Don’t despair, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the fleeting days of summer. The harvest is at its peak, festivals are being held and it’s the kick-off to fair season … it’s the perfect month to be a tourist in your own backyard! For a full rundown on events taking place in August, visit lancastercountymag.com.

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Backyard Tourist

TGI Friday & Saturday!

Get to know the art, music, shopping and dining scene in Lancaster City and the county’s small towns through the regular and themed events that are held each month. Those that are not held year-round are noted.

Lancaster City: First Friday, evening hours. Visitlancastercity.com

Lancaster City: Third Friday Music (May-September), evening hours. Visitlancastercity.com

Elizabethtown: Second Friday, evening hours. Livetownevents.com

Mount Joy: Fourth Friday, evening hours. Voyagemountjoy.com

Ephrata: First Saturday (June-September), daytime hours, followed by an evening event in Whistle Stop Plaza. Mainspringofephrata.org

Lititz: Second Saturday, daytime hours. Lititzpa.com

Columbia: Fourth Saturday, afternoon hours. Discovercolumia.com

Trails

Through September 7: Lancaster County Ice Cream Trail is a free mobile passport developed by Discover Lancaster. Sign up via the website and receive a passport to 30+ locations that will be offering discounts and/or other promotions. Points can be redeemed for giveaways. Information: Discoverlancaster.com

Ongoing: The Lancaster County Brewers Guild’s Ale Trail takes passport holders to more than two-dozen breweries. (Passports can be picked up at participating locations.) The Guild’s website also features a calendar that shares information about weekly and special events taking place at members’ locations. Information: Lancasterbreweries.org

Theatre

Jukebox Generation

August

Magic & Wonder Theatre

From the rock ‘n’ roll and classics of the ’50s & ’60s to the anthems and excitement of the ’70s & ’80s, this electrifying production brings four iconic decades of music to life with dazzling performances, stunning visuals and timeless hits. Lunch or dinner buffets precede the show. Matinees at 12:45 p.m. Dinner shows at 5:45 p.m. 3065 Lincoln Highway East, Paradise. (Note: this show is on stage through October.) Information:Magicandwondershow.com

Dear Soldier Boy

August 4-October 21

Bird-in-Hand Stage

It’s 1990 and Iraq has just invaded Kuwait. War is contrary to Amish ways, but Anna King wants to do something to help America’s troops, so she and her feisty friend and coworker Sofia volunteer to write letters of encouragement to the troops. Anna just wants to be a blessing. Sofia just wants to find a husband. It’s all fine until the lonely pen pals get weekend passes and show up to surprise the girls at work — all on the very same day! This musical comedy written by Martha Bolton, with original songs by Wally Nason, comes from a long line of wholesome, Broadway-caliber shows from Blue Gate Musicals, all set in the heart of Amish Country. Lunch and dinner available prior to the shows. Times vary. 2760 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird-in-Hand. Information: Bird-in-Hand.com

Pretty Woman The Musical

August 14-September 24

Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre

If you love the movie, you’ll love the musical. This modern Cinderella tale follows a businessman who hires an escort to spend the weekend with him. As the weekend unfolds, the two embark on an unexpected journey of self-discovery and find true love along the way. Note: this show is for PG 13 audiences. Lunch and dinner options are available. Information: Dutchapple.com          

Community Events

Celebrate Lancaster

August 14

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

Elizabethtown Fair

August 24-29

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 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

Beer Gardens

August 14-15

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.

Lancaster Craft Beerfest

August 22

100 Block North Queen Street

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 (Binns Park/Ewell Plaza) of N. Queen St. in Downtown Lancaster. Information: Lancastercraftbeerfest.com

Music and More

Jazz on the Patio

August

The Barn at Paradise Station

Start your weekend off with music and beautiful views of the countryside! Jazz on the Patio is back for another summer at the Barn at Paradise Station, where music, food and drinks are on the menu. The series is held Thursdays through late August. In case of inclement weather, the event is held inside the barn. 5-9 p.m. 312 Paradise Lane, Ronks. Information: Barnatparadisestation.com

August 6: Temple Avenue

August 20: The Wave Quartet

August 27: Andy Roberts & Friends

Long’s Park Summer Music Series

August

Long’s Park  

Held Sunday evenings through late August, all concerts begin at 7:30 p.m., unless otherwise noted. Food trucks will be onsite. Beer gardens open for select events. 1441 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster. Information:Longspark.org

August 2: J & The Causeways (soul/R&B)

August 9: Low Cut Connie (rock)

August 16: Ghost Funk Orchestra (soul/experimental)

August 23: Hayes Caril (country/folk)

Blues Fest

August 29

East Petersburg

This year’s lineup will include Ben Vo, Laura Cheedle Family Band, Jimmy Blue, The Nobles, Quentin Jones Rock & Roll Review and Slim & The South Street Hustle. A variety of food trucks will be onsite, as will a beer garden hosted by Mad Chef and Josie’s Pub. Music starts at 12 p.m. Pine St., East Petersburg. Information: Eastpetersburgday.com

Music on the Lawn Series

August

Conestoga House & Gardens

The monthly concerts feature a range of genres and musical groups. Bring your own snacks and beverages or pre-order wine and charcuterie provided by Proof of Lancaster. 5-9 p.m. 1608 Marietta Ave., Lancaster. (This is a ticketed event.) Information: Ecklinevents.com

August 28: Stogie Wagon (outlaw country & honky tonk)

Taps & Tunes

August

Kissel Valley Farm

Spend a Sunday afternoon enjoying live music, yard games, food truck fare, beer and wine. 12:30-5:30 p.m. 645 E. Oregon Rd., Lititz. $10 admission. information: Facebook.com

August 2: Cody Tyler (country)

August 16: Danny Paisley and the Southern Grass (bluegrass)

August 30: Big Sky Quartet (folk/roots)

Music in the Vineyards

August

Nissley Vineyards

Spend Saturday night enjoying your favorite variety of wine and listening and dancing to music. Bring your own food or patronize the food trucks. Wine can be purchased at the winery. Gates open at 5:30 p.m., music gets underway at 7:30 p.m. 140 Vintage Dr., Bainbridge. 21+ only. Ticketed event. Information: Nissleywine.com

August 1: Smooth Like Clyde (pop, rock, Top-40)

August 8: Central City Orchestra (pop, classics, R&B, disco, funk …)

August 15: Josh Squared (oldies, Top-40)

August 22: The Uptown Band (Motown, Top-40)

August 29: Jess Zimmerman Band (country, classic rock)

Outdoor Fun

Lancaster Polo Club

August

Rothsville

It’s the Year of the Horse and the Lancaster Polo Club is celebrating 70 years of playing on Forney Field, which its namesake, Ben Forney, built on his farm in 1956. Spend Sunday afternoons tailgating, cheering on the home team and taking part in such traditions as divot stomping. Food and beverage vendors are onsite. August highlights include Dog Days of Summer (Aug. 9), Caribbean Cup Tailgate Competition (Aug. 9), and Polo en Blanc (Aug. 30). Gates open at 1 p.m., match starts at 2:30 p.m. $10 admission (cash only). 70 Church Rd., Rothsville. Information: Facebook.com

Date Night in the Garden

August 13

Conestoga House & Gardens 

Looking for a unique Date Night experience? If so, Conestoga House & Gardens has an evening to remember planned for you. Enjoy live, strolling music in a romantic atmosphere with the option to pre-order food and wine (via Proof of Lancaster) or BYO snacks and beverages. Picnic blankets will be available onsite for an evening rental. 5-8 p.m. 1608 Marietta Ave., Lancaster. (Note: this is a monthly event through September) Information: Ecklinevents.com

Tastes

Taste the World

August 14

Lancaster City

Flavorful walking and sampling tours await guests in Downtown Lancaster. (Note: This is a ticketed event.) 5-8 p.m.Information: Neighborslancaster.org

Whiskey & History Tours

August 15 & 22

Lititz

Sponsored by the Lititz Historical Foundation, the guided tour takes in historic Main Street and then moves to Stoll & Wolfe Distillery, where guests will enjoy a guided tasting of three local whiskeys and learn about the area’s distilling legacy. 4 p.m. Information: Lititzhistoricalfoundation.com

A History of Bourbon & The Men That Started It

August 27

John Wright Restaurant

This month’s themed dinner will feature dishes such as shrimp bisque, Kentucky BBQ sliders and pecan-smoked beef tenderloin accompanied by bourbon-based cocktails and tastings. 6:30 p.m. 234 N. Front St., Wrightsville. Information: Jwrpa.com

Whiskey on the Rails

August 29

Strasburg Rail Road

Climb aboard the Lee E. Brenner Dining Car and sample delicious whiskeys provided by Stoll & Wolfe, paired with food prepared by Café 1832. 21+ only. 5:45 p.m. 301 Gap Rd., Strasburg. Information: Strasburgrailroad.com