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Things to do this May in Lancaster, PA | Discover Lancaster

posted May 17, 2024

Things to do this May in Lancaster, PA

•summer state of mind•

Fuel your summer state of mind with these fun and thrilling activities.

In May, the weather starts getting warmer, and our spirits start lifting as the cold weather recedes. All of our attractions are open and ready for your family to enjoy. If you're looking for a tranquil retreat, now is the perfect time to book a farm stay or bed and breakfast.

Special Events

Experience Trails

Find Fresh Produce

Theatre Performances

Get Outdoors!

Outdoors with the Kids

Take an Art Class

Free Things To Do

Special Events

Wag + Wine Wednesdays | Grandview Vineyard | May 1st
Homeschool Days | Refreshing Mountain | May 1st - 3rd
Star Wars Trivia | Grandview Vineyard | May 2nd
Barnyard Express Train Opening Weekend | Oregon Dairy | May 4th - 5th
Cast Iron Cooking Demonstration | Cornwall Iron Furnace | May 4th
14th Annual Forty Elephants Vintage & Handmade Spring Market | Double Tree Resort | May 5th
Sheep Shearing | The Amish Farm and House | May 10th
Celebrate Mom | Grandview Vineyard | May 11th - 12th
Conservancy Explorers Club at Climbers Run Nature Center | May 12th
Date Night in The Garden | Conestoga House & Gardens | May 16th
Rhubarb Festival | Kitchen Kettle Village | May 17th - 18th
The Baron Brew Fest | May 18th
African American Cultural Fair & Parade | May 21st - 25th
20th Annual Country Cruise & Fireman's Festival | Oregon Dairy | May 25th
Chicken BBQ Fundraiser | Bird-In-Hand Fire Company | May 25th
79th U.S. Women’s Open | May 24th - June 2nd

More events

Lancaster County Experience Trails

Discover Lancaster County, PA your way! Our experience passes offer exciting opportunities, deals, and discounts that are sure to elevate your visit to Lancaster. Check-in and redeem offers at various local businesses to earn points towards exclusive prizes.

When you've earned enough points, head over to the Discover Lancaster Visitors Center to pick up special prizes!

Join Now

Fresh Produce and Garden Centers

Gardener's rejoice! Head out May 10th and 11th as Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum is also hosting its annual Herb & Garden Faire! The Faire, featuring plants from Landis Valley Museum’s Heirloom Seed Project, will also offer heirlooms, natives, and other hard-to-find varieties to purchase from vendors spread out over the historic village area of the site.

Come see what’s “growing on” here in Lancaster, PA. We are known for our fertile soil, lush landscapes, and great corn and crops, but did you know we are home to several wonderful plant and garden centers as well?

Find your favorite garden center

After visiting multiple garden centers and greenhouses, keep an eye out for roadside stands where you can find fresh produce, beautiful flowers, and homemade baked goods and dairy products.

Find roadside stands that are on your way home.

Catch a Show in Lancaster, PA This Month

South Pacific | Fulton Theatre | April 19th - May 19th, 2024
On a South Pacific island during World War II, Ensign Nellie Forbush, a spunky nurse from Arkansas, falls in love with French planter Emile de Becque but she refuses Emile’s proposal of marriage, unable to overcome the prejudices with which she was raised. Meanwhile, Lt. Joe Cable falls in love with a Tonkinese girl named Liat, but he too denies himself a future due to the same fears that haunt Nellie. When Emile accompanies Joe on a dangerous mission, Nellie chooses to embrace a future with Emile, thus conquering her prejudices.

The Rainbow Fish Musical | Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre | April 22nd - May 10th, 2024
All of the sea creatures admire the Rainbow Fish. When it refuses to share the vibrant scales, the whole ocean turns against Rainbow Fish. Then the wise Octopus teaches Rainbow Fish that it’s better to be admired for being kind than for being beautiful.

The Last Five Years | Fulton Theatre | May 10th - May 26th, 2024
An emotionally powerful and intimate musical about two New Yorkers in their twenties who fall in and out of love over the course of five years. The show’s unconventional structure consists of Cathy, the woman, telling her story backward while Jamie, the man, tells his story chronologically; the two characters only meet once, at their wedding in the middle of the show.

Ragtime | Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre | April 5th - May 12th, 2024
Set in early twentieth-century New York, three diverse American family tales are woven together. United by their courage, compassion, and belief in the promise of the future, they confront history’s timeless contradictions of wealth and poverty, freedom and prejudice, hope and despair.

The Full Monty | Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre | May 17th - June 22nd, 2024
A funny and heartfelt story about six unemployed steel workers who come up with a bold way to make some quick cash. In the process, they find renewed self-esteem, and friendship, have fun, and triumph over their nerves…and their clothes!

Junie B. Jones | Fulton Theatre | April 27th - May 19th, 2024
Junie’s friend, Lucille, doesn’t want to be her best pal anymore and, on the bus, Junie B. makes friends with Herb, the new kid at school. Also, Junie has trouble reading the blackboard and her teacher, Mr. Scary, thinks she may need glasses. Throw in a friendly cafeteria lady, a kickball tournament and a “Top-Secret Personal Beeswax Journal,” and first grade has never been more exciting.

Rated P for Parenthood | Prima | May 3rd - 11th
This sketch comedy musical is for parents and anyone who’s ever had them. Chronicling modern-day parenthood, from conception to college, Rated P For Parenthood offers giant doses of heart and humor — at a fraction of the cost of braces!

The Last Five Years | Fulton Theatre | May 10th - 26th, 2024
An emotionally powerful and intimate musical about two New Yorkers in their twenties who fall in and out of love over the course of five years. The show’s unconventional structure consists of Cathy, the woman, telling her story backward while Jamie, the man, tells his story chronologically; the two characters only meet once, at their wedding in the middle of the show.

Ryan & Friends: All-star Comedy | Bird-in-Hand Stage | April 6th - October 19th, 2024
Comedy rules when Ryan returns to our stage with every one of his friends: witty 8-year-old Jeffrey, who lives in a suitcase and travels Third Class on airplanes; Harold and Irene, who have way more opinions than your average grandparents; and not-so-silent beasts Ardy the Skunk and Randy the Rooster, plus a new mystery guest—all hilarious and high-energy friends who barely let Ryan get a word in edge-wise.

The Confession | Bird-in-Hand Stage | April 4 – August 3, 2024
Katie Lapp’s parents have been keeping a secret. When Katie learns the truth, she heads to New York to find her birth mother— a wealthy woman who is battling a life-threatening illness and who aches for her long-lost daughter. What follows is a brilliant love story full of music, mystery, and mistaken identities. If you haven’t seen it, don’t miss it—and if you have, fall in love all over again.

Daniel | Sight & Sound Theatres | March 14th - December 31st
Taken from his people, Daniel is exiled far from home in the powerful kingdom of Babylon. Now this faithful servant must navigate his new life inside a palace filled with golden statues and shifting empires. As royal pressures mount, Daniel is faced with a dangerous choice. Will his trust in the one true God remain steadfast through every test of faith?

Jukebox Jive & IMAGINARIUM at Magic & Wonder Dinner Theater playing until this fall.

Don't miss out on seeing a concert in Lancaster! American Music Theatre hosts a ton throughout the year, and Mickey's Black Box and Lititz Shirt Factory hosts a plethora of concerts. Just outside of the county is Giant Center in Hershey, which hosts big-name acts.

Upcoming Shows

Outdoor Adventure in Lancaster County, PA

Go on a romantic getaway for two with Strasburg Scooters, Date Night in Amish Country. Cruise through scenic country roads with our expert guides, followed by dinner at a local watering hole; you might even catch a beautiful sunset.

There's no better way to start off summer than heading out to a baseball game with the family. The Lancaster Stormers opening night is April 30th.
All summer long the Stormers will be hosting various special events during home games such as, Kids Run the Bases, Thirsty Thursdays, a Tug-of-War Contest and so much more!

Visiting the pack at the Wolf Sanctuary of PA or take a ride on an e-bike with Unique Lancaster Experience in Lancaster City or Let's Roll down by the river, in Columbia.

More Outdoor Adventure

Top Outdoor Things to Do with Kids

Lancaster, PA is full of great opportunities to head outside with your kids. So slather on the sunscreen and venture outside for some good old-fashioned family fun. The destinations below are designed to offer great experiences and new discoveries for the entire family.

This free experience allows locals and visitors to step back in time and learn about the history of grain milling and early rural family life at the Mascot Roller Mills and Ressler Family Home. It's a great place to take the kids and have them get hands-on learning experience.

Find a list of things to do to get the kids moving and outdoors.

Indulge in the Arts

Get crafty at Horst Arts! Create your string art, funky journal and so many more fun activities! Tour our lively city and see beautiful artwork during Lancaster City's Spring ArtWalk. Come out May 4th and 5th and support our local artists!

Take a class at Lancaster Creative Factory, where you can take a variety of classes ranging from making mugs, bowls, and plates, to hand-building with clay, blowing glass, and even date night classes like glass blowing and wheel throwing.

The Craft Factory is a place where anyone can unleash their creativity, even if they don't consider themselves artistic or crafty.

And if you're looking for a fun night out with yourself, a date or some friends, be sure to check out Painting with a Twist where you can bring your own drinks for even more enjoyment!

The Pottery Works is a creative studio located in Downtown Lancaster that offers artists a comfortable and well-equipped space to paint pottery. You can choose from a variety of items, such as bowls, plates, mugs, piggy banks, and figurines for kids, and personalize them with your unique style. If you prefer to create beaded jewelry instead, you can visit the nearby BeadWorks and Gem Den, where you'll find a wide selection of beautiful beads and gems to inspire your crafting projects.

ART TOURS & EXPERIENCES

Free Things to do in Lancaster, PA

On May 5th, head into Lancaster City for First Friday! Peruse local shops and galleries, and be wowed by live music and entertainment. On First Fridays, the Lancaster Science Factory offers their over 70 exhibits for free for K-8.

Every Thursday in May until the end of October Lititz Springs Park will be hosting the Lititz Farmers Market. There will be fresh produce, baked goods, live music, and different food truck vendors each week. The Farmers Market celebrates the locally made and grown foods of Lancaster County.

Similarly, on May 4th you can head to the small town of Manheim for First Thursday and head to downtown Lititz or Elizabethtown on May 12th for Second Fridays

Head out to the Shops @ Rockvale on May 4th for the Local Makers Market! Check out goods like candles, soaps, jewelry, sweets, and more!

more free things to do

Find Adventure in 2025!

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Pictured: Hot Air Balloon Ride