Looking for things to do in Pennsylvania in May? You’ve come to the right place. As I do every month, I’ve scoured the internet to uncover some of the best events and activities throughout PA during May 2024.
Whether you want to sip some wine, ride through a historic tunnel, or uncover PA history, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to start planning your travels in Pennsylvania in May.
Article updated April 11, 2024 to reflect events and dates in May 2024.
VeloFest in Trexlertown – May 4
If you love cycling, you won’t want to miss the Spring VeloFest being held in Trexlertown, near Allentown, on Saturday, May 4. One of the largest cycling sales in the country, visitors can browse new and used gear from over 150 vendors.
There will also be food and a beer garden for those looking for some refreshments during the vent.
For more information, visit the event’s website.
Fine Art and Craft Show in Bethlehem – May 11-12
The Downtown Bethlehem Fine Art and Craft Show returns to the Lehigh Valley this May.
During this Mother’s Day Weekend show, you can browse 100 different vendors, including my photography (Look for the Jim Cheney Photography banner). There will also be children’s activities, live music, and much more.
For more information, visit the show’s website.
Festival of the Birds in Erie – May 17-19
Presque Isle State Park in Erie is one of the state’s best destinations for bird watching, so it should come as no surprise that there’s an entire weekend event surrounding it.
The Festival of the Birds is hosted by the Presque Isle Audubon and is perfect for both experienced birders and those newer to the hobby. During the festival, you can go on small group field trips to popular spots to see birds around the park. There will also be seminars, good food, and more.
Pre-registration is required, and you can find out more here.
PrideFest in New Hope – May 17-19
Celebrate Pride in one of the most popular destinations in eastern Pennsylvania: New Hope in Bucks County.
The main event of the festival is a large parade on Saturday that starts in Lambertville, on the New Jersey side of the Delaware River, before crossing into New Hope, PA. In addition to the parade, other events during the festival include a carnival, live entertainment, a cocktail contest, and much more.
For all the details, visit the event’s website.
Opening Day at DelGrosso’s Amusement Park – May 18
DelGrosso’s Amusement Park will open for the season on Saturday, May 20. Take advantage of two hours of free rides when the park first opens on both Saturday and Sunday and enjoy ride pass discounts for the rest of the day.
DelGrosso’s is one of PA’s best free admission parks and is open throughout the summer months. There are more than 30 rides and a great water park at this family-friendly park.
Find out more on the park’s website.
Union Canal Days in Lebanon – May 18
The Union Canal Tunnel in Lebanon, PA is the oldest existing transportation tunnel in the United States, and each May for over three decades, the community hosts its annual Union Canal Days event.
The highlight of the event is the chance to ride the park’s canal boat along the restored section of the canal and through the historic tunnel. There is also the option of renting a kayak for a short period of time and riding through the tunnel on your own.
In addition to rides, there will also be food vendors and live entertainment.
Find out more at LebanonCountyHistory.org.
Italian Market Festival in Philadelphia – May 18-19
The largest annual street fair in Philadelphia returns this month in the Italian Market neighborhood.
The Italian Market Festival is centered around the oldest outdoor market in the country and a ton of fabulous events and even more delicious food. During the event, you can watch or participate in a halfball tournament, enjoy live music, browse artisans, climb a greased pole, and much more.
For more information, visit the event’s website.
Devon Horse Show and Country Fair in Devon – May 22 – June 2
The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair has been held annually since its inception in 1896. By 1914, this festival was the largest outdoor horse show in the country, a distinction it still holds. So, needless to say, if you love horses and equestrian activities, you won’t want to miss this great festival.
A variety of equestrian events will happen throughout each day of the event. There will also be vendors, a dog show, and much more.
For more information, visit the event’s website.
Artsfest in Harrisburg – May 25-27
Now in its 56th year, Artsfest brings tens of thousands of people to downtown Harrisburg over Memorial Day Weekend. The event features more than 150 juried artists selling their creations along the banks of the Susquehanna River.
The event also features live music, kid’s activities, a variety of food, and much more.
For more information on the festival, head over to ArtsfestHBG.com.
Fish for Free Day throughout Pennsylvania – May 26
If you want to try your hand at fishing, but don’t have a fishing license, you’re in luck. Sunday, May 26, is one of two Fish for Free Days in 2024 (the other being July 4th). Anyone can toss a line into the water and try their hand at fishing Pennsylvania’s many great waterways.
Keep in mind, that while you don’t need a fishing license to fish, all other rules and regulations still apply.
For more information on this event, visit the PA Fish and Boat Commission’s website.
Pittsburgh Wine and Spirits Festival in Pittsburgh – May 31
If you love adult beverages, the Pittsburgh Wine and Spirits Festival is the place to be this May. Held at Rivers Casino, the festival will feature hundreds of different wines and spirits to taste from all over the world.
In addition to tasting more than 200 wines and spirits, the event also includes unlimited buffet access, bottle signings, and the chance to meet winemakers and distillers.
Find out more and get tickets on the festival’s website.
Looking for other things to do in Pennsylvania? Check out our list of things to do in April and things to do in PA in June.
Do you know of a great event happening in Pennsylvania in May? Let us know in the comments section below!
Do you have an upcoming event that you would like to promote in a future monthly edition? Click here for more information and to submit your event.
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And, the Blair County Arts Festival on 20-21 May!
Have you ever done an article on best places to see wildflowers in the spring? (Preferably Western PA)
Try the Wildflower Reserve in Raccoon Creek State Park. It’s great in the spring: https://uncoveringpa.com/wildflower-reserve-at-raccoon-creek-state-park.
Have you ever done an article on Rock Run? If you are not familiar with this, it is a tributary of Lycoming Creek in Lycoming County in Ralston. A very special, beautiful place.
I’ve been there and written about several of the side streams (Miners Run and Hounds Run). I haven’t written about Rock Run yet, but plan to soon.
You might want to seek out the Benscreek Canoe and Kayak Rendezvous at Greenhouse Park just south of Johnstown on May 17-19. People come from all over the country to kayak, learn river stand up paddleboarding, race, eat, commune, listen to music and generally have a great time. It’s a family friendly event the first manmade river surfing wave in PA. Now it features 3 waves. Non boaters welcomed with open arms.
Again, love this newsletter. I would have forgotten about Raccoon Creek State Park–but I am planning to visit. The “comments” section are so helpful too! Keep it coming!! Happy Spring.
Have you written anything about PA state park campgrounds? We’re planning a 3 week trip this summer to visit some of them.
If you search the site, I have articles on the campgrounds at Ricketts Glen, Ohiopyle, and Ole Bull State Parks. I haven’t done a ton of camping myself, so I haven’t stayed at many of them.
I would welcome some articles on PA camping! . We recently got a pop-up camper and like to take the kids to camp at state parks that have a swimming/ lake beach area. 🙂
I’ve covered a few campgrounds (Rickets Glen, Ohiopyle, and Ole Bull), but do need to do more around the state.