Foodie Events: August Takes a Bow
August brings us the bounty of summer produce. Festivals, art and makers shows, dining events, fairs and fundraisers help to make August in Lancaster County delicious!
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.
Gin Garden
August 1
Demuth Museum
Come to the Demuth Museum Garden and enjoy Charles Demuth’s favorite spirit! Cocktail samples will be provided by Lancaster Distilleries and Thistle Finch. (Mocktail and non-alcoholic options will also be available.) Live music will be provided by Dane Fox. Yard games will add to the festivities. Indoors, a new exhibit from Demuth Artist-in-Residency, Ana Neifeld, can be viewed. Age 21+ only/ID required. 6-8 p.m. 120 E. King St., Lancaster. Information: Demuth.org
Middle Creek Art Show
August 1-3
Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area
Did you know that Middle Creek hosts the premier wildlife art show in Pennsylvania? This year’s show will feature more than 25 of the finest wildlife artists from across the state, many of whom have had their work selected for duck stamps in multiple states, covers of Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) publications, as well as for the organization’s wildlife and outdoor patches. Plus, Middle Creek makes an artistic statement of its own, as it’s comprised of more than 6,000 acres that offer nearly 20 miles of hiking trails and a lake that is perfect for canoeing, kayaking and fishing. Food and other activities will also be available on the grounds of the beautiful visitor center during the show. Friday, 12-5 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 100 Museum Rd., Stevens. Information: Pgc.pa.gov.
Mount Gretna Tour of Homes
August 2
Mount Gretna
Celebrating its 39th year, the self-guided tour has expanded over time to include quaint cottages, modern homes, imaginative gardens and historic buildings, all of which provide a fascinating glimpse into the architecture and lifestyle of Mt. Gretna. This year’s tour will feature 8 homes (one dating to 1892), 2 porches and 3 historic buildings. Note: planners have decided to put a cap on the number of tickets that are available, meaning the tour could sell out prior to August 2, so they recommend purchasing tickets in advance (by August 1). Pre-tour tickets ($25) can be purchased at Stauffers of Kissel Hill locations as well as online. Tour-day tickets are $30 and can be purchased at the registration tent at 101 Princeton Avenue. Proceeds benefit Gretna Music. After the tour, be sure to visit the variety of restaurants that can be found in the Mt. Gretna and Cornwall area. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Information: Gretnamusic.org.
First Saturdays in Ephrata
August 2
Ephrata
With the first day of school right around the corner, this month’s theme is 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, as well as a copy of the featured book at the end of the route. Jonathan Stutzman, the author of Llama Unleashes The Alpacalypse, and illustrator Heather Fox will greet visitors to the train station. 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.
Oysters Al Fresco
August 2
Conestoga House & Gardens
Conestoga House and Gardens will provide the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable summer dining experience. Guests will be greeted with a glass of champagne. The seafood bar will showcase an opulent selection of ocean treasures, featuring freshly shucked oysters and an array of delightful seafood dishes, all expertly crafted by the staff at Proof of Lancaster. A full fruit and cheese spread promises to enchant your senses with a decadent assortment of fruit and artisanal cheeses from around the world. Event will also feature live music. 6-9 p.m. 21+ 1608 Marietta Ave., Lancaster. Information: Conestogahouse.com
Summer Dining Series
August 7
Farm at Eagles Ridge
The ultimate Date Night entails a four-course dining experience set amid historic barns, spring‑fed ponds and stunning countryside views. The award-winning chefs from The JDK Group Catering & Events will be crafting a menu that showcases the freshest, locally sourced flavors of the season. Guests will receive a glass of champagne upon arrival, indoor/outdoor seating options, and a four-course summer-inspired dinner. BYOB. 5:30-9:30 p.m. 465 Long Lane, Lancaster. Information: Eventbrite.com
Lititz Rotary Craft Show
August 9
Downtown Lititz
Celebrating its 46th anniversary, what began as a show held on a single block in Lititz, has grown into an extravaganza that attracts more than 700 crafters/makers from the U.S. and Canada. The selection includes handmade crafts, home decor, garden art, clothing, seasonal items, jewelry and much more. Proceeds benefit programs of the Lititz Rotary Club. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Downtown Lititz. Information: Lititzrotary.com.
Cut Flowers & Coffee Workshop
August 9, 16, 23, 30
Ken’s Gardens
Spend a relaxing Saturday morning by getting your hands a little dirty and creating your very own floral arrangement while sipping on a refreshing drink! Walk through a garden full of beautiful flowers in bloom, snipping the ones you love best, and taking them back to a workstation to create a beautiful floral bouquet in a vase. This is a hands-on workshop focused on floral education and design. Workshop includes a complimentary 24 oz drink of your choice from Hopeful Brews, Ken’s new in-house coffee shop. All supplies included. 2467 Old Philadelphia Pike, Smoketown. 9 a.m. (rain/shine). Information: Kensgardens.com
Stolen
August 12-October 22
Bird-in-Hand Stage
A small Pennsylvania town is shaken when Zack Fisher, the infant son of a prominent Amish family, is kidnapped. Accusations fly. Although everyone comes under suspicion, the case goes cold. Zack’s sister Naomi, who was supposed to be watching him, blames herself for the next 20 years – then takes matters into her own hands. Packed with a cast of interesting and complex characters, including a quirky, noir-style detective and an amateur Amish sleuth, this musical mystery tells a moving story about learning to forgive yourself. The production is being presented in partnership with Blue Gate Musicals, with a script by Martha Bolton based on Wanda Brunstetter’s best-selling Daughters of Lancaster County series. Dining options are available onsite. 2760 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird-in-Hand. Information: Bird-in-hand.com
Celebrate Lancaster
August 15
Downtown Lancaster
The annual celebration of Lancaster’s diverse cultures will feature food, live music, dancing, vendors, a beer garden and more. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. N. Queen St., from Penn Square to Ewell Plaza. Information: Visitlancastercity.com
Beer Gardens
August 15-16
Lancaster City
Ewell Plaza will host a beer garden this month as part of Celebrate Lancaster. Visitors can partake of beer (draft, canned and bottled), as well as cocktails, wine and liquor. Proceeds benefit Lancaster Recreation Commission programs. Hours are 4-10 p.m. Information: Lancasterrec.org.
Buddy, The Buddy Holly Story
August 15-September 20
Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
See the man, hear the music and relive the life of a legend! In just three short years, Buddy Holly set the music world on fire and forever changed the face and sound of rock and roll. Follow Buddy backstage, in the recording studio, and up the charts with hits like Peggy Sue, Oh Boy, That’ll Be the Day, Well…All Right, Not Fade Away and more! Lunch and dinner options are available. Information: Dutchapple.com
Sunflower Makers Market
August 16
Oregon Dairy
Sponsored by Oregon Dairy and Artisans Mill, the market will feature more than 150 makers, artists, crafters, curators and food trucks. The farm’s 2-acre sunflower field will also be open to visitors ($3 admission). 2900 Oregon Pike, Lititz. Information: Oregondairy.com.
Mount Gretna Outdoor Art Show
August 16-17
Mount Gretna
The art-related publication, Sunshine Artist, has included Mount Gretna in its Top 200 shows for more than a decade. This year’s show will feature 200 fine artists and crafters from across the country. Food and drink vendors, entertainment, kids’ activities, music and a film festival complement the show. Proceeds from the art show will benefit cultural programming offered by the Pennsylvania Chautauqua, as well as community projects. Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Information: Mtgretnaarts.com.
Whiskey & History Tours
August 16 & 23
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
Elizabethtown Fair
August 18-23
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, educational programs 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 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; Josh Squared on Friday; and Kayleigh Clark with Stephanie Bell and Little Rock 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 23
100 Block North Queen Street
Organized by Joycat Events and presented by Decades and Rotary Club of Lancaster, the beerfest puts the spotlight on regional craft breweries that will be on hand to share their craft beer with fans. Event will feature dozens of brewers, 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. 21+ only. 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 27
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 the Keri Edwards Band. Food vendors will include the Drifters Food Truck and DonutNV. Drinks vendor will be Hillside Public House. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Whistle Stop Plaza, 16 E. Main St., Ephrata. Information: Mainspringofephrata.org
Brazilian Themed Dinner
August 28
John Wright Restaurant
Start Labor Day weekend early with a Brazilian-themed dinner that will include feijoada, salt cod fritters, chicken pie, coconut fish stew and a dessert sampler. Cocktails made with Batida and Cachaca will accompany the dinner. 6:30 p.m. 234 N. Front St., Wrightsville. Information: Jwrpa.com
Nine & Dine
August 29
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
Centerpiece Class & Dinner in the Pagoda
August 29
Flourish
The evening begins with a tour of the gardens, where you’ll cut your own flowers for your design. Floral designers will guide you on how to create a large centerpiece in a ceramic compote. Then you’ll be treated to a delicious candlelit dinner in the pergola created by Vigi’s Catering. 5-9 p.m. (Note: rain date is August 30.) 1518 Main St., East Earl. Information: Flourish.flowers
Long’s Park Art Festival
August 29-31
Long’s Park
The first festival was held in 1976 in conjunction with the nation’s Bicentennial. Three years later, it gained an ally in the Long’s Park Amphitheater Association and moved to Labor Day weekend. The rest is history. Today, through a very competitive juried process, 200 exhibitors are chosen from among the thousands of applicants hoping to secure a space among the 25 categories. The show features such work as clothing, furniture, jewelry, accessories, décor, pottery, glass, functional art, paintings, photography and the list goes on. The show also features kid’s art activities and a food area. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 1441 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster. Information: Longspark.org.
Bird-in-Hand Chicken BBQ
August 30
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.
Sunflower Festival
August 30
Cherry Crest Adventure Farm
Enjoy a day of sunshine and floral fun at the Sunflower Festival, where the beauty of nature meets the excitement of adventure on the farm. Event will feature flower sales (sunflowers and zinnias), photo ops in the flower fields, craft vendors, a guest winery and brewery, plenty of food options, live music and more. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. 150 Cherry Hill Rd., Ronks. Information: Cherrycrestfarm.com
Heart of Lancaster Labor Day Arts and Craft Show
August 30-31
Root’s Country Market & Auction
Now in its 37th year, the show features over 100 juried artists and crafters from Pennsylvania and surrounding states. The selection includes pottery, home décor, garden art, seasonal items, jewelry, artwork and the list goes on. There will also be a delicious variety of food, as well as live entertainment. The show has been recognized as one of Sunshine Artist’s “200 Best” art shows for 10 years in a row. Parking/admission are free. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (rain/shine). 705 Greystone Rd., Manheim. Information: Hlcshow.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, plants and so much more. The event also features specialty auctions and a raffle that will see a lucky ticket holder win a 2025 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.
