Pennsylvanians love to party, especially when it revolves around great food and entertainment that celebrates the state’s many wonderfully diverse ethnic heritages. Make it a weekend getaway to join in the fun and festivities as communities come together to showcase their traditions, cuisine, music, and arts in an eclectic mix of cultural events and festivals in PA.
Folk Festivals in PA
1. Kutztown Folk Festival
Discover the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch culture at the nation’s oldest folklife event - the Kutztown Folk Festival! Named one of “America’s Top Celebrations” by USA Today, this folk-fueled extravaganza encourages you to indulge in traditional foods such as shoofly pie and hearty sausages while immersing yourself in craft demonstrations, music, and historical reenactments. With 10 days of festivities, you can fill your week with folk fun for the whole family at this iconic cultural event in PA.
When: Jun. 29-Jul. 7
Where: Kutztown
Cost: Price varies
2. Goschenhoppen Historians’ Folk Festival
Turn back the clock and experience the timeless charm of 18th and 19th century Pennsylvania German culture at the 56th annual Goschenhoppen Historians' Folk Festival! Showcasing daily life from centuries long past, more than 500 volunteers dressed in period clothing use authentic tools to recreate traditional home skills, trades, pastimes, foods, and folk music against the backdrop of quaint colonial buildings at The Henry Antes Plantation. Enjoy traditional crafts, live music, friendly farm animals, and mouthwatering food at this beloved annual event.
When: Aug. 9-10
Where: Perkiomenville
Cost: Price varies
Irish Festivals
1. Penn-Mar Irish Festival
Celebrate all things Celtic at York County’s iconic Penn-Mar Irish Festival. This annual cultural experience in PA delights attendees with traditional Irish music performances, captivating dance shows, and mouthwatering authentic Irish cuisine. From exploring Celtic heritage exhibits to joining in lively pub sing-alongs, children’s activities, and a wide variety of vendors offering Irish goods including gifts, clothing, jewelry, music, books, pottery, photography, and stained glass, visitors can enjoy the joyous atmosphere and charm of Ireland right in the heart of York.
When: Jun. 15
Where: York
Cost: $20 general admission; Free for children 15 or under
2. Pittsburgh Irish Festival
Watch as Steel City's deep connections to Ireland come to life through music, food, and dance at Pittsburgh’s annual Irish Festival. With approximately 15 percent of Pittsburgh's population boasting some connection to Ireland, this three-day extravaganza celebrates the vivid tapestry of Irish and Irish-American culture. From lively jigs to soul-stirring ballads, revelers can enjoy the best of Irish music showcased across five stages, making for one unforgettable experience.
When: Sep. 6-8
Where: Pittsburgh
Cost: Price varies
3. Pocono Irish-American Festival
Step into Stroudsburg and witness the spirit of Emerald Isle in PA at the 4th Annual Pocono Irish-American Festival. From toe-tapping traditional music to animated dance performances, this exciting event offers a front row seat to the ambiance of Ireland's rich heritage. With delicious Irish cuisine, live entertainment, and plenty of opportunities to embrace the Celtic spirit, attendees are sure to enjoy an exceptional day filled with laughter, music, and Irish hospitality.
When: Sep. 7
Where: Stroudsburg
Cost: Free
African-American Festivals
1. African American Cultural Fair & Parade
Lancaster’s Reservoir Park is once again the place to be this May for a fun-filled, five-day celebration ofAfrican Americans at the 11th Annual African American Cultural Fair & Parade. There will be marching bands from Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and even Connecticut showcasing their best marching moves and music with a parade route that traverses the downtown, exciting carnival rides and games with the chance for kids to win some amazing prizes, dozens of big-name entertainers, and, of course, a wide variety of delicious food and other vendors at this wonderful cultural event in Lancaster.
When: May 21-25
Where: Lancaster
Cost: Free
2. ODUNDE Festival
The streets of South Philadelphia will come alive this June for the 49th Annual ODUNDE festival, a celebration of African Americans and Africanized people around the world and the largest African American street festival in the nation. With a colorful procession to the Schuylkill River, two stages of live entertainment by internationally known African and Caribbean performers, delicious food, and authentic jewelry, African art, and other merch at the African marketplace with over 100 vendors, it’s easy to see why g upwards of 500,000 people come to the festival and join in the fun-filled atmosphere each year.
When: Jun. 9
Where: Philadelphia
Cost: Free
3. Pittsburgh Black Music Fest
If you love jazz, R&B, soul, and/or gospel music, the Pittsburgh Black Music Fest is one cultural event in the Steel City you won’t want to miss. Celebrating the city’s iconic history, heritage, and almost countless contributions of Black musicians to the nation’s music scene, the festival is a family-friendly love fest filled with the soul, rhythms, and fun and joyful sounds performed by an amazing line-up of musicians. Rub elbows with fellow music lovers, meet some of the city’s up and coming local musicians, and enjoy delicious food from a variety of vendors at this three-day festival in Pittsburgh.
When: Aug. 30–Sep. 1
Where: Pittsburgh
Cost: Free
Italian Festivals
1. South 9th Street Italian Market Festival
Explore one of Philadelphia’s most beloved neighborhoods and the nation’s oldest outdoor market during the South 9th Street Italian Market Festival this May. The iconic event celebrates the city’s vibrant Italian-American community with two days of food, music, craft items, and souvenirs from more than 100 vendors. Festival revelers come from near and far to sample authentic Italian delicacies, enjoy live entertainment, explore bustling market stalls, and watch the iconic grease pole climb at this annual cultural event in PA. One visit and you’ll want to visit Philly’s largest block party year after year!
When: May 18-19
Where: Philadelphia
Cost: Free
2. Festa Italiana
It’s a feast for your senses at Bradford's annual Festa Italiana where the aromas of Italy are the star of the show. Fill up on a tantalizing array of authentic Italian cuisine served hot and fresh. With three days packed full of live music, family-friendly activities, dazzling fireworks, and cherished local traditions, it's amore at first bite for everyone who attends!
When: Aug. 8-10
Where: Bradford
Cost: Free
3. Butler Italian Festival
Allow yourself to be transported to PA’s own "Piazza de Italia" downtown Main Street comes alive during the annual Butler Italian Festival! As one of the largest heritage events near Pittsburgh, this highly anticipated weekend-long celebration promises a heaping serving of authentic Italian culture and cuisine. With live music serenading the streets and the thrilling meatball eating competition adding a dash of excitement, it's an event that delivers on fun and flavor for all.
When: Aug. 23-25
Where: Butler
Cost: Free
4. L’Italia Festival
L’Italia Festival invites you to experience a taste of Italy in the charming town of Lititz. Watch as the downtown transforms into a dazzling destination where you can explore authentic Italian dishes, enjoy live music and entertainment, and browse artisanal crafts. From indulging in mouthwatering pasta and pizza to dancing the tarantella and admiring classic Italian cars, you can immerse yourself in the bella vita at this cultural experience near Lancaster.
When: September
Where: Lititz
Cost: Free
Hispanic Festivals
1. Concilio’s Hispanic Fiesta
El Concilio, PECO, and Wawa have joined forces to present Concilio’s Hispanic Fiesta, a wonderful celebration of Latino culture that is still going strong after more than 40 years in Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love. Celebrating all things Latino, the fiesta showcases music, dance, and other entertainment, delicious ethnic foods, and artisan crafts from nearly all Latin American countries. As part of PECO’s Multicultural Series at Penn’s Landing, you’ll enjoy great music, great food, and a great time!
When: Jun. 22-23
Where: Philadelphia
Cost: Free
2. San Juan Bautista Hispanic Festival
Enjoy four fun-filled days this July in a grand celebration of Hispanic culture, food, and music at the 41st Annual San Juan Bautista Hispanic Festival in Lancaster. One of the highlights of the summer, this family-friendly event features traditional costumes, arts and crafts, world-class Latino music performed by both local and nationally known musicians, and a wide variety of mouthwatering Latin cuisine. You’ll want to buy a ticket or two for the Grand Raffle where lucky winners will take home a prize of $1,000, $2,000, or the grand prize of $5,000.
When: Jul. 24-27
Where: Lancaster
Cost: Free
3. Puerto Rican Day Parade
Philadelphia’s Benjamin Franklin Parkway comes alive this September as thousands of people line the road for a grand celebration of Latino culture at the annual Puerto Rican Day Parade. More than 1,500 marchers will make their way down the parade route, showcasing the joy of Latino culture and featuring traditional music, dance performances, floats galore, and a fun-filled time for marchers and attendees alike at this annual cultural event in Philadelphia.
When: Sep. 29
Where: Philadelphia
Cost: Free
Greek Festivals
1. PA Greek Fest
Get ready to shout “Opa!” as you revel in the vibrant Greek culture during Camp Hill’s 52nd Annual PA Greek Festival. Whether feasting on gyros and souvlaki, enjoying traditional Greek music and dances, exploring the marketplace filled with Grecian treasures, or touring the beautiful Greek Orthodox Byzantine cathedral, you’re in for an unforgettable weekend filled with famous Greek hospitality at this cultural event near Harrisburg.
When: May 17-19
Where: Harrisburg
Cost: Free
2. Panegyri Greek Festival
Enjoy Mediterranean vibes in downtown Erie at the annual Panegyri Greek Festival! Promising a taste of Greece and its timeless traditions, during Panegyri you can devour flavorful Greek meals, delectable pastries, and refreshing drinks. Afterwards, dance to the rhythmic beats of Greek music, admire the intricate steps of folk dancing, learn about the country’s rich heritage through church tours, and shop from a variety of vendors offering souvenirs, jewelry, handmade icons, and religious items.
When: Jul. 12-13
Where: Erie
Cost: Free
Polish Festivals Near Philadelphia
1. Polish American Festival
Experience the time-honored traditions and warm hospitality of Poland at one of the region’s largest cultural festivals — Bucks County’s 58th annual Polish American Festival. Strap in for thrilling amusement rides, get a front row seat to the “Little Circus” show, enjoy live polka music and dance, and sample mouthwatering pierogis and kielbasa. Spend the weekend embracing Polish pride and dive into this must-attend cultural event in Doylestown this fall.
When: Aug. 31, Sep. 1-2, 7-8
Where: Doylestown
Cost: $15
Other Cultural Events in Pennsylvania
1. Troika Russian Festival
With its diverse population, there are numerous cultural fairs in Pennsylvania and Erie’s 18th annual Troika Russian Festival is one you won’t want to miss. Choose from a full menu of foods to experience a taste of authentic Russian cuisine and don't miss the unique experience of the ice bar where you can enjoy chilled beverages in a one-of-a-kind atmosphere. As mesmerizing folk melodies and lively performances fill the space, you’ll feel the true spirit of Russia right in the heart of Erie.
When: May 24-26
Where: Erie
Cost: TBD
2. 2nd Annual Ethnic Food and Music Festival
Get ready for a feast of flavors and a symphony of sounds at the 2nd Annual Ethnic Food & Music Festival in Indiana! This multi-faceted event promises plenty of ethnic foods for you to enjoy, complemented by the toe-tapping tunes of Polka bands and ukulele performers straight from Hawaii. Peruse the marketplace where artisans and crafters showcase their talents and let little ones dive into the kid’s zone with its foam parties, barrel train rides, and fun crafts. Best of all, your enjoyment supports a local non-profit organization, making it a feel-good festival everyone can enjoy.
When: Jun. 15-16
Where: Indiana
Cost: TBD
3. Mount Jewett Swedish Festival
Celebrate Pennsylvanians’ Swedish heritage and find a sliver of the charming homeland here in PA at the three-day Mount Jewett Swedish Festival! Dine on delicious recipes passed down through generations at the Swedish Smorgasbord or join the iconic Swedish Meatball contest. Sink your teeth into a scrumptious Korv burger while enjoying traditional maypole dancing and watching the parade, with a dazzling fireworks display capping off the unforgettable festivities.
When: Aug. 9-11
Where: Mount Jewett
Cost: TBD
4. Ukranian Folk Festival and Summer Concert
Celebrating the 33rd year of Ukraine’s independence, it’s an extravaganza of Ukranian music, culture, art, and food at the Ukranian Folk Festival. Enjoy traditional dances and music including polkas and soulful folk songs with a bit of a modern vibe mixed in by the Vox Ethnika Band, while dining on traditional Kowbasa (Ukranian sausage), Vareniki (Ukranian pieroghies), Holubtsi (Ukranian cabbage rolls), and a variety of mouthwatering baked goods. Be sure to sample the Ukranian beer and other delightful beverages or opt for some traditional American festival food at this fun and exciting festival.
When: Aug. 25
Where: Horsham
Cost: $15; Free for children 14 or under
Visit our website to find more events to attend in 2024 and follow us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Pinterest, Threads, YouTube, and Instagram to stay up-to-date on even more great ideas and places to visit around our state.