April showers don’t stop the fun in PA! From seasonal showcases to events worth solar-brating, spring into a new season of possibilities in PA with these events and festivals.
1. PEEPS® in the Village
Make a sweet escape to Peddler’s Village for the fifth annual PEEPS® in the Village. Visit a marshmallow wonderland filled with more than 130 vibrant creations crafted by local artists. Springtime is the best season for colorful candies, bunnies, and chicks, so don't miss this creative competition.
When: Now-Apr. 14
Where: Lahaska
Cost: Free
2. 101st Annual Erie Art Museum Spring Show
For more than 100 years, the Erie Art Museum has been showcasing artistic expressions from local makers. Discover the best of Western Pennsylvania’s artistry at the 101st annual Spring Show, a juried multi-media exhibition. The exhibit features artists from across the region and their contemporary and fine art installations. Immerse yourself in a kaleidoscope of color, creativity, and culture in Erie!
When: Now-Aug. 9
Where: Erie
Cost: Price varies
3. Lebanon Valley Libations Trail Kickoff Party
Drink your way through Pennsylvania’s Dutch Country on the brand-new Lebanon Valley Libations Trail. Download the digital pass for a self-guided tour of the hippest breweries in Amish Country. Don’t miss the official Libations Trail kickoff party on April 4! Schmooze and booze with local brewers at The Cornwall Inn and sample PA-made beer.
When: Apr. 4-Jun. 13
Where: Multiple locations
Cost: Free
4. SEPOS International Orchid Show and Sale
You don’t have to travel far to take part in the largest orchid show on the East Coast outside of Florida. Discover tropical blooms at the Southeastern Pennsylvania Orchid Society (SEPOS) annual international show! Admire rare orchid species from around the world, learn from floral experts, and scoop up all the supplies you need for your own home-grown garden.
When: Apr. 5-7
Where: Oaks
Cost: $15; free for children under 12 (save 20% on ticket price ordering online)
5. 33rd Annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest
Now in its 33rd year, Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest has brought Reading to life with world-class jazz, blues, soul, and R&B music! Join this week-long festival of up-and-coming performers and legendary artists such as Pat Metheny and Bobby Lyle. Get in tune with a jazzy community of music lovers and funky friends in Berks County.
When: Apr. 5-14
Where: Reading
Cost: Price varies
6. Willow Bay Eclipse Viewing Party
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime camping trip for the 2024 total solar eclipse in PA’s only national park, the Allegheny National Forest. Set up camp for a long weekend at Willow Bay Campground and book a cabin in Pennsylvania’s serene wilderness. Spend one minute and 33 seconds in complete darkness...with eclipse-watching glasses provided!
When: Apr. 6-8
Where: Bradford
Cost: Price varies
7. Spring on the Farm
Spring has sprung at Fields of Adventure’s Spring on the Farm! Bring the whole family for affordable farm fun attractions. Pet baby animals, play with bubbles, and make lasting memories. Pick your own tulips and bring springtime home to your loved ones.
When: Apr. 6-7, 13-14
Where: Aspers
Cost: $10 per person two years of age or older
8. Drive-In Movies in the Parks
Looking for a groovy date night idea or a nostalgic family night out? Once the sun sets, cruise on over to Allegheny County Parks for free drive-in movie nights! Bring your own popcorn and movie snack mix-ins of choice and watch new releases including “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem” and “The Super Mario Bros. Movie.” Closed captioning is available upon request.
When: Apr. 6-27
Where: Multiple locations
Cost: Free
9. Erie's Total Solar Eclipse
DYK: Erie is the only city in Pennsylvania along the path of totality? This makes it the ideal destination for savvy travelers looking to avoid the crowds in Cleveland, Buffalo, or Niagara Falls. The centerline for the eclipse’s path of totality cuts right through Lake Erie, making its shoreline an incredible viewing spot! Make the most of your trip with fun and educational eclipse events, such as the Eclipsing Stars and Total Eclipse of the Art exhibits, family-friendly Eclipse Camp at Camp Fitch (Apr. 7-9), Eclipse Within Our Gates at Mercyhurst University, Zooclipse: Solar Safari at the Erie Zoo, and Lights Out! in Lake Erie Wine Country (Apr. 5-8).
When: Apr. 8 (certain events offered on additional dates)
Where: Erie
Cost: Free
10. Total Solar Eclipse Viewing Party
Looking for a unique and affordable way to view the total solar eclipse? Bradford Regional Airport is opening its airfield for a once-in-a-lifetime Total Solar Eclipse Viewing Party! All you need is a lawn chair, blanket, good friends, and eclipse-viewing glasses (also available for purchase) to have a good time. Celebrate this celestial spectacle with food trucks, airplanes, and an out-of-this-world view!
When: Apr. 8
Where: Bradford
Cost: $3
11. Dills Celtic Festival
The charming small town of Dillsburg hosts the ultimate celebration of Celtic customs: Dills Celtic Festival! Immerse yourself in the culture as Irish, Scottish, and Welsh music and traditional dance fill the streets. Indulge in traditional food and drinks, play games, and seek out souvenirs from local Celtic businesses.
When: Apr. 12-13
Where: Dillsburg
Cost: $15 for one day; $25 for two days; Free for children 12 or under
12. History Meets the Arts
Honoring Gettysburg’s local art scene now for a quarter century, the 25th annual History Meets the Arts historical artist and author group show and sale features the work of more than two dozen artists. Art aficionados, historical craft lovers, and history buffs will love this riveting showcase of human history expressed through historical reenactments, contemporary art installations, and live performances. Meet talented and diverse artists and authors and purchase handmade paintings, art prints, sculptures, and other keepsakes of past and present.
When: Apr. 12-13
Where: Gettysburg
Cost: Free
13. The Great Media Comic Con
The Great Media Comic Con is back for a second year and better than ever! Cosplay as your favorite characters and fangirl over collectibles, graphic novels, and comic books from top franchises. Take a selfie with stars from “Back to the Future,” “My Hero Academia,” “Robot Chicken,” and “One Piece.” Enjoy a screening of “Back to the Future” in the Media Theater, the first time in 30 years the theater is showing a major motion picture! Whether you destroy the competition in a cosplay contest or a gaming tournament, everyone’s a winner at Media’s greatest comic con.
When: Apr. 12-14
Where: Media
Cost: $15
14. Pittsburgh Fringe
Every year, Pittsburgh Fringe takes over venues across the Steel City for a more than week-long performing arts extravaganza! Actors, singers, and other talented entertainers from Pittsburgh and across the globe invite audiences to enjoy their unique performances. Join the local art community for comedy, theater, music, and puppet shows that will delight and entertain.
When: Apr. 18-27
Where: Pittsburgh
Cost: Price varies
15. York Train Meet
Whether you’re a self-proclaimed locomotive expert or simply love the aesthetic of model trains, you can’t miss the York Train Meet! Dealer Halls are open to the public with intricately detailed train model displays, children's activities, and hands-on educational railroad exhibits. The meet is open to the member family and guests of the Eastern Division Train Collectors Association. Take home unique memorabilia or purchase a starter kit to build your very own train set.
When: Apr. 19-20
Where: York
Cost: $25
16. Jurassic Quest
The larger-than-life Jurassic Quest dinosaur pack is coming to the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center. Embark on a prehistoric adventure with this family-friendly interactive dinosaur experience. Dig for fossils, enjoy dino games and rides, and meet their life-size dinosaur animatronics, including a gigantic T-Rex! Bring your paleontologist partner or junior Jurassic-lover to this exciting journey back in time.
When: Apr. 19-21
Where: Oaks
Cost: Price varies
17. Creature Feature Weekend
Horror enthusiasts and fans of the macabre come together for a thrilling weekend in April filled with frights and delights at Creature Feature Weekend! This spooktacular event pays homage to all things horror with vendors, celebrity appearances, an independent film festival, a movie with live commentary, and a concert. Immerse yourself in interactive experiences that delve into the world of creatures, monsters, and the supernatural, from meeting iconic horror movie actors to exploring eerie exhibits and haunted attractions. Creature Feature Weekend offers a bone-chilling adventure that's sure to send shivers down your spine and keep you coming back for more!
When: Apr. 19-21
Where: Gettysburg
Cost: Price varies
18. York City Cheese Week
Not to be cheesy, but we think you’ll adore this upcoming event in York! Embark on a culinary journey like no other as the York City Independent Restaurant Association presents Cheese Week, a delectable celebration of all things cheese. Watch as the downtown transforms into a haven for cheese enthusiasts and foodies alike, showcasing an array of special dishes crafted by some of the city's finest restaurants, from savory appetizers to mouthwatering main courses to indulgent desserts. They’re also featuring a Burger Week and Drinks Week later in the year offering even more delicious fun!
When: Apr. 20-27
Where: York
Cost: Price varies
19. Pennsylvania Maple Festival
Learn how to tap a tree and boil sap into syrup, then sample dozens of foods and beverages produced from maple at the Pennsylvania Maple Festival, a fixture in Meyersdale since 1948 celebrating Somerset County’s status as Pennsylvania's largest maple producer. A maple festival wouldn’t be complete without a pancake and sausage culinary experience and no worries here since they’re served daily. In addition to all the maple-y fun and food, the festival also features car and truck shows, a quilt show, a sit-and-sip garden, plus stage productions of "The Legend of the Magic Water," a staple for the past 50 years.
When: Apr. 20-21, 24-28
Where: Meyersdale
Cost: Price varies
20. Les Brown Big Band Weekend
Celebrate the life of Les Brown Sr. and the iconic music of the Band of Renown at the annual Les Brown Big Band Weekend. Set in his hometown, this multi-day musical event honors the legendary big band leader with live performances, swing dancing, and nostalgic tunes reminiscent of the golden age of jazz. During dance breaks, indulge in mouthwatering bites from local food vendors and take in the spirited atmosphere livened by sensational street performers.
When: Apr. 26-28
Where: Tower City
Cost: $10
21. Juniata Valley Winery Wine Festival
Soak in the historic estate and scenic countryside of Juniata Valley Winery at their annual Wine Festival, with Hungry Run Wine Cellars and Armstrong Valley Vineyard & Winery joining in on all the festival fun. Sip on whites, reds, and everything in between from local Pennsylvania wineries. Stroll the grounds while listening to live music and eat from food trucks loaded with tacos, donuts, BBQ, and sweet treats! Along with wine tastings, your $10 gets you a souvenir JVW wine glass.
When: Apr. 27-28
Where: Mifflin
Cost: Free; $10 to enjoy wine tastings
22. Adams County Farmers Market
Warmer weather signals the reopening of even more farmers markets! Stock up on all the fresh farm goods you need from local PA businesses at Gettysburg Rec Park and the Adams County Farmers Market. Get your grocery staples such as fresh produce, eggs, and cheeses, and splurge on treats for the senses and your palate including fresh flowers and baked goods.
When: Saturdays from Apr. 27-Oct. 26
Where: Gettysburg
Cost: Free
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