Pennsylvania, The Great American Getaway is calling your name this July with some epic events. Watch the world’s most challenging vintage car race, visit Zippo Lighters’ hometown, find bigfoot at SQUATCHFEST, or enjoy a good ol’ county fair. Whatever region of PA you’re hoping to explore, you’ll find an immense amount of activities the whole family will enjoy.
1. Kutztown Folk Festival
The Kutztown Folk Festival is the oldest continuously operated folklife festival in the U.S. This nine-day event draws visitors from all over the world to learn about the traditions of the Pennsylvania Dutch, featuring authentic folklife demonstrations, Pennsylvania Dutch food, and more than 2,500 handmade Dutch quilts on display and for sale. Embrace this rich culture among nationally recognized folk artists and traditional American artisans while experiencing six stages of music, dancing, and other entertainment.
When: Now-July 7
Where: Kutztown
Cost: Price varies
2. Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival
To PA or not to PA? It’s never a question! The Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival kicks off its 2024 summer season in the Lehigh Valley. All summer long, this professional theater company will be offering Shakespearean performances that delight audiences young and old. Get your tickets for performing arts that can be enjoyed by the whole family, from classic musicals to hysterical comedies to kid-friendly spectacles.
When: Now-Aug. 4
Where: Center Valley
Cost: Price varies
3. 2024 Summer Movies in the Parks
Watch the silver screen on the green with family-friendly summer movies in Allegheny County Parks! Starting at dusk on select nights throughout the summer, see new releases like Disney’s “Elemental” and classics like “The Little Mermaid.” Get comfy with your own blanket or chairs, and don’t forget to pack your favorite movie snacks!
When: Now-Aug. 8
Where: Multiple locations
Cost: Free
4. Longwood Garden's Festival of Fountains
Soak in a warm summer evening exploring the vibrant and illuminated fountain performances during Longwood Garden’s Festival of Fountains. Each week from Thursday through Saturday, take the whole crew to enjoy the colorful water spectacle during the 30-minute show. Although it happens all summer long, make sure to get tickets for this can’t-miss event before they sell out!
When: Now-Oct. 27
Where: Kennett Square
Cost: Included with admission
5. Red, White, and Blueberries BBQ Bash
Celebrate Independence Day weekend at Peddler’s Village’s four-day Red, White, and Blueberries BBQ Bash! This award-winning, charming shopping village near New Hope kicks off the festivities on July 4 with an all-day outdoor BBQ with games, followed by a festive three-day party with plenty of live music, family activities, and all the blueberries you can eat. Enjoy indoor and outdoor dining with blueberry-themed food, drink, and shopping specials.
When: July 4-7
Where: Lahaska
Cost: Free
6. Clarion Summer Fest
Clarion showcases the best of its big outdoors, vibrant community, and PA charm at this year's Clarion Summer Fest! For more action-packed weekends in Clarion this summer, the town’s Main Street will welcome visitors to enjoy pop-up shops featuring local businesses and an exciting lineup of events including a planetarium, scavenger hunt, yoga in the park, and outdoor concert. Each month has its own unique theme, ensuring you’ll always find something new and exciting to do.
When: July 5-6, Aug. 2-3
Where: Clarion
Cost: Free
7. Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix
The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix’s (PVGP) two unique race weekends combine vintage and historic racing in a single motorsport festival. The motorsport mania begins with a four-day weekend showcasing historic racecars at Pitt Race, followed by a week of activities throughout Pittsburgh. It culminates in the nation's largest vintage street race and the only one staged on public roads: the famous Schenley Park Vintage Races, held on the most challenging racecourse worldwide. Serious auto enthusiasts and curious newcomers can enjoy the motorsport festival all month long in the Pittsburgh area, featuring car shows and cruises, a black-tie gala, and a Grand Prix Garden Party!
When: July 8-Aug. 4
Where: Pittsburgh
Cost: Price varies
8. SQUATCHFEST
SQUATCHFEST is a larger-than-life, family-friendly music festival in Kane. Try to spot the mysterious bigfoot himself and participate in the squatch-calling contest at this hair-raising event. Besides bigfoot, find festival favorites like food and beer trucks, kids’ activities, axe throwing, a mechanical bull, merch vendors, and fireworks at this must-attend summer event!
When: July 13
Where: Kane
Cost: $25 for adults; $10 for children ages 6-12
9. The Great American Getaway 400
Start your engines for the event of the summer! VISIT PA, the Office of Governor Shapiro, and Pocono Raceway have teamed up to host The Great American Getaway 400 at the iconic Pocono Raceway – better known as the Tricky Triangle - this July. This event will be packed with some of your NASCAR favorites and feel inspired to plan your next PA getaway.
When: July 14
Where: Long Pond
Cost: Price varies
10. Jacktown Fair
Find out why people say, “You can’t die happy until you’ve been to the Jacktown Fair!” First held in 1866, this small-town agricultural fair continues today as a beloved summer staple held near the Ohio border. Watch livestock competitions, a demolition derby, and fireworks, try your hand at classic games, go for a spin on carnival rides, enjoy musical performances, and dig into delicious fair foods.
When: July 16-20
Where: Wind Ridge
Cost: Free
11. Made in Bradford Celebration
Ever wondered where your Zippo Lighter is made? Visit Zippo’s hometown of Bradford for the Made in Bradford Celebration at The Zippo Case Museum & Flagship Store! This iconic American brand will be showcasing innovation alongside local artisans and markers across its museum grounds. The event will also feature a collectors’ swap tent, exclusive collectibles launch, delicious food, and family-friendly activities.
When: July 20
Where: Bradford
Cost: Free
12. Lebanon Area Fair
Voted Lebanon Valley’s “Best Local Event” by area residents, the Lebanon Area Fair is a must-visit when you’re near Hershey this July. More than 50,000 guests flock to the fairgrounds every summer to partake in classic fair fun like the annual showcase of Lebanon County agriculture, carnival rides, track events, delicious food vendors, and live entertainment.
When: July 20-27
Where: Lebanon
Cost: Price varies
13. Discover Presque Isle
Discover Presque Isle at this multi-day, family-friendly celebration spread all over Presque Isle State Park! Play and learn at Pennsylvania’s only beach with self-guided hikes, archery, catered pancake breakfasts, live music, a sand sculpture competition, giant bonfire, and Presque Isle Lighthouse tours. Enjoy lots of fun on a budget with free activities but consider making a donation to help keep Presque Isle clean.
When: July 22-28
Where: Erie
Cost: Free
14. Richfield Dutch Days
Celebrate the 56th anniversary of Dutch Days, honoring the rich Pennsylvania Dutch heritage of the region. A short trip from Harrisburg, Richfield’s Dutch Days serve up delicious Dutch fare in Basom Memorial Park plus games, rides, and live bands. Top the weekend off by watching the popular parade or even competing for one of the parade prizes!
When: July 24-27
Where: Richfield
Cost: Free
15. 5th Annual Kinzua Half Marathon and 5K
Are you a long-time marathon runner, avid adventurer, or looking for an exciting travel challenge? If this sounds like you, take a trip to the Pennsylvania Wilds for the Kinzua Half Marathon and 5K, which finishes at the breathtaking Kinzua Bridge State Park Skywalk. Unlike any other race you’ll run this year, push yourself to epic heights past this reconstructed railroad track that sits more than 300 feet in the air. This year, the half marathon has been redesigned so runners can experience a unique point-to-point race through the scenic Allegheny National Forest.
When: July 27-28
Where: Mount Jewett
Cost: Price varies
16. WWII Weekend
Travel back in time as the Alexander Schaeffer House and Farm transforms into a World War II infantry encampment. Highlights will include live battle re-enactments, displays, and demonstrations. After you tour the WWII soldiers’ tents and campsites, explore the rest of Historic Schaefferstown. This authentic folk village immortalizes the story and culture of Pennsylvania with many museums, collections, and historic sites.
When: July 27-28
Where: Schaefferstown
Cost: Free
17. Rain Day Festival
Splash and play your way through puddles at Greene County’s annual Rain Day Festival, the only outdoor event where festivalgoers are hoping for a cloud-scattered forecast. To date, it’s rained 118 out of 150 years, including in 2023. Learn to dance in the rain (literally) and enjoy festive activities like pageants, an umbrella decorating contest, and plenty of live music—and remember your raincoat!
When: July 28-29
Where: Waynesburg
Cost: Free
18. Car Cruises in the Parks
Spend select summer afternoons and evenings at Allegheny County’s Park in the Park Car Cruises. Listen to music from local radio DJs, order from tasty, local food trucks, and admire an array of unique cars and antique vehicles. Make sure to arrive early to get an exclusive dashboard plaque reserved for the first 100 cruisers!
When: July 28, Sept. 2
Where: Multiple locations
Cost: Free
19. Schuylkill County Fair
Visit the Schuylkill County Fair, located on beautiful fairgrounds with acres of lush vegetation. This full county fair has live entertainment, finger-licking food, and classic carnival games. See the best livestock and pick up produce from local farms situated right in Schuylkill County. For thrill seekers, test out the truck and tractor pulls and other heart-pumping rides.
When: July 29-Aug. 3
Where: Summit Station
Cost: $5 general admission, children 10 and under are free
20. Summer Nights in the Square
Visit Veteran’s Square in Bradford’s historic downtown for Summer Nights in the Square. During three magical summer evenings, the Bradford Creative Performing Arts Center will transform with live music, a car show, delicious food, and family-friendly activities with rotating artists, temporary tattoos, and balloon animals.
When: July 30
Where: Bradford
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. Don’t forget to sign up for our monthly PA travel e-newsletter so you never miss an update.