Linger Over August – Foodie Events

Fresh produce, festivals, the start of fair season … it doesn’t get any better than this!

Lancaster City International Food Tour

Select dates in August
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.

 

Zest Cooking School

August
Lititz

In the words of Julia Child, everyone should learn how to cook and in the process, try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, be fearless, and above all, have fun. The professional instructors who lead the classes at Zest! aim to have you do all of the above, whether you’re a novice or a seasoned cook. Most classes begin at 6 p.m. or as otherwise noted. 1180 Erbs Quarry Rd., Lititz. Information: Zestchef.com.

• August 7: Mastering Ice Cream Sandwiches with Pastry Chef Stephanie.
• August 8: Spanish Tapas with Chef Hannah Smith.
• August 9: Beat the Heat: Japanese Style with Cat Alwine.
• August 10: Say Formaggio! Cheesemaking Master Class with Chef Sara. 5 p.m.
• August 14: Chocolate Lovers Delight with Pastry Chef Stephanie.
• August 16: Vegana: Italian Plant Based with Chef Sara.
• August 17: Everything Peachy with Linda Leeking.
• August 28: Dumplings 101 with Chef Helen.
• August 30: Indian Summer Night with Chef Helen.

Jazz on the Patio 

Jump start your weekend at The Barn at Paradise Station, where a summer-long menu of jazz, small plates, drinks and incredible views of the countryside is being offered on Thursday evenings, 6-9 p.m. 312 Paradise Lane, Ronks. Information: Barnatparadisestation.com.

• August 1: Von & Abbey Lewis
• August 8: Fred Hughes with Steve Meashey and Dan Monaghan
• August 15: Temple Avenue Jazz Quartet
• August 22: Andy Roberts and Friends
• August 29: Allison & Justin Droegemuller

Summerfest at Nissley Vineyards

Enjoy wine, beer, food and music on the lawn that fronts the winery and provides a view of the stage/dance floor. New this year: Fridays are family-friendly and will offer non-alcoholic milkshakes and slushies for the kids, while Saturdays are 21+. Gates open at 6 p.m., music gets underway at 7:30 p.m. 140 Vintage Dr., Bainbridge. Information: Nissleywine.com

• August 2: Mark DeRose and the Dreadnaughts (roots/classic rock)
• August 3: Maxwell Project (old school funk/R&B)
• August 9: Lovelace (‘70s tribute/rock/variety)
• August 10: Bump City (R&B/soul)
• August 16: 3 Hour Tour (yacht & classic rock/soul)
• August 17: Jess Zimmerman Band (country/classic rock/pop)
• August 23: Soul Solution (R&B/funk/soul)
• August 24: The Uptown Band (Motown to Top 40)
• August 30: Kracker Beez (classic/light rock)
• August 31: Central City Orchestra (dance music/pop)

Beer Gardens

August
Lancaster City

Beer gardens will be held at Buchanan Park on August 1, 2 and 3, as well as August 8 (trivia will be held from 8-9 p.m. tonight) , 9 and 10. Musser Park will host them on August 22, 23 and 24, and again on August 29 (trivia will be held from 8-9 p.m. tonight), 30 and 31. Note: Yappy Hours will be held from 4-6 p.m. at Buchanan Park on August 3 and 10, and at Musser Park on August 24 and 31.  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., 1-10 p.m. Information: Lancasterrec.org.

Wine & Cheese Train

Friday, Saturday and Sunday Evenings
Strasburg Railroad

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-minute trip to Paradise and back. Must be 21+, ID required. Times vary by date. Information: Strasburgrailroad.com.

Sunset Dinner Tour on an Amish Farm

Through August
Amish Farm & House Event

No doubt you’ll have visitors this summer and are wondering how to entertain them. The Amish Farm & House has the solution: you and your guests can tour the 15-acre farm and 1805 farmhouse and then board a bus for a ride through the country that will take you to the home of an Amish family. There you’ll enjoy a traditional Amish dinner and end the visit with dessert and conversation with your hosts. Fridays and Saturdays; 3:45 tour/5 p.m. bus boarding. 2395 Covered Bridge Dr., Lancaster. Information: Amishfarmandhouse.com.

Chief Uncas Brews Cruise

August 2 and September 6
Susquehanna National Heritage Area

Cruise the Susquehanna aboard the restored electric-powered boat, Chief Uncas, which once was owned by Adolphus Busch, “the king of beers,” who used the boat during his summer getaways to Otsego Lake in New York, which just happens to be the headwaters for the Susquehanna. Now owned by the Susquehanna National Heritage Area (SNHA), it is used for educational and entertaining excursions such as the beer cruise. SNHA partners with Starview Brewery in Columbia to provide the beverages. Guests can also pre-order the brewery’s crabcakes to enjoy during the 90-minute trip. 7 p.m. 1706 Long Level Rd., Wrightsville. Information: Susqnha.org.

First Saturdays in Ephrata

August 3
Ephrata

With the first day of school right around the corner, it’s time for Back to the Books! All of Main Street will turn into a “book” from 2:30-4:30 p.m. Businesses will feature pages from great books that families can read by going from shop to shop. All kids will receive school supplies at each stop and a copy of the featured book at the end of the route.

Then, visit Whistle Stop Plaza (4:30-8 p.m.) to enjoy live music, food vendors and adult beverages (ID required). Sponsored by Mainspring of Ephrata. Main St., Ephrata. Information: Mainspringofephrata.org.

Bacon Fest

August 10
Intercourse Community Park

Stoltzfus Meats, which recently expanded its store in Intercourse, is sponsoring this inaugural event that will include such activities as a bacon-smoking demonstration, entertainment (including Big Boy Brass), bacon sampling and food trucks (all of which will have a menu items that features the company’s bacon). In addition, a baking competition and smoked griller eating competition will be held. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 3730 Old Philadelphia Pike, Gordonville. Information: Stoltzfusmeats.com.

Date Night in the Garden

August 15
Conestoga House & Gardens

Surprise and impress the love of your life with an evening at this beautiful property. The gardens will be in full bloom, musicians will be strolling the grounds and you can bring your own wine and picnic dinner or pre-order one. 5-8 p.m. 1608 Marietta Ave., Lancaster. Information: Conestogahouse.com.

Half-Stitched … the Musical

August 13-October 24
Bird-in-Hand Stage

Dinner and a show! Emma Yoder, a recent widow, plans a peaceful weekend quilting class. As her students — a biker, an estranged couple, a pastor’s wounded wife, a young military veteran and a rebellious young girl — spend the weekend learning Amish quilt patterns, seams and secrets come unraveled, tears and truths emerge, and Emma must navigate her way through the upheaval that ensues. Based on a story written by Wanda Brunstetter, the show is from Blue Gate Musicals, with the script by Martha Bolton and  original songs by Wally Nason. Lunch and dinner options are available. 3063 Lincoln Highway East, Paradise. Information: Bird-in-hand.com.

Jersey Boys

August 16-September 28
Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre

Enjoy lunch or dinner before you go on this musical thrill ride with Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons as they make their way from their native New Jersey to the world’s most heralded stages. Learn how the band members forged a friendship that has lasted for more than 40 years and produced such hits as Sherry, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Dawn, My Eyes Adored You and the list goes on. (Note: this is a PG-13 show.) Information: Dutchapple.com

Elizabethtown Fair

August 19-24
Elizabethtown Fairgrounds

E-town has the honor of kicking off fair season in Lancaster County. Each August, the fair serves as a showcase for the various aspects of agriculture in Lancaster and surrounding counties through exhibits and competitions. It also provides youngsters with first-time opportunities to compete on the fair circuit. Baking, floral arranging, canning and other categories are also part of the competition.

Community is an integral part of the fair, as many local civic organizations and church groups hold their principal fundraisers for the year at the fair. It is also provides local businesses and organizations with an opportunity to promote their services and products. Of course, food is a major drawing card for the fair, as is music (performing this year will be The Uptown Band on Wednesday; Jess Zimmerman Band on Thursday; Flamin’Dick and the Hot Rods on Friday; and Grant Bryan on Saturday). In addition, Saturday will feature a country line dancing event. Monday, 5-11 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. 900 E. High St., Elizabethtown. Information: Etownfair.com.

Lancaster Craft Beerfest

August 24
100 Block North Queen Street

After a 4-year hiatus due to Covid and construction work at Ewell Plaza, the beerfest is back! Organized by Joycat Events, the beerfest welcomes local and regional craft brewers to share their craft beer with fans. Event will feature a beer garden, food court and music stage. Tickets can be purchased for one of two sessions: 12-3 p.m. and 4-7 p.m. A portion of ticket sales will benefit the Rotary Club of Lancaster. 100 block (Binn’s Park/Ewell Plaza) of N. Queen St. in Downtown Lancaster. Information: Lancastercraftbeerfest.com.

4th Wednesday Happy Hour

August 28
Ephrata 

The happiest two hours on the fourth Wednesday of the summer months come to a close. Whistle Stop Plaza will be the scene for delicious food, live music (courtesy of Tropical Sunz), and refreshing beverages. While this is an all-ages event, you must be 21+ to enjoy alcoholic beverages (IDs required). 5-7 p.m. 16 E. Main St., Ephrata. Information: Mainspringofephrata.org

Themed Dinner

August 29
John Wright Restaurant

Tonight’s 3-course dinner will take you to the Dominican Republic. A rum tasting will also be part of the event. 6:30 p.m. 234 N. Front St., Wrightsville. Information: Jwrpa.com.

Bird-in-Hand Chicken BBQ

August 31
Hand-in-Hand Fire Co.

The fire company’s famous BBQ chicken has a taste all its own! Cooked slowly and deliciously seasoned, this chicken is moist and tender! This is a take-out only event. Menu includes half chicken, applesauce, chips, pickles, roll/butter, drink and homemade whoopie pie. (Many of the items are sourced from local businesses.) Take-out begins at 9:30 a.m. and continues until 6 p.m. (or until sellout). Pricing is $13 for the meal and $7 for chicken only. All proceeds benefit the Hand-in-Hand Fire Company, an all-volunteer fire company located in Bird-in-Hand and serving the East Lampeter Township community. 313 Enterprise Dr., Bird-in-Hand. Information: Bihf.com.

Hospice Labor Day Auction

August 31 & September 2
Solanco Fairgrounds

Don’t miss Hospice & Community Care’s Labor Day Auction, where every bid supports a worthy cause: helping Hospice patients and their families cope with life-limiting illnesses or loss. The vast array of items that are available range from quilts and sports memorabilia to collectibles, tools and so much more. The event also features specialty auctions and a raffle that will see a lucky ticket holder win a Chevy Trax. Another don’t miss is the Amish-made food such as breakfast logs, baked goods, chicken barbecue and milkshakes among many others. 7:30 a.m.-approx. 5 p.m. each day. 101 Park Avenue, Quarryville. Information: Labordayauction.org.