Staycation, for the win! You don’t need to leave PA to have an awesome summer. North, south, east, and west, Pennsylvania is jam-packed with unique festivals and celebrations that offer attendees a roaring good time from July through September.
Blobfest: Blobs and Monsters, Phoenixville
Commemorating the Colonial Theatre’s impact in cinematic history as a filming location for the 1958 sci-fi classic film, “The Blob,” starring Steve McQueen, Blobfest returns to Chester County for its 24th year. This vibrant monster festival packs in nostalgia and features a re-enactment of the iconic Run Out scene, a live stage show, monster-themed vintage movies, a street fair with over 70 vendors, a Blob Ball, short film and costume contests, Mx. Blobfest Universe pageant, Blob Run 5k, and more surprises. The Colonial Theatre is nestled in the heart of downtown Phoenixville, offering walkable distance to eateries, multiple craft breweries, and retailers, many of which have specialty-themed meals and drinks.
CelebrateErie, Erie
As the name says it best, CelebrateErie is a regional showcase of six districts - music, art, culture, food, family, and business – each representing what makes Erie unique. This three-day event in downtown Erie features a mix of live music, delicious eats, exceptional art exhibits, and family-friendly activities.
Chinese Lantern Festival, Philadelphia
Over the course of the summer, nighttime at Franklin Square is set aglow during the Chinese Lantern Festival. This dazzling display of intricate and handcrafted lanterns – dragons, tigers, rabbits, and more - illuminates the park. Eventgoers are treated to live cultural performances while savoring authentic Chinese cuisine and shopping for artisan crafts. Chinese Lantern Fest is an immersive experience that highlights the beauty of Chinese culture, offering a memorable and educational experience for all ages.
Cultural Fest, Harrisburg
It’s been 15 years since the first Cultural Fest, borne out of an initiative from the Dauphin County Commissioners. Their goal was to showcase the unique cultures and ethnicities that call Dauphin County home, as well as highlight the commonalities that people of all backgrounds share. Cultural Fest is free and open-air, with a new location this year at South Riverfront Park on Front Street in Harrisburg. Eventgoers will find performances, food from around the world, vendors, sports and games, and a children’s corner.
Eagles Mere Arts & Crafts Festival, Eagles Mere
This juried arts festival in Sullivan County sits on the grounds of a National Historic Site. For over half a century this festival has celebrated fine art woodworking, jewelry, fiber arts, painting, photography, metal sculpture, pottery, and more. In addition to the artists and artisans from all over the US, you can enjoy live music and delicious food, as well as take in the beauty of the Endless Mountains region of Pennsylvania.
Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival, Gettysburg
Founded in 1979, the biannual Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival brings together bluegrass music enthusiasts from all corners of the country. Its stellar lineup of renowned artists and emerging talent provide festivalgoers with a unique, foot-tapping experience, but if attendees want to fully immerse themselves in the festivities, onsite camping is available. On scorching summer days, guests might enjoy the concert from the venue’s swimming pool.
Kutztown Folk Festival, Kutztown
The Kutztown Folk Festival is the oldest continuously operated folklife festival in America. Called “one of the most unique festivals on the East Coast” by The Washington Post, this festival allows eventgoers to learn about the history and unique traditions of the Pennsylvania Dutch. A hallmark of the festival, the quilt sale is the largest in the country with more than 2,500 on display. Antiques and collectibles, live entertainment, delicious food, and a juried art show round out the offerings of this delightful regional gem.
Mount Gretna Outdoor Art Show, Mount Gretna
Celebrating creativity, each year the Mount Gretna Outdoor Art Show attracts hundreds of artists and thousands of visitors from across the country. Attendees can enjoy an array of artwork and handcrafted items from over 160 exhibitors, or just walk amidst the lush foliage of the Chautauqua community. The Outdoor Art Show has been considered one of Sunshine Magazine’s “200 Best” shows in the country for more than a decade.
Musikfest, Bethlehem
Another 10-day long festival, Musikfest has been amping up the fun in the Lehigh Valley since 1984. It is the nation's largest non-gated, free music festival and features over 500 shows on 17 stages. Almost 1 million people make their way to Bethlehem to experience the music, food, and fun of this mega-watt music event, each year. Musikfest 2023 headliners include Train, Maren Morris, AJR, Magic!, G-Eazy, Dan + Shay, Walker Hayes, Keith Sweat & Monica, Goo Goo Dolls, Gabriel Iglesias, Wheatus, Devon Allman and Donavon Frankenreiter, and more.
PA Shakespeare Festival, DeSales University, Center Valley
A leading Shakespeare Festival, this event features shows and performances that span genres and can be enjoyed by the whole family. The PA Shakespeare Festival brings together actors, directors, and designers from all over the US, resulting in professional-level theater offered over the course of the summer months. To go or not to go, that is the question!
Picklesburgh, Pittsburgh
Voted USA Today’s 2023 reader’s choice “Best Specialty Food Festival in America,” Picklesburgh is a big “dill.” From handcrafted food and artisan drinks carefully crafted by local chefs to snacks and merchandise, live music, and a highly competitive pickle juice drinking contest, this free, three-day pickle-themed culinary celebration is one not to be missed.
York State Fair, York
Established in 1765, the York State Fair is hailed as “America’s First Fair.” Spanning 10 days, the fair features midway rides, livestock, horticulture competitions and exhibits, concerts, an agricultural education center, and, of course, tons of food!
With You in PA and Beyond
Whether you’re traveling abroad or enjoying a festival close to home, PSECU is with you all the way. With our Founder's Rewards Card and our digital banking options, we make getting the most from your money easy.
