If you’ve ever wondered what all you can do around one of the most populated states in the U.S. then this is the guide for you. Thanks to the state’s size, you can easily travel around to get to each of these festivals no matter what time of year you choose.
To make things easier, the festivals are broken down by time of year so that you can pick and choose what seasons you want to experience in the great state of Pennsylvania.
Winter
Warren County Winterfest
4790 Chapman Dam Rd, Clarendon, PA, 16313
Held in Chapman State Park, one of the top winter festivals to go to is the Warren County Winterfest. From educational experiences put together by the park to activities like Ice Fishing, there’s always something to learn and do.
Ligonier Ice Fest
PA-711, Ligonier, PA, 15658
Generally occurring in January, the Ligonier Ice Fest has some of the best ice sculptures around. With some food and drink vendors offering hot sustenance, be ready to walk around and ogle at the incredible skills of ice craftsmen.
Groundhog Day
Gobbler’s Knob, 1548 Woodland Ave, Punxsutawney, PA, 15767
If you haven’t watched this tradition before then it’s time to see it in person! There’s an entire festival surrounding groundhog day with food and fun for everyone.
Pithole Sledding Fest
14118 PitholeRoad, Pleasantville, PA, 16341
With a few vendors to help keep you warm and ready to keep on sledding, the age-old tradition of classic sledding is kept alive by the community and tourists alike.
Spring
Pennsylvania Cannabis Festival
Renninger’s Farmers Market, Kutztown PA
A ten year tradition and partially responsible for the legalization of medical marijuana, the Pennsylvania Cannabis Festival is now a large part of the state’s history. If you want to learn more about medical marijuana, check out a list of doctors here.
Pennsylvania Maple Festival
120 Meyers Ave, Meyersdale, PA
If you want to talk about a major event in the state, then look no further. The Maple Festival has its own Maple King and Queen, hands-on tapping, multiple competitions, and plenty of activities for everyone.
Annual Pittsburgh Spring Slam Fest Tournament
All American Field House, 1 Racquet Ln, Monroeville, PA
If basketball is more your thing, then you definitely don’t want to miss the guaranteed three games at the annual Spring Fest tournament. They even have the potential for playoffs!
Spring Beer Fest
Steel Stacks, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem, PA 18015
Tickets sell out fast at the Spring Beer Fest located at the Steel Stacks. If you are looking for that unique experience though, try out one of the VIP tickets for early access and a limited edition stein!
Summer
Memorial Day Ceremony & Celebration
4141 5th Ave, Pittsburgh, PA
Held at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum, the celebration takes into account the many lives of those who have served. It is a traditional event in Pittsburgh and is free to the public.
National Road Bluegrass Festival
Farmington, PA
A yearly occurrence, the National Road Bluegrass Festival takes place all over the United States but one of the regular stops is in Pennsylvania. With top artists and songs we all know by heart, it is an event of the year.
Grove City Strawberry Days
West Main Street Grove City, PA 16127
Short, sweet, and to the point this three day festival is a tradition for many. With activities all surrounding strawberries, delicious food, and live music, it is an event you don’t want to miss.
Blobfest Street Fair
227 Bridge Street. Phoenixville, PA 19460
With plenty of vendors and the theme of classic horror, you don’t want to miss this unique event. There are plenty of competitions and raffles with the costume competition being a crowd favorite.
Fall
Autumn Leaf Festival
Main Street, Clarion, PA
There’s nothing quite like a longstanding tradition. The Allegheny Toyota Autumn Leaf Festival just had its 70th annual festival in September and October of 2023. With live music, food galore, and activities for everyone it is a spectacular event.
Franklin Applefest
Downtown Franklin, PA
Do you love apples as much as I do? Well, then you need to visit downtown Franklin to see over 300 vendors, and antique vehicles, try new foods, and have historic tours all weekend long. It’s often called the best three days out there in Franklin.
Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival
6565 Interchange Rd. Lehighton, PA 18235
In a little area known as Country Junction at the foothills of the Pocono Mountain range, there’s one of the best pumpkin festivals that you can find. With laser tag and a bungee bounce available on the weekends, there’s enough free fun for everyone!
Wilcox Farms Corn Maze
1134 South Reading Avenue, Boyertown, PA 19512
If you are looking to support a great farm with the ability to produce for the local community, then you want to head on over to Wilcox Farms. They have over eight miles of walking trails and three different mazes available.
Conclusion
With this list of top festivals, there’s no way you can miss out on what Pennsylvania has to offer. From the colder seasons with the corn mazes and ice sculptures to the wacky and fun like the Blobfest, there’s something for everyone.
