With the weight of predicting spring's arrival each year placed squarely on a groundhog, Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania hosts perhaps the most famous festival in Pennsylvania on Groundhog Day. But Pennsylvania has more to offer than just a day of fun and festivities surrounding a groundhog. Fairs and festivals held throughout Pennsylvania help to celebrate and showcase the rich history and culture of the state, through arts, music and fun.
For 10 days every June, the Gettysburg Festival provides more than 800 entertainers, artists and performers a chance to showcase their talents in over 100 different events. With a goal of increasing arts education and cultural awareness throughout Pennsylvania, the Gettysburg Festival offers events in several categories, including culinary arts, music, theater and visual arts. With more than half of the events free and open to the public, the festival offers a unique look at the cultural diversity of Pennsylvania through the arts.
Gettysburg Festival
113 Carlisle Street
Gettysburg, PA 17325
717-334-0853
gettysburgfestival.org
Held at Mountain View Park, the Wind Gap Bluegrass Festival is a weekend-long celebration of music and crafts. Local talent is showcased on an open stage, movies related to bluegrass are shown, and there are free workshops that can teach you a thing or two about the guitar and other bluegrass instruments. Camping is allowed at the park with a weekend-long ticket purchase, and dogs are welcome for a fee, but must be leashed and remain at the campsite during your stay. Free parking, heated showers and food vendors are available. Bringing your own food is allowed.
Wind Gap Bluegrass Festival
c/o Harry Grant
51 Main Street
Flanders, NJ 07836
800-946-3427
windgapbluegrass.com
With themed weekends such as Pyrate Invasion, Scottish weekend and the Wine Harvest weekend, the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire provides entertainment for the whole family. Held in Mount Hope, the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire provides the perfect excuse to learn about and experience a period of history which featured knights and honor. While experiencing Renaissance period entertainment, such as the jousting competition, jugglers and a human chess game, sample the food and drink provided by local vendors. Bison burgers, funnel cakes and Scotch eggs are just some of the delicacies served up at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire.
Mount Hope Estate and Winery
2775 Lebanon Road
Manheim, PA 17545
717-665-7021
parenfaire.com/faire.html
