Sadly, summer is winding down and soon it will be back to our regular routines. Don’t despair, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the fleeting days of the season. Music, art exhibits, craft shows, festivals, the kick-off to fair season … it’s the perfect month to be a tourist in your own backyard! For a full rundown on music and food 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. Discovercolumbia.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
Art Exhibits & Art & Craft Shows
Community Art Exhibition
Through September 6
Demuth on Lime
Now in its 64th year, the annual exhibit celebrates the vast amount of artistic talent that is found throughout Lancaster County. Artworks by local artists are eligible for awards. This year’s awards juror is Amanda Burdan, the senior curator at Brandywine River Museum of Art in Chester County. Sunday, 12-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 135 N. Lime 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.
Lititz Rotary Craft Show
August 8
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.
Mt. Gretna Outdoor Art Show
August 15-16
Mt. 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. 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.
Theatre
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
First Saturdays in Ephrata
August 1
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. 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.
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
Benefits
Mt. Gretna Tour of Homes
August 1
Mt. Gretna
Celebrating its 40th 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. Pre-tour tickets ($25) can be purchased online. Tour-day tickets are $30 and can be purchased at the registration tent at 101 Princeton Avenue. Proceeds benefit Gretna Music. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Information: Gretnamusic.org.
Lititz recCenter Triathlon
August 10
Lititz
Have you been working out and training for a triathlon and want to test your mettle? Compete as an individual or form a team to swim (300 meters), bike (15.8 miles) and run (3.1 miles) in the rec’s 11th annual triathlon. New this year is a bike/run event that welcomes individuals or teams to compete. Day of registration begins at 6:30 a.m. Event start is 8 a.m. 301 W. Maple St., Lititz. Information: Lititzrec.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.
Lititz Lions Car Cruise
August 19
Lititz
East Main Street will become a showroom for vintage rides, hot rods and modern marvels. Proceeds benefit Lions’ projects. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Information: Lititzpa.com
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
Wild Goose 5K Run/Walk
August 29
Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area
The PA Game Commission is sponsoring this 6th 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.
America250/History
Elizabethtown and the Road to Liberty
Through October 30
Winters Heritage House Museum
In honor of America250, the museum invites you to discover what was going on in the Elizabethtown area during the American Revolution and learn of the experiences of everyday life in that community. Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 47 E. High St., Elizabethtown. Information: Wintersherirtagehouse.org
Military Days
August 8 & 9
Landis Valley Village & Museum
Landis Valley’s America250 programming continues with Military Days, which will enable you to step back in time and experience the sights, sounds and stories of the Revolutionary War, American Civil War and WWI. This year’s event will feature immersive experiences for visitors of all ages, offering a unique window into life during war time through military encampments with Union reenactors portraying soldiers’ daily life; live battle reenactments and tactical demonstrations; firing demos; cavalry demos; and living history displays featuring civilian life, medical care and period crafts. Scott Mingus (author), Kevin O’Malley (sketch artist) and Brandon Benner (tin type photographer) will all be present. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 2451 Kissel Hill Rd., Lancaster. Information: Landisvalleymuseum.org
Lectures on the Lawn
August 20
Mifflin House
Living Classroom for Land-Based Learning: Get to Know Horn Farm Center, will be presented by Alexis Campbell, executive director, and Andrew Leahy, education & outreach specialist. Like the Mifflin Farm, the Horn Farm Center represents a successful local preservation effort, rooted in community action. Alexis and Andrew will share Horn Farm’s story, including the recovery of its 19th-century farmhouse following a devastating fire in 2021. They will also present the ways that their organization connects people to the land through programs focused on regenerative agriculture, ecological restoration, and traditional skills. Bring a blanket or chair. 6:30 p.m. 202 Cool Springs Rd., Wrightsville. Information: Susqnha.org
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 and historical cruises (River Discovery, Flames Across the Susquehanna, Wildlife, Native Peoples and others) and entertaining purposes (Sunset cruises). 1706 Long Level Rd., Wrightsville. Check the website for dates/times. Information: Susqnha.org
Social Dance
August 30
Historic Rock Ford
English Country dances are designed for everyone to enjoy – no prior dance experience is necessary, and new dancers are welcome anytime! Come experience this centuries-old dance form that is still popular worldwide due to its role in many Jane Austen film adaptations. Each dance will be taught and prompted by a caller. Partners are not required, as you will change partners throughout the session. 3-5 p.m. 881 Rockford Rd., Lancaster. (This is a ticketed event.) Information: Historicrockford.org
Outdoors
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
Koser Jewelers Tennis Challenge
August 3-9
Hempfield recCenter
With $100,000 in prize money, the tournament, which is the last qualifying event ahead of the U.S. Open, attracts women players ranked in the top 100. Through the qualifying rounds to the finals, the Pro Circuit event remains free to the local community thanks to the USTA and local contributors. 1251 Stony Battery Rd., Landisville. Information: Hempfieldrec.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
Cut Flowers & Coffee Workshop
August 15, 21, 29
Ken’s Gardens
Spend a relaxing morning by 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 in-house coffee shop. All supplies included. 2467 Old Philadelphia Pike, Smoketown. 9 a.m. (rain/shine). Information: Kensgardens.com
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