Sway to the songs of summer and admire local masterpieces at these arts and music festivals, which are sure to bring out your creativity this season and perfect for part of your Great American Getaway in PA.
1. Allegheny County Summer Concert Series
Nothing says summer like swaying to tunes in an open-air amphitheater. All season long enjoy music, food trucks, and libations from vendors such as Bella Terra Vineyards and Hop Farm Brewing Co. at the Allegheny Country Summer Concert Series. Musical guests include Patty Griffin, Paula Cole, Anees, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, and MAGIC!
When: Various dates, Now-Sep. 1
Where: South Park and Alison Park
Cost: Free
2. Kane's June Concert Series 2024
Kick off summer enjoying the fresh air while dancing and singing along to polka, country, and old time rock and roll on Saturday afternoons at Kane’s June Concert Series. The outdoor concerts feature the sweet sounds of JB Unplugged, Kallie & Co., Marty's Bubblegum Machine, the Beagle Brothers, and the Larry Lewicki Band.
When: June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Where: Kane
Cost: Free
3. Gettysburg Brass Band Festival
The Gettysburg Brass Band Festival is back with five spectacular days of live music from brass bands, community bands, and jazz groups for the whole family to enjoy. The Adams County Community Band kicks off the festivities, with the Lancers Drum and Bugle Corps, Fathom Jazz, Imperial Brass, the Generations Big Band, and the Pennview Brass Band among the feature performers. In-event activities include the Jazz al Fresco Benefit Concert (and Dinner), a unique Taps Tribute at Gettysburg National Military Park, and even fun knitting demonstrations in honor of International Knitting Day!
When: June 5-9
Where: Gettysburg
Cost: Free; $150 for Jazz Al Fresco Benefit Concert and Dinner
4. Wildflower Music Festival
Nothing beats spending a lively summer evening listening to great music at Dorflinger-Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary’s open-air amphitheater during its Wildflower Music Festival. From Celtic Rock to tributes to Chicago, James Taylor, and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, there is no shortage of iconic music to enjoy. Be sure to bring a chair or blanket and pack dinner or snacks to enjoy a picnic during the concert!
When: Select Wednesdays and Saturdays, July 6-Aug. 17
Where: White Mills
Cost: Price varies; Free for children 11 years of age or under
5. Clarion Summer Fest — Arts & Music Festival
Visit downtown Clarion for outdoor adventure, shopping, concerts, and brewery crawls at Clarion Summer Fest, a delight-filled arts and music festival. Enjoy the finer things in life — beautiful music, wonderful artwork, delicious food, and tasty craft beer. Supporting local businesses has never been so much fun!
When: June 7-8, July 5-6, Aug. 2-3
Where: Clarion
Cost: Free
6. Rose Tree Summer Music Festival
There’s something about an outdoor concert to make your summer extra special. The Rose Tree Summer Festival‘s series of free music concerts is held in the outdoor amphitheater at Delco’s beautiful Rose Tree Park. From classical to Cajun, Motown to rock, pop, and Doo-Wop to Broadway tunes, and music tributes to iconic bands, the festival’s programming is so eclectic music lovers of all kinds can find something to tap their toes to.
When: Wednesdays-Sundays, June 12-Aug. 11
Where: Media
Cost: Free
7. Sounds of Summer Concert Series
The Univest Performance Center has quickly become a beloved spot for music lovers! The Sounds of Summer Concert Series brings together a fantastic lineup of performers for eight spectacular live concerts, including Scotty McCreery, Locash, Almost Queen, and The Hooters. Before each concert, enjoy a pre-show party at the Trolley Barn Public Market with live entertainment, yard games, ticket giveaways, mouthwatering food and beverages from a variety of vendors, and even seat upgrades for the concert.
When: June 15-Aug. 30
Where: Quakertown
Cost: Price varies
8. Art in the Wilds
Enjoy a delightful outdoor, juried fine arts show in Evergreen Park’s beautiful woodland setting during Art in the Wilds. The event brings together the region’s finest artists and artisans with guaranteed design and craftsmanship quality — from the jewelry makers to painters and potters to photographers. Whether you plan on spending big to acquire some new artwork or just admire the artwork in situ, it’s the perfect way to spend a summer afternoon.
When: June 22-23
Where: Kane
Cost: Free
9. Remington Ryde Bluegrass Festival
Enjoy music from some of the top bluegrass artists like Rhonda Vincent and The Malpass Brothers during nightly shows at the Remington Ryde Bluegrass Festival. Grab your friends and family to enjoy five days of stellar lineups plus open jam nights, workshops, on-site camping, and food and craft vendors. For families with young children, there are even kids camps available so that everyone can have the chance to let loose and have fun.
When: June 26-30
Where: Centre Hall
Cost: $80 for 5-day pass
10. The Big Dub Festival
Now in its 14th year, the Big Dub Festival brings four days of EDM, dubstep, and bass music acts to the scenic Four Quarters Farm for one of the most unique music festivals in the entire northeast. Catch performances by dirtmonkey, He$h, Level Up, and Levity, and never miss a minute of the action by camping on-site! The event features four stages of music, pop-up performances, art installations, daily yoga and meditation sessions, and a variety of camp activities including free seminars and hula hoop, aerial acrobatics, and other flow arts workshops. Please note, you must be at least 18 years of age to attend Big Dub.
When: July 23-28
Where: Artemas
Cost: Price varies; Tickets must be purchased in advance.
11. Ameriserv Flood City Music Festival
Celebrate American music spanning rock, blues, indie, and other genres at Johnstown's annual Ameriserv Flood City Music Festival. Featuring live performances by 16 bands and music artists, this year’s headliners include two former members of the Talking Heads band, Jerry Harrison and Adrian Belew, along with Soulful Femme, Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country, and Andy Frasco & the UN!
When: July 26-27
Where: Johnstown
Cost: Price varies
12. Musikfest
With 16 stages and more than 500 music and art performances over the course of 10 days, it's no wonder USA Today's readers have deemed Bethlehem's Musikfest "the best music festival in North America." With one headlining show every night, Greta Van Fleet will kick off the fest with acts including Old Dominion, Big Time Rush, and ZZ Top to follow. Making “the best” even better, most performances are free with shows from acts like Igor and the Red Elvises, Jimmy and the Parrots, Philadelphia Funk Authority, The Sofa Kings, Seth Witcher, We Banjo 3, and hundreds more.
When: Aug. 1-11
Where: Bethlehem
Cost: Most free; Price varies for larger acts
13. Susquehanna Folk Festival
Featuring both world-class headliners and regional favorites, the family-friendly Susquehanna Folk Festival is sure to get everyone on their feet! The three-day music fest features Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy, Hot Club of Cowtown, Hubby Jenkins, Larry & Joe, and The Contra Rebels. Embrace the fun by trying new foods, listening to storytellers, and crafting some take-home arts and crafts souvenirs.
When: Aug. 9-11
Where: York
Cost: Price varies
14. Elements Music and Arts Festival
The Elements Music and Arts Festival is like no other concert experience in PA! Tucked away in the fields of Long Pond, the three-day music festival features top-notch electronic music, large-scale art installations, interactive performances, 3D video projection mapping, games, yoga, and unique craft vendors. As you camp in the wilderness, there are 100 musical acts across 10 different stages for a truly immersive art experience. Please note, you must be at least 18 years of age to attend.
When: Aug. 9-11
Where: Long Pond
Cost: Price varies
15. 83rd Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival
Founded in 1979, the Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival is known for its welcoming atmosphere and smooth Bluegrass music. Hosted by the Granite Hill Camping Resort each year, the rustic décor and spacious grounds add to the ambiance of the event. On hot summer days, you may even be able to watch the concert from the camping resort’s swimming pool!
When: Aug. 15-18
Where: Gettysburg
Cost: Price varies
16. Philadelphia Folk Festival
Celebrate the Philadelphia Folk Festival's 60th anniversary with headline act John Oates, along with Aaron Nathan & Michael G. Ronstadt, Adam Ezra Group, AJ Lee & Blue Summit, and many other local and national folk artists and bands. Puppeteers, jugglers, aerialists, storytellers, and crafters will be on site to make this a truly memorable and fun experience at one of North America's longest continuously running outdoor folk festival!
When: Aug. 16-18
Where: Philadelphia
Cost: Price varies
17. Celebrate Erie
Featuring Erie’s local art, food, culture, and music scenes, the three-day Celebrate Erie festival showcases Gem City’s best of the best. Every night the main stage lights up with world-class headliners. For the full Celebrate Erie experience, be sure stroll down the Chalkwalk to enjoy a colorful display of amazing sidewalk art, grab a bite to eat from a variety of food trucks and local restaurants, and sip on locally made wines and beers.
When: Aug. 16-18
Where: Erie
Cost: Free
18. Laurel Hill Bluegrass Festival
Dance to the tune of summer at the Laurel Hill Bluegrass Festival. This annual festival showcases musicianship, craftsmanship, stewardship, and friendship. Nestled within Laurel Hill State Park, enjoy music from seven bands, local artisans, food vendors, period reenactors, children’s activities, and wagon rides. You won’t leave this event feeling blue!
When: Aug. 17-18
Where: Somerset
Cost: Free
19. 50th Mount Gretna Outdoor Art Show
Ranked among Sunshine Magazine’s “200 Best” in the nation and celebrating 50 years in 2024, the historic Mount Gretna Outdoor Art Show is held each summer “Under the Trees of Old Chautauqua.” This year’s show features 160 exhibitors including the works of new and emerging artists. Enjoy artwork and items handcrafted from artisans from throughout the U.S. set within the beautiful, wooded splendor of Mount Gretna.
When: Aug. 17-18
Where: Mount Gretna
Cost: $12
20. Exchange ArtFest
Downtown Bloomsburg will be bustling with more than 50 arts and crafts stations, plenty of music by local artists, and activities for your whole family or posse of friends to enjoy, as well as a variety of food vendors serving up their tasty fare at the 16th annual Exchange Artfest. Explore and take in the day celebrating art and summer!
When: Aug. 24
Where: Bloomsburg
Cost: Free
21. High Country Arts & Crafts Fair
Find a new and unique piece of décor for your home, snag what will fast become your new favorite ceramic mug, or stock up on some handmade soaps at the annual High Country Arts & Crafts Fair. This annual arts and craft event on the Clearfield County Fairgrounds promises a day of fun finds and adventures.
When: Aug. 25
Where: Clearfield
Cost: Free
22. Haverford Music Festival
Join The National Reserve as they headline the 12th annual Haverford Music Festival, along with a great line up of musicians including Iain Matthews with Jim Fogarty, Corporal Quorum, and Queen Esther. Enjoy toe-tapping musical performances from popular and rising artists representing a variety of music genres, mouthwatering food, great beer gardens, and fun activities for the kids.
When: Sept. 7
Where: Havertown
Cost: Free
Looking for more fun events and festivals in PA this summer? Be sure to check out the Events and Festivals page on the VISIT PA website and follow us on Facebook, X , Pinterest, YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram for more PA inspiration. Do not forget to sign up for our monthly PA travel e-newsletter so you never miss an update.