As the sun sets on summer, pursue your happiness at these August 2023 events in Pennsylvania.
1. The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival
See Old City light up the night during the annual Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival. Located at Franklin Square at 6th and Race Streets, watch as the lanterns transform the park into a dreamlike garden with massive, handcrafted displays of dragons, tigers, and rabbits that celebrate Chinese traditions. The festival also features live cultural stage performances, including contortion and acrobatics.
When: Now-Aug. 13
Where: Philadelphia
Cost: $22 for adults; $20 for youth and seniors; $14 for children
2. Disney 100: The Exhibition
As the summer sunshine comes to an end, so does your chance to experience this exclusive August event in Philadelphia: Disney 100: The Exhibition at The Franklin Institute. Diving into its archives, the Disney Company is showcasing several rarely seen items of iconic memorabilia including 250 rarely seen original artworks, artifacts, costumes, and props, including nearly two dozen of Disney’s “Crown Jewels.” Immerse yourself in the company’s most beloved stories through 10 themed galleries and 15,000 square feet of exhibit space. This is one exhibit you won’t want to miss before it leaves on its world tour!
When: Now-Aug. 27
Where: Philadelphia
Cost: Price varies
3. Eastern State Penitentiary Night Tours: Summer Twilight
Explore America’s most historic prison at night during Eastern State Penitentiary’s Night Tours: Summer Twilight. These special summer night tours include all the creepy excitement and info of the day tours, but with that special twilight effect! Grab a craft beer at The Fair Chance Beer Garden and enjoy interactive programming and music created by incarcerated media producers to amplify the diverse voices, stories, and creations of those who lived and worked inside the prison walls.
When: Now-Sep. 4
Where: Philadelphia
Cost: Price varies
4. 100 Nights of Taps
Notes of “Taps” fill the air each evening as the famous 24-note call is sounded in Gettysburg National Cemetery during 100 Nights of Taps. New this year, join free tours of the cemetery that explore the aftermath of the battle of Gettysburg. After listening to the nightly bugle call played by local musicians, servicemembers, and veterans, stay for live performances of historical vignettes that change each night.
When: Now-Sep. 5
Where: Gettysburg
Cost: Free
5. Festival of Fountains
Spend a warm summer evening enjoying the vibrant, illuminated fountain performances during Longwood’s Festival of Fountains. Each week from Thursday through Saturday, take the whole crew to enjoy the colorful water spectacle during the 30-minute show. Although happening all summer long, this is a popular event and tickets go fast so make sure you add this to your things to do in August in PA.
When: Now-Sep. 24
Where: Kennett Square
Cost: Price varies
6. Dining Under the Stars
Dine under the stars every Wednesday night this summer in Media when State Street opens to foot traffic only for the biggest alfresco shopping and dining event around. You’ll find kids drawing with sidewalk chalk, see store owners chatting with patrons, and hear music echoing between the buildings. It is a little bit of the weekend right in the middle of the work week.
When: Now-Sep. 27
Where: Media
Cost: Free
7. Restaurant Week
Calling all foodies! Pittsburgh Restaurant Week features dining specials highlighting the wide range of dining options the greater Pittsburgh region has to offer. Featuring close to 50 restaurants offering dine-in and takeout specials, this is one of the tastiest and fun things to do near Pittsburgh!
When: Aug. 7-13
Where: Pittsburgh region
Cost: Price varies
8. Mommy & Me: Children of Gettysburg 1863
The Gettysburg Foundation is bringing a new twist to “Mommy & Me“ classes with a trip through Gettysburg history. Geared to children 8-12 years of age, the summer program series features local historians who will demonstrate historical art activities enjoyed by children and adults during the Civil War era with lots of opportunities to try your hand at some of these lost arts.
When: Aug. 8, 10
Where: Gettysburg
Cost: Free with admission
9. Summer Classic Movies
Enjoy the action of some of your favorite Hollywood classics at Gettysburg’s Summer Classic Movies series. Located at the beautifully restored historic Gettysburg Majestic theater, grab some popcorn, sit back, and attend a show every Wednesday all summer long.
When: Aug. 9, 16, 23
Where: Gettysburg
Cost: $8
10. Festa Italiana
Festa Italiana is a delicious August summer event! Celebrate the city of Bradford’s Italian heritage with authentic and homemade Italian food, children’s games, and rides. Adults can enjoy cold beverages at the beer tent while listening to live music and be sure to stick around to end your day with a night under the fireworks.
When: Aug. 10-12
Where: Bradford
Cost: Free
11. LH Jams
Visit LH Jams for a unique cultural experience with a wide range of musical genres and art. Jam out to pop, jazz, reggae, funk, and rock music! This family-friendly festival brings together a diverse crowd of different music, art, and ethnic backgrounds right on Lock Haven’s main street.
When: Aug. 10-12
Where: Lock Haven
Cost: Free
12. Sunflower Festival
It’s always sunny at Yenser’s Family Farm’s Sunflower Festival! The fields will be in full bloom for those prized photos and pick-your-own sunflowers. Enjoy a sunflower maze, local crafters, and food trucks. The kids’s admission also includes the sunflower maze, hayride, unlimited air cannon shots, reindeer train, and the Farm Fun Zone with its giant bounce pad, corn play area, and lots of bubbles!
When: Aug. 11-13, 18-20
Where: Lehighton
Cost: $8 for adults; $16 for children ages 12 and under; Free for children ages 2 and under
13. Juniata Valley Winery Anniversary Celebration
Sip and sample wines as you listen to live music, shop local vendors, and enjoy the delicious fare from local food trucks at the 11th anniversary celebration of Juniata Valley Winery! Sign up for one of their special activities including the Wine Run 5k or Wine & Designs cookie decorating. Be sure to take a bottle – or two – of their wonderful red, white, and fruit wines to enjoy at home.
When: Aug. 11-12
Where: Mifflin
Cost: Price varies
14. Oil Festival
Immerse yourself in Titusville’s rich history at the annual Oil Festival. Showcasing arts and crafts from local artisans, browse the open-air market and antique car show, enjoy the parade, and join in arts and crafts activities with your little ones. Grab a bite to eat from the many vendors and enjoy spirits at the Brew Fest and Wine Walk.
When: Aug. 11-12
Where: Titusville
Cost: Price varies
15. Barrel & Flow Fest
Calling all craft beer lovers! Pittsburgh’s very own Barrel & Flow Fest returns to celebrate Black artists, musicians, chefs, and brewers. Rated among the USA Today’s Readers 10Best Brew Fests in 2022 and hosted at The Stacks at 3 Crossings, the festival features more than more than 80 delicious craft beer samples, two music stages with deejays, bands, & solo artists, four art stages with all-day painting demos, a S.T.E.A.M. tent with hands-on learning & art projects, and dozens of art and food vendors. Brewers are invited to attend “edutainment” panels and classes followed by a Sunday Brewers Brunch.
When: Aug. 11-13
Where: Pittsburgh
Cost: Price varies
16. Annual Peach Festival
You’ll want to add Hollabaugh Bros. Inc. Fruit Farm and Market's 33rd annual Peach Festival to your list of top things to do in August in PA! The event features live music, wagon rides, face painting, peach ice cream and milkshakes, samples of peach products, and of course, an ice cream tent featuring peach sundaes and pie a la mode! Stock up on a wide variety of delicious peachy pastries from their bakery to enjoy once the festival is over.
When: Aug. 12-13
Where: Biglerville
Cost: Price varies
17. Eagles Mere Historic Village Arts & Crafts Festival
Visit the 52nd Annual Arts & Crafts Festival at Eagles Mere where the best of PA artisans display their wares and one-of-a-kind creations at this juried art show. Art lovers are known to flock to the picturesque Village Green in the heart of "the town that time forgot." Shop for artsy gifts from vendors and enjoy local food and entertainment in beautiful Sullivan County.
When: Aug. 12-13
Where: Eagles Mere
Cost: Free
18. Little League Baseball World Series
Every year, the top 20 Little League baseball teams from more than 80 countries gather in Williamsport to compete for the World Series Championship title at the annual international Little League Baseball World Series. One of the best things to do in August is to watch some of the most talented teams of young players play ball. Want to explore while you’re not at a game? Celebrate Little League Baseball year-round at the World of Little League®: Peter J. McGovern Museum in Williamsport.
When: Aug. 16-27
Where: Williamsport
Cost: Free
19. CelebrateErie
CelebrateErie is a three-day festival of all things Erie, celebrating the art, music, culture, food, businesses, and people who call Erie home. This year, Flo Rida, Parmalee, and other outstanding music acts will be headlining the mainstage, while marketplaces and experiences celebrating all things Erie line the streets of the downtown. State Street will be in full color with the annual ChalkWalk where local artists cover the block in amazing chalk murals.
When: Aug. 18-20
Where: Erie
Cost: Free
20. Gem Miners Jubilee
If you’re looking for events near Harrisburg in August that really sparkle, the Gem Miners Jubilee at the Lebanon Expo and Fairgrounds is guaranteed to dazzle! Check out this craft show to find gems, jewelry, minerals fossils, and a few quirky craft items. Visitors will “dig” the natural treasures on display from experts from around the world.
When: Aug. 18-20
Where: Lebanon
Cost: $6; free for children ages 12 and under
21.Gettysburg Brewfest & Trail 5k
Gettysburg is inviting you to their first ever Gettysburg Brewfest & Trail 5k! Treat yourself after a morning 5k run and walk to local brews at the Historic Daniel Lady Farm. Cool down post-race with beers and ciders as you listen to live music, enjoy a variety of food vendors, or take a house or barn tour through the historic destination. Celebrate the end of summer and get a taste of local lagers paired with Pennsylvania history at this summer event.
When: Aug. 19
Where: Gettysburg
Cost: Prices vary
22. 49th Annual Mount Gretna Outdoor Air Show
Ranked among Sunshine Magazine’s “200 Best” as one of the nation’s most outstanding art and craft festivals, it’s no wonder why the 49th Annual Mount Gretna Outdoor Air Show is a hot spot for locals and visitors alike. A full spectrum of artwork and hand-crafted items featuring a wide variety of media – oils/acrylics, photography, watercolors, sculpture, fabrics/fiber, wood, glass, paper, metal, leather clay/porcelain, digital and mixed media – by artisans from throughout the U.S. is on display, set amongst the beautiful, wooded splendor of Mount Gretna. Browse with background music as local musicians take the stage and stop for a quick snack or meal at one of the many food vendors.
When: Aug. 19-20
Where: Mount Gretna
Cost: $12; Free for children ages 11 and under
23. Aviation Days
Prepare for takeoff, Aviation Days 2023 is coming back at the Greene County Airport. Take a ride in a plane or helicopter and grab a bite to eat after your exciting flight. Don’t miss the “candy drop” from a real C-54 Skymaster military aircraft!
When: Aug. 19-20
Where: Waynesburg
Cost: Free
24. York Arts Week
Celebrate York’s arts, theatre, and creativity during the week-long citywide event, York Arts Week when the city’s cultural richness is on full display. Featuring fine art exhibitions, films, performances, classes, and children’s activities, tap into your creativity while touring the city at this end of summer event.
When: Aug. 19-26
Where: York
Cost: Price varies
25. Pennsylvania Bituminous King Coal Show
Recognizing the importance of coal in powering the nation’s industrial revolution, the 68th annual PA Bituminous King Coal Show is a week-long celebration of PA’s coal mining history and heritage. Join this joyful community event for parades, a dance showcase, the Coal Queen Pageant, and 5K race. This year’s festivities include a four-day carnival complete with rides and inflatables.
When: Aug. 19-26
Where: Carmichaels
Cost: Price varies
26. Corvettes at Carlisle
If you’ve ever wanted to see a Corvette “up close and personal,” you’ll have plenty of chances at the largest Corvette event in the world, Corvettes at Carlisle at the Carlisle Fairgrounds. More than 5,000 'Vettes will be on display for you to admire. Be sure to stop by and shop the automotive flea market and watch exciting autocross events. If you still can’t enough of America’s classic sports car, check out Carlisle's Corvette Street Parade and the Corvette car corral, and enter a raffle to win a new Corvette of your very own!
When: Aug. 24-26
Where: Carlisle
Cost: Price varies
27. Seven Spring Wine Festival
Let August sip away at the Seven Springs Wine Festival’s 30th Anniversary! This three-day summer garden party and wine fest showcases wineries from all around the Keystone State. Taste the uniqueness of each pour with the complimentary sampling from 26 different wineries while enjoying the final sounds of summer with local, live music.
When: Aug. 25-27
Where: Seven Springs
Cost: Prices vary
28. Pocono State Craft Festival
Prepare to get crafty at the Poconos’ premier art & craft festival, the Pocono State Craft Festival at the Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm. A prime destination for art collectors across the United States, you too can enjoy one of the area's largest art and craft demonstrations and listen to regional musicians at this beautiful working farm in northeastern PA.
When: Aug. 26-27
Where: Stroudsburg
Cost: $6; free for children ages 12 and under
29. Wally Lake Fest
Hoping to make summer last a little bit longer?! Visit beautiful Lake Wallenpaupack for an action-packed weekend of family fun at Wally Lake Fest. Festivities take place all over town, including scenic boat tours, a boat show, and an open-air market. Send off the last days of summer with live music at Wallypalooza and Lakeside Live.
When: Aug. 26-27
Where: Hawley
Cost: Price varies
30. Ukrainian Folk Festival
Find folk festivities and celebrate 32 years of Ukraine’s Independence right here in PA at the annual Ukrainian Folk Festival! From Ukrainian folk art and dance to traditional Ukrainian foods and baked goods, you’ll be able to fully embrace and learn about the culture at this summer festival. The event is also accompanied by an outdoor summer stage concert along with a BBQ pit, a vendor’s grove, arts and crafts displays, and live exhibitors of Ukrainian history and hospitality. A portion of each paid admission will be donated to Humanitarian Relief of Victims of War in Ukraine.
When: Aug. 27
Where: North Wales
Cost: $15; free for children ages 15 and under
Looking for more things to do in PA this summer? Explore the visitPA website and find even more outdoor recreation inspiration. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, 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.