January 9-16, 2027
As the largest indoor agricultural expo in the United States, the Pennsylvania Farm Show is a must-see! For eight days every January, Pennsylvania celebrates its biggest industry by bringing roughly 10,000 exhibits and 6,000 animals to Harrisburg’s PA Farm Show Complex and Expo Center. With free admission, a packed schedule of shows and demonstrations, and more delicious food than you could eat in a day, you may want to turn your Farm Show visit into a weekend getaway!
Must-See Farm Show Features
The PA Farm Show is known throughout the state for its milkshakes, made by the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association. This delightfully thick and delicious drink has been a Farm Show staple since 1953.
But this sweet treat is only one of the many yummy items available in the food court. As you’d expect, most items are made from ingredients grown or produced in Pennsylvania. Dairy products are prominently featured, with grilled cheese, fried cheese cubes, milk, and ice cream available, along with milkshakes. But there’s also lots of meat and veggie options, pizza, sandwiches, baked goods, French fries, stuffed mushrooms, pierogis, and much more. There’s even an area filled with products you can take home, including honey, maple syrup, fruits and vegetables, and wine and hard cider. Admission may be free, but you’ll want to bring your wallet to taste all the bounty Pennsylvania has to offer! Credit cards and cash are accepted at ALL food vendor locations.
Between courses, visit the livestock, which includes horses, cows, pigs, sheep, goats, chickens, rabbits, llamas, and alpacas. Be sure to check the day’s schedule of events for demonstrations and shows to learn more about these animals.
With several halls and arenas, there’s always something to see. Watch the next generation of farmers show off their prize livestock, tap your toes at a square dancing demonstration, or watch a tractor pull or even a rodeo.
And while there are more than 10,000 exhibits to browse, you won’t want to miss the half-ton butter statue, another Farm Show crowd-pleaser. Land O'Lakes donates the butter and, after the show, it is recycled and converted into renewable energy.
Farm Show Hours
- Saturday, January 19, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Sunday, January 10, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Monday, January 11 through Friday, January 15, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Saturday, January 16, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Farm Show organizers suggest arriving between 9 a.m. and noon. The busiest times are weekends and weekdays from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Farm Show parking is $15, and all major credit cards are accepted.
View the Farm Show schedule of events for additional details.
Where to Stay During Your Visit
Cumberland Valley offers a variety of affordable lodging options, from familiar hotel brands to cozy B&Bs. For the closest proximity to the Farm Show Complex, we recommend staying in Camp Hill - though be sure to book early, as rooms fill up fast. If you’d like to be farther from the crowds, try Mechanicsburg or Carlisle. Both towns have plenty of comfortable options for every budget and are just a short 15- to 20-minute drive from the Farm Show Complex.
To make your trip a bit more memorable, stay in one of our historic bed and breakfasts, like Pheasant Field B&B or Fallen Tree Farm B&B—both pair picturesque views with luxurious accommodations and a hot breakfast.
Local Restaurants and Breweries
Speaking of breakfast, we have lots of excellent local restaurants to enjoy while you’re here. While you’ll probably do most of your eating at the Farm Show, you may want to stop at a coffee shop first to energize yourself for the day ahead.
After the show, consider grabbing dinner and a drink at one of our many breweries along the Cumberland Valley Beer Trail, which serve up tasty food and locally crafted beers. You might even catch some live entertainment. If you’d prefer a different type of restaurant, you can search by cuisine or location to find the perfect spot.
Nearby Attractions
If you’re here for the weekend, consider checking out our top 10 historical sites, including the US Army Heritage and Education Center, which tells the Army story one soldier at a time through interactive exhibits and a mile-long Army Heritage Trail. Or visit the Cumberland County Historical Society, a great starting point for understanding Cumberland Valley's rich history dating back to 1750.
Explore fine arts and crafts made right here in the Cumberland Valley and support local artists by visiting a few of our shops and galleries. We’re also an excellent place to go antiquing. Check out our favorite antique shops.
If you have kids, they’ll love spending the afternoon at Carlisle Sports Emporium, with virtual reality games, indoor go-karts, laser tag, and more. Or head to the Jubilee Cake Studio for cupcake decorating and a mini mansion-themed wonderland for kids to explore.
Plan your Farm Show Weekend Escape
We’re happy to help you explore food, fun, and relaxation beyond the show floor! Experience what the Cumberland Valley has to offer with a fun winter getaway that starts with the PA Farm Show.
