Summer is not over - yet! Plan your final summer Great American Getaway to Pennsylvania and include one (or two) of these unforgettable events in your itinerary. Adventure seekers can test their skills at the Elk Country Archery Challenge. Satisfy your sweet tooth at the Great American Banana Split Celebration or make plans to attend some Pennsylvania summer favorites like the Little League World Series. Savor your final seconds of summer in PA at these memorable events.
1. MUSIKFEST
Watch Bethlehem come alive this summer at the region’s largest free-admission music festival in the country, Musikfest! Enjoy headliners like the Black Eyed Peas, Big Time Rush, Ludacris, ZZ Top, and Lynyrd Skynyrd: Celebrating 50 Years. Lehigh Valley locals, and visitors from near and far, gather to enjoy hundreds of free performances, main stage events, and delicious food from 60 different vendors. Grab the event’s signature refillable mug to enjoy beverages throughout the event as well as help reduce waste.
When: Now-Aug. 11
Where: Bethlehem
Cost: Most free; price varies for larger acts
2. HELLERICK'S FAMILY FARM'S SUNFLOWER DAYS FESTIVAL
It’s officially sunflower season in PA, and you can immerse yourself in Bucks County at Hellerick’s Adventure Farm’s 2024 Sunflower Days Festival. Take a leisurely walk or a delightful hayride to enchanting sunflower fields, which have been specially cultivated for sunflower selfies, exploration, and admiration. With your admission, visit their Adventure Farm, featuring more than 40 family-friendly activities for you to enjoy.
When: Now-September
Where: Doylestown
Cost: $14.99 (includes 1 free sunflower)
3. SUMMERFEST
Enjoy live music every weekend at Nissley Vineyards in August at their weekly Summerfest. Watch as the beautiful daylight blends into a magical evening under the stars as you sip local wine and beer in an open-air setting while enjoying toe tapping tunes. New in 2024, make Friday family night at Nissley with their new family-friendly evening offering milkshakes, non-alcoholic slushies, and face painting.
When: Fridays and Saturdays in August
Where: Bainbridge
Cost: Price varies
4. STEWARTSTOWN NIGHT MARKET
The Stewartstown Night Market is a family-friendly community event celebrating all things local: food, music, vendors, and crafts! The market takes place every first and third Friday from May through October on the lawn of Aviator Brew Hub. Each Night Market includes a free yoga class, craft beverages and food from the Brew Hub, local farm and artisan vendors, live music, lawn games, food trucks, and sometimes other fun surprises like bounce houses, pony rides, dance performances, and caricatures. Get ready for an evening of fun and food to start your weekend off right!
When: Now- Aug. 16
Where: Stewartstown
Cost: Free
5. USCA NATIONAL MARATHON CANOE & KAYAK CHAMPIONSHIPS
Starting at the tailwaters of the Kinzua Dam, the USCA National Marathon Canoe & Kayak Championships will take athletes and spectators down the beautiful Allegheny River in Warren. Register to compete yourself or go to cheer on an athlete.
When: Aug. 7-11
Where: Warren
Cost: Price varies
6. THE UPSTAGE MUSIC FEST
Since 2021, The Upstage Music Festival has brought people together through music by sharing national, regional, and local talent with the community. A diverse collection of music genres including hardcore, metal, and punk are featured, and the event raises money for local charities and nonprofits. Working closely with local vendors, the festival features regional food and merchandise for you to try and buy throughout the event.
When: Aug. 8-10
Where: Clearfield
Cost: Price Varies
7. FESTA ITALIANA
Celebrate Bradford’s Italian heritage at the annual Festa Italiana. Enjoy authentic and homemade Italian food, live musical entertainment, children's games, and rides right in the heart of the Pennsylvania Wilds
When: Aug. 8-10
Where: Bradford
Cost: Free
8. ELK COUNTRY ARCHERY CHALLENGE
The Elk Country Archery Challenge will test your skills as an archer and as an athlete. This three-day event includes an obstacle course, head-to-head shootout, “meat” pack race, and a challenge course race. End this action-packed weekend with closing ceremonies to celebrate the champions and a chance to win prizes. Don't miss this ultimate test of your archery skills.
When: Aug. 9-11
Where: Benezette
Cost: Price Varies
9. STEAMPUNK NOIR PRESENTS KEY CITY STEAMPUNK CONVENTION
Step into the mysterious world of Key City and attend Steampunk Noir’s Key City Steampunk Convention for a thrilling journey through the Wyndham Gettysburg Hotel. Join fellow enthusiasts of steampunk, fantasy, anime, and science fiction to celebrate and connect over a weekend filled with award-winning makers, panels, music, games, unique vendors, and workshops.
When: Aug. 9-11
Where: Gettysburg
Cost: Price varies
10. SUSQUEHANNA FOLK FESTIVAL
The 4th annual Susquehanna Folk Festival offers three days of live music and engaging family fun. Listen to the sounds of Celtic artists Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy, multi-instrumental roots artist Hubby Jenkins, and jazz musicians Hot Club of Cowtown. Enjoy the emerging artist showcase and jam sessions from other folk artists. Get on your dancing shoes for contra dancing with music by Dead Sea Squirrels and swing dancing with music by Chelsea Reed and the Fair Weather Five.
When: Aug. 9-11
Where: York
Cost: Price varies
11. MT. JEWETT SWEDISH FESTIVAL
Mt. Jewett Swedish Festival celebrates the area’s Swedish heritage with three days of community-wide events. This family-friendly festival includes the Leif Ericson Viking Ship, a Viking wedding, a dino encounter show, bubble man, petting zoos, and games. You can also enjoy a variety of live local musical performances throughout the festival.
When: Aug. 9-11
Where: Mt. Jewett
Cost: Free
12. TITUSVILLE OIL FEST
Titusville Oil Fest is the ultimate summer celebration in PA. This quintessential annual event celebrating the state’s oil heritage brings a mix of fun, food, and crafts to Northwestern PA. No festival is complete without a parade, and this year Titusville is rolling out the red carpet with a Hollywood theme. Dress up in your best Oscar-worthy attire or showcase your favorite movie or TV show costume theme.
When: Aug. 9-10
Where: Titusville
Cost: TBD
13. TEAM U.S.A. NATIONAL AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIPS
Swing into the final moments of summer fun! The National Amateur Championship offers you a chance to win a trip to St. Andrews, Scotland, to compete against local amateur golfers. Carroll Valley Golf Course at Liberty Mountain will host this challenging, yet enjoyable event. Golfers will play in one of five handicap flights, and spectators can take in all the action. Proceeds from the event will benefit The United Way of Adams County and The Green Beret Charitable Trust. Bring your family and friends to make a weekend out of it at the Liberty Mountain Resort.
When: Aug. 10
Where: Gettysburg
Cost: $150
14. 34TH ANNUAL PEACH FESTIVAL
Indulge in peachy delicacies like peach bread, muffins, scones, sugar cakes, and pies at the 34th Annual Peach Festival. Don’t miss the famous ice cream tent for peach sundaes, milkshakes, and pie a-la-mode. Activities range from local live music to wagon rides and face painting for the young ones. Come hungry and be ready for peachy fun at Hollabaugh Farms!
When: Aug. 10-11
Where: Biglerville
Cost: $5/car for parking
15. 53RD ANNUAL ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL
Visit historic Eagles Mere for the 53rd Annual Arts & Crafts Festival. The festival will feature dozens of vendors, local food, and live entertainment on Village Green. Support local vendors as you shop for painted and sketched original art, wood crafts, glass, pottery, and original photography.
When: Aug.10-11
Where: Eagles Mere
Cost: $7, children under 12 free
16. SUNFLOWERS AND SWEET CORN FESTIVAL
Join Brown Hill Farms for a weekend to celebrate the Sunflowers and Sweet Corn Festival. This family-run farm will host local makers, vendors, and musicians. Tour the 30-acre sunflower fields, pick your very own bouquet, and cool off with some sweet corn ice cream.
When: Aug.10-11
Where: Tunkhannock
Cost: $10 or $12 at the door, children under two are free
17. DRAKE DAY: CIRCUS
Celebrate the 165th Anniversary of Edwin Drake's well striking oil at the Drake Well Museum and Park. This year's Drake Day includes the highly anticipated return of 19th-century circus acts performed by Top Hat Sideshow, appearances by the Tree Family Party Piggies, and entertainment by 40 Whacks Axe Throwing. You won’t want to miss this historic celebration in Western PA.
When: Aug. 11
Where: Titusville
Cost: Price varies
18. TIONESTA INDIAN FESTIVAL
The annual Tionesta Indian Festival has been a local tradition for more than 50 years. Held the third weekend in August, this event features a rummage sale, food vendors, a parade, and bed races. Bring the family to enjoy fun park rides and channel your competitive side with the cornhole tournament.
When: August 14-18
Where: Forest County
Cost: TBD
19. YORK COUNTY’S 275TH ANNIVERSARY
York County celebrates its 275th anniversary this August, and the anticipation is palpable, echoing the excitement of generations past. Founded on August 19, 1749, York County stands as a testament to resilience, progress, and community spirit. From its humble beginnings as a frontier settlement to its pivotal role in shaping American history, the county's journey is intertwined with the nation's story. A variety of special events including a block party at the York Revolution Plaza, birthday party with cupcakes and conversation, and community mural project are being planned to mark this milestone. The event will culminate with a ringing of bells across the county to highlight the importance of bells in calling people to gatherings and communicating messages 275 years ago.
When: Aug. 14-19
Where: York
Cost: Free
20. LITTLE LEAGUE WORLD SERIES
Batter up for the 2024 Little League World Series! Watch 20 talented young teams from across the globe compete in one of the world’s most iconic youth sporting events. This 10-day tournament is thrilling for players, coaches, and fans. Lamade and Volunteer Stadiums seat around 3,000 fans or find a spot on the iconic hill overlooking the stadium to witness all the incredible Little League players in action!
When: Aug. 14-25
Where: Williamsport
Cost: Free
21. SUNBURY RIVER FESTIVAL
Check out the Sunbury River Festival for two days full of live entertainment of all kinds along the Susquehanna River. This free festival near Penn State includes musical performances, river storytelling, a petting zoo, kids' activities, a car cruise-in, food truck fun, and “The Valley's Got Talent Show.” Don’t miss the festival’s final fireworks extravaganza closing out this must-attend event.
When: Aug. 16-17
Where: Sunbury
Cost: Free
22. CELEBRATEERIE
Come CelebrateErie at a three-day festival designed to bring the community together and showcase local art, food, music, and culture. The event highlights the people who make Erie worth celebrating. Enjoy the colorful artist chalk walk as you savor Erie’s diverse sights and sounds, unique cuisine, artisan vendors, and talented musicians.
When: Aug. 16-18
Where: Downtown Erie
Cost: Free
23. PHILADELPHIA FOLK FESTIVAL
After a one-year hiatus, the Philadelphia Folk Festival is back and better than ever this August! Hosted by Old Pool Farm, this three-day event will have you experiencing the same vibrant energy and culture the festival is known for, with some notable new additions. This year’s lineup includes headliners such as John Oates, Tony Trischka’s Earljam, and Gangstagrass. Other featured musicians will showcase a rich tapestry of genres within the folk tradition. Workshops, crafts, camping, and food will make for an event the entire family can enjoy.
When: Aug. 16-18
Where: Upper Salford Township
Cost: Price varies
24. GETTYSBURG BREWFEST & TRAIL 5K
The second annual Gettysburg Brewfest & Trail 5K begins with a 3.1-mile race on the Historic Daniel Lady Farm, which served as headquarters and a field hospital for the Confederate Army during the Civil War. Runners, walkers, and guests can explore the barn where soldiers carved their initials and see a fragment of a Union cannon ball in the barn’s floor. Post-race, attend theirBrewfest to enjoy local beer and cider samplings as well as live music and a variety of food vendors. Don’t miss this day filled with history and fun.
When: Aug. 17
Where: Gettysburg
Cost: Price varies
25. PENNSYLVANIA RENAISSANCE FAIRE
Travel to Merrie Olde England for the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire. Get ready for live entertainment, jousting knights, and royal delights. The faire kicks off this August and will continue its revelry into the fall. Every weekend has a different theme so you can be whisked away to a magical land with Fairies and Fantasy weekend or the encounter pirates firsthand at the Pyrate Invasion weekend. Dogs are welcome to join in the medieval fun.
When: Aug. 17 – Oct. 27
Where: Mount Hope
Cost: Price varies
26. MOUNT GRETNA OUTDOOR ART SHOW
This summer, Mount Gretna Outdoor Art Show will be celebrating its 50th anniversary. Nationally ranked by Sunshine Magazine as one of the nation’s best art shows, the historic art show features artwork and items hand-crafted from artisans all over the country while showcasing the beautiful, wooded splendor of the town of Mount Gretna. Held along the iconic cottage-lined paths, the show includes more than 200 exhibitors, 10 “emerging artists,” and new this year, the Mount Gretna International Film Festival, a film competition to honor and support both emerging and established filmmakers.
When: Aug. 17-18
Where: Mount Gretna
Cost: $10 online; $15 at the door
27. PA BITUMINOUS KING COAL SHOW
Celebrate the regional coal heritage of Southwestern Pennsylvania at the 69th annual PA Bituminous King Coal Show with parades, pageants, car shows, competitions, and carnival rides. The weeklong festivities will end with a grand fireworks display you won’t want to miss.
When: Aug. 17-24
Where: Carmichaels
Cost: Price varies
28. LAUREL HIll BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL
Enjoy the sights and sounds of Laurel Hill State Park with the free Laurel Hill Bluegrass Festival. The family-friendly festival showcases musicianship, craftsmanship, stewardship, and friendship in this 4,000-acre park in beautiful Somerset County. Seven bands, artisans, food vendors, period reenactors, children’s activities, and wagon rides await.
When: Aug. 17-18
Where: Laurel Hill State Park
Cost: Free
29. CORVETTES AT CARLISLE
Corvettes at Carlisle, the world’s largest corvette car show in the world, is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Bring your corvette to show or explore the Aerolarri Fun Field with more than 3,000 corvettes from all eras. The event features an incredible parts shopping experience, automotive flea market, and a variety of vendors. Check out the corvette parade in downtown Carlisle and learn first-hand from experts in the automotive industry at this memorable motor event.
When: Aug. 22-24
Where: Carlisle
Cost: Price varies
30. KING OF THE MOUNTAIN
Hosted by UMI Motorsports Park, watch for two whole days on two distinct courses as 125 cars battle it out to crown the King of the Mountain. Featuring the nation's top autocross and pro-touring cars and drivers, witness history in the making and find out who will join the ranks of legends like Swenson, Smedegard, and Thorne in the record books.
When: Aug. 22-24
Where: Clearfield
Cost: Price Varies
31. KINZUA HERITAGE FESTIVAL
Be transported back in time at the Kinzua Heritage Festival. This family-oriented festival features artisans dressed in period costumes ready to share their knowledge with you and the entire family. Watch as artisans create their crafts and purchase some to take home. Enjoy hourly performances by storytellers and musicians performing country gospel, bluegrass, and native music. Featured bands include Spirit Wing, Wind River, Earth Angel, and Blue Mule, and be sure not to miss the festival's new horse-drawn wagon rides.
When: Aug. 23-25
Where: Russell
Cost: $5, children under 10 free
32. SEVEN SPRINGS WINE FESTIVAL
End the summer with a pop near Pittsburgh at the area’s biggest summer garden party in the Laurel Highlands at the Seven Springs Wine Festival. Enjoy complimentary wine samples from 22 Pennsylvania wineries and musical entertainment on three stages throughout the weekend. All attendees get a free souvenir wine festival glass and can sit through seminars to become PA wine experts.
When: Aug. 23-25
Where: Seven Springs
Cost: Price varies
33. WILD SONSHINE FACTORY'S SUNFLOWER FESTIVAL
The Wild Sonshine Factory’s Sunflower Festival promises a weekend full of family fun under the PA sun. Enjoy live music, vendors, chainsaw carvers, food trucks, and a car/bike show. Wild Sonshine, a distilled spirit made from sunflower seeds, is the only spirit directly made from sunflowers. Attend the event’s educational programs to learn more about this unique drink.
When: Aug. 23-25
Where: Kane
Cost: Free
34. GREAT AMERICAN BANANA SPLIT CELEBRATION
The Great American Banana Split Celebration, one of the summer's sweetest events, takes place in the small town where “soda jerk” David Strickler invented the banana split in 1904. The event features crafts, games, activities, a pie-eating contest, and the crowning of the Banana Split Princess. The event also includes a 5K banana run – a great way to burn calories before indulging in the town’s famous banana splits. You don’t want to miss this mouth-watering summer celebration.
When: Aug. 24-25
Where: Latrobe
Cost: TBD
35. MIDDLECREEK VALLEY ANTIQUE ASSOCIATION ANNUAL FALL ANTIQUE MACHINERY SHOW
The Middlecreek Valley Antique Association Annual Fall Antique Machinery Show features exhibits and demonstrations of antique equipment from rural Pennsylvania. See antique gas engine displays, wheat threshing demonstrations, and antique tractor pulls. The event also includes a car show and a flea market as well as craft and food vendors. The show is dedicated to preserving agricultural artifacts and educating the public about farming and rural lifestyles of the bygone days.
When: Aug. 25-27
Where: Selinsgrove
Cost: Free
36. UKRAINIAN FOLK FESTIVAL AND OUTDOOR CONCERT 2024
The Ukrainian Folk Festival and Outdoor Concert 2024 celebrates the 33rd anniversary of Ukraine’s independence. From the rich color and deep symbolism of the delicate “pysanka” (Ukrainian Easter egg) to the thunderous power, rhythm, and strength of “HOPAK” (the world’s most exciting ethnic dance), this annual event is a dazzling festival of Ukrainian folk music, dance, food, and arts right here in PA. Enjoy live reenactments from living Ukrainian history exhibitors and experience Ukrainian hospitality.
When: Aug. 25
Where: Horsham
Cost: $15
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