Pennsylvania knows how to throw a party, and not just any party, we’re talking full-blown, can’t-miss festivals that’ll have you planning your next trip ASAP.
From giant stacks of pancakes to music-filled streets, apple everything to twinkling light displays, there’s a festival here for pretty much every mood (and every craving).
So, if you’re ready to fill your calendar with parades, fairs, and a few surprises you never saw coming, keep reading!
1. Groundhog Day, Punxsutawney
Time of year: February
Every February 2nd, thousands of people swarm to Punxsutawney to see the town’s most famous resident, Punxsutawney Phil (who is a groundhog by the way), predict the weather.
The Groundhog Day Festival kicks off before sunrise at Gobbler’s Knob with live music, fireworks, and a crowd chanting for Phil to make his grand appearance.
Legend says if Phil sees his shadow, we’re in for six more weeks of winter—but if not, spring’s coming early.
Expect food trucks, unique souvenirs, bar crawls, and even a Groundhog Ball, all celebrating one of the weirdest and most lovable traditions in the U.S.
2. Philadelphia Flower Show, Philadelphia
Time of year: Early March
Next, swap groundhogs for gorgeous blooms at the Philadelphia Flower Show, held every spring inside the massive Pennsylvania Convention Center.
Here, you’ll see giant, jaw-dropping floral installations, garden landscapes, and creative exhibits designed by top-notch floral artists worldwide.
There are also hands-on workshops, live demos, and plant markets if you’re itching to take a little greenery home.
Fun fact: This is the largest and longest-running indoor flower show in the country, and it’s been brightening up Philly since 1829!
3. Pennsylvania Maple Festival, Meyersdale
Time of year: April
If your sweet tooth’s calling, head straight to Meyersdale for the Pennsylvania Maple Festival, where it’s all about syrup—and lots of it.
Every spring, this cozy mountain town transforms into “Maple City” with pancake breakfasts, syrup-making demos, and even crowning a Maple Queen.
You can tour the Meyersdale Maple Sugar Camp to watch fresh sap get boiled down into golden goodness, then hit the street fair packed with crafts and parades.
There are also lots of events where you can see things like classic cars, motorcycles and tractors being shown off.
Don’t leave without trying the maple cotton candy—it’s as melt-in-your-mouth as it sounds!
4. Musikfest, Bethlehem
Time of year: August
From maple syrup to full-on music mayhem, next up is Musikfest in Bethlehem—a giant, 10-day music festival that takes over the entire city every August.
We’re talking hundreds of free concerts across multiple stages featuring indie bands, jazz groups, big-name headliners, and local street performers.
The whole thing happens in Bethlehem’s historic district, with food vendors slinging pierogies, funnel cakes, and just about every festival snack you can imagine.
With fireworks, art installations, and pop-up beer gardens, there’s still plenty to keep you busy all week even if music is not your scene.
5. Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts, State College
Time of year: July
If you’re more into paintbrushes than power chords, the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts in State College is your scene.
Every July, downtown streets turn into a massive open-air art gallery.
You’ll find over 300 artists setting up shop to sell pottery, paintings, funky jewelry, and sculptures.
There’s also a killer lineup of street performances like jugglers, musicians, and chalk artists working their magic right in front of you.
Don’t skip the Sidewalk Sale & Exhibition, one of the top attractions, where you can score original pieces and buy straight from the artists.
6. Picklesburgh, Pittsburgh
Time of year: July
And if you thought art festivals were wild, wait till you hit Picklesburgh in Pittsburgh—a whole festival dedicated to all things pickled!
Held every July, this quirky celebration features giant pickle-shaped balloons, pickle-themed cocktails, and endless pickle-flavored snacks (yes, even pickle ice cream).
You’ll find local chefs whipping up creative briny bites, live bands playing as you munch, and even a competitive pickle juice drinking contest!
It’s weird, it’s wonderful, and it’s one of those only-in-Pennsylvania events you’ll be telling your friends about for years.
7. Elk Expo, Benezette
Time of year: Late July
Switching gears from pickles to wildlife, the Elk Expo in Benezette is your chance to get up close with the state’s wild side.
Thousands flock to the heart of Elk Country every year to learn about the state’s massive elk herd, with conservation exhibits and hands-on kids’ activities.
There’s also live music, local craft vendors, and even a calling contest where folks show off their best elk bugle (trust us, it’s hilarious to watch).
The whole thing’s set against the scenic backdrop of the Elk Country Visitor Center and you might just spot a real elk while you’re grabbing a funnel cake.
8. Bloomsburg Fair, Bloomsburg
Time of year: Late September
The Bloomsburg Fair is Pennsylvania’s biggest fair and it’s been going strong since 1855.
Every September, this place is packed with massive carnival rides, tractor pulls, demolition derbies, and a whole lot of fried food.
You can wander through livestock barns, check out blue ribbon-winning pies, and catch live performances by country stars and rock bands.
It’s got that old-school fairground appeal with enough modern twists to keep you coming back year after year.
9. National Apple Harvest Festival, Biglerville
Time of year: First two weekends of October
If you’re craving a fall adventure, the National Apple Harvest Festival in Biglerville is an absolute must.
It’s smack in the middle of Pennsylvania’s apple country and serves up everything apple.
You’ll find apple pies, apple butter, apple cider, and even apple sausage sandwiches.
Beyond the treats, there are antique car shows, chainsaw carving demos, hayrides through the orchards, and more than 300 craft vendors across the fairgrounds.
It’s the perfect blend of big-time fun, crisp autumn air, and the smell of fresh-baked apple dumplings floating everywhere you turn.
10. Koziar’s Christmas Village, Bernville
Time of year: November to January 1st
When the holiday season rolls around, nothing beats a trip to Koziar’s Christmas Village in Bernville—it’s like stepping straight into a glowing snow globe.
Starting in November, this family-run farm turns into a wonderland with over one million lights twinkling across barns, walkways, and little village scenes.
You’ll stroll past glowing reindeer, peek into festive window displays, and warm up with hot cocoa while snapping selfies with Santa himself.
It’s been lighting up Pennsylvania since 1948, and trust us, once you see that first sparkle reflecting off the lake, you’ll get why families come back year after year.
11. Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival, Jim Thorpe
Time of year: Every weekend in October
If you’re chasing peak fall colors, the Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival is where you want to be.
Every October, this postcard-perfect mountain town throws a weekend bash packed with live music, craft vendors, and scenic train rides through Lehigh Gorge.
You can wander the historic streets, pop into boutiques, or grab local eats from food trucks parked right by the old train station.
There are plenty of cozy cafés to warm up in after snapping all the leaf-peeping photos your phone can handle.
12. PA Renaissance Faire, Manheim
Time of year: Every weekend from mid–August to October
Lastly, step back in time with jousts, turkey legs, and knights in shining armor at the PA Renaissance Faire in Manheim.
This epic event turns the Mount Hope Estate into a 35-acre 16th-century village, complete with castles, costumed performers, and over 90 unique shops.
From sword fights and Shakespearean plays to ale tastings and rowdy pub sing-alongs, there’s nonstop action—all while feasting on giant turkey legs like royalty.
Whether you’re decked out in costume or just soaking up the medieval madness, it’s the kind of over-the-top fun that’ll have you speaking in “ye olde” phrases by day’s end.
13. Kutztown Folk Festival, Kutztown
🚨 Note: The Kutztown Folk Festival has been canceled for 2025 with no concrete plans for new operators to reinstate it. Given it’s the oldest ongoing operating folklife festival in America we hope it will return in future years.
Time of year: Late June to Early July
Curious about Pennsylvania Dutch culture?
Since 1950, the Kutztown Folk Festival has brought summer fun to Kutztown, with everything from hex sign painting to live quilt auctions that will blow your mind.
Over 200 local artisans showcase crafts like blacksmithing and pottery while homemade sausage sandwiches, shoofly pie, and Amish pretzels keep you fueled.
It’s family-friendly, too.
Think giant hay maze, old-fashioned puppet shows, and a petting zoo, all wrapped up like a living history lesson (with snacks).
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