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 2026.
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 15, 2026 for events in May 2026.
The Pittsburgh Marathon – May 3
Love to run or simply to cheer on runners? The Pittsburgh Marathon returns this May.
Race through downtown in a variety of different categories and race styles including a full marathon, half-marathon, relay marathon, and more. Or site back and cheer on the competitors as they run or walk the course.
Find out more information about participating or just watching on the event’s website.
Fine Art and Craft Show in Bethlehem – May 9-10
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 and enjoy delicious food. There will also be children’s activities, live music, and much more.
For more information, visit the show’s website.
PrideFest in New Hope – May 9-17
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, May 16, 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.
Festival of the Birds in Erie – May 15-17
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.
Opening Day at DelGrosso’s Amusement Park – May 16
DelGrosso’s Amusement Park will open for the season on Saturday, May 17. Take advantage of two hours of free rides when the park first opens on Saturday 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 17
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.
Italian Market Festival in Philadelphia – May 16-17
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 20-31
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 24-26
Now in its 58h year, Artsfest brings tens of thousands of people to downtown Harrisburg over Memorial Day Weekend. The event features more than 170 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 the festival’s website.
Fish for Free Day throughout Pennsylvania – May 24
If you want to try your hand at fishing, but don’t have a fishing license, you’re in luck. Sunday, May 24, is one of two Fish for Free Days in 2026 (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.
Uncovering PA Photography Workshops – All Month
If you love photography, I’ll be hosting five different photo workshops throughout Pennsylvania this May.
The first is on Saturday, May 2nd at the fantastic Cresson Sanatarium and Prison near Altoona. There is both a morning session and an afternoon session on this day.
Then, on Saturday, May 16, join me for a fun Waterfall Photo Workshop at Ricketts Glen State Park.
Finally, on Saturday, May 30, I’ll be hosting two workshops: one at McConnells Mill State Park and a Sunset and Nighttime Workshop in Downtown Pittsburgh. That will be followed up on Sunday, May 31 with a workshop at Haunted Hill View Manor in New Castle.
You can also see all of my upcoming workshops here.
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.