If you love traveling throughout Pennsylvania, July is a great month for exploration. With a plethora of outdoor adventures to be had, nearly every museum in the state open, and hundreds of great events happening, there’s more than enough to keep the whole family entertained.
I’ve searched through many great PA events to come up with my list of 10 great things to do in Pennsylvania in July. Take a look at the list below and then start planning your upcoming Pennsylvania trips.
(Article Updated June 12, 2023 for Pennsylvania events in July 2023)
Wawa Welcome America Festival in Philly – June 19 – July 4
Since Philadelphia is the birthplace of the United States, it should come as no surprise that the city hosts one of the country’s best July 4th celebrations. In addition to ticketed events, dozens of free events will occur throughout the city during the festival.
The event is highlighted on the evening of July 4th with concerts by Demi Lavato and Ludacris and a great fireworks display on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The event also starts with a celebration of Juneteenth if you are looking for something to do in June.
For more information, visit the event’s website.
Gettysburg Battlefield Reenactment in Gettysburg – June 30 – July 2
The annual reenactment of the Battle of Gettysburg will be held on the battle’s 160th anniversary in early July. The event includes battle reenactments, self-guided tours, living history demonstrations, and much more.
This two-day event is held at the Daniel Lady Farm, which was an important staging ground during the battle and really brings the battle to life for those that want a little glimpse into what it was like.
The find out more about this historic event, check out my full recap from visiting the Gettysburg Reenactment or visit the event’s website for tickets.
The Big Butler Fair in Butler County – June 30 – July 8
The Big Butler Fair is returning in 2023 with its 167th fair. This is the largest fair in western PA, and their website claims that it’s “considered by many to be the best fair in the country”. While I have no way of knowing if that is true, it’s undoubtedly one of the best Pennsylvania fairs.
As in the past, the fair will feature many great rides, a ton of delicious food, and agricultural events. There will also be a pageant and many fun shows including concerts by many great artists.
Even better, there will also be a huge fireworks show on July 4th!
Find out more on the fair’s website.
CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS IN STATE COLLEGE – JULY 13-16
The Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts is one of the largest arts festivals in the country drawing over 100,000 people to State College every July. During this five-day event, festival goers can enjoy hundreds of vendors selling a wide variety of handcrafted items.
In addition to the vendors at the festival’s great sidewalk sale, there are also live performances, a juried art show, races, and much more.
For more information, visit Arts-Festival.com.
BLOBFEST IN PHOENIXVILLE – JULY 14-16
Blobfest, held annually at The Colonial Theater in Phoenixville, celebrates this classic science fiction/horror film. The first lead role for actor Steve McQueen, parts of the movie were filmed at the theater and attendees can relive this classic movie in the festival’s signature event: The Run Out.
In addition to recreating this scene, the festival also features a street festival and a showing of several classic science fiction films, including The Blob.
More information can be found on The Colonial Theater’s website.
Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix in Pittsburgh – July 14-23
Lovers of antique automobiles won’t want to miss the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix.
The event actually starts on July 10th with a kick-off event. Then, over the 10 days of the grand prix, there are a variety of events and car shows throughout the region. The main highlight is the annual street race through Schenley Park during the last weekend of the event.
For more information, visit the festival’s website.
BrewFest in Harrisburg – July 15
If you love craft beer, you won’t want to miss the 10th annual BrewFest. Held at Harrisburg’s Fort Hunter Mansion, this festival will feature more than 50 craft beers that can be sampled from various breweries from throughout the region and further away.
During the event, you can not only sample beer but also get great food, enjoy live entertainment, and learn how to brew your own beer.
Find out more here.
York State Fair in York – July 21-30
Held since 1765, the York Fair bills itself as the country’s oldest fair. And, if you love county fairs, there’s a lot to like about this one. For 10 days this July, the York Fair Grounds come alive as tens of thousands come to experience the fun and excitement of the York Fair.
In addition to the usual fair trappings of exciting rides and great food, there’s a ton of fun entertainment for the entire family. You can even enjoy live music by Dierks Bentley, Nelly, Vince Neil, and many others.
For more information, visit YorkStateFair.com.
Discover Presque Isle in Erie – July 24-30
Presque Isle State Park in Erie is already one of my favorite summertime destinations in PA. However, the park really comes to life during the last weekend in July for Discover Presque Isle.
During this week-long event, there will be many fantastic events happening throughout the park, many of which are free to check out. These events include sand-sculpture contests, concerts, a volleyball tournament, art vendors, and much more.
For a full list of events, check out DiscoverPI.com.
Rain Day Festival in Waynesburg – July 29
Waynesburg, a community in southwestern Pennsylvania, might be the only place in America that wants rain on its biggest festival day of the year. In fact, it has rained on 117 of the 149 Rain Days in the past. Now in its 150th year, the Rain Day Festival features entertainment, a street festival, a pageant, and much more.
The highlight is the annual hat bet, where the community of Waynesburg bets a local or national celebrity that it will rain in the town on Rain Day. The loser sends a hat to the winner.
For more information on this unique festival, visit RainDayFestival.com.
Looking for other things to do in Pennsylvania? Check out our list of things to do in June and things to do in PA in August.
Do you know of a great event happening in Pennsylvania in July? Let us know in the comments section below!
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Kutztown Folk Festival