As the days grow longer and the blooms get brighter, May brings a fresh lineup of activities to celebrate the season. From colorful flower shows and food truck rallies to music festivals, this month’s events offer exciting ways to enjoy the arts, culture, and charm of Pennsylvania.
WAYNE ART CENTER PLEIN AIR FESTIVAL
Watch creativity bloom during the 17th Annual Wayne Art Center Plein Air Festival. Artists set up their easels in scenic landscapes across Delaware County, capturing the essence of spring en plein air. Don’t miss your chance to see art come to life this spring.
When: Now-May 10
Where: Various locations in Delaware County
ASIAN EATS
Experience the tastes of Philadelphia’s Chinatown during Asian Eats! This 10-day culinary celebration, held in honor of AAPI Heritage Month, highlights the diverse flavors and specially curated menus from a variety of Asian-owned restaurants. Whether you’re craving beloved classics or ready to discover bold new flavors, there’s no better time to explore, taste, and celebrate the heritage of Asian Eats.
When: Now-May 11
Where: Philadelphia
GETTYSBURG FILM FESTIVAL: VICTORY IN WWII
Journey through history when the Gettysburg Film Festival kicks off on the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (V-E) Day. Featuring documentaries, panel discussions, and appearances from notable guests like Ken Burns and Martin Sheen, this multi-day festival offers a powerful blend of history and cinema.
When: May 8-11
Where: Gettysburg
2025 SPRING CHAINSAW CARVE
See the thrill of live carving at the 2025 Spring Chainsaw Carve. Chainsaw carvers from across the country will gather to demonstrate their craft, transforming raw wood into stunning works of art before your eyes. Browse and buy one-of-a-kind pieces, sample delicious food, and explore a variety of local vendors.
When: May 9-10
Where: Russell
OIL CREEK CLASSIC FLY FISHING TOURNAMENT
Cast a line during the Oil Creek Classic Fly Fishing Tournament. Hosted by the Titusville Rotary Club, this two-day community event is packed with fishing fun. In addition to fly casting and fly tying, the tournament offers train rides on the Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad, museum tours, and hands-on activities for all ages.
When: May 9-10
Where: Titusville
DIRTFEST
Get ready to hit the trails at DirtFest! This highly anticipated festival at Pennsylvania’s top-rated Allegrippis Trails invites riders to celebrate mountain biking with demos, skills clinics, and group rides. This year, the festival returns to its roots at the Susquehannock Campground, the perfect spot for outdoor adventure.
When: May 9-11
Where: Hesston
MOTHER'S DAY TULIP FESTIVAL
A perfect destination to bring Mom, the Mother’s Day Tulip Festival at Brown Hill Farms will showcase 500,000 tulips in full bloom. During Mother's Day Weekend, this picturesque, fifth-generation farm will host local artisans and vendors, live music, and food. Stroll through colorful tulip fields for u-pick tulips and photo ops, meet friendly farm animals, and let the kids explore the play areas — making it the perfect family outing to honor the mother figure in your life.
When: May 11
Where: Tunkhannock
717 VINTAGE FEST
Step back in style at the 717 Vintage Fest, a curated marketplace featuring retro treasures from every decade. This weekend-long, free event gives shoppers the opportunity to browse a diverse display of clothing, records, décor, and collectibles from top vintage vendors in the region.
When: May 10-11
Where: York
NEW HOPE PRIDEFEST 2025
Join the celebration of love, pride, and community at New Hope Pridefest 2025. From the vibrant Pride Parade and drag brunches to film screenings and dance parties, the free celebration showcases the town’s creative spirit and welcoming community. Don’t miss the stunning display of the 100-foot Rainbow Equality Flag.
When: May 10-18
Where: New Hope
FINE ARTS FIESTA
Did you know Fine Arts Fiesta is the oldest running arts festival in Pennsylvania? The 69th annual event, “Listen to Your Art” features the Yellow Zinnia Artists’ Market along with dynamic musical performers. Sample ethnic food and participate in family and children’s events during this free festival.
When: May 15-18
Where: Wilkes-Barre
FESTIVAL OF THE BIRDS AT PRESQUE ISLE
Celebrate the beauty of spring migration at the Festival of the Birds at Presque Isle. Known for its diverse bird species, the stunning Presque Isle State Park in Erie offers an unparalleled bird-watching experience. Enjoy workshops and activities like bird banding, raptor watching, and kayak excursions. All this plus good food, great camaraderie, and a welcome reception on Friday evening with music and fun on the shores of Lake Erie.
When: May 16-18
Where: Erie
YOGA RETREAT ‘FROM THE CRYPT’
Find your zen with a spooky twist at Yoga from the Crypt a one-of-a-kind wellness retreat held in the historic 1910 Victorian home that was a film location for the Oscar-winning film, “The Silence of the Lambs.” Yoga sessions, meditation, and relaxation inside the iconic Victorian home are perfect for horror fans looking to unwind.
When: May 16-18
Where: Perryopolis
TILEFEST '25 STORIES IN CLAY
Explore centuries of ceramic tradition at TileFest '25 Stories in Clay. Held on the scenic grounds of TileWorks of Bucks County, this two-day festival transforms the historic site into a vibrant open-air marketplace featuring contemporary, vintage, and antique tiles from talented artisans across the globe. Enjoy live music, explore intricate tile displays, and watch art demonstrations.
When: May 17-18
Where: Doylestown
THE EBT GOES TO WAR!
Step back in time during The EBT Goes To War!, a captivating live history event at the East Broad Top Railroad. Learn about America’s war history with an immersive timeline, authentic camps, and displays from the Civil War, World War I, and World War II. Access to the event is free and train, trolley, and shop tour ticket holders can add the display to their afternoon adventure.
When: May 17-18
Where: Rockhill Furnace
2025 UPPER PINE CREEK TROUT TOURNAMENT
Cast a line and enter the ultimate 2025 Upper Pine Creek Trout Tournament in Potter and Tioga Counties. With more than 250 tagged fish and cash prizes up for grabs, this family-friendly event is a perfect way to experience the region’s scenic streams and small-town charm. Hook a tagged trout for special prizes!
When: May 17-18
Where: Wellsboro
TOUR DE FOREST SPRING RIDE
Hit the trails for this year’s Tour De Forest Spring Ride, a scenic ATV ride through the Allegheny National Forest on routes usually closed to riders. This low-difficulty, family-friendly event is perfect for all ages to get an adrenaline fix while exploring PA’s great outdoors.
When: May 17-18
Where: Marienville
PORTERSVILLE STEAM SHOW SPRING GAS-UP
Journey into the past at the Portersville Steam Show Spring Gas-Up. Spanning more than 20 acres, this nostalgic event is packed with family-friendly fun and vintage charm. Explore a blacksmith shop, antique tractors, a vintage log home, a fully operational machine shop, and the popular craft barn.
When: May 17-18
Where: Portersville
KISH CREEK TROUT TOURNAMENT
Test your angling skills at one of Pennsylvania’s premier tagged trout fishing competitions. The Kish Creek Trout Tournament challenges participants to catch prize-winning trout in the scenic Juniata River Valley. For a $30 registration fee, fish in a beautiful spring setting for the chance to win cash prizes and trophies.
When: May 17-18
Where: Reedsville
DERBY AT THE VINEYARD
Sip, savor, and celebrate spring during Derby at the Vineyard. This festive weekend at Penns Woods Winery features live music, wine tastings, lawn games, and food trucks—all set against the scenic backdrop of rolling vineyards. Dress in your most stylish derby attire for the chance to win “Best Dressed!”
When: May 17-18
Where: Chadds Ford
SOUTH 9TH STREET ITALIAN MARKET FESTIVAL
Attend the oldest outdoor market this spring in the heart of the Italian Market in Philadelphia at the iconic South 9th Street Italian Market Festival. This free event has merchants lining the streets for seven city blocks and offers an extravaganza for the senses with every ethnic delicacy possible, live entertainment, and fun contests. Don’t miss the iconic grease pole climbing competition where teams climb a 30-foot pole greased with lard for prizes or the halfball tournament that celebrates Philly’s favorite street game.
When: May 17-18
Where: Philadelphia
REGION 2 SOARING CONTEST
Look to the skies during the Region 2 Soaring Contest at the Mifflin County Airport. Sit back and relax at this thrilling contest where glider pilots from around the world compete in one of the top soaring locations on the planet—Big Valley. Visitors can watch sleek sailplanes soar.
When: May 18-24
Where: Reedsville
MYERSTOWN CARNIVAL
This is the season to get to Myerstown, situated just 40 minutes outside of Hershey, for the first ever Myerstown Carnival. Savor delicious eats from food trucks and local vendors, test your luck at bingo, and experience the thrill of carnival rides and games. With live music and entertainment, it’s a new celebration you won’t want to miss.
When: May 21-26
Where: Myerstown
GREATER PITTSBURGH FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL
Bring your appetite to the Greater Pittsburgh Food Truck Festival! Held at the Hollywood Casino at The Meadows, this Memorial Day weekend event features more than 50 food trucks serving up everything from street eats to sweet treats. Enjoy live music, craft beer and wine, and shop from regional artisans and vendors.
When: May 23-25
Where: Washington
MAYFAIR FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS
A tradition in the Lehigh Valley for more than thirty years, Mayfair Festival of the Arts is a free celebration of art and music held at Cedar Crest College. With live music on the main stage and a performance patio, workshops, and dozens of artists and crafters, the festival is a cultural event for the whole family.
When: May 23-25
Where: Allentown
NATIONAL BUTTON ACCORDION FESTIVAL
Three fun-filled days of music and dancing await this Memorial Day weekend at the National Button Accordion Festival. Attendees are invited to bring their own music and accordions to provide entertainment for the event. Three days of dancing and jamming will culminate in a formal concert on Sunday. All types of accordions and styles of polka music are welcome at this musical festival.
When: May 23-25
Where: Sharon
THY GEEKDOM CON
Celebrate 10 years of anime and gaming at Thy Geekdom Con. This one-of-a-kind, pop-culture convention features a variety of ways to embrace your inner nerd with video and tabletop gaming and a manga library to panel discussions and a geek-themed car show. Don’t forget to browse the exhibitor and artist booths for exclusive memorabilia.
When: May 23-25
Where: Oaks
HARRISBURG ARTSFEST
Prepare for a celebration of art like no other at the 57th annual Artsfest in Harrisburg. This exciting festival brings together more than 170 artisans, offering their handcrafted work including ceramics, jewelry, and sculpture. Among the stunning artwork, enjoy live entertainment, Jazzfest, a community art project, Kidsfest, and 25 food trucks offering a variety of delicious options. Explore the Harrisburg Art District with art museums, galleries, and more 40 public murals. Come for the art, stay for the fun, and experience Harrisburg's dynamic cultural scene!
When: May 24-26
Where: Harrisburg
LIVING HISTORY WEEKEND
Travel through centuries of American history during Cook Forest State Park’s Living History Weekend. From the French and Indian War to World War II, this immersive event features reenactments, hands-on demonstrations, and musical storytelling. Engage with historians as they bring the past to life through characters, craftsmanship, and song.
When: May 24-25
Where: Leeper
FISH FOR FREE DAYS
Reel in some fun during Fish-For-Free Days. On this special day, anyone can fish on Pennsylvania’s beautiful waterways without a fishing licenses. It’s the perfect chance for residents and visitors alike to experience the joy of fishing, whether you’re a seasoned angler or casting a line for the first time. Grab your gear, cast a line, and make some memories!
When: May 25
Where: Statewide
ERIE'S WILD RIB COOK OFF & MUSIC FESTIVAL
Sink your teeth into award-winning BBQ at Erie’s Wild Rib Cook Off & Music Festival. Nationally acclaimed pitmasters compete for top prizes in ribs and sauce, while local artisans, live music, and family-friendly attractions fill downtown Erie’s Perry Square. Adults can stop by the beer and spirits garden while the kids run wild in the Fun Zone.
When: May 28-31
Where: Erie
MASON-DIXON GNCC
Rev up for adventure this spring at the Mason-Dixon GNCC motorcross race weekend. Held at Mathews Farm in Mt. Morris, this action-packed event features high-octane racing across a challenging mix of open trails, tight single tracks, and flowing terrain. From PeeWee Racing and competitive classes to a dog show and family-friendly fun, it's a thrill-filled event for riders and fans alike.
When: May 30 - June 1
Where: Mt. Morris
ROCK THE COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL
The national music festival Rock The Country is coming to Pennsylvania this month! The two-day music festival will take center stage at the York Expo Center and will bring country and rock legends together for an epic weekend of live music. Get ready for high energy performances from Kid Rock, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Nickelback, Travis Tritt, and more on one powerhouse stage. Grab a single-day ticket or make it a full weekend experience with a weekend pass.
When: May 30-31
Where: York
ROOTS PICNIC
Rolling Stone calls it “hip-hop’s greatest festival” and you can kick off your summer listening to some of the nation’s top artists at The Roots Picnic Music Festival in Philadelphia. Hosted by The Roots, a legendary hip-hop group native to Philadelphia, each year the festival is equipped with an all-star line-up. This year get a front row spot to see Lenny Kravitz, Meek Mill, D’Angelo accompanied by The Roots, GloRilla, 2 Chainz, Miguel, Latto, and so much more.
When: May 31 - June 1
Where: Philadelphia
STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL
Sweeten up your season at the 10th Annual Strawberry Festival at Hollabaugh Bros near Gettysburg. Taste fresh-picked strawberries and homemade desserts, like sundaes, sugar cakes, and muffins, while listening to live music at this free event. Kids and adults alike can hop on a wagon ride around the farm or cool off with a strawberry milkshake.
When: May 31 – June 1
Where: Biglerville
For more events to attend this spring in Pennsylvania, check out the VISIT PA website. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Pinterest, Threads, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to stay up-to-date on even more great trip ideas and places to visit around the state. Don’t forget to never miss an update and sign up for our monthly PA travel e-newsletter.