While there are always great things to do in Cumberland Valley, consider planning your next visit around one of these special events, which bring thousands of visitors and locals together to celebrate south central Pennsylvania’s rich agricultural heritage as well as special interests like cars and outdoor recreation. Each event is jam-packed with so much for your whole family to see and do, not to mention the excellent vendors and delicious food.
1) Pennsylvania Farm Show
Start the year by celebrating all things agriculture at the Pennsylvania Farm Show, held at the PA Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in nearby Harrisburg every January. With 10,000 exhibits and 6,000 animals, there is so much to see, learn, and experience at the largest agricultural expo in the United States. Come hungry to taste Pennsylvania-made products, from dairy to meat to veggies and hard ciders. Check the schedule for demonstrations and activities, including everything from square dancing to tractor pulls.
2) Great American Outdoor Show
Also held at the Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, the Great American Outdoor Show celebrates hunting, fishing, and other outdoor recreation. Every February, this popular event offers over 200 seminars from outdoor experts, competitions, live music, and nearly 1,000 exhibits. There’s even a Kid’s Zone and several other activities for children so the whole family can enjoy the show. It’s a great time to discover a new hobby or level up your knowledge of your favorite outdoor activity.
3) Central PA Chainsaw Carvers Festival
Prepare to be dazzled by more than 50 talented chainsaw artists at the three-day Central PA Chainsaw Carvers Festival, held every April at the Shippensburg Fairgrounds. Watch live carvings, bid on quick carves and masterpieces in two thrilling auctions, listen to live music, enjoy food from a variety of food trucks, and then kick back and relax in the beer garden. You’ll never look at a log the same way again.
4) Foundry Day
The Foundry Day Arts and Crafts Festival in Boiling Springs showcases over 100 artisans and craftsmen selling everything from handmade jewelry to photography, fine art, pottery, furniture, and sculptures. As a juried festival, artists are carefully chosen for skill and variety to ensure the most talented and diverse vendors. A delicious selection of food is also available, and you can enjoy live music while shopping and exploring this picturesque community.
5) Jubilee Day
Started in 1924, Jubilee Day is the longest-running one-day street fair on the East Coast. Every third Thursday in June, more than 70,000 people flock to downtown Mechanicsburg to enjoy food, games, shopping, arts and crafts, and entertainment. With over 300 vendors, two stages of live music, and children’s activities, including a petting zoo, this is one Cumberland Valley event you don’t want to miss!
6) Shippensburg Community Fair
Every July, the Shippensburg Community Fair celebrates local agriculture with livestock shows, equine events, and home and farm exhibits, many of which are sponsored by local FFA and 4-H chapters. The fair also includes a vibrant midway packed with rides, carnival games, and all your favorite fair foods, prepared and sold by local non-profits, so all proceeds benefit the community.
7) Williams Grove Steam Engine Show
The week before Labor Day, discover how steam power influenced farming in Pennsylvania at the Williams Grove Steam Engine Show. Held at the expansive Williams Grove Steam Engine fairgrounds in Mechanicsburg, visitors can witness a variety of steam engines, tractors, farming demonstrations, and ride on a full-size steam train. See how logs become lumber, watch horse and tractor pulls, and listen to live music. Plus, there are plenty of games and activities for kids, along with food and fun for the whole family.
8) Sunflower Festival
At the end of September, Meadowbrooke Gourds in Carlisle hosts its annual Sunflower Festival, an excellent way to celebrate all things fall and experience nature’s bounty on this beautiful farm. During this special weekend, you can pick sunflowers for free, and purchase discounted hand-crafted gourds at their “Oops Sale.” Meadowbrooke packs its lawn with over 50 craft and food vendors, food trucks, a selection of local beers and wines, and activities like face painting. You can also take a trolley ride around the farm to see 200 stunning acres of blooming sunflowers. Afterward, stop by the neighboring pumpkin patch at Warehime’s to stock up on decorations.
9) Pennsboro Pumpkin Fest
Speaking of our favorite orange symbol of fall, you can celebrate all things pumpkin at the Pennsboro Pumpkin Fest, held annually the weekend before Columbus Day at Adams-Ricci Community Park in Enola. In addition to food, crafts, vendors, and a paint-a-pumpkin tent for the kids, there is fun and entertainment for the whole family as you fall into the spirit of autumn. Enjoy two stages of live performances and roving entertainers. Saturday’s festivities also include a car show.
10) Cumberland Valley Car Shows
Cumberland Valley is car country, so it’s no surprise that there are many car shows to attend throughout the year. Carlisle Events hosts eight unique themed car show weekends at the Carlisle Fairgrounds and Expo Center. Some shows feature specific brands, such as Chrysler or Ford, while others focus on categories like trucks or imports. The spring kick-off and fall wrap-up events both include car sales and a two-day car auction. All car shows are family-friendly, with food, demos, and activities for the kids. Two shows – Fords and Corvettes – include parades and street parties in downtown Carlisle. Whether you’re a car collector, enthusiast, or merely curious, the scope and variety of Cumberland Valley car shows are truly impressive!
Experience a Cumberland Valley Event!
These are just a few of Cumberland Valley’s many exciting festivals and events. Sign up for our monthly eNewsletter to learn more about upcoming events and all the best things to do in Cumberland Valley. You can also request a free visitor guide to help you plan your trip or check out lodging options, ranging from luxurious resorts, one-of-a-kind B&Bs, dependable hotel brands, and even campgrounds and RV parks. Come for an event, and stay for an unforgettable getaway. Cumberland Valley is where your week ends with festival fun!
