wine Fest for a picturesque weekend by Lake Wallenpaupack (affectionately known as “Wally”) in the Pocono Mountains. The festivities kick off at The Settlers Inn for the Slab & Cab Wine Dinner on Friday, Apr. 14, followed by two days of wine-forward fun at the Waterfront at Silver Birches, including their Bubbly Brunch. Enjoy tasting sessions, shopping, live music, and silent auctions.
When: Apr. 14-16
Where: Hawley
Cost: Prices vary; Reservations recommended
4. Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater Philadelphia
Celebrate the first sprouts of spring and Philadelphia’s deep connection to Japanese culture during the city’s Subaru Cherry Blossom (sakura) Festival of Greater Philadelphia. The Sakura Weekend Kick-Off Night is Apr. 14 showcasing the traditional Japanese arts of Rakugo comic storytelling and sanshin, a traditional instrument, at the Fallser club. Then, the weekend is filled with performances, dozens of vendors, origami, and tea demonstrations in celebration of the beautiful cherry blossoms and the richness of Japanese culture at West Fairmount Park’s Horticulture Center & Centennial Arboretum.
When: Apr. 14-16
Where: Philadelphia
Cost: $20 for Sakura Weekend Kick Off Night; Free for weekend events
5. Disney’s Descendants: The Musical at Gettysburg Community Theatre
Watch this wickedly good youth-cast musical based on the popular Disney Channel Original Movie at the Gettysburg Community Theatre. Disney’s Descendants: The Musical is a brand-new musical jam-packed with comedy and adventure that features your favorite Disney characters and hit songs from the films.
When: Apr. 14-16, 21-23
Where: Gettysburg
Cost: $15 online; $20 at the door
6. History Meets the Arts
Twenty-five years since its first show, History Meets the Arts continues to delight art lovers. This annual two-day art show and sale features original paintings, signed prints, powder horns, sculpture, folk art, hand-forged knives, pottery, and books. Attendees can meet the artists and even purchase their latest works direct from the source.
When: Apr. 14-15
Where: Gettysburg
Cost: Free
7. Beyond the Battle Museum Grand Opening Weekend
The Adams County Historical Society’s new Beyond the Battle Museum opens its doors to the public for the first time with a weekend of self-guided museum tours, special programming, book signings, live music, and children’s activities. Soak in more than three centuries worth of history as you stroll through Gettysburg’s newest addition.
When: Apr. 15-16
Where: Gettysburg
Cost: Prices vary
8. Penn State Blue-White Football Game
Cheer on the Rose Bowl champions in their home stadium this spring at the annual Penn State Blue-White Football Game! The ultimate intra-squad scrimmage presents the perfect excuse to plan a spring tailgate with family and friends, especially since the Blue-White Boardwalk, the official Penn State Football game day fan festival, is back! The Boardwalk includes food vendors and carnival games, as well as free live music, face painting, balloon artists, photo booths, and caricature drawings.
When: Apr. 15
Where: University Park
Cost: Free admission to the game
9. Living with the Land Tree Identification on the Nokomis Forest Stewardship Trail
Don your most waterproof shoes or boots and learn how to identify tree species through their buds and bark during Keystone College’s Environmental Education Institute program, Living with the Land. You’ll walk by streams and through rough to get an up-close view along the Nokomis Forest Stewardship Trail on the college’s Woodlands Campus during this third and final event of their Tree Identification series.
When: Apr. 15
Where: Factoryville
Cost: Free, pre-registration is required
10. Open Days at the Coolspring Power Museum
Here’s your chance to learn the fascinating history of early internal combustion engine technologies during Open Days at the Coolspring Power Museum. The museum’s 35 buildings and outdoor displays feature more than 500 historically significant internal combustion engines ranging in horsepower from mere fractions to massive 600-horsepower engines that together tell the story of the nation’s development into an industrial powerhouse.
When: Apr. 15-16
Where: Coolspring
Cost: $10 for adults; Free for members and children under age 12
11. 717 Vintage Fest
Whether your style is early 20th century or Y2K, the 717 Vintage Fest is a definite must for your bucket list! This weekend-long, vintage-only, curated vendor market features unique clothing, accessories, and home décor for all genders and ages from all decades. Featuring unique pieces from some of the region’s most established and up-and-coming vintage stores and independent vendors, you are sure to land the perfect, “amazing, killer, totally rad, groovy, wonderful” item to complete your vintage ensemble.
When: Apr. 15-16
Where: York
Cost: Free admission
12. National Mustang Day
April 17, 1964 was a momentous day for car lovers throughout the world. It was the day the iconic Ford Mustang was introduced to the automotive world. Mustang owners, show off your prized ride during the AACA Museum’s celebration of National Mustang Day. Car lovers, here’s your chance to see several of these beauties up close and in person and chat with the owners about your shared passion for the “pony car.” The museum is offering free admission for the day to anyone who drives up in a Mustang, along with their passengers!
When: Apr. 17
Where: Hershey
Cost: Prices vary; Free for first 180 visitors arriving in a Mustang (driver & passengers) on Apr. 17
13. Lebanon Valley Spring Libations Trail Kickoff Party
The annual Lebanon Valley Spring Libations Trail Kickoff Party takes you on a mini “tour” of the valley’s brewers and eateries, all at the Cornwall Iron Furnace. Local brewers will be offering free samples of their wares with beer by the glass and food both available for purchase. While there, be sure to sign up for the Libations Trail digital pass and receive a free check-in just by attending this event. The mobile passport guides you to the trail’s craft breweries where you can discover new craft brews and earn some great swag!
When: Apr. 19
Where: Lebanon Valley
Cost: Free (attendees must be 21+ and an RSVP is requested)
14. The York Train Meet
The Eastern Division Train Collectors Association invites train buffs, train fanatics, and train collectors to climb aboard this year’s York Train Meet. Connect with and gather insight and inspiration, including ideas for your own model train layouts, from train-loving peers at this annual event. First-time attendees often leave saying, “I’ve never seen so many trains in my life!”
When: Apr. 20-22
Where: York
Cost: Prices vary
15. JFilm Festival
If you love independent films, the 30th annual JFilm Festival has you covered! Pittsburgh’s largest Jewish cultural event showcases exciting and thought-provoking Jewish-themed independent feature films from around the world with 20 in-person and 4 virtual screening options. The festival kicks off with a special 30th anniversary bash at Bravo on opening night. Other festival features include exclusive “Film Schmooze” discussions, conversations with visiting filmmakers, and a yummy bagel brunch before one special film.
When: Apr. 20-30
Where: Pittsburgh
Cost: Prices vary
16. SpringFest 2023
The rolling hills of Wyndridge Farm come alive with the sound of music during Wyndridge Farm’s three-day SpringFest 2023. This fun-filled music event features outdoor concerts by a variety of rock, pop, country, and “Americana” bands, wrapping up with a three-hour concert by Annie B & the Saxy Boys. The music fest also features a market, Wyndridge Farm beverages, food trucks, cornhole, and face painting. Bring your lawn chair to secure a front row seat to all the action!
When: Apr. 21-23
Where: Dallastown
Cost: Free attendance (Credit card only for purchases made at event)
17. Earth Day Celebration
Honor Mother Nature with the Chambersburg Waste Paper Co. during their Earth Day Celebration! Do your part and participate in the morning cleanup from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. before the main event, where you’ll be able to connect with 20 community groups, sway to the sounds of music, and enjoy an array of fun activities.
When: Apr. 22
Where: Chambersburg
Cost: Prices vary
18. Fandom Fest
Whether you worship superheroes, fairytale royalty, travelers of stars, busters of ghosts, games of the imaginary adventuring kind, Japanese animations, steampunks, alien doctors in their flying phone booths, pirates, fairies, mythical creatures from far off kingdoms, or dinosaur wranglers, Fandom Fest honors all the ultimate fans whatever your passion. Dress in your best costume for the cosplay competition, meet cosplay guests, browse collectibles from artists and vendors, and join in the scavenger hunt and brick building competition during this fan-tastic day.
When: Apr. 22
Where: Chambersburg
Cost: Free
19. Pennsylvania Maple Festival
Join thousands of maple lovers for the 76th Annual Pennsylvania Maple Festival. The festival includes a grand parade with marching bands, floats, and the newly crowned Maple Queen. There are also special activities for the kids, antique street rod shows, an old-fashioned horse-pulling contest, artists and crafters galore, a quilt show, antique tractor and farm show, and a dinner theater featuring the Maple City Players. Ramp up your sugaring skills by learning how to tap a tree, boil sap into syrup, make sugar cakes, and twirl spotza.
When: Apr. 22-23, 26-30
Where: Meyersdale
Cost: Price varies
20. Swing Into Spring Festival
Eat, shop, and play with a day at downtown Chambersburg’s second annual Swing Into Spring festival. The streets will be alive with over 35 food vendors, a beer garden and boutiques, mobile retail vendors, and crafts filling the city with the energy and joy of SPRING!
When: Apr. 23
Where: Chambersburg
Cost: Free
21. 2023 Chainsaw Carvers Rendezvous
Here’s your chance to watch talented artists transform logs into amazing works of art at Ridgway’s 2023 Chainsaw Carvers Rendezvous. Watch carving demonstrations featuring more than 75 pros, talk directly with the artists about their work, and check out their finished pieces. Beyond the art, sway to the sounds of music and live entertainment, and snack on great food.
When: Apr. 26-29
Where: Ridgway
Cost: $5
22. Pittsburgh Fringe Performing Arts Festival
Back for its 10th season showcasing the work of adventurous and exploratory performing artists, the Pittsburgh Fringe is a performing arts festival you won’t want to miss! This all-out, no-holds-barred, multi-disciplinary performing arts festival features the highly inventive, adventurous, and exploratory works of international, national, and local artists. Spanning venues across the city, performances range from theater and comedy, to music, dance, and the visual arts, to opera, spoken word, poetry, and literature, and even to puppetry!
When: Apr. 26-30
Where: Pittsburgh
Cost: Prices vary
23. University of Pennsylvania’s Penn Relays
Gear up to cheer on your favorite high school and collegiate teams at the University of Pennsylvania’s Penn Relays. Held annually since 1895, the Penn Relays is considered the oldest and largest track and field competition in the U.S. Drawing nearly 100,000 spectators each year, watch athletes from across the globe compete in relays, javelin, pole vault, 100-meter dash, and other track events in hopes of bringing home the coveted Penn Relays Wheel.
When: Apr. 27-29
Where: Philadelphia
Cost: Prices vary
24. Oil City Uncorked Spring Wine Walk
Sip your way through Oil City on their epic Uncorked Spring Wine Walk! During the stroll you’ll be able to sample wines, brews, and spirits at various downtown businesses on the south side. Accompany your beverage with light refreshments provided by the businesses or make a reservation at one of the local restaurants for a bite before or after the main event.
When: Apr. 28
Where: Oil City
Cost: Prices vary
25. The Philadelphia Show
Embrace your inner antique-er at The Philadelphia Show! With 41 of the country’s top dealers, there’s an amazing selection of antiques, fine art, Americana, furniture, folk art, ceramics, porcelain, silver, jewelry, textiles, and decorative arts from the 17th century to the present. Whether just starting out or an experienced collector, learn about and share the joy of collecting during dealer talks and enjoy the thrill of the hunt at the self-guided treasure hunt.
When: Apr. 28-30
Where: Philadelphia
Cost: $20 general admission; $35 for bundle ticket of museum and show
26. Endless Mountains Maple Festival
Saddle up for a wild celebration of this year's maple harvest at the 41st Annual Endless Mountains Maple Festival. A day to enjoy all things sappy and sweet, begin your day by bellying up to the all-day pancake breakfast complete with real maple syrup and real butter. Afterwards, walk around and take in the dozens of vendors selling everything from maple syrup to maple cotton candy. Before you go, make sure to check out the grandstand shows including the Monster Truck and the Demolition Derby.
When: Apr. 29-30
Where: Troy
Cost: $6 for adults; Free for children 5 years and under
27. Juniata Valley Winery Wine Festival
In the heart of the Juniata River Valley, enjoy a spectacular spring wine festival at the Juniata Valley Winery. Bask in the sun, sway to live music, feast on favorites from local food truck vendors, and leave with a custom souvenir wine glass!
When: Apr. 29-30
Where: Mifflin
Cost: Free entry; $10/$8 with pre-purchase for wristband to enjoy a wine tasting
28. Gettysburg Festival of Races and Fitness Expo
Whether trying to qualify for the Boston Marathon, hoping to set a new personal record, or enjoy a fun race with runners of all ages and abilities, the Gettysburg Festival of Races offer runners a trio of great races with the North-South Marathon, Blue-Gray Half Marathon, and Family Friendly 5K. All registrants will receive a gift bag with some great swag with the weekend kicking off with a Health & Fitness Expo. After the race, relax and rest your feet at the Post-Race Beer Garden, courtesy of Battlefield Brew Works.
When: Apr. 29-30
Where: Gettysburg
Cost: Prices vary
Looking for more fun activities in PA? Check out more events and festivals around the Keystone State. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay up to date on even more great ideas and places to visit around our state. Don’t forget to never miss an update and sign up for our monthly Happy Thoughts e-newsletter.