Sadly, summer is winding down and soon it will be back to the same old routine. Don’t despair; there are plenty of ways to enjoy the fleeting days of summer. Music, sunflower displays, art and craft shows, festivals, the kick-off to fair season … it’s the perfect month to be a tourist in your own backyard!

Music

Pack a picnic (or patronize the food trucks/vendors) and your lawn chair and enjoy music under the stars at a local park. No doubt, your favorite style of music will be performed somewhere! 

Long’s Park Summer Music Series 

Held Sunday evenings through late August, all concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted). 1441 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster. Information: Longspark.org.

• August 4: The Sensational Barnes Brothers (gospel rock)
• August 11: The United States Air Force Band: Max Impact (rock/pop)
• August 18: Della Mae (Americana/bluegrass)

Summer Concert Series – Columbia 

Sponsored by the Columbia Lions Club, the monthly Friday concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. Locust Street Park, 550 Locust St., Columbia. Information: Columbialions.org.

• August 16: 55th Anniversary of Woodstock, featuring local musicians playing the greatest hits from the historical music festival that took place at Yasgur’s Farm in 1969.

Music in the Park – Maytown 

Now in its 28th year, the Sunday-evening music series is sponsored by East Donegal Township. Start time is 6 p.m. Lloyd H. Furhman Memorial Park, 190 Rock Point Rd., Maytown. Information: Eastdonegaltwp.com.

• August 4: PopScotch (high-energy soul/R&B/funk)
• August 11: Sound of Roses (from Dorsey to disco)
• August 18: Rohrerstown Band (marches/patriotic)

Summer Music Series – Shoppes at Belmont 

Now in its 5th year, the music series is held at the shopping center’s Charles Frey Park on Saturday evenings from 6-10 p.m. 1600 Fruitville Pike, Lancaster. Information: Shoppesatbelmont.com.

• August 3: Intentional Walk (classic rock/modern funk/country/bluegrass)
• August 10: Stu Huggens Band (classic and contemporary country/original music)
• August 17: Little Buddy Blues Band (blues/rock)
• August 24: Emmanuel Nisigani (Afro-jazz fusion)
• August 31: All Weather Band (blues/roots-rock/country-swing)

Greenfield Concerts in the Park 

Summer concerts are back at Greenfield! Music gets underway at 7:30 p.m. in the park that is located across from 1861 William Penn Way. Information: Greenfieldlancaster.com

• August 15: 7 Bridges: The Ultimate Eagles Experience

Entertainment in the Park 

The New Holland Summer Arts Association is hosting its 45th season of entertainment in New Holland Community Memorial Park. Concerts begin at 7 p.m. 400 block E. Jackson St., New Holland. Information: Newhollandsummerarts.com

• August 3: The New Individuals (‘60s & ’70s/Beatles/Beach Boys)
• August 4: West Chester Swing Kings (‘40s to contemporary)
• August 7: Jim Conner (covering various genres through the decades)
• August 10: Jeff Dillard Blue Grass Band (bluegrass)
• August 11: Charlie Zahm (Celtic/folk)
• August 14: Trent Becker & The Collective (country)
• August 17: Mitch and the Mood Swings (Motown/soul/rock)
• August 18: Conrad Fisher (country/bluegrass/gospel/rockabilly)

Concerts by the Creek 

Thomas P. Grater Park in Ephrata hosts a summer concert series. 6 p.m. Cocalico Street, Ephrata. Information: Concertsbythecreek.org.

• August 13: Street Beans (street music) and The Fleshtones (garage rock)

The Sounds of Strasburg 

The Strasburg Community Parks Foundation sponsors a summer concert series, with shows beginning at 6 p.m. Strasburg Community Park, 151 Precision Ave. Information: Facebook.com.

• August 10: Street Beans (street music) and Almost Jazz (funk)

Huffnagle Park Concert Series 

The Quarryville Lions Club sponsors a summer concert series, with music getting underway at 7 p.m. Summit Dr./Oak St. Information: Facebook.com

• August 24: Fire in the Glen (Irish)

Music in Memorial Park , Mount Joy

The Mount Joy Chamber hosts this summer-long concert series that is held in Memorial Park. 5 p.m. 101 Marietta Ave., Mount Joy. Information: Mountjoychamber.com.

• August 4: Auscultation Brass (comprised of music-loving local physicians, the group has been performing since 1985).
• August 11: The Stu Huggens Band will be performing, plus the Mount Joy Chamber will be hosting the annual hot dog and ice cream social.

Lancaster Lemonade Concert Series 

A Lancaster tradition, the concert series’ pay-what-you-will admission helps the sponsoring organization to conduct a vocal competition and support other music organizations. 7 p.m. Highland Presbyterian Church, 500 E. Roseville Rd., Lancaster. Information: Facebook.com.

• August 1: Lancaster British Brass Band
• August 8: Lancaster Marimba Ensemble

Gretna Music 

Now in its 49th year of offering programs representing music from around the world, Gretna Music events are held at the Mount Gretna Playhouse, 200 Pennsylvania Ave., beginning at 7:30 p.m. (unless noted). Information: Gretnamusic.org.

• August 4: Pianist Sarah Cahill will present The Future is Female, which showcases work from the world’s female composers.
• August 9: Charles McPherson Quintet (jazz and bebop)
• August 10: Plena Libre (fusion of Puerto Rican plena and bomba, with Afro-Caribbean influences)
• August 11: Hermitage Piano Trio
• August 25: Concordian Dawn will perform Vox Femina (Medieval)
• September 1: Tesla Quartet with pianist Joel Fan (3 p.m.)
• September 7: Manhattan Chamber Players will perform Copland’s Appalachian Spring. (3 p.m.)

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)

Lititz Historical Foundation Concerts

Concerts are held in the beautiful Mary Oehme Garden at the rear of 145 E. Main St., beginning at 6:30 p.m. Admission is on a pay-what-you-can basis. Proceeds help to support the foundation’s efforts to share Lititz’s history and the maintenance of the garden. Information: Lititzhistoricalfoundation.com

• August 11: Cheyenne Pohl with Clockwork Band (Top 40s music from all eras and genres)
• September 1: Back by popular demand, Steel Radiance (the all-female cover band specializes in classic rock and the blues). The annual Ice Cream Social will also be held.

Chief Uncas Cruises

August
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 (River Discovery, Flames Across the Susquehanna, Wildlife, Native Peoples and others) and entertaining (Beer and Sunset) cruises. 1706 Long Level Rd., Wrightsville. Check the website for dates/times. Information: Susqnha.org.

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.

Middle Creek Art Show

August 2-4
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 its 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 (Messy Pig Food Truck will be on site) 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 3
Mount Gretna

Celebrating its 38th year, the self-guided tour has expanded over time to include quaint cottages, modern homes, imaginative gardens and historic buildings. This year’s tour will include first-time participants as well as homes that have been previous tour stops but have been remodeled or updated. Pre-tour tickets ($20) can be purchased at Stauffers of Kissel Hill locations as well as online. Tour-day tickets are $25 and can be purchased at the registration tent at 101 Princeton Avenue. Proceeds benefit Gretna Music. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Information: Gretnamusic.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.

Thriving & Inspiring: Rocky Bleier

August 9
Millersville University

Homestead Village’s annual benefit for the Endowment Fund for Benevolent Care will feature former Pittsburgh Steelers running back, Rocky Bleier, who will share his inspiring story and the lessons he learned from his service in Vietnam, to overcoming war injuries (he was injured to the point that he was told he would never walk again) and becoming a star football player. A VIP dinner experience is available and will be held at Homestead Village at 4 p.m. Bleier’s appearance will be held at Winter Visual & Performing Arts Center on the campus of Millersville University (60 W. Cottage Ave.) at 7 p.m. Information: Etix.com.

Lititz Rotary Craft Show

August 10
Downtown Lititz

Celebrating its 45th 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.

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 item 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.

Ephrata Cloister Events 

 

August 10 and 22
Ephrata

Dating to 1732, the Cloister was the site of a German protestant monastic community whose members were engaged in printing, music and Fraktur. Expanded and guided site tours, which are being held on August 10, will take visitors into the Saron (Sisters’ House) and Saal (Meetinghouse), as well as other historic structures and areas on the grounds. The 2-hour tours are offered at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. On August 22, the Cloister is offering extended hours (closing time is 8 p.m.) with guided tours (featuring the Saron and Saal) being held at 4,5,6 and 7 p.m. Regular hours: Wed.-Sat., 9 a.m. 4 p.m. Sun., 12-4 p.m. 632 W. Main St., Ephrata. Information: Ephratacloister.org.

 

Half-Stitched … the Musical

August 13-October 24
Bird-in-Hand Stage

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.

Sunflower Fest

August 14-25
Oregon Dairy

A three-acre field will be abloom with more than 15 varieties of sunflowers. In addition, a pottery-paint class will be held August 14 (5:30 p.m.) with The Glazing Sun from Marietta, while a Makers Market will be held August 17 (10 a.m.-4 p.m.), featuring more than 150 makers, artists and curators. On August 24, Alyssa from Landis Blooms Flower Truck will conduct a flower-arranging class (9-11 a.m.). (Tickets are needed for the painting and flower-arranging classes.) General admission to the sunflower field is $7 (ages 3 plus) and includes a sunflower to take home (additional sunflowers can be purchased). Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 4-8 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. 1289 Creek Rd., Lititz. Information: Oregondairy.com.

The Righteous Brothers: Lovin’ Feeling Farewell Tour

August 16
American Music Theatre

Prepare for a soul-stirring, nostalgic concert experience as the legendary duo, The Righteous Brothers, tour their way into retirement from the tour circuit. The captivating musical odyssey spans Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield’s beginnings in 1963, when their contrasting vocal ranges created a unique sound, and continues through their resurgence thanks to movies such as Dirty Dancing and Ghost. (Hatfield died in 2003 and Bucky Heard now sings in his place.) The farewell tour takes fans on a journey through decades of timeless hits, including You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling, Unchained Melody, (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life, Soul and Inspiration, Ebb Tide and Rock and Roll Heaven. 7:30 p.m. 2425 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster. Information: Amtshows.com

Jersey Boys

August 16-September 28
Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre

This musical thrill ride takes you along as Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons 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. Lunch and dinner options are available. (Note: this is a PG-13 show.) Information: Dutchapple.com

Mount Gretna Outdoor Art Show

August 17-18
Mount Gretna

Fifty years is a big accomplishment and in honor of the show achieving that milestone, Lebanon County has declared 2024 as the “Year of the Arts.” 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 exhibitors, including a section dedicated to emerging artists. A Kids Art Show will be held at the Chautauqua Playground each day from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (visitors can create make-and-take artwork among other activities). A gourmet food court is also part of the festivities. New this year is the Mount Gretna International Film Festival that is being staged at the Mount Gretna Playhouse on Sunday from 12-3 p.m. Proceeds from the art show will benefit cultural programming offered by the Pennsylvania Chautauqua, as well as community organizations such as the fire company. Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Information: Mtgretnaarts.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 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.

Long’s Part Art Festival

August 30-September 1
Long’s Park

Is the festival celebrating its 48th or 45th anniversary this year? The answer would be both. 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 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 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.

Wild Goose 5K Run/Walk

August 31
Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area

The PA Game Commission is sponsoring this 5th annual event that takes participants along a route that winds its way through Middle Creek. There’s a half-mile kid’s fun run, as well. 9 a.m. Information: pgc.pa.gov

Heart of Lancaster Labor Day Arts and Craft Show

August 31-September 1
Root’s Country Market & Auction

Now in its 36th 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 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.