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10 Great Things to Do in Pennsylvania in August

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If you are looking for things to do in Pennsylvania in August, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve scoured the internet to come up with 10 of the best things to do in the state during the month.

Whether you want to listen to some great music, watch some of the best youth baseball players in the world, or celebrate Pennsylvania culture, there’s something great for you on this list.

Take some time to read over this list, and then start planning your travels in Pennsylvania to enjoy the last full month of summer.

(Article Updated July 14, 2023, for Pennsylvania events in August 2023)

Blackstar Film Festival in Philadelphia – August 2-6

Blackstar Film Festival VISIT PHILADELPHIA®
The Blackstar Film Festival will be returning to Philly this August (Photo used courtesy of VISIT PHILADELPHIA®)

The Blackstar Film Festival will be returning to Philadelphia this August for its 12th year.

The festival, which Ebony Magazine once called “the Black Sundance” will feature dozens of films over five days. All of the films in the festival are created by Black, Brown, and Indigenous People from around the world, and will offer the chance to learn unique perspectives.

In addition to the film showings, the festival will also feature panel discussions, several parties, and much more.

Find out more on the website for the festival.

Musikfest in Bethlehem – August 3-13

Things to do at the Steel Stacks in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Musikfest is held at the famous Steel Stacks in Bethlehem.

Musikfest is one of the largest annual musical events in the country, featuring hundreds of shows and drawing nearly a million visitors to the Lehigh Valley over 11 days. Many of the performances are free, with only those at the Wind Creek Steel Stage costing money.

In addition to many smaller acts, the event will be headlined by some of the most beloved musical acts in the country including Goo Goo Dolls, Walk the Moon, Maren Morris, G-Eazy, and many more. For more information, check out Musikfest.org.

The Kutztown Fair in Berks County – August 7-12

Dubbed the “Biggest Litle Fair in the State,” the Kutztown Fair will be returning in 2023 for its 152nd event.

The fair will feature six days of carnival rides, games, competitions, and live events, nearly all of which are included with your admission to the fairgrounds.

Whether you want to ride rides, see a baking competition, or check out cornhole competitions and lawn mower races, there’s a bit of something for everyone.

Find out more on the fair’s website.

Asian Lantern Festival at the Pittsburgh Zoo – Starts August 11

Panda lantern at the festival in philadelphia
The Asian Lantern Festival will be returning to the Pittsburgh Zoo this August.

Asian Lantern Festivals are among my favorite types of events, having been to several in both Pennsylvania and Asia. And, if you’ve never been to one, I definitely recommend checking one out, such as the festival coming to the Pittsburgh Zoo.

This festival is in its third year and will run from mid-August through the end of October. During the event, the zoo will come to life after dark with many beautiful sculptures that are handmade using steel and silk, and visitors will be able to both walk through and drive through these mesmerizing displays.

For more information and to get tickets, visit the zoo’s website.

Little League World Series in South Williamsport – August 16-27

Tips for visiting the Little League World Series in Williamsport, PA
The Little League World Series returns to South Williamsport this August.

One of the biggest annual events in Pennsylvania returns to South Williamsport this August: the Little League World Series.

During this tournament, the best Little League teams from around the world will come to Lycoming County to compete for the championship trophy. And, despite most of these kids just being 12 years old, the quality of the baseball is quite good.

Games are free to attend, and it makes a great day for anyone that loves baseball.

Find out more about the tournament on its website.

Pittston Tomato Festival in Pittston – August 17-20

Every year, the Luzerne County borough of Pittston comes alive as thousands visit for their fantastic tomato festival. During the festival, visitors can vote for their favorite tomato sauce, run a 5k, see a parade, see which tomatoes will win ribbons, and much more.

While it appears that the popular tomato fight will once again not be held in 2023, this is still a great event to attend for some late summer fun!

For more information, visit the festival’s website.

Centre County Grange Fair in Centre Hall – August 18-26

Now in its 149th year, the Centre County Grange Fair combines a great PA county fair with the fun of camping. Thousands of people stay overnight at the fairgrounds, some occupying the same spot year after year.

Whether you camp or not, there’s a lot to do at this great annual festival. Take in the many great concerts, including some well-known recording artists. There are also the usual fair activities like a craft show, vendors, livestock, and much more.

Find out more about visiting the Centre County Grange Fair on their website.

Mount Gretna Outdoor Art Show in Mount Gretna – August 19-20

If you love art, you won’t want to miss the Mount Gretna Outdoor Art Show. This charming Lebanon County community welcomes thousands of visitors to this fun annual event, which is now in its 49th year.

During the show, visitors can browse dozens of great local and regional artists that have come to share their work. There will also be live entertainment throughout the show.

Find out more on the show’s website.

The Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire in Mount Hope – Opens August 19

Things to do in Pennsylvania in August: PA Renaissance Faire
Visit the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire in Lancaster County this August.

The Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire returns to Lancaster County this August. Open every Saturday and Sunday from mid-August through October (plus Labor Day), this festival provides the chance for visitors to transport themselves back to Renaissance England.

Each day features more than 90 stage shows, roaming actors, food, vendors, and much more on the faire’s 35 acres.

For more information, visit the faire’s website.

Steelers Training Camp in Latrobe – Select Days in August

Football fans won’t want to miss the annual Pittsburgh Steelers Training Camp which is held at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.

From late July through mid-August, fans can come out and watch some of their favorite players as they train and get ready for the new season. You might even have a chance to snag an autograph from a favorite player!

Find out more and secure your free tickets on the team’s website.

Looking for other things to do in Pennsylvania? Check out our list of things to do in July and things to do in PA in September.

Do you know of a great event happening in Pennsylvania in August? 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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4 thoughts on “10 Great Things to Do in Pennsylvania in August”

  1. There’s also the 75th annual All American Amateur Baseball Association baseball tournament on August 5-12 in Johnstown PA. It’s a great week of baseball with teams from all over the Eastern US.

    Reply
  2. Susquehanna Valley Folk Festival in York, PA at the Expo Center.
    With on-site camping this year.
    August 12-14, 2022

    Reply
  3. Somerset County Fair is the last full week in August. Our 4-H and FFA kids work their butts off to show and sell their livestock. It isn’t a huge fair like others but still deserves a mention.

    Reply

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