A Taste of Lancaster! June 2024 Foodie Events
Summertime and the living is tasty! June is filled with all sorts of culinary and tasting events. The world is your oyster, as you can explore Lancaster’s brewery offerings, take part in community food events, support local nonprofits, learn to cook … and the list goes on.
Beer Gardens
Traveling beer gardens are returning to Lancaster City this summer. They are scheduled to be held at Musser Park, May 30-June 1 and June 4-8. At Buchanan Park, the dates are June 13-15 and 19-22. (Dates for August have also been posted.) Visitors can partake of beer (draft, canned and bottled), as well as cocktails, wine and liquor. Food vendors will also be onsite. Proceeds benefit Lancaster Recreation Commission programs. Hours are Wed.-Fri., 4-10 p.m. and Sat., 12-10 p.m. Information: Lancasterrec.org.
The Warehouse District Beer Garden is also back for another summer. Operated by Rural City Beer Co., it’s located in a former lumber yard. The itinerary includes beer, food, live music, vendors, lawn games and more. It’s open Thursday-Sunday. 595 N. Charlotte St., Lancaster. Information: Warehousedistrict.com.
mini Pints for Pups
Summer
Various Locations
Back for its 6th year, the “roving” event serves as a fundraiser for Humane Pennsylvania, which partners with breweries and wineries to welcome animal lovers and their well-behaved/leashed four-legged friends to sample tasty brews and delicious food, engage in yard games and maybe win some prizes. $1 from each beverage sold will benefit Humane PA. Passports are available. Information & Full Schedule:Humanepa.org.
Locations in Lancaster
- June 2: Pour Man’s Brewing Company, Ephrata. 11-a.m.-5 p.m.
- June 22: Raney Cellars Brewing Company, Millersville. 12-4 p.m.
- July 14: Twisted Bine Beer Company, Mount Joy, 12-4 p.m.
Lancaster City International Food Tour
Select dates in June
Downtown Lancaster
Hosted by Unique Lancaster Experiences, the tour entails stops at a minimum of six culturally diverse restaurants. Sample food, meet the chefs/owners and more. Times vary. Information: Experiencelancasterpa.com.
Food Truck Festival for ODC
Now in its 6th year, the festival will feature 15 food trucks offering a wide range of food, including burgers, pizza, waffles, sandwiches and desserts. Cuisine from the Caribbean, West Africa, Mexico and Cambodia will also be on the menu. Proceeds benefit the Occupational Development Center and the Manheim Township Rec Department. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 1241 Lititz Pike, Lancaster. Information: Odcenter.org.
First Saturdays in Ephrata
June 1
Ephrata
Aiming to “grow the economy and build community,” this inaugural event kicks off with a Wine Walk theme that will see vendors set up tasting rooms inside Main Street businesses from 2:30-4:30 p.m. Then, visit Whistle Stop Plaza (4:30-8 p.m.) to enjoy live music provided by the rock band, Honey Trap, food vendors and adult beverages (ID required). Sponsored by Mainspring of Ephrata, the event continues on July 6, August 3 and September 7. 16 E. Main St., Ephrata. Information: Mainspringofephrata.org.
Lancaster Vegfest
June 1 & 2
Buchanan Park
Learning about plant-based lifestyles has never been easier! A food court consisting of 35 vendors will be offering vegan food, desserts, snacks and more. A vegan farmers’ market will also be open. Sample vegan beer, cider, seltzer and cocktails. Chef demos will be on the menu, as will farm sanctuary displays, kids’ activities, yoga, live music and guest speakers. Proceeds benefit Lancaster Farm Sanctuary. 12-5 p.m. 901 Buchanan Ave., Lancaster. Information: Pavegfest.com.
Wine & Cheese Train
June 1, 2, 7, 8, 28, 29, 30
Strasburg Rail Road
Climb aboard one of the First Class lounge cars and enjoy a tasting of wine (from Waltz Vineyards), cheese and crackers as the train makes the 45-minite trip to Paradise and back. Must be 21+, ID required. Times vary by date. Information: Strasburgrailroad.com.
Celebrating the Farm: A Community Table
June 3
Passerine
Passerine will pay tribute to Lancaster County Farm Fresh Cooperative and the farmers with whom they work. Chefs Stephen Lee and Kevin Venbrux will collaborate with beverage director Jen Splain to design a multi-course menu that focuses on late-spring ingredients fresh from the farm. Guests will also learn about the Cooperative’s mission. 6:30 p.m. 114 N. Prince St., Lancaster. Information: Cafepasserine.com.
History & Hops
June 4
Zoetropolis Cinema Stillhouse
Learn about Lancaster’s “spirited” past at this History Happy Hour being presented by LancasterHistory. Learn about Max Hassel, a Reading bootlegger whose operation in Lancaster entailed a half-mile-long hose that made its way from Reiker Star Brewery on West King Street to a vacant warehouse on Water Street that is now the home of the event’s host, Zoetropolis Cinema Stillhouse. Tickets include snacks and a complimentary drink. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., program starts at 6 p.m. 112 N. Water St., Lancaster. Information: Lancasterhistory.org.
Class: Cake Decorating 101
June 5
Zest Cooking School
Chef Stephanie from Bistro Barberet will teach the basics of creating a cake that looks too good to eat. 6 p.m. 1180 Erbs Quarry Rd., Lititz. Information: Zestchef.com.
Fete en Blanc
June 7
Marietta
Celebrate summer’s imminent arrival at Marietta’s historic Union Meeting House. Guests are encouraged to wear white and bring a picnic dinner to this outdoor event that will feature live music (Abigail’s Garden) and a wine tasting (Nissley Vineyards will be the purveyor; wine by the glass and bottle will be available for purchase). Bring your own table or rent one. Proceeds benefit Marietta Restoration Associates. Over 21 only, no pets. 6 p.m. 82 N. Waterford Ave., Marietta. (Note: rain date is June 8.) Information: Eventbrite.com.
Taste of Lititz
Hosted by Venture Lititz, the event will see Lititz-area restaurants and food/beverage purveyors set up shop along East Main Street and provide small-bite samples/tastes/sips on a pay-as-you-go basis. Live music and family-friendly activities will also be offered. 5-9 p.m. East Main Street, Lititz. Information: Lititzpa.com.
Strawberry Festival
June 8
Lancaster Central Market
Come and enjoy one of the most delish mornings at market. Standholders will be setting up shop outdoors to offer visitors a taste of every strawberry-themed food, treat and drink imaginable. Pay as you go. Event also features live music, face painting and more. 8 a.m.-12 p.m. 23 N. Market St., Lancaster. Information: Centralmarketlancaster.com.
Family Farm Days
June 11-13
Oregon Dairy
Oregon Dairy and The Lancaster County Agricultural Council host this annual family-friendly event that celebrates agriculture and promotes its value to the county. It’s part educational and total fun, as it features live animals, tractor and wagon rides, exhibits, displays of farm machinery, Barnyard Theatre, a petting zoo, a straw tunnel and other activities. Food is also part of the event and the PA’s Dairyman’s Association’s famous milkshakes will be available. Wednesday’s Maker’s Market will feature PA-made products. Tues. & Thurs., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wed., 10 a.m.-7 p.m. 2900 Oregon Pike, Lititz. Information: Oregondairy.com.
Class: Mastering Strawberry Shortcake
It’s that time of the year! Strawberries are in season. Chef Stephanie from Bistro Barberet will teach the class how to make two versions of this dessert. 6 p.m. 1180 Erbs Quarry Rd., Lititz. Information:Zestchef.com.
Class: Ice Cream 101
Chef Hannah will teach the basics of creating this summertime treat. 6 p.m. 1180 Erbs Quarry Rd., Lititz. Information: Zestchef.com.
Food Trucks Fur Pups
June 14
Furdunkin Veterinary Center
Back for its 3rd year, more than 20 food trucks and breweries will be on hand for human guests, while canine-friendly vendors will be onsite for four-legged visitors. Live music and a raffle will also be part of the festivities. Free admission; pay-as-you-go. (VIPups tickets are available.) Proceeds benefit Long Dogs and Friends Rescue, Domestic Violence Services Safe Pet Program and the Wolf Sanctuary of PA. 3-9 p.m. 1090 N. Charlotte St., Lancaster. Information: Facebook.com
Tasting: Cheeses of Spain
June 19
Savory Gourmet
Learn about and sample the distinctive cheeses that are associated with Spain. BYOB welcome. 6:30 p.m. 53 N. Broad St., Lititz. Information: Savorygourmetlititz.com.
Class: Apertivo!
Chef Sara will lead the class in creating Italian-inspired small bites and cocktails. 6 p.m. 1180 Erbs Quarry Rd., Lititz. Information: Zestchef.com.
Class: Wine & Cheese Basics
Ben Franco, a wine and spirits specialist, will lead guests through the process of achieving interesting wine and cheese pairings. Guests will taste six different wines and cheeses that Ben has selected for the class. 7 p.m. 315 W. James St., Lancaster. Information: Winethemeswine.com.
Class: Date Night
Cat Alwine’s class will focus on the vibrant flavors of Hawaiian cuisine. Attendees will then work in tandem to create personalized poke bowls. 6 p.m. 1180 Erbs Quarry Rd., Lititz. Information: Zestchef.com.
4th Wednesday Happy Hour
Start your evening off at Whistle Stop Plaza, where Mainspring of Ephrata invites you to listen to live music (Caulfield’s Radio) and enjoy food (TBA & 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.
Irvine’s Spirits Presents A Taste of Spain
June 27
John Wright Restaurant
The Food Network’s Robert Irvine will visit John Wright’s as part of a special Spanish-themed dinner that will entail a multi-course dinner, Spanish wines and cocktails crafted with Irvine’s Spirits. The event will serve as a fundraiser for the Robert Irvine Foundation, which supports and strengthens the mental and physical well-being of armed services members, veterans, first responders and their families. 6:30 p.m. 234 N. Front St., Wrightsville. Information: Jwrpa.com.
Summer Solstice Soiree
June 28
Kitchen Kettle Village
Kitchen Kettle Village is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year. Their kick-off to summer includes a dining event that is held at the Harvest Café and outdoors among the village’s twinkling lights. The summer-themed menu has been designed by chef TJ Quinn. Waltz Vineyards is providing a wine bar. Live entertainment rounds out the event. 6 p.m. 3529 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse. Information: Kitchenkettle.com.
Class: Greek Summer Dinner
Cat Alwine will lead the class on a culinary tour of Greece. 6 p.m. 1180 Erbs Quarry Rd., Lititz. Information: Zestchef.com.
Class: Sensational Seafood
Chef Linda will teach the class how to create exquisite seafood dishes for summertime dining. 6 p.m. 1180 Erbs Quarry Rd., Lititz. Information: Zestchef.com.
Whiskey on the Rails
Climb aboard the First Class dining car and enjoy a tasting of cocktails that employs distilled spirits from Stoll & Wolfe in Lititz. The cocktails will be complemented by food prepared by the staff of Café 1832. 21+ only, ID required. 7 p.m. 301 Gap Rd., Ronks. Information: Strasburgrailroad.com.