Things to Do With Kids in September in South Central PA

Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire: September 1st, 7th – 8th, 14th – 15th, 21st – 22nd, 28th – 29th. The castle gates swing wide August 17, and the Faire continues Saturdays & Sundays through October 27! Each weekend throughout the Faire season will showcase an exciting and unique theme that offers a different experience every time. A Note About Special Events: Arrive 15 minutes prior to event to sign in. Limited slots are available for participation.

Grandparents Day: Corn Cob Acres, Mountville. September 7th – 8th. Join us in celebrating grandparents during our 2024 opening weekend! Both Saturday and Sunday, grandparents can get in free with the purchase of one regular admission per grandparent. Come enjoy over 50 activities, rides and games as you explore our farm-tastic attraction!

The Lancaster Air Show: Lancaster Airport, Lititz. September 7th – 8th. Get ready for an action-packed day at the Lancaster Airshow! The event will feature a daily airshow, aircraft on display, food trucks, vendors, a kids’ area, and much more! General admission tickets are on sale now. Receive a 25% discount on the first 150 general admission tickets sold. Kids ages 15 & under are FREE! Want an exclusive view of all the action – purchase one of our premium seating packages. Book now at https://lancasterairport.com/air-show/ and come soar with us!

30th Annual Fairy Festival: Rosemary House, Mechanicsburg. September 7th – 8th. Calling all fairies, elves, wizards, sprites, hobbits, and gnomes to this annual event! Join us in the gardens of The Rosemary House for an enchanted day of fairy fun!

This festival is perfect for ages 3 to 11 and all who believe.

Check The Rosemary House website in early August for a more detailed event and entertainment schedule.

Parking: All parking is free. On Saturday, visitors may park at the Grace United Methodist Church, corner of Simpson and Market Street, and late Saturday afternoon and Sunday, at the PNC Bank parking lot, corner of Main and Market Streets. Free street parking is also available around the shop. There is a municipal parking lot on W. Strawberry Alley.

The event is held rain or shine.

Christiana Heritage Days: Wm. P. Brinton House, Christiana. September 13th – 14th. Join us for a celebration of Christiana’s historical influence in the Civil War, Industry , and Architecture. There will be wagon rides, a petting zoo, food trucks, entertainment, magicians, train rides, chicken bbq, and so much more!

Army Expo ’24: US Army Heritage and Education Center, Carlisle. September 14th – 15th. Army Expo ’24 is a huge public program showcasing the U.S. Army’s heritage, the Army’s capabilities today, and the Army of the future. Featuring The U.S. Army Parachute Team (Golden Knights), numerous military vehicles and equipment displays, over 300 reenactors depicting every era of Army history, and an expanded immersive “Futures Room,” the entire family will enjoy learning about their Army and the supporting Civilian Service. The program and parking are FREE and open to the public from 9am to 5pm each day, and will include an extensive food truck court, musical entertainment, and scheduled programming.

Fall Harvest Fair and Early American Craft Show: Alexander Schaeffer Farm, Heidelberg Township. September 14th – 15th. Join us as the Schaeffer Farm comes alive with the fruits of the Harvest at our annual Harvest Fair & Early American Craft Show!

This two-day event will be held Saturday, September 14th from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM and Sunday, September 15th from 11:30AM to 4:00PM.

Admission is $8.00 per person, children under 12 are free but must be accompanied by an adult.

Our event is held rain or shine!

Activities for all ages! Music on the stage, cider pressing, apple butter making, wagon rides, corn shelling, and more!

We will also have house & self-guided garden tours, soap making, natural dyes, colonial needlework, spinners, baking demos, sawmill demonstrations, blacksmithing and beautiful handmade 18th & 19th century crafts.

Food will be available both days! Bread, pies, whoopie pies, apple dumplings, and more will also be available throughout the farm for purchase!

Show your support to our local Boy Scout chapter with your purchase of drinks!

There will be much to experience and only 2 days to see it!

Enchanted Fairy Festival: Springettsbury Township Park, York. September 21st – 22nd. Come one, come all, to the Enchanted Fairy Festival! This is a family event for all ages. Come see magic, meet a unicorn, and frolic through bubbles. Learn to be a pirate. Dance like no one’s watching. Listen to the bands. See a belly dancer. Ask a mermaid how to talk to a dolphin. Dress up, dress up, dress up! Be a princess, pirate, troll, fairy, gnome, animal, or another magical creature. We will have music, activities, lots of vendors, food trucks and weird things that we came up with in our own imaginations. 🙂

We will be selling tickets online and at the door. Once again, we have a separate fee for the tea party! (This sold out last year.)

Celtic Highlands Celebration: Kings Gap Environmental Education Center, Carlisle. September 1st, 8:30am – 6:00pm. The Celtic Highland Celebration begins with the finals for the all-around champions in the Highland Games, followed by a Scottish and English sword demonstration, clan history from Clan Hays Society, a Celtic dance demonstration, and live Celtic Music from Devilish Merry and Across the Pond. There will also be food trucks.

Art Festival: Long’s Park, Harrisburg. September 1st, 10:00am – 5:00pm. Long’s Park transforms into a beautiful outdoor gallery filled with “artful memories” for everyone. Spend a day with us as you discover new artists in 25 unique categories. Stroll along paved walkways around Long’s Pond in beautifully shaded Long’s Park as you visit with local and national juried artists.

Bubbler Foundation Festival and Fireworks: South Middleton Park, Boiling Springs. September 1st, 12:00pm – 4:00pm. The Bubbler Foundation Festival will take place on September 1, 2024 from 12-4pm at South Middleton Park. Fireworks will began at dusk from the Boiling Springs High School Stadium!

The Bubbler Foundation Festival will feature fun activities this year including:
FREE snow cones
a video game truck
Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office printing Child ID cards
Summit Search & Rescue Dogs showcasing their abilities
Cake/Cookie Walk
Face painting
Bounce house
Hay ride

Vintage Crew is the music entertainment this year once again!

You won’t want to miss our Rubber Duck Regatta, where the rubber duckies race down the creek by the park! Duckies will be sold at the festival for $5 each or $20 for a Quack Pack of 5. Come join in on the fun!

Everything at the event is FREE apart from the wonderful food for purchase from the Boiling Springs Lion’s Club and Sarah’s Creamery.

We hope to see you there!

Annual Ice Cream Social: Lititz Historical Foundation. September 1st, 6:30pm – 8:00pm. Join us in our Mary Oehme Gardens on Sunday, September 1st 2024 for our Annual Ice Cream Social.

The evening’s entertainment (back by popular demand) will be Steel Radiance, an all-female cover band that plays the best in classic rock and blues.

The show will begin at 6:30pm. The gardens are located behind 145 East Main Street, Lititz, PA 17543. Bring your chairs, blankets, and dancing shoes and invite your friends, family, and neighbors. Plenty of free parking nearby is available.

Ice cream, provided by Greco’s of Lititz, will also be available by donation. Refreshments will also be available for a small fee. This is a pay what you can event. We will be collecting donations that evening to help preserve our gardens and 18th century structures.

Kipona Festival: Riverfront Park, Harrisburg. September 1st – 2nd. The City of Harrisburg will host the 108th annual Kipona Festival along Riverfront Park and City Island from Saturday, August 31 – Monday, September 2. The event will feature a Multicultural Celebration, Native American Pow-Wow, Family Fun Zone, Art in the Park, live music stage, Giant Puppet Parade, Keystone Dock Dogs competition, bubble festival, food trucks, a beer/wine garden, and more! The event runs 11am-7pm on Saturday and Sunday and 11am-6pm on Monday. FREE admission with no ticket required all 3 days.

FREE Bubble Festival: Downtown Harrisburg. September 2nd, 11:00am – 5:00pm. Kids! Come make the BIGGEST bubbles of your lives — FREE — with GRANDPOP BUBBLES™.

The City of Harrisburg will sponsor GRANDPOP BUBBLES™ and his amazing “Free Bubble Festival,” where kids from 12-months to 1200-months will make the BIGGEST bubbles of their lives!

Grandpop Bubbles will bring his bubble wands, tristrings, poles, basins, buckets, and over 150 gallons of SPECIAL BUBBLE JUICE for your children to enjoy bubbling with #GpopB.

You’ll share Grandpop Bubbles’ bubble juice and 4′ bubble wands and his 3′ bubble “Tristrings” (two sticks and strings) to make bubbles. He guarantees that you will make the BIGGEST bubbles of your life — whatever your age. See photos at facebook.com/GrandpopBubbles/photos. (After the event, send your photos to GPOPB or post here to WIN a Free Bubble Party… each photo is a chance to win!)

All will be amazed by the giant bubbles from Grandpop Bubbles’ 8′, 10′, and 16’. Bubbles can be 10′, 20′, 30′, and even 75′! Some adults may want to try the long poles.

Princess & Fairy Cruise: Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat, Harrisburg. September 3rd, 5:30pm – 7:00pm. Treat your little princess to an evening of laughs, fun and the royal treatment. This activity-filled ride will have each prospective princess participate in several themed activities and crafts. Includes pizza, drink, and ice cream. This promises to be a magical evening that you and your children will remember forever!

Get Out the Vote Community Day: YWCA Carlisle and Cumberland County, Carlisle. September 5th, 5:00pm – 7:00pm. Join us for an afternoon of food, fun, voter registration, and education! Learn about local issues while enjoying activities and community action! Enjoy food trucks, live entertainment, voter education, kids’ activities, and more!

Kids Night Out – Mini Mansions Play Party: Jubilee Cake Studio, Mechanicsburg. September 6th, 5:30pm – 8:30pm. Parents, do you need a break?! Check out our KIDS NIGHT OUT! Kids come and PLAY in Jubilee’s Mini Mansion’s! Play time is 3 hours, pizza, snacks, drinks, game and crafts! Grippy socks are included. Ages are 5 years old to 12 years old. ALL kiddos MUST be potty trained! This is a drop off / pick up event.

28th Annual Chile Pepper Festival: William DeLong Park, Bowers. September 6th – 7th. A large gathering of hot sauce and salsa vendors. Also, many vendors are selling chile pepper-related items. Lots of food, hot or not. Something for everyone. Entertainment both days. Handicapped accessible event. Children’s playground. Rain or shine.

Railroad Heritage Day: Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, Strasburg. September 7th. Discover the amazing and diverse heritage of the industry that built our nation and continues strong today. We’ll showcase Pennsylvania’s many remarkable historical and contemporary railroads with presentations, operating model train layouts, art and photography, interpretive tours and more. A great family outing with something for everyone to enjoy! Regular Museum hours. Included in the regular Museum admission.

Fall Festival in the Garden: Lebanon County Extension Office, Lebanon. September 7th, 10:00am – 1:00pm. Join the Fun at the Fall Festival in Our Garden!

The Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Lebanon County invite you to our Demonstration Garden to participate in:
– Gardening Demonstrations
– Fun Children’s Activities
– Various types of Tomato Tasting
– Free Seed Packets Handouts
– Creating a Fall Decoration
– Ask a Master Gardener
– Growing Garlic demonstration

No Charge to Attend – Rain or Shine.

Free Day of Music & Fun: Thornwald Park, Carlisle. September 7th, 11:00am – 7:00pm. Celebrating our 10th anniversary as a 501c3 supporter of the arts – we’re throwing ourselves a birthday party and we sure hope you’ll come! Completely, totally and unappoligetically free and open to the public!

Music starts at 11 a.m. with the dulcet tones of Rick and Theresa LeBlanc, then some sweet sweet bluegrass from Kevin Neidig, with the incomparable Cumberland Honey closes out the show.

Bring lawn chairs, blankets, kids, pets, brown bag lunches, snacks and dinners… we can’t wait to party with you!

Sunflower Festival: Cherry Crest Adventure Farm, Ronks. September 7th, 12:00pm – 6:00pm. Our sunflower and zinnia fields come alive with vibrant blooms and endless smiles!🌻

Come join us for a day of sunshine and floral fun at the Sunflower Festival, where the beauty of nature meets the excitement of adventure on the farm. It’s an experience that will fill your heart with joy and your camera roll with stunning memories!

Festival Includes:

Winery & Brewery
Live music
Local craft vendors
Kids crafts
Flowers sold by stem or bucket
Balloon Artist (only Sep 7th)
and much more for the entire family to enjoy.

Butterflies & Brews Festival: Maiers Grove, Blandon. September 7th, 12:00pm – 6:00pm. Come on out to Butterflies & Brews Festival held by Maddie’s Miracles on Saturday September 7th from 12pm-6pm!

Maddie’s Miracles is a Berks County nonprofit that improves the quality of life and outlook for children with profound special needs and their families which care for them.

We are hosting this festival to gain awareness of our cause and what we can provide to our special needs community. As well as raise proceeds to help with making our miracles come true!

At this event will will have breweries, wineries, distilleries, food trucks, and craft vendors.

We also have a lineup of bands to entertain patrons throughout the day.

$20/vehicle includes: petting zoo, bounce house, band entertainment, axe throwing and more!!

Lancaster Music Fest: Buchanan Park, Lancaster. September 7th, 12:00pm – 8:00pm. On September 7, 2024, SmartHub Foundation will produce the fifth annual Lancaster MusicFest, an exceptional community experience that brings together live music, local food, local craft beer/wine/spirits, street performers, local artisans, and plenty of space to relax with friends, all in a fresh air festival environment at Buchanan Park in Lancaster City.

Lancaster MusicFest is the flagship fundraising event produced by the SmartHub Foundation, whose vision is to create a more engaged, healthy and vibrant Lancaster. Our goal continues to be to amplify the impact that local organizations are having in the Lancaster community. Lancaster MusicFest benefits Children’s Miracle Network and Schreiber Pediatric.

Bug-O-Rama: Hershey Gardens. September 8th, 10:00am – 3:00pm. This year’s expanded Bug-O-Rama will feature an array of unique insects from around the world, as well as small reptiles including snakes, lizards, frogs and geckos. Join us for this family-friendly, hands-on day, and participate in a variety of fun bug activities with Penn State Entomology, Ryan the Bug Man and PA Bat Rescue, among others. Plus, Sarah’s Creamery will be selling ice cream treats!

One World Festival: Franklin & Marshall College Alumni Center, Lancaster. September 8th, 11:00am – 5:00pm. Join us on September 8 for the third annual One World Festival . This is a full-day celebration of unity, live music and dancing, global cuisines, international vendors, and unforgettable cultural experiences!

The 2024 One World Festival will take place at Franklin & Marshall College’s Alumni Sports & Fitness Center. This is the same location as the 2022 One World Festival.

Travel the globe in one day, right here in Lancaster County! Experience foods, music, performing arts, activities, shopping and so much more from all over the world. A variety of countries and cultures will be represented at the event and any proceeds will go into a One World Fund established with the Lancaster County Community Foundation. Join us and let’s celebrate together– the event will be held rain or shine!

Registration is free but we require you to register to gain entry to the event!

For more details, visit oneworldfestivallancaster.org.

36th Annual Rubber Duckie Race and Festival: The Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development, Lancaster. September 8th, 1:30pm – 5:00pm. Gear up for an exhilarating day of fun and fitness at the 36th Annual Rubber Duckie Race & Festival!

It’s YOUR turn to race! The Duckie Dash is a one-mile race open to individuals of all abilities, aged 13 and above. While the Duckling Dash is a 100-meter race for kiddos of all abilities, aged 2-12.

Duckie Dash Highlights:

Date Registration Opens: May 24
Early Bird Registration Ends: August 1
Race & Festival Date: September 8
Race Day Schedule:

1:30PM: Registration Opens & Festival Begins
2:30PM: Duckling Dash – Kids 100M Fun Run
3:00PM: Duckie Dash – Individual
3:30PM: Duckie Dash – Relay Race
4:00PM: Race Winners Announcement
5:00PM: Event Conclusion

Free Festival Fun:

Enjoy a craft tent, DJ, pony rides, and food trucks.
Carnival games available with the purchase of game tickets.

Race Perks:

Participants registered in our Duckie Dash by August 1 receive a commemorative race t-shirt.

All Duckie Dash registrants are automatically entered in the $2,500 grand prize giveaway.

Grandparents’ Day Excursion: Colebrookdale Railroad, Boyerstown. September 8th, 2:30pm – 4:00pm. Celebrate Grandma and Grandpa this Grandparent’s Day with a relaxing train ride on the Colebrookdale Railroad! Everyone gets to create their own ice cream Sundae onboard!

This is a 90-minute excursion, and unlike our traditional excursions, all cars receive the same class of service and are able to enjoy our A-La Carte menu.

This means our First-Class Parlor car DOES NOT come with the standard first class offerings, you only will be able to order items off of our A-La-Carte menu and receive a complimentary ice cream Sundae.

Coach Class (Deluxe Coach): Passengers in our Deluxe Coach Car can enjoy our light-fare à la carte menu with delicious seasonal snacks and beverages, as well as a complimentary ice cream Sundae.

Dining Class (Dining car and Lounge Car): Passengers in Dining class can enjoy our light-fare à la carte menu with delicious seasonal snacks and beverages, as well as a complimentary ice cream Sundae as no meals are served on this excursion.

Denver Fair: Denver Memorial Park. September 10th – 14th. The Denver Fair is excited to announce the 2024 Denver Fair being held September 10-14 at Denver Memorial Park! Featuring rides, games, entertainment, food, fireworks, exhibits, animals & more! Free admission and free midway entertainment & musical entertainment throughout the week. We hope to see you there!

Jonestown Fall Fest: Jonestown Community Park. September 12th, 4:00pm – 8:00pm. Celebrate Fall with your local community! Games, crafts for our youth, entertainment, Makers/crafters, local businesses, food trucks! We can’t wait to see our Friends!

Food Truck & Restaurant Rally: Downtown New Cumberland. September 12th, 5:00pm – 8:00pm. Calling all food lovers in New Cumberland and beyond!

Mark your calendars because the New Cumberland Food Truck and Restaurant Rally is back for another year, brought to you by the New Cumberland Business & Professional Group.

Join us on the second Thursday of every month, March to December 2024, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the heart of downtown New Cumberland – Market Square (222–298 Market Street, New Cumberland, PA 17070). This Rally happens rain or shine!

Indulge your taste buds with the freshest, most mouthwatering fare from the area’s top-notch food trucks. International fare bursting with flavor, sandwiches that will leave you speechless, lip-smacking barbecues, delectable sweets, and artisan snacks that will have you coming back for more! And that’s not all… Our downtown businesses will be staying open late, offering special promotions just for you.

We encourage you to arrive hungry because this Rally is all about enjoying incredible food and creating lasting memories with friends and family. Plus, by attending this event, you’ll be supporting local businesses and the community as a whole.

So, grab your appetites, bring your friends and loved ones, and join us for an unforgettable evening at the New Cumberland Food Truck and Restaurant Rally.

Pumpkin Palooza: GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, Reading. September 13th, 11:00am – 3:00pm. Join us for this year’s Pumpkin Palooza celebrating 10 Years of Fall Family Fun!

Pumpkin Palooza is an admission free family-friendly event that features hundreds of handblown glass pumpkins for sale. Enjoy the fall weather, games, kids’ activities, arts and crafts, and create lasting memories with loved ones this fall.

More details coming soon and look out as we announce our Workshops!

Get the Scoop on PAR: Sweet Ride Ice Cream, West Reading. September 13th, 4:00pm – 5:30pm. Find us outside of Sweet Ride with travel guides and information about our area. Meet the staff, ask questions, and get a scoop of ice cream on us!

Family Fun Fest: Brownstown Elementary School, Brownstown. September 13th, 4:30pm – 8:00pm. The Brownstown Elementary PTO invites you to join our 8th Annual Family Fun Fest Friday, September 13, 2024, from 4:30pm to 8pm as an event sponsor, contributor, or volunteer. This annual event raises money to help provide teacher supplies, supplement field trips and other school related expenses and activities. Our Family Fun Fest is a community event with many family friendly activities such as food trucks, games, a raffle with themed baskets, gift cards and more! This event is a highlight for kids, parents, faculty, and the community. Come and join the fun!

Whitaker Center Block Party: Whitaker Center for the Science and Arts, Harrisburg. September 13th, 5:00pm – 8:00pm. Whitaker Center is celebrating 25 years in style with a Block Party you won’t want to miss! Produced in partnership with Harristown and SB Events (that’s me!), this special event brings together the community for a night of fantastic food, drinks, and live entertainment.

Join us from 5-9 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 13 outside of Whitaker Center, along N. 3rd St. between Market & Walnut Streets in downtown Harrisburg!

Dig into mouthwatering bites from 717 Tacos, Rolling Grill, and Mad Dash Sandwiches, then treat yourself to something sweet from Honey Bear Ice Cream or a refreshing drink from Reign + Taij’s Lemonade. And if you’re looking to raise a glass, you’re in luck—Tröegs Independent Brewing, Boneshire Brew Works, Midstate Distillery, and Armstrong Valley Winery will be on hand to keep the good times flowing.

But that’s not all! Harrisburg’s own The Martini Bros will perform!!

Mark your calendars and bring your friends—this is one Block Party you won’t want to miss! Keep an eye out for updates and join us in celebrating 25 incredible years of Whitaker Center!

Teddy Bear Helicopter Drop: Clipper Magazine Stadium, Lancaster. September 13th, 5:30pm. WellSpan Health Fun Friday presents a post-game Teddy Bear Helicopter Drop presented by Top Line Heating & Air and Vince Ricevuto-Heli-Realtor!

Hummelstown Arts Festival: Downtown Hummelstown. September 14th, 9:00am – 4:00pm. Hummelstown’s 42nd Annual Arts Festival is scheduled from 9 AM to 4 PM Saturday, September 14, 2024, along the Borough’s Main Street.

The festival offers something for everyone with more than 150 juried artists, a food court, a children’s area, and live entertainment.

The children’s area will have a variety of free activities for families including a caricature artist, balloon art animals, face painting by Lower Dauphin High School National Art Honor Society students, along with crafts by Hummelstown Parks & Recreational Board. The Altrusa Club will have free books for kids and the Dauphin County Library will be there with MARCO. Additionally, our local Boy Scouts will be there with their Lego race track.

Music will be provided all day by DJ Bill Runkle, and Studio 22 will perform at 10 am and the Hershey School of Dance will perform at 2 pm on the square. The Lower Dauphin Thespians will be in character to entertain and provide an activity throughout the day.

Proceeds from this annual fundraiser benefit college scholarships. Each year, the Robert M. Nisley Memorial Scholarship is awarded to Lower Dauphin Seniors who have exhibited excellent character and have been accepted into a degree program to major or minor in the visual and performing arts or music.

For safety reasons, there are no dogs, skateboards or bicycles permitted during the festival.

For more info, visit www.Facebook.com/HummelstownArtsFestival or www.hummelstownartsfest.com.

E-Town Fall Fest: Elizabethtown Fairgrounds. September 14th, 10:00am – 4:00pm. Come join us for our 3rd annual Fall in Elizabethtown, PA! We are so excited to fill the E Town fairgrounds will all handmade makers, live music, student makers, food trucks, and more! We can’t wait to celebrate the Fall season together!

Fossil Day: Indian Steps Museum Pavilion, Airville. September 14th, 11:00am – 4:00pm. Grab a hammer and break into fossiliferous rocks!

A free program on September 14, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Indian Steps Museum (Pavilion) where you can break up rocks to reveal a surprise.

376 Million year old fossils collected from Maryland to Florida, ages spanning from Eocene to Pleistocene.

RSVP to: Judith Englert at 717.515.7907 or email: [email protected]

RSVP by September 9

More information: www.indiansteps.org.

Hometown Heroes Festival: Cherry Crest Adventure Farm, Ronks. September 14th, 12:00pm – 8:30pm. Join us for a day filled with gratitude, celebration, and community spirit as we pay tribute to the courageous individuals who serve our hometowns. From firefighters and police officers to healthcare workers, our festival is a heartfelt salute to those who keep our communities safe and thriving.

– a portion of ticket sales for this day will be donated to our local volunteer Fire Departments.

Festival Includes:

Candy drop @12:00pm
Touch-a-Truck and Meet & Greet Event with local EMS, Fire Departments, and Police until 6:00pm
A special visit from the WellFlight helicopter
The interactive and educational Fire Safety Trailer
A heroes parade will take place at 6:30pm
Patriotic fireworks show at 8:30pm

Lancaster Conservancy Trail Fest: Wizard Ranch Nature Preserve, Hellam Township. September 14th, 2:00pm – 7:00pm. Gather your family and friends to celebrate the trails that connect us with nature and the thousands of acres of natural lands Lancaster Conservancy has protected. Enjoy live music from bluegrass band Colebrook Road, beer from Collusion Tap Works, food from Vampire Taco food truck, self-guided hikes, Trailside Talks, s’mores around the campfire, and the chance to test your outdoor skills.

Free Fall Festival: Campbelltown Volunteer Fire Company, Palmyra. September 14th, 11:00am – 3:00pm. We are excited to announce the 2024 Annual Hershey FCU Fall Fest! After the success of last years event, we are eager to grow our attendance and we are asking for your consideration in being a sponsor/vendor at this years Fall Fest. At Hershey FCU, it is important for us to give back to our community and one of the ways we do that is by hosting a community event each year with FREE admission. Fall Fest is a free family-friendly, fun event for all ages. We will have tons of free activities and stations, food trucks, vendors to shop, raffles and live music!

Johnny Appleseed Day: Weaver’s Orchard, Morgantown. September 14th, 10:00am – 3:00pm. Johnny Appleseed Day is all about pick-your-own apples. Join us for pick-your-own apples and storytelling with Johnny Appleseed himself. We’ll have plenty of apple treats, including caramel apples, baked apple desserts and apple cider!

Annual Touch-a-Truck Community Event: Swamp Lutheran Church, Reinholds. September 15th, 10:00am – 12:00pm. Join us for our Annual Touch-a-Truck community event. Come climb and explore various trucks and tractors.

Rides for Smiles will be returning this year with free tractor rides for the kids.

We will have various activities for the kids including: face painting and tattoos.

We will have food available by donation. All proceeds will go to the Adamstown Library.

Stay tuned for more details!

Fort Hunter Day: Fort Hunter Mansion and Park, Harrisburg. September 15th, 10:00am – 4:00pm. Welcome fall with a festival celebrating the old-time ways of life at our annual Fort Hunter Day celebration! Visitors will find arts and crafts, family-friendly games and activities, historic demonstrations and exhibits, live entertainment, antique cars and tractors, and even farm equipment from the collection that is not frequently seen by the public. Stop by the Friends of Fort Hunter bake sale or visit any of the food trucks for a delicious meal. There will also be live animals, hay wagon rides, and so much more!

Throughout the day enjoy musical entertainment on the corncrib stage, in partnership with the Susquehanna Folk Music Society.

Solanco Fair: Solanco Fairgrounds, Quarryville. September 18th – 20th. The Solanco Fair is one of Lancaster County’s three agricultural fairs that doesn’t feature a midway, or rides, though there’s no shortage of interesting and entertaining events. It features many agricultural exhibits, food, contests and more. FREE admission and parking!

Sept. 18: Street parade in downtown Quarryville, 6 p.m.

Sept. 19: Antique and classic tractor pull, 5 p.m.; baby parade in the Upper Ball Field, 7 p.m.

Sept. 20: Pedal tractor pull competition in the Upper Ball Field, 6 p.m.; Iron Man contest in the Lower Ball Field, 7:30 p.m.

Spider Man: Across the Spider-Verse Live in Concert: American Music Theatre, Lancaster. July 19th, 7:00pm. Building on the success of the sold-out global shows of the first Oscar®-winning Spider-Man™ animated Spider-Verse film, comes the highly anticipated sequel: SPIDER-MAN™: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE, set to captivate audiences in concert venues worldwide.

These films have garnered immense popularity, largely due to their groundbreaking soundtracks praised for their innovative fusion of orchestral and electronic elements alongside scratch DJ techniques.

The upcoming spectacle will feature the movie showcased on a colossal HD screen, complemented by a diverse ensemble of musicians and instrumentalists performing the film’s iconic score and soundtrack live. This extraordinary lineup includes a full orchestra, a skilled scratch DJ on turntables, as well as percussion and electronic instrumentalists.

Oley Valley Community Fair: Oley Fairgrounds. September 19th – 21st. Our fair is made possible by the hundreds of volunteers that put in many hours before, during and after the fair. This year’s fair will again require many volunteers, one which hopefully might be you!! The Oley Valley Community Fair promotes good friendly competition among the many friends and neighbors of the surrounding Oley area. Each year you can see a wide variety of local products from the farm and home that are entered in many different categories. In 2022 our fair had 6,335 entries with a total premium distribution of $25,238. This is just an example of what kind of money can be won at the Oley Fair by exhibitors, both the young and the more experienced.

The Oley Fair is also known for its famous French fries, hamburgers and much much more. I guarantee when you come to our fair, you will smell that famous good Dutch cooking aroma in the air. It will make you want to keep coming back for more. The real secret is that twenty-one of our area churches and their congregations help prepare and serve this wonderful home style food. You will not find any food vendors or midways at our fair.

If you have not done so already, we invite you to come experience the Oley Fair. If you are one of the many thousands that come each year, we invite you to bring a friend. No matter if you’re a first timer or have been at all the fairs, you will remember the experience for a long time.

Tailgating Festival: Kitchen Kettle Village, Intercourse. September 20th – 21st. What’s cooking? Lot’s of homemade tailgate foods — salsas, pickles, burgers, dips, salads and delectable drinks.

In the heart of Lancaster County, we’re celebrating autumn and tailgate season. I love this time of year when our Village comes alive with themed scarecrows, pumpkins and corn shocks. Every year Kitchen Kettle Village pays tribute to tailgating season with a two-day food festival filled with delicious and fun events.

There are plenty of activities for young and old, families and couples alike. This year see Lancaster County Non-Profit themed scarecrows throughout the village and vote for your favorite. Savor a tasty sample of homemade tailgate foods at one of our grills or restaurants. Tap your toes to a Dixieland Band or other live music. Don’t miss the Tailgate Games Area on Saturday. Wear your favorite jersey or sports attire to be part of the team!

We can’t wait to see you at this year’s Tailgate Festival in Intercourse.

Villains Express With the Witch Sisters: Stewartstown Railroad Company. September 21st. Join the three witch sisters for a spooky and silly ride in celebration of fall! Break out your Halloween costumes a little early this year, and dress to impress – or else you might get turned into a toad! Enjoy a silly story time and dance party at the picnic stop and help concoct a magic potion to help them power up the train!

Departure times are 10 a.m., 11:45 a.m., and 2 p.m.

***Times listed are train departure times, please arrive 30 minutes early as we are not able to hold the train for late arrivals.*** These tickets are non-refundable. Our train rides are rain or shine! This ride is about 90 minutes.

Celebrate Wildwood: Wildwood Park, Harrisburg. September 21st, 10:00am – 2:00pm. Help celebrate Wildwood Park with a nature-themed afternoon! Learn about butterflies, birds, and more. Participate in pumpkin painting, children’s crafts, live musical entertainment, and guided walks. There’s something for the whole family!

Conewago Country Fair: Conewago Elementary School, Hershey. September 21st, 10:00am – 2:00pm. Mark your calendars for the best Country Fair of the year!!! Come and celebrate with us! Games, food, crafts and lots of fun!

Twig & Twine Fall Fest: Twig & Twine, Myerstown. September 21st, 10:00am – 3:00pm. Everyone mark your calendars for September 21st 2024! Twig and twine is having our 2nd annual fall fest🍁

We will have craft vendors set up outside and a bake sale, food truck and so much more family friendly activities 🍂

We will also have sales throughout the inside of our shop!

L’Italia Festival: Lititz Springs Park, Lititz. September 21st, 10:00am – 5:00pm. L’Italia Festival is back for a 3rd year at Lititz Springs Park. Join us 10-5pm on Saturday, September 21st for a day of Italian Food, crafts and activities for the whole family.

>> FREE ADMISSION << Enjoy authentic Italian foods, imported goods, cars, crafts, music, and activities throughout this fun-filled day in Lititz Springs Park. Bring the whole family! Our kid-zone will feature face-painting, coloring books, Italian storytelling, dancing and games. Last year exceeded everyone’s expectations with over 10,000 guests! We’re adding more food and craft vendors to keep up with the enormous enthusiasm shown by this community. For more information and to get involved as a vendor or volunteer, we invite you to check out our website https://lititz.it/ Follow the Keystone Italian Project’s Facebook page more updates.

Heemet Fescht: Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center, Kutztown. September 21st, 11:00am – 4:00pm. Join us for Heemet Fescht 2024, on September 21, 11am-4pm, showcasing some of the region’s finest in folk culture, music in the barn yard, arts, performances, children’s activities, and fun for the whole family! This event will take place on the Heritage Center farm, located at 22 Luckenbill Rd.

Heemet (HAY-met) is the Pennsylvania Dutch word for “Home”.

This is a free event! See you there!

Fall Fun Day: Growing Faith Farms, Lebanon. September 21st, 11:00am – 4:00pm. The fall fun day returns! We are excited to have you all back for pumpkin painting, good food, hay rides, and many more family fun activities! Free admission!!! Lunch will be available for purchase, we hope to see you all there!!!

West Reading Fall Fest: 6th and Penn, West Reading. September 21st, 11:00am – 7:00pm. Celebrating its 18th year and coming just a few days before the official first day of Fall is West Reading’s Fall Fest spans the 400-700 blocks of Penn Avenue. The streets are closed so festival goers can indulge in 200 craft and retail vendors, including a wide array of food and beverage choices, including beer, wine and spirits + music on three stages featuring performances by: Bradley Stewart and the Thornbirds, Punkadelic, Perfect Strangers, Moderate Rock, Stephanie Grace, Vehicle (Duo), Dave Mell Blues Band, Jake Joyce Band, Green Being, Lost Dad, Chiseled Lilies, Kick Out Before 3, Mo7s (acoustic duo), Heads in Motion, Phoenix 96 and Dance Your Dreams!

This event is free + open to the public.

Thank you to our 2024 Sponsors Customers Bank, Reading Hospital – Tower Health, The American Diner and Bachman’s Roofing, Solar & Remodeling!

Be sure to follow this event on our Visit West Reading Facebook page for all the latest updates + music schedule of set times!

Dog Man – The Musical: Luhrs Center, Shippensburg. September 21st, 4:00pm – 6:00pm. TheaterWorksUSA’s Dog Man: The Musical is a hilarious production based on the worldwide bestselling series from Dav Pilkey, the creator of Captain Underpants and Cat Kid Comic Club.

Best buds George and Harold have been creating comics for years, but now that they’re in 5th grade, they figure it’s time to level up and write a musical based on their favorite character, Dog Man, the crime-biting sensation who is part dog, part man, and ALL HERO!! How hard could it be?

With the head of a dog and the body of a policeman, Dog Man loves to fight crime and chew on the furniture. But while trying his best to be a good boy, can he save the city from Flippy, the cyborg fish, and his army of Beasty Buildings? Can he catch Petey, the world’s most evil cat, who has cloned himself to exact revenge on the doggy do-gooder? And will George and Harold finish their show before lunchtime?? Find out in this epic musical adventure featuring the hilarity and heart of Dav Pilkey’s beloved characters.

Family Night! Mini-Mansions Play and Decorate Party: Jubilee Cake Studio, Mechanicsburg. September 22nd, 12:00pm – 2:00pm. It’s FAMILY time! Come and PLAY in Jubilee’s Mini Mansion’s! PLUS decorate! Play time is 2 hours, includes two adults and two children. Decorating includes, 6 cupcakes or 6 coookies PLUS goodies (2 frostings, 2 fondants, 2 sprinkles). You may add additional children at check out. Grippy socks are included and required.

Sharing of workshops is not permitted unless explicitly stated. Any additional guests not accounted for in this reservation must complete a separate registration.

Ephrata Fair: Downtown Ephrata. September 24th – 28th. The Ephrata Fair, “The largest street fair in Pennsylvania” has been a significant part of local history, showcasing our many agricultural events and exhibits, as well as all the fun on the Midway.​

Agriculture is Pennsylvania’s number one industry, and at the Ephrata Fair, we’re proud to do our part in promoting and preserving our agricultural heritage all while organizing a fun and memorable event for residents of Ephrata and beyond. The Ephrata Farmers Day Association is the managing organization that oversees all aspects of the Ephrata Fair.

Kids’ Day: Reduced rides and entertainment for preschool and elementary aged children. Thursday – all around the Fair.

Family Fun Night: Join the fun at Tent City in a variety of competitions for the whole family! Friday Evening @ Tent City.

Beetlejuice: Hershey Theatre. September 24th – 29th. He earned his stripes on Broadway; now the ghost-with-the-most is coming to Hershey. It’s showtime! Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, this hilarious musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. With an irreverent book, an astonishing set and a score that’s out of this Netherworld, BEETLEJUICE is SCREAMINGLY GOOD FUN! (Variety). And under its uproarious surface (six feet under, to be exact), it’s a remarkably touching show about family, love and making the most of every Day-O! For more information, please visit www.BeetlejuiceBroadway.com.

West Lampeter Community Fair: Lampeter Community Park, Lancaster. September 25th – 30th. This “Senior Citizen” of Lancaster County Fairs was originally organized as an activity to display projects prepared by students attending what was called the West Lampeter Vocational School. During the first twenty-five years, it was held on the playground of the West Lampeter High School. In 1949, it was moved to the Lampeter Community grounds where it has grown into the major attraction that it is today.

The Fair Directors and Fair Department Committee Personnel comprise a unique blend of farmers, business persons and public spirited citizens who value community service above personal gain. Many of them take time from their regular occupations to spend long days working for or at the Fair.

The three-day event provides friendly competition among neighbors and a wholesome, educational atmosphere for all ages. Farmers and small gardeners can compare their produce at one central location. Children can learn to appreciate quality food products and farm animals. Our Youth Program is especially designed to encourage both boys and girls to exhibit in all categories of baking, canning, cooking, art, sewing, fruits, vegetables, plants and animals.

The Fair Book has increased from a simple 4-page leaflet used in 1924 to this year’s fair book. We are deeply appreciative of the many businesses and friends who support and participate in our community Fair.

Come to the Fair! Meet your neighbors; visit with our exhibitors; taste our food and enjoy our wholesome entertainment.

Fall Festival: Winding Hills Park North, Mechanicsburg. September 27th, 4:00pm – 9:00pm. It’s the time of year when the leaves change, a pleasant chill fills the air, and Upper Allen Township welcomes friends for a day of Fall Fun at Winding Hill Park North. Join us there as we celebrate the changing of the seasons! Winding Hill Park North is located at 901 East Winding Hill Road, Mechanicsburg, 17055. Festivities will take place between 4:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.

This will be a kid-friendly, free event open to the public. Come to enjoy: food trucks, games and inflatables, live music, craft vendors, an emergency vehicle showcase, and hayrides! This will be a great opportunity to connect with nature and your community. We hope to see you there!

New Cumberland Apple Festival: New Cumberland Borough Park, New Cumberland. September 28th, 9:00am – 4:00pm. Over 200 craft vendors, food, music, contests and activities.

Held in the Borough Park of New Cumberland located at Front and Reno Streets, the festival will have live musical entertainment from opening until closing.

Trolleys will pick up and deliver festival guests on Bridge Street at the corners of Third Street, Seventh Street, Park Avenue and Haldeman Boulevard. Limited parking is available behind the West Shore Senior Citizens Center on Reno Street.

Dinosaur Munch Brunch: Reading Public Museum. September 28th, 11:00am – 1:00pm. Pre-registered guests (members and non-members) are invited to attend a pre-historic party in The Neag Planetarium! This family brunch will feature a delicious meal, crafts, and an opportunity to meet Buddy from the hit PBS® KIDS series Dinosaur Train. This event is graciously sponsored by Bodyzone Sports and Wellness Complex with catering provided by Kathryn’s Katering.

Registration is REQUIRED. Registrations for this event are now open.

Pricing:

Children (17 and under): $20

Children 2 and Under: FREE

Adults: $15

Cake ‘n Kangaroo Snuggles: Jubilee Cake Studio, Mechanicsburg. September 28th, 1:00pm – 3:00pm. Cake n’ Kangaroos OH MY!! This is an EXPERIENCE you DONT want to miss! Check out this Cake n’ Kangaroo workshop! SNUGGLE real Kangaroos. PLUS make this GIANT two tiered cake! This workshop includes FOUR people. You are able to add TWO additional guests at checkout for a MAX total of SIX people. There are absolutely NO exceptions on additional guests REGARDLESS of age.

Sharing of workshops is not permitted unless explicitly stated. Any additional guests not accounted for in this reservation must complete a separate registration.

Sunflower Festival: Meadowbrooke Gourds, Carlisle. September 28th – 29th. Join us on our 200-acre farm in Carlisle, PA for our free annual two-day Sunflower Festival during our fall sunflower season! Pick as many sunflowers as you would like for free and enjoy a day on the farm with food trucks, sales, artisan craft vendors, and more! Can’t make it to the Sunflower Festival? Be sure to visit the farm during Sunflower Season from the beginning of September until the first frost.

FREE SUNFLOWERS!
Make sure to bring along a vase/bucket and clippers to pick FREE sunflowers! We will have a clipping station and water available and just in case you forget a vase or clippers, we will have them available for purchase in our store and at the information tent.

OOPS! SALE
Get excellent deals during this awesome annual Oops Sale! This is the perfect time to stock up on discounted hand-crafted gourds that have a minor blemish (or may have just been retired).

ARTISAN CRAFT VENDORS
Stroll through our grassy lawn and shop over 50 craft and food vendors! Each booth will be filled with artisan-made goodies for you to enjoy!

TROLLEY RIDES
Take a trolley ride around our 200-acre farm to see beautiful sights of sunflowers in bloom. Our Trolley Rides take approximately 45 minutes and are $5.00. There is not a charge for handheld infants. Tickets will be available online for registration soon!

PUMPKIN PATCH
Right beside the Meadowbrooke Farm, you will find Warehime’s Pumpkin Patch who offer a large selection of pumpkins in many shapes and colors. Stop by, grab a wagon, and pick your own! Be sure to enjoy their photo ops as well! Warehime’s also hosts designer sunflowers of many colors.

BEER & WINE
Enjoy a craft beer from Molly Pitcher Brewing Company, or PA wines from Castlerigg Wine Shop!

GIFT SHOP
Visit our 7,000 sq ft Gift Shop on the farm filled with gourds for all seasons as well as other artisan crafts, gifts, raw hard shell gourds for crafting, food items and more!

FACE PAINTING
Young and old can enjoy getting their faces painted by Oh Look, Face Painting by Amber on our grassy event lawn.

LIVE MUSIC
Enjoy live music throughout the day on our grassy event lawn. Local artists of a variety of genres will be sure to entertain throughout each day of the event.

FOOD TRUCKS
Enjoy a variety of local food trucks to keep your belly happy while you explore our acres of free sunflowers!

5th Annual LCM Rotary Fall Festival: Aberdeen Acres, Elizabethtown. September 29th, 11:00am – 6:00pm. Join us for a day filled with fun, food, and festivities at 495 Mark Dr. The event will feature live music by The Uptown Band, delicious food vendors, live/silent auctions, hatchet throwing, and exciting games for all ages. This year, we’ve added a Kidz Zone with fun activities for kids and adults – bounce houses, a mechanical bull ride, and an inflatable obstacle course! Don’t miss out on the opportunity to support our community while enjoying a fantastic fall day with friends and family. Buy your tickets now and get ready for a memorable time at the LCM Rotary Fall Festival! Proceeds from this year’s event will support the Bench Mark Program’s Women’s Strength & Fitness Center, Student Scholarships, and Grants for local non-profits.

The Bench Mark Games (10 a.m. – Noon): Get pumped up and show us what you’re made of at the second annual Bench Mark Games! Compete against your peers in a series of timed fitness challenges and prove your strength, endurance, and athleticism. Whether you’re striving to be the best or just coming out to do your best, everyone is welcome! Sign up to participate, or join us in the morning to cheer them on from the sidelines!

We’ve planned six different fitness challenges for that morning’s event. The event is open to anyone—you don’t have to be a powerlifter to participate!

All weights utilized are proportional to each participant’s body weight, and each challenge is scored by reps over a 2-minute time period. Each participant can complete the entire Bench Mark Games in 30 minutes (or less)!