May is Brewing With Foodie Events
It’s May, which means rhubarb is in season, with strawberries close behind. Whether you’re looking for vegetable plants for this year’s garden, scoping out new brews for summer barbecues, supporting your community, dining out or sharpening your cooking skills, there are lots of events being held that will help you achieve your goals.
Photo Credits: Facebook
Zest Cooking School
May
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 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.
Available classes include:
- May 7: Cake Decorating (Mother’s Day Bouquet) with pastry chef, Stephanie Wilette.
- May 10: Kids Cooking Club, Brunch for Mom or Your Special Someone, with Gwen Eberly. 10 a.m.
- May 14: Date Night, Sushi, with chef Hannah Smith.
- May 30: World of Asian Stir Fry with Cat Alwine.
Valosh Patisserie
French pastry is the passion of owner and pastry chef, Valeria Garcia. She loves to share her expertise through classes and workshops held at her shop, which is located at 23 E. High Street in Elizabethtown. Classes begin at 2:30 p.m. Information: Tastevalosh.com.
- May 10: Éclair Making Workshop
- May 17: Tarte Au Citron
Wine & Cheese Trains
Weekends in May
Strasburg Rail Road
Climb aboard and enjoy the luxurious, climate-controlled train ride to Paradise and back while you sample select wines from Waltz Vineyards paired with cheese and crackers. 21+ only, ID required. Fridays and Saturdays at 4 and 6 p.m. Sundays at 4 p.m. 301 Gap Rd., Ronks. Information: Strasburgrailroad.com
Burger Month
May 1-31
Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant
Burger connoisseurs will be in heaven! Now in its 17th year, Burger Month at Iron Hill will see a different, over-the-top burger on the menu each and every day of May. This year’s burger lineup is packed with chef-created themed burgers celebrating holidays, baseball season, and more. Highlights include the Phanatic’s Opening Day Burger with cheddar, chili, and smoked paprika aioli for Phillies fans; the Momma’s Burger with honey-whipped goat cheese and roasted red peppers for Mother’s Day; the May the Fourth Be With You Burger featuring blue milk cheese crumbles, Tauntaun bacon, and Ewok rings for Star Wars Day; and the Armed Forces Tribute Burger loaded with American cheese, bacon, onion rings, and BBQ sauce in honor of Memorial Day. The celebration will conclude on May 31, when Iron Hill’s fan-favorite Crowdsourced Burger Challenge returns. The recipe will be revealed on May 1, and fans can submit their best burger names via social media for a chance to win a $100 Iron Hill gift card. The winner will be announced on May 27. In addition, King of the Hill loyalty members can earn rewards, plus Iron Hill is giving away five Grilling Tailgate Packages valued at over $500! 781 Harrisburg Ave., Lancaster. Information: Ironhillbrewery.com
United Disability Services Diamond Jubilee Gala
May 8
Lancaster County Convention Center
The UDS Annual Gala raises critically needed funds to support UDS’s mission to provide personal care and support services for people with physical and age-related disabilities and mobility issues. Services enhance clients’ independence and enrich their lives, along with the lives of their families, caregivers and the community. The event, which marks UDS’s 60th anniversary, will include a cocktail reception, a Fireside Chat with special guests Saquon Barkley and Dave Spadero of the Philadelphia Eagles, a seated dinner, auctions and a wine pull. 5:30 p.m. 25 S. Queen St., Lancaster. Information: UDservices.org
Manheim Central Ag Plant Sale
9-10
Manheim
Students participating in Manheim Central High School’s greenhouse-management and life-skills classes will be selling heirloom tomatoes, peppers, herbs, vegetables and flowers they started from seed earlier in the year. Fridays, 1-6 p.m., Saturdays, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Look for the greenhouse across from the Manheim Farm Show complex, 400 E. Adele Ave., Manheim. Information: Facebook.com
Herb & Garden Faire
May 9 & 10
Landis Valley Village & Museum
The Herb & Garden Faire, now in its 37th year, will feature plants from the museum’s Heirloom Seed Project, as well as heirloom, native, perennial vegetable and other hard-to-find varieties from 80+ vendors. The event will also feature demonstrations and workshops. Food and drink will be available onsite. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (rain/shine). 2451 Kissel Hill Rd., Lancaster. Information: Landisvalleymuseum.org
SECA Plant Sale
May 10
Quarryville
Southern End Community Association’s plant sale will feature annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees, grasses, herbs, vegetables and more. Proceeds benefit SECA’s recreational programs and other events. 8 a.m.-12 p.m. 299 Park Ave., Quarryville. Information: Facebook.com
Feast of the Senses
May 15
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. 125 E. King St., Lancaster. Information: touchstonefound.org
Date Night in the Garden
May 15
Conestoga House & Gardens
Treat your significant other to date night in the gardens. Listen to live music while you enjoy wine and dinner (BYO or pre-order food and wine that are being provided by Proof of Lancaster). Also, bring a picnic blanket or rent one on-site. 5-8 p.m. 1608 Marietta Ave., Lancaster.
Information: Conestogahouse.com
Cruise Night
May 16
Denver
Sponsored by Unruh Insurance, this 11th annual event features classic cars, music, food vendors and a 50/50 raffle. Proceeds benefit REAL Community Services and the Denver Fire Company. 4:30-8:30 p.m. Main St., Denver. Information: Unruhinsurance.com
Rhubarb Festival
May 16 & 17
Kitchen Kettle Village
Rhubarb represents the arrival of spring and with it, the start of the growing season. Kitchen Kettle Village pays homage to this spring crop with a festival devoted to all-things rhubarb. The highlight of the festival is the Rhubarb Dessert Baking Contest that is held Saturday morning and invites participants to submit their favorite rhubarb-based desserts for judging and prizes. Proceeds from the contest and sale of desserts benefit The Lancaster Farmland Trust. Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. 3529 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse. Information: Kitchenkettle.com
Gyrofest
May 17
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
This spring event features authentic Greek food and pastries. The menu includes 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 17
Manheim
Back for its third 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
Marietta Community Yard Sale and Street Fair
May 17
Marietta
Seven blocks of Market Street will be closed to vehicles for your strolling pleasure. Food trucks and artisans join residents selling their flea market/yard sale treasures! 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (Rain “Washout Date” is May 18). Information: Facebook.com
Bark & Brews
May 17
Stoudtburg Village
Area breweries and food trucks will be on hand to provide craft brews and savory and sweet treats. Event will feature adoptable rescue dogs, discounted health checkups for dogs, and pet-friendly vendors. A portion of the proceeds will benefit rescue organizations. 12-6 p.m. Market Plaza, Stoudtburg Village, Adamstown. Information: Eventbrite.com
Lititz Springs VFW Beer Fest
May 17
Lititz Springs VFW
More than a dozen regional beer vendors will be on hand to provide guests with a menu of more than 40 different brews. Food trucks, live music by the band, Jenocide, and raffles (including a “beer for a year” prize) round out the event. Must be 21+, ID is required. 3-6 p.m. (rain/shine). 14 N. Spruce St., Lititz. Information: Eventbrite.com
Bud Break Festival
May 17
Nissley Vineyards
Celebrate the renewal, growth and the magic that happens in the vineyard this time of year. Event will feature all-things wine, craft beer, zero-proof beverages, food trucks, live music and vendors. 12-6 p.m. 140 Vintage Dr., Bainbridge. Information: Nissleywine.com
Chicken BBQ
May 24
Bird-in-Hand
Cooked slowly and deliciously seasoned, this moist and tender chicken has a taste of its own! This is a take-out only event. Menu includes half a BBQ chicken with Meadowcreek seasoning, applesauce, chips, pickles, roll/butter, drink and homemade whoopie pie. Chicken-only is also an option. All proceeds benefit the Hand-in-Hand Fire Company, an all-volunteer fire company that serves the East Lampeter Township area. 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. (or sold out). 313 Enterprise Dr., Bird-in-Hand. Information: Bihfire.com
Flavorfest
May 24-25
Mount Hope Estate
Two dozen wineries and nine distilleries will be on hand to offer samples of their beverages. In addition, five pourhouses and 10 food booths will be serving beverages and food on the festival grounds. A variety of vendors will also be on-site. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 2775 Lebanon Rd., Manheim. Information: Parenfaire.com
4th Wednesday Happy Hour
May 28
Whistle Stop Plaza, Ephrata
Happy Hour is back for another summer in Ephrata, thanks to sponsor, Mainspring of Ephrata. Take a break and enjoy live music from One Music, food from Rad.ish Food Truck and Donut NV, and drinks from Hillside Public House. 5:30-7:30 p.m. 16 E. Main St., Ephrata. Information: Mainspringofephrata.org
Jazz on the Patio
May 28
The Barn at Paradise Station
Back for another summer, guests can enjoy the talents of Lancaster’s best jazz groups, while they enjoy drinks and dinner on the blue flagstone patio that overlooks the Strasburg Rail Road and stunning countryside. Food, wine, beer and specialty drinks available for purchase. The Fred Hughes Trio will provide the music. (Note: the series continues Thursdays through August 28.) 5-9 p.m. 312 Paradise Lane, Ronks. Information: Barnatparadisestation.com
Themed Dinner: Kentucky Derby
May 29
John Wright Restaurant
John Wright is paying homage to the Kentucky Derby with a themed dinner that has a southern accent in that it entails dishes such as dill Benedictine dip & pimento cheese, shrimp & bourbon bisque, smoked brisket (with grits) and, of course, mint juleps. 6:30 p.m. 234 N. Front St., Wrightsville. Information: Jwrpa.com
Lancaster’s Best Food Truck Competition
May 31
Greenfield Lancaster
Event will feature 40+ food trucks competing for the title, “Lancaster’s Best.” There will also be a maker’s mart, beer garden, inflatables for the kids, a live DJ, food voting and much more. Bring a chair/blanket. Proceeds benefit Joyful Doberman Rescue of PA. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 521 Greenfield Rd., Lancaster. Information: Joyfuldoberman.org
