Fall is in the air, which means fair season goes into full swing in Lancaster County. While farmers are finishing the harvest, theatres and musical organizations are kicking off their 2024-25 seasons. Community events and festivals dedicated to food, craft beer and music are also on the agenda for September, as are benefits for nonprofit organizations.
First Saturday Ephrata
September 7
Ephrata
First Saturday events come to a close for the season with the theme, Explore Ephrata. From 2:30-4:30 p.m., the second annual Scavenger Hunt will see visitors put their knowledge of Ephrata to the test. Then, from 4:30-8 p.m., Whistle Stop Plaza will be the scene of live music, dancing, food and drink (ID required to purchase adult beverages). 16 E. Main St., Ephrata. Information: Mainspringofephrata.org.
Copland’s Appalachian Spring
September 7
Mount Gretna Playhouse
The season concludes with a performance by the Manhattan Chamber Players (MCP), a collective of New York-based musicians who share the common aim of performing the greatest works in the chamber repertoire at the highest level. Formed in 2015 by Luke Fleming, MCP is comprised of an impressive roster of musicians whose resumes include the Marlboro Music Festival, Steans Institute at Ravinia, Music@Menlo, Yellow Barn Chamber Music Festival and Perlman Music Program. Educational backgrounds include the Curtis Institute, Juilliard School, Colburn School and the New England Conservatory. MCP will perform the beloved ballet by Aaron Copland, as well as works by Samuel Barber, Chris Rogerson and Andrea Casarrubios. 3 p.m. 200 Pennsylvania Ave., Mount Gretna. Information: Gretnamusic.org.
CASA Heroes Gala & Benefit Auction
September 7
Foundry 48
Hosted by CASA for Children of Lancaster and Lebanon Counties, this year’s benefit – A Storybook Soiree – will honor the real-life heroes who help to change the stories of children. It will also celebrate the storybook heroes, literary characters and authors who have inspired us. Guests are encouraged to dress the part: think fairy tales, mystery, romance, superhero, a favorite author and even villains. Tickets include hors d’oeuvres, beer, wine, a complimentary cocktail, buffet dinner, silent/live auctions and dancing. 6 p.m. 100 Millport Rd., Lititz. Information: Casalancleb.org.
Community Days/Air Show
September 7 & 8
Lancaster Airport
Lancaster Airport is hosting a weekend event filled with fun, food and entertainment. There will be a daily air show, aircraft on display, food trucks, a kids’ area and so much more. Come celebrate the world of aviation! 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. 500 Airport Rd., Lititz. Information: Lancasterairport.com.
One World Festival
September 8
Franklin & Marshall College
Organizations affiliated with Greek, Indian, Islamic, Jewish, Irish, Italian, African and Hispanic cultures are collaborating to celebrate the food, music, crafts, arts and dance traditions of the world. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 929 Harrisburg Ave., Lancaster (Alumni Sports & Fitness Center). Information: Oneworldfestivallancaster.org.
Schreiber Rubber Duckie Race & Festival
September 8
Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development
This year’s race has a twist … people will be dashing for the benefit of children who utilize the services of Schreiber. Options include the Duckie Dash (1 mile, ages 13+), the Duckie Dash Relay (1 mile, 4-person teams) and the Duckling Dash (100 meters for age groups 2-5 and 6-10). Non-runners can show their support by purchasing a rubber duckie. A festival will follow the races. 2-5 p.m. 625 Community Way, Lancaster. Information: Schreiberpediatric.org.
AQS Quilt Week
September 11-14
Spooky Nook Sports Conference Center
Whether you’re an experienced quilter, a novice or simply love quilts, the American Quilter’s Society has designed a show that will inspire and enthrall everyone. The show will feature workshops, lectures, a vendor mall, tours and a quilting contest. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily (closing at 4 p.m. on Sat.). 75 Champ Blvd., Manheim. Information: Americanquilter.com.
The Denver Fair
September 10-14
Denver
Known for its competitions, food and emphasis on community, the fair is also heralded for its special events (this year’s include the Space Adventure Thrill Show, Wolves of the Wild and Rannels Rustics Chainsaw Carving demos). Music will be provided by The Uptown Band, Jess Zimmerman Band and Flamin’ Dick & the Hot Rods. There are fireworks, too! Times vary. 801 Main Street, Denver. Information: Thedenverfair.com.
Masterworks: Gershwin Unleashed
September 13-14
Gardner Theatre
Lancaster Symphony’s 2024-25 season commences with a tribute to George Gershwin. The renowned Marcus Roberts Trio will bring the jazz element to such Gershwin favorites as Lullaby for Strings, An American in Paris and Piano Concerto in F. Fri., 7:30 p.m. Sat., 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. 725 Hamilton Rd., Lancaster. Information: Lancastersymphony.org.
Trail Fest
September 14
Wizard Ranch Nature Preserve
Sponsored by Lancaster Conservancy, this new event was designed to celebrate the variety of ways we can connect with nature and experience the physical, mental and emotional health benefits that are gained from spending time outdoors. The 200-plus acre preserve is part of the more than 45 miles of trails (including two universally accessible trails and more in the works) and over 8,000 acres of natural lands that are managed by Lancaster Conservancy, which works to provide ample opportunities for everyone to explore our beautiful forests, meadows, wetlands and streams. The event will feature live music from the bluegrass band, Colebrook Road, beer from Collusion Tap Works, food from the Vampire Taco Truck, self-guided hikes, trailside chats, s’mores around the campfire and the chance to test your outdoor skills. 2-7 p.m. Tickets required. Accomac Rd., Hellam, York County. Information: Lancasterconservancy.org/trailfest/
Day Out With Thomas
September 14, 15, 19-22
Strasburg Rail Road
Everyone’s favorite engine is visiting Strasburg this month. Thomas, who hails from the Island of Sodor, will be pulling trains during the 30-minute trips through the countryside. Don’t spin your wheels … tickets go fast! 301 Gap Rd., Ronks. Information: Strasburgrailroad.com.
Amos Herr Community Festival
September 15
Amos Herr Park
Sponsored by East Hempfield Township, the East Petersburg Lions Club and the Amos Herr House/Historical Society, the annual festival entails a car show, craft vendors, food, tours of the Herr homestead, music and a program presented by the Lancaster Kennel Club. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. (rain date is September 22). 1700 Nissley Rd., Landisville. Information: Easthempfield.org.
50plus EXPO
September 18
Spooky Nook Sports
Presented by OLP Events and the Lancaster County Office of Aging, the 50plus EXPO will feature exhibitors providing the latest lifestyle and health information for baby boomers and seniors. With free health screenings, door prizes, educational seminars and entertainment, the expo is a unique fusion of timely and relevant information and a fun, relaxed atmosphere. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. 75 Champ Blvd., Manheim. Information: 50plusexpopa.com.
Southern Lancaster County Fair
September 18-20
Solanco Fairgrounds
This fair honors the tradition in which it was founded in 1950: fellowship, food and friendly competition. There’s also an expo through which businesses, churches and organizations acquaint visitors with the services they offer. The food is amazing! Special events include tractor pulls, an Iron Man competition, music from the Jess Zimmerman Band and a celebrity milking contest. Oh, and there’s a parade. Hours vary. Park Avenue, Quarryville. Information: Solancofair.org.
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
September 20-October 20
Fulton Theatre
One of the musical forces of the ’60s and ’70s, Carole King wrote/co-wrote 118 Top 100 Billboard hits for other artists as well as herself. She is known for such songs as You’ve Got a Friend, Natural Woman, One Fine Day and You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling. The Tony and Grammy award-winning musical pays tribute to her talents. 12 N. Prince St., Lancaster. Information: Thefulton.org.
L’Italia Festival
September 21
Lititz Springs Park
Presented by the Keystone Italian Project, the festival (or, as they say in Italy, festa) celebrates all things Italian, including the language, culture, art, music, sense of community, games and, of course, the cuisine of the country’s various regions. You can even convert your dollars into Lititz Euros, which will be accepted by all the vendors. Kids’ activities will also be offered. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 24 N. Broad St., Lititz. Information:Lititz.it.
Lititz Craft Beer Fest
September 21
TAIT
Now in its 10th year, the festival is presented by the Lititz AMBUCS and the Warwick Community Ambulance Association. Since its inception, the festival has raised more than $700,000, which has supported the AMBUCS’ mission of inspiring individuals to overcome challenges related to mobility issues and in doing so, gain independence. The festival will feature live music, food trucks/vendors, samplings from 80-plus breweries and cideries and a homebrew competition. 3-6 p.m. 401 W. Lincoln Avenue, Lititz. Information: Lititizcraftbeerfest.com.
Ephrata Fair
September 24-28
Ephrata
In Ephrata, you get three extravaganzas in one: the festivities kick off with a massive parade, the downtown area is transformed into the largest street fair in Pennsylvania, and Thomas Grater Park becomes a tent city dedicated to all things agriculture. There’s plenty of competitions, a Family Fun Night, exhibits, live music (Jess Zimmerman Band and Easily Amused) and, of course, delicious food. Hours vary. Main Street and Thomas Grater Park. Information: Ephratafair.org.
West Lampeter Community Fair
September 25-27
West Lampeter Fairgrounds
Achieving 100 years is something to celebrate and West Lampeter will be doing exactly that. In fact, the celebration starts early (September 22-24) with events held each evening, including the naming of the fair queen, a huge tractor pull, a baby parade and a Lancaster’s Got Talent show. During the fair, which emphasizes friendly competition and educational events, visitors can take in the All Western Horse Show and a tractor parade. Food is also a star of the fair. Hours vary. 851 Village Rd., Lampeter. Information: Westlampeterfair.com.
Wild and Uncommon Weekend/Pawpaw Festival
September 26-29
Horn Farm Center for Agricultural Education
The Horn Farm Center is expanding its popular Pawpaw Festival in order to celebrate the region’s food, art, natural beauty and, of course, the pawpaw, which is regarded as the largest fruit that is native to the eastern U.S. The Pawpaw Festival, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary, will officially be held Saturday, September 28 (9 a.m.-5 p.m.). It will feature tree vendors, orchard tours, pawpaw-themed merchandise, educational exhibitors and food made with pawpaws. Events on Thursday, Friday and Sunday include cooking classes, hikes, boat tours of the Susquehanna, farm tours, live music and even a tasting of “pawpaw cocktails, lavender indulgences and locally made wine.” Hours vary. 4945 Horn Rd., York. Information: Hornfarmcenter.org.
Lancaster Roots & Blues
September 27-29
Lancaster City
It’s back! Dozens of musical artists – including Chad Taylor & Friends, Jimmy Vivino, The Wild Hymns and Popa Chubby – will be performing at eight venues across the city. Information: Lancasterrootsandblues.com.
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