16 things to do in Lancaster in 2016
Here's a look at 16 things to do in Lancaster this year, from music to comedy to art and more.
Explore the Past dinosaur exhibit, Jan. 30-Dec. 31
The newest exhibit at the North Museum of Nature and Science offers an in-depth look at T. rex and its fellow dinosaurs as they lived, the opportunity to view other forms of ancient life, and hands-on experience with real fossils. The museum features the SciDome Theater planetarium, Explore Nature Gallery and a collection of birds, fossils and minerals.
Where: 400 College Ave., Lancaster.
Cost: Admission is $6 to $13.
Info: www.northmuseum.org.
Rose & Shamrock Celtic Festival, Feb. 6
The third annual festival will include a full day of Irish and Scottish music, dance and workshops at the Ware Center. Celtic bands Belfast Connection, Charlie Zahm & Tad Marks, Fire in the Glen, Seasons, Down by the Glenside, and Dublin 5, are scheduled to perform.
Where: Ware Center, 42 N. Prince St., Lancaster.
Cost: Get tickets at the door. Admission is $35 for adults; $32 for seniors; $15 for students age 20 and under.
Info: www.artsmu.com.
Lancaster Roots & Blues Fest, Feb. 26-28
The music festival of more than six dozen roots and blues artists includes featured acts The Stray Birds, Kapali Long, North Avenue Stompers, Hazmat Modine and the Johnny Neel Band.
The national and local musicians will play at venues large and small, all within walking distance of each other in the center city.
Where: Ten venues in downtown Lancaster.
Cost: A wristband will gain you entry to an entire day’s events. Prices range from $49 for one-day general admission to $250 for a three-day VIP pass.
Info: lancasterrootsandblues.com.
Mud Sales, March to May
Named for the conditions brought about by thawing ground and spring rains, these auctions are fundraisers for rural fire companies in primarily Amish communities. Rredecorating? Check out the vintage and antique furniture and collectibles. Start a new DIY project with everything (including the kitchen sink) from building products to tools. The huge range of items for sale includes Amish quilts, livestock, handcrafts, buggies, farm equipment, housewares, trees and plants and more. Bid, browse or go for the Pennsylvania Dutch food.
Where: Fire stations and fields in rural Lancaster County
Cost: Free.
Info: Find a complete list of Mud Sales at www.discoverlancaster.com.
Bill Engvall, March 5
The everyman comic Bill Engvall brings his brand of down-home humor and country comedy to the American Music Theatre. Part of the Blue Collar Comedy Tour, he is known for albums “Here’s Your Sign” and “Aged and Confused.”
Where: 2425 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster.
Cost: Tickets are $47.
Info: amtshows.com.
Acappellus360, April 4
In the tradition of having a pint and singing your lungs off, Tellus 360 will host Lancaster’s first all-voice singing competition. The contest is open to anyone and teams must have at least three members and two songs prepared (no instrumental backing!). The audience will vote by text and there will be a gong for performances that just don’t cut it. Crowd participation will be encouraged and competitors should be ready for shenanigans.
Where: 24 E. King St., Lancaster.
Cost: No cover.
Info: www.tellus360.com.
Lancaster Spring Art Walk, May 7-8
Take a self-guided tour of the downtown galleries and view special exhibitions, meet artists and watch demonstrations. Visit more than three dozen stops, many clustered around Gallery Row, in the first few blocks of North Prince Street. Activities include make-and-take projects, workshops and children’s crafts. Return for the Fall Art Walk Oct. 1-2.
Where: Downtown Lancaster.
Cost: Free.
Info: lancasterartwalk.org.
“Broadway Our Way,” May 14
The Lancaster Symphony Orchestra will be joined by brothers Will and Anthony Nunziata singing the best of Broadway tunes. The 75-member, professional orchestra is under the direction of Stephen Gunzenhauser.
Where: Ware Center, 42 N. Prince St., Lancaster.
Cost: Tickets are $20 and $45.
Info: www.lancastersymphony.org.
The Great Pennsylvania FlavorFest, May 28-29
The ninth annual FlavorFest is hosted by the Mount Hope Estate & Winery, home of the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, and will feature vintages from more than 20 wineries.
Enjoy fine foods, cooking demonstrations with regional chefs and culinary workshops along with entertainment, wares from local artisans and a children's area.
Where: 2775 Lebanon Road, Manheim.
Cost: Free admission, parking and tastings.
Info: www.parenfaire.com.
“Footloose,” June 7-July 17
The Fulton Theatre will stage this musical about a rebellious teenager who moves to a small town that has banned dancing. The Oscar- and Tony-nominated score is augmented with new songs for the stage version.
Where: 12 N. Prince St., Lancaster
Cost: Tickets are $25 to $68.
Info: www.thefulton.org.
Music in the Orchard, June 11-Aug. 6
Enjoy a picnic at this summer concert series featuring some of the best local and regional musicians, held Saturday evenings at the 1719 Hans Herr House, the oldest homestead in Lancaster County. The season kicks off with Vinegar Creek Constituency and Daryl Snider.
Where: Hans Herr House & Museum, 1849 Hans Herr Drive, Willow Street.
Cost: $8 for adults, free for children 12 and under.
Info: www.hansherr.org.
Lancaster County Art Association National Juried Exhibition, June 19-July 28
Painter Neysa Grassi will be juror for the LCAA’s annual show, which offers $3,500 in prizes across five categories. The art association has a year-round slate of exhibits and is celebrating its 80th anniversary in 2016.
Where: 149 Precision Ave., Strasburg.
Cost: Free.
Info: www.lcaaonline.org.
Lancaster Craft Beerfest, Aug. 27
Craft beer lovers will get an amazing selection of new brews and old favorites from dozens of local and national breweries. The 100 block of North Queen Street will be closed for the beer tasting as well as entertainment and a food court with local food trucks and vendors.
Where: Lancaster Square and Binns Park, 100 N. Queen St., Lancaster.
Cost: Tickets are set to go on sale in the spring.
Info: lancastercraftbeerfest.com.
Long’s Park Art & Craft Festival, Sept. 2-4
The Labor Day weekend fine art festival showcases more than 200 juried artists and craftspeople from across the country. Exhibitors offer paintings, drawings, mixed media, photography, jewelry, fiber art, ceramics, sculpture, woodworking, leather, furniture and more. Live music, bistro food from local restaurants, wine and craft beer are available.
Where: Route 30 and Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster.
Cost: Tickets are not on sale yet.
Info: longspark.org.
Steampunk unLimited, Oct. 14-16
Art, invention, creativity and one-of-a-kind fashion converge at the Strasburg Rail Road for the fourth annual festival of live music, artisans, vendors and train rides that pays tribute to the Victorian Era and Industrial Revolution. Features include a Victorian Ball & Fashion Show, a Victorian Murder Mystery train ride, High Tea, an Absinthe Cocktail Tasting, and performances by Abney Park and Frenchy & the Punk.
Where: 301 Gap Road, Ronks.
Cost: Tickets start at $20.
Info: www.strasburgrailroad.com.
Food, Wine & Spirits Festival, Nov. 19-20
The festival is a showcase of restaurants, food vendors, vineyards, microbreweries, distilleries, retailers and more at the Lancaster County Convention Center. The festival was created for those who enjoy good food, wine, spirits, craft beer and lively music.
Where: 25 S. Queen St., Lancaster.
Cost: Tickets are not on sale yet.
Info: lancaster.gourmetshows.com.