Fireworks and food go together like peas in a pod. Plus, fresh produce is at its peak in July. So, have a backyard barbecue, go on a picnic, attend a festival and savor all the outdoor dining venues and beer gardens that help to make summer fun.  

Photo Credits: Facebook

Happy Birthday, America!

It was 249 years ago that the Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia. Yes, the means we are a year away from celebrating what undoubtedly will be the biggest birthday party ever held in the U.S. In the meantime, there’s plenty of ways to celebrate 7/4/25! Many of the July 4th celebrations will feature food trucks and beverage vendors.  

Community Carnival & Fireworks  

June 18-21  

Millersville-Manor VFW Post 7294  

Back for its second year, the VFW’s Community Carnival features food, games, a raffle, rides, family fun and on June 20, fireworks. 6-10 p.m. each evening. 219 Walnut Hill Rd., Millersville. Information: VFWpost7294.org 

Movie & Fireworks in the Park  

June 27  

East Petersburg Community Park  

Event will feature a family-friendly movie (title TBA) food trucks and fireworks. 5:30-10 p.m. Pine St., East Petersburg. Information: Eastpetersburgday.com 

Fireworks on the Farm  

June 28  

Elizabeth Farms  

The celebration starts early at this historic farm that played a role in the American Revolution. Enjoy food, drinks, music and fireworks. Gates open at 5 p.m. 262 Hopeland Rd., Lititz. Information: Elizabethfarms.com  

Mountville Fireworks  

June 28  

Froelich Park  

Mountville Borough presents its annual fireworks show that launches with a concert. 7 p.m., with fireworks at approximately 9:30 p.m. 350 W. Main St. (Note: Rain date is July 5.)   Information: Mountvilleborough.com  

Long’s Park Patriotic Concert  

June 29 

Long’s Park  

The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” will present a patriotic concert followed by fireworks. 8 p.m. 1441 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster. Information: Longspark.org. 

Celebrate America!  

July 3  

The Barn at Paradise Station 

The event kicks off at 4 p.m. with food trucks, yard games and other activities. At 7:30 p.m., the New Holland Band and Perfect Harmony will present a concert of patriotic music. Fireworks will conclude the evening. 312 Paradise Lane, Ronks. (Note: Rain date is July 6.) Information: Barnatparadisestation.com.  

Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks  

July 3 

Penn Medicine Park  

Penn Medicine Park and the Lancaster Stormers are hosting a free community event that will include a DJ, music, apple pie- and hot dog-eating contests, games, inflatables, kid’s activities and fireworks. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Fireworks set off at 9:30 p.m. 650 N. Prince St., Lancaster. Information: Lancasterstormers.com  

Zest Cooking School  

July 3  

Lititz  

Get a jump start on your Fourth of July festivities by taking a class led by Chef Joe Hall. The theme is Modern Americana 4th of July and the menu will entail hot dogs with caviar, truffle-infused potato salad and salted watermelon with feta skewers and lime dressing. 6 p.m. 1180 Erbs Quarry Rd., Lititz. Information: Zestchef.com.  

New Holland  

July 3 & 4   

New Holland Community Memorial Park  

On July 3, the park will host a concert by the West Chester Band, followed by fireworks. (Rain date is July 6.) On July 4, the New Holland Band will perform a program of patriotic music. 7 p.m. 400 block E. Jackson St. Information: Newhollandsummerarts.com 

4th of July Extravaganza & Fireworks  

July 4  

Stone Gables Estate  

Stone Gables presents its annual tribute to America’s birthday. Event features self-guided tours of Ironstone Ranch and the Star Barn, yard games, food trucks, artisans, a campfire, petting zoo, music (Josh Squared Band and Hutch) family-friendly entertainment (circus arts and juggler, David Darwin, and “The Reptile Guy”) and, of course, fireworks. Gates open at 3 p.m. 1160 N. Market St., Elizabethtown. Information: Stonegablesestate.com 

Lititz 208th Annual Fourth of July Celebration  

July 4  

Lititz  

One of the country’s longest-running July 4th celebrations is held in Lititz. The day kicks off with the Blanket Run (7-10 a.m.) during which visitors can stake out their spots to watch the fireworks. The annual Lititz Lions Club Patriotic Parade will make its ways through the downtown area at 11 a.m. The afternoon and evening will feature live music (Lititz Community Band, 3 Hour Tour, Jess Zimmerman Band and Maxwell Project); traditional events such as the Queen of Candles pageant, baby parade and pie-eating contest; Kid Zone activities; a dance party; food trucks and vendors and more. The grand finale, fireworks, will get underway at approximately 9:30 p.m. Tickets are required to enter Lititz Springs Park (where most activities are held) and can be purchased online or at the gate. Gates open at 11 a.m. (Note: Rain date is July 5.) 18 N. Broad St., Lititz. Information: Lititz4thofjuly.com.  

Marietta Fireworks 

July 4  

Marietta  

Thanks to a concerted volunteer effort and the support of businesses and organizations, Marietta’s July 4th celebration made a sparkling return in 2024. This year’s event will feature a maker’s market, live music, food trucks and, of course, fireworks. The festivities get underway at 2 p.m., while the fireworks show will start at approximately 9:15 p.m. War Memorial Park, 334 E. Walnut St., Marietta. Information: Mariettafireworks.org.  

Ephrata July 4th Community Event  

July 4  

Ephrata  

Food trucks, inflatables, entertainment, live music and more will be held on the grounds of the Ephrata Church of the Brethren. As night falls, the Ephrata Rec and Ephrata Borough will present a fireworks show. 5:30-8:30 p.m., with fireworks set to start at 9:30 p.m. 201 Crescent Ave., Ephrata. Information: Ecob.church.com 

SECAFest  

July 13  

Quarryville  

Quarryville’s annual summer celebration features food, music, inflatables and fireworks. 4-9:30 p.m. Memorial Park, 297 Park Ave., Quarryville. Information: Secarec.com  

There’s more to do!  

After all that celebrating, you’ll need to relax! 

Discover Lancaster Ice Cream Trail  

Through September 1

Lancaster County  

Discover Lancaster has lined up more than 30 ice cream shops for you to visit this summer. All you need to do is sign up for a free app-passport through which you can earn points and prizes by checking in at the shops you visit. Information: Discoverlancaster.com 

Lancaster City International Food Tour  

Select Dates in July  

Lancaster City  

Created and organized by Unique Lancaster Experiences, the walking tour focuses on culturally diverse cuisine from around the world. You will visit six locations, where you’ll sample medium-sized portions of food from various corners of the world: the possibilities could include Denmark, Cuba, Spain, France, Africa, the Netherlands and more. You’ll also meet award-winning chefs who will share their stories of coming to the U.S. and becoming part of the hospitality industry. Note: other food-related tours are also on the menu. Information: Experiencelancasterpa.com 

Warehouse District Beer Garden  

Summer  

Lancaster  

Operated by Rural City Beer Co., the beer garden is located in a former lumber yard. The itinerary includes beer, food, live music, vendors, lawn games and more. Thursday & Friday, 5-11 p.m. Saturday, 12-11 p.m. Sunday, 12-9 p.m. 595 N. Charlotte St., Lancaster. Information: Warehousedistrict.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.  

Zest Cooking School  

July  

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:  

July 5: Baking with Cherries with Chef Stephanie Willette. 10 a.m.  

July 12: Ladies Summer Brunch with Chef Stephanie Willette. 10 a.m.  

July 18: Date Night: A Taste of Cape Cod with Chef Joe Hall.  

July 22: Chocolate Lovers’ Delights with Chef Stephanie Willette. 5 p.m.  

July 23: Japanese Summer with Chef Cat Alwine  

July 24: Everything Peachy with Linda Leeking 

July 25: Sourdough Pizza and Fresh Mozzarella with Loretta Beiler . 5 p.m.  

July 29: Baking with Peaches with Chef Stephanie Willette . 5 p.m.  

July 30: Southern Comfort (including shrimp & grits!) with Chef Joe Hall.  

Sweet Summer Festival  

July 5  

Cherry Crest Adventure Farm  

Savor the aroma of roasted corn, indulge in delicious summer flavors and soak in the patriotic spirit with family-friendly activities and live entertainment. Event will feature sweet corn specialties, a Bubble Dance Party, crafts, country line dancing, a sweet corn-eating contest and beer and wine from a local brewery and winery. Fireworks provide the grand finale. 12-10 p.m. 150 Cherry Hill Rd., Ronks. Information: Cherrycrestfarm.com 

East Pete Summer Fest  

July 11  

East Petersburg Community Park  

Celebrate summer at this annual event that includes a beer/wine garden, food trucks and music. 5:30-9 p.m. Pine St., East Petersburg. Information: Eastpetersburgday.com. 

Garden Party Soiree  

July 11  

Lafayette Elementary School  

The fundraising event is being hosted by The Edible Classroom, which partners with schools and communities to create and sustain learning gardens that enable children, families and communities to engage with nutritious food from seed to table. Guests will enjoy herbal mocktails, hors d’ oeuvres (from Upohar World Kitchen), bites from favorite Edible Classroom recipes, live music and a silent auction. 6 p.m.1000 Fremont St., Lancaster (the school is home to an Edible Classroom garden). Information: Facebook.com  

Washington Boro Tomato Festival  

July 12 & 19  

Washington Boro  

You haven’t lived until you’ve tasted a Washington Boro Jet Star tomato! Washington Boro has been celebrating its tomato heritage for decades with tomato sandwiches (adding bacon is an option) and other tasty treats. Event also features games, raffles, live music and tomato sales. Proceeds benefit Blue Rock Fire & Rescue. 3-9 p.m. Washington Boro Park, 2010 River Rd., Washington Boro. Information: Facebook.com     

Whiskey & History Tours  

July 12 & 26  

Lititz  

Sponsored by the Lititz Historical Foundation, the guided tours are designed to acquaint participants with the history of Main Street, which is lined with buildings that date as far back as the 1700s and include America’s first commercial pretzel bakery, Lancaster County’s first pharmacy, Lititz’s first bank and a Revolutionary War hospital. Guests will then visit Stoll & Wolfe Distillery, where they will enjoy a guided tasting of three local whiskeys and learn about the whiskey and distilling history of the Lititz area. Tours are limited to 16 participants, ages 21+. 4-6 p.m. Tours depart from the Square in Lititz. Information: Lititzhistoricalfoundation.com 

Lancaster Rec Beer Gardens  

July 17-19 and 24-26 

Buchanan Park  

The rec commission’s traveling beer gardens transform the green spaces in Lancaster City parks into community hubs for networking, entertainment, yard games and enjoying tasty brews and other beverages. Food trucks rotate and offer a variety of different options from around the world to pair with your favorite local beverages. At the end of the season, proceeds are donated to Lancaster Rec to benefit recreational programs. 4-10 p.m. 901 Buchanan Ave., Lancaster. Information: Lancasterrec.org 

Haiti Benefit Auction  

July 18-19 

Bird-in-Hand 

This year marks the 26th anniversary of the collaborative effort on the parts of churches and individuals to raise funds for mission projects in Haiti. Friday’s events include a dinner (chicken BBQ, pulled pork, pizza, burgers), gospel singing and an auction of tools, crafts, quilts and specialty items. Saturday will feature breakfast fare, food stands and auctions entailing furniture, quilts, play-sets, tractors, gardening needs, sheds and more. A craft auction will feature a 3D painting (1976) by Abner Zook. Friday, starting at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, starting at 6:30 a.m. 338 N. Ronks Rd., Bird-in-Hand. Information: Pahaitiauction.com.  

Farm-to-Table Dinner  

July 19  

Inn at Twin Linden  

Chefs John and Don will craft a menu highlighting local produce – notably tomatoes and peppers – at its summer peak. The complimentary cocktail for the heart of summer is the Hugo Spritz, a light, bubbly and refreshing cocktail that entails a delicate floral sweetness from the elderflower and a hint of herbal freshness from mint. 6:30 p.m. 2092 Main St., Narvon. Information: Eventbrite.com  

A Day with Doug Tallamy 

July 22  

Mount Gretna  

He’s back! The renowned University of Delaware professor, entomologist, conservationist, wildlife ecologist and author returns to the area to share his vision of how we all can play a role in saving nature. At 10 a.m. he will discuss his initiative, Homegrown National Park, through which homeowners can create nature-friendly environments in their own backyards. At 3:30 p.m., he will address the question of How Can I Help? and provide information on the whys and hows of creating your own eco-friendly environment. A day in Mt. Gretna provides the perfect opportunity to visit the Jigger Shop or one of the area’s restaurants, including The Hide-A-Way, Porch & Pantry (both in Mt. Gretna), Bluebird Inn (Cornwall) and Colebrook Tavern (Lebanon). Mt. Gretna Playhouse, 200 Pennsylvania Ave. (A $5 donation is requested; hosted by the Pennsylvania Chautauqua.) Information: Pachautauqua.info  

San Juan Bautista Hispanic Festival  

July 23-26  

Lancaster  

Since 1983, the San Juan Bautista Hispanic Festival has brought musicians both local and nationally known to Lancaster County. The festival has become known as a must-attend summer event , as it features family-friendly entertainment and, of course, world class Latin cuisine and music. The festival is San Juan Bautista Catholic Church’s primary fundraiser for the year. Funds raised through the festival support operations and community programs that assist many families and individuals in the community. Wed. & Thur., 6-9 p.m. Fri., 6-11 p.m. Sat., 4-11 p.m. 425 S. Duke St., Lancaster. Information: Lancasterhispanicfestival.com  

4th Wednesday Happy Hour  

July 23  

Ephrata  

Take a mid-week break and visit Downtown Ephrata, where Mainspring of Ephrata hosts summer Happy Hours. This month’s entertainment will be provided by Adriano Sical. Food vendors will include the Drifters Food Truck and Sweet ’n Salty Rolled Ice Cream. Drinks vendor will be Hillside Public House. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Whistle Stop Plaza, 16 E. Main St., Ephrata. Information: Mainspringofephrata.org    

Nine & Dine  

July 25 

Blue Collar Restaurant  

On the last Friday of the summer months, Blue Collar Restaurant is providing a way to get your weekend started by playing nine rounds of golf at Four Seasons Golf Club and then enjoying dinner at the restaurant. 5:30 p.m. 949 Church St., Landisville. Reservations needed. Information: Bluecollarlanc.com    

Cruisin’ Cuisine Car Show/Taste of Mount Joy  

July 26  

Mount Joy  

Now in its 22nd year, the event kicks off with a Pancake Breakfast at St. Mark’s UMC (8:30-10:30 a.m.). The car show will include classes such as classic, antique and muscle cars; street rods; Corvettes; motorcycles; and trucks. Local restaurants and vendors will comprise the “Taste of Mount Joy” portion of the event. 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Downtown Mount Joy. Information: Voyagemountjoy.com   

Bicentennial Candlelight Dinner & Period Ball  

July 27 

Trust46  

The historic Trust46 building will be the setting for a Dinner and Ball event that commemorates the Marquis de Lafayette’s visit to Lancaster in 1825. The event will feature a French-inspired candlelight dinner catered by former White House chef, John Moeller, as well as an elegant period ball with English Country Dance caller, Jenna Simpson, and musicians Mara Shea, Kathy Talvitie, and Bob Pasquarello. (Period attire is optional.) 5-9 p.m. 46 E. King St., Lancaster. The event is being hosted by The American Friends of Lafayette. For information about this and other Lafayette-related events, visit Lafayette200.org 

Lafayette Day  

July 28  

Historic Rock Ford  

Historic Rock Ford welcomes the Marquis de Lafayette with fanfare and celebration, partnering with the organization, The American Friends of Lafayette, which is re-creating the bicentennial of Lafayette’s exact step-by-step farewell tour through America that began in August 1824 and concluded in September 1825. Historic Rock Ford’s participation commemorates Lafayette’s stop in Lancaster in July 1825. Event also will feature live music, fife & drum performances, house tours, garden talks, re-enactors, guest speakers, food and more. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 881 Rockford Rd., Lancaster. Information: Historicrockford.org  

Theme Dinner  

July 31  

John Wright Restaurant  

Soul Food is the theme for this month’s dinner. The menu will include such dishes as chicken & dumplings, fried catfish, collard greens, candied yams and more. Beverages will include Sweet Tea, Red Punch and Mickey’s fine malt liquor. 6:30 p.m. 234 N. Front St., Wrightsville. Information: jwrpa.com