Foodie Events for May 2024
Pretzel Fest
May 4
Lititz
This ticketed event combines pretzel tasting and shopping … stroll through town as you sample local chefs’ and bakers’ sweet and savory take on pretzels. Beverage samples and live music will also be offered. The sponsoring organization, the Kiwanis Club of the Lititz Area, will also be collecting new and gently loved books for children and young adults (drop them off in Lititz Spring Park). 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Buy tickets online and pick them up at the train station in Lititz Springs Park (18 N. Broad St.). Information: lititzpa.com.
Feast of the Senses
May 9
Excelsior
The Touchstone Foundation, which focuses on mental health wellness for youth and families, is hosting a unique and interactive dining event through which patrons will connect with the five senses – see, feel, hear, smell and taste – through food and beverage pairings, all while learning about the mission of the foundation’s programs. Silent and live auctions will also be held. 5:30 p.m. Ticket Information: touchstonefound.org.
Lititz Farmers Market
May 16-October 17 (Thursdays)
Lititz
Fresh, local and fun defines this market that is held in Lititz Springs Park. You’ll find fresh produce and flowers, baked goods, dog treats, fermented items, prepared food and more. 4-8 p.m. 18 N. Broad St. Information: Lititzpa.com.
Rhubarb Festival
May 17 & 18
Kitchen Kettle Village
Kitchen Kettle Village is celebrating two anniversaries in 2024: it’s the Village’s 70th anniversary and the Rhubarb Festival’s 40th. Rhubarb is the harbinger of spring in Lancaster County and Kitchen Kettle pays homage to it with a festival that entails rhubarb-inspired food (dips, sauces, desserts, drinks and more). The 40th annual Rhubarb Dessert Baking Contest sees area cooks and bakers submit their favorite desserts in the hopes of winning prizes. At the conclusion of the contest, entries are sliced and sold to the public. Proceeds benefit the Lancaster Farmland Trust. The event also includes contests such as the annual Rhubarb Race Car Derby, live music, demonstrations and even Strawberry Rhubarb Sangria from Waltz Vineyards. Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. 3529 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse. Information: Kitchenkettle.com.
Gyrofest
May 18
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
Enjoy authentic Greek food and pastries at this spring festival. The menu features gyros, a platter (a gyro, two pieces of spanakopita and a Greek salad), Greek pastries and desserts. Preorder online and pick up your order in the drive-through lanes from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. A third of proceeds will be donated to various philanthropic organizations that benefit the Lancaster community. 64 Hershey Ave., Lancaster. Information: annunciationorthodox.org.
Baron Brew Fest
May 18
Manheim
Back for its second year, this event offers something for every palate – beer, wine, mead, cider, spirits and more. Dozens of breweries, wineries and distilleries will be represented. Products can be purchased to go. Food trucks will be participating, as well. Live music will be provided. Tickets required. Must be 21+ to attend, ID required. 3-6 p.m., rain/shine. Market Square. Information: lovemanheim.com/brewfest.
Warwick Bands Food Truck Festival
May 19
Lititz
Bring your appetite to Lititz Springs Park, where food trucks will be offering a smorgasbord of selections. Proceeds benefit the Warwick Marching Band. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 18 N. Broad St. Information: Lititzpa.com.
4th Wednesday Happy Hour
May 22
Ephrata
Start your evening off at Whistle Stop Plaza, where Mainspring of Ephrata invites you to listen to live music (Temple Ave Jazz Trio), and enjoy food (Rad.ish Food Truck and DonutNV Lancaster) and beverages (Hillside Public House at Doneckers). All ages are welcome; ID required to purchase adult beverages. 5-7 p.m. 16 E. Main St. Information: Mainspringofephrata.org.
Dinner in the Vineyard
May 23
Grandview Vineyard
Grandview Vineyard is partnering with Rettew’s Catering to present a 4-course food-and-wine- pairing dinner that is held among the grape vines. The date perfectly “pairs” with National Chardonnay Day (May 23) and National Wine Day (May 25). 6 p.m. 1489 Grandview Rd., Mount Joy. Reservations are required: visit Grandviewwines.com.
Flavorfest at Mount Hope
May 25-26
Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire
Sample products from dozens of wineries and distilleries. (products can be purchased as well). Onsite food stations will be in operation and unique merchants will be on the grounds. ID required to sample/buy alcohol. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. each day. 2775 Lebanon Rd., Manheim. Information: Parenfaire.com.
Brown-Forman Does Rum
May 30
John Wright Restaurant
This month’s themed three-course dinner is focused on rum! Brown-Forman, whose portfolio includes 150 brands, will be pairing the menu with Diplomatico, which it describes as “a unique blend of passion and craft. It’s recognized for being one of the leading super-premium rums worldwide and for its multi-award-winning signature taste. Its range is the result of a blend of rums carefully selected thanks to a rich distillation heritage and rum-making tradition.” 6:30 p.m. 234 N. Front St., Wrightsville. Information: Jwrpa.com.
Sparkling Wine & Oysters Night
May 30
Glasshouse Wine Works
The boutique winery combines its co-owners interest in wine and music. Tonight’s event in the garden will feature Glasshouse’s sparkling wine, 1764, and oysters sourced from Canada and New England. Music will be provided by The Songsmiths. A full cash bar will also be open. 6 p.m. 8 S. Charlotte St., Manheim. Information: Glasshousewineworks.com.
