The Most Epic Annual Events in Pennsylvania: Top 10 Must-Experience Festivals (Currently Open)
Pennsylvania brims with festivals that celebrate music, food, heritage, community, and pure fun. Whether you’re a curious tourist, a local resident seeking new adventures, or a family on the hunt for a memorable outing, the Keystone State offers some of the most searchable, shareable, and evergreen annual events you’ll find. This guide brings you ten of the most epic annual events in Pennsylvania—all currently operating—that you’ll want to mark in your calendar.
The Sound of Summer: Musikfest – Bethlehem, PA
Why this festival matters
Musikfest, held annually in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, is often called the nation’s largest free music festival.
In 2025 it ran from August 1-10 and drew huge crowds.
Key highlights
More than 400 performers and over 500 performances across dozens of stages.
Free and ticketed elements—with big-name headliners plus grassroots acts
Location: Historic Moravian district + SteelStacks campus in Bethlehem
Ideal for music lovers, adventurers, cultural travellers
Pro tips
Arrive early for parking or use shuttle lots (free lots available).
Span multiple days to soak in the full festival vibe—food vendors, craft booths, arts installations
If staying overnight, book lodging in Bethlehem or nearby ahead of time
Why it’s a must-experience
This festival delivers a mix of free access, big energy, and Pennsylvania character. It’s one of the strongest “annual events in Pennsylvania” you can pick for your itinerary.
Classic Fair Fun: The Great Allentown Fair – Allentown, PA
What makes it legendary
This fair has roots dating back to 1852—making it one of Pennsylvania’s longest‐running festivals.
It blends agriculture, entertainment, rides, food, and concerts in a way that appeals to all ages.
Festival features
Carnival rides, animal exhibits, petting zoo
Grandstand concerts and agricultural demonstrations
Family-friendly, multi-day event held in late August/early September each year
Why it works
If you want a quintessential “fair experience” within Pennsylvania—especially one that reflects rural tradition and big-town fun—this is a standout. It hits the “best places for annual events in Pennsylvania” mark.
A Heritage Celebration: Polish‑American Family Festival & Country Fair – Doylestown, PA
Highlighting culture and community
This festival celebrates Polish heritage with food, music, traditional activities, and community spirit.
It takes place over two weekends each September at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Doylestown.
Festival elements
Traditional Polish cuisine: pierogi, kielbasa, stuffed cabbage
Heritage exhibits: Polish wedding ceremony reenactments, folk dances
Family friendly: all ages, lots of food and crafts
What makes it special
For travelers seeking cultural depth, this event offers a meaningful immersion into Polish-American traditions—quite fitting among Pennsylvania’s best annual events.
Riverfront Revelry: Kipona – Harrisburg, PA
Why it stands out
Kipona is an annual river festival held on Labor Day weekend in Harrisburg, celebrating the Susquehanna River and riverfront life. It’s packed with boat races, fireworks, food vendors, and family fun.
Attractions include
Canoe and kayak races, boat parades, live music
Street vendors, food trucks, and local crafts
Fireworks and carnival rides
Best for
If your route takes you through central Pennsylvania, this is a fun and accessibly-local festival to join. It adds a riverside dimension to your “annual events in Pennsylvania” list.
Fall Color & Harvest Vibes: National Apple Harvest Festival – Biglerville, PA
Why it’s a must-visit
Held in the heart of Pennsylvania’s apple country, this festival celebrates fall, orchards, produce, and crafts. With crisp air, regional produce, and fall foliage, it’s ideal for families, couples, and nature-loving travellers.
What you’ll experience
Apple treats: cider donuts, pies, fresh apples
Arts & crafts vendors, live music, and scenic landscapes
A slower, picturesque festival experience
Why it works
For those seeking seasonal richness and a quieter side of festival‐life, this event shines. It complements more urban or music-heavy festivals, giving geographic balance within Pennsylvania.
Arts, Heritage & Community: Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts – State College, PA
Highlight of the region
Also known as the Arts Fest, this event in the Centre County area includes musicians, painters, sculptors, and performance artists. It’s a celebration of craft, culture and creativity.
Festival features
Fine-arts shows, hands-on craft activities
Live stage performances and local food vendors
Family engagement, walkable downtown location
Why it’s meaningful
Often overlooked in favour of major music festivals, this arts-centered event offers deep cultural value and showcases local talent—one of the best “annual events in Pennsylvania” for art enthusiasts.
A Beer & Food Scene Favorite: PA Bacon Fest – Lehigh Valley, PA
Fun, food-forward festival
Located in the Lehigh Valley, Bacon Fest brings together bacon lovers and foodies for a delicious time.
What to expect
Bacon-central dishes, craft beers, live music
Vendors showing inventive takes on bacon and local cuisine
Social-media friendly experiences (perfect for sharing)
Why you’ll enjoy it
For foodie travellers and gatherings with friends, this event hits the sweet (and salty) spot. It shines among the “most epic annual events” thanks to its playful energy and statewide draw.
Sky-High Adventure: Lehigh Valley Spooktacular Hot Air Balloon Festival – Lehigh Valley, PA
Why it’s unforgettable
This festival offers a visually stunning experience: hot air balloons, dawn launches, rides, live music, and family activities.
Festival highlights
Mass balloon launches at sunrise or dusk
Evening balloon glows—perfect photo-op
Kids’ area, food trucks, vendors
What makes it unique
When you’re looking for grand visuals and a festival that feels cinematic, this one stands out. It’s among the best “annual events in Pennsylvania” if you’re chasing memorable experiences beyond the standard fare.
Media, Art & Ideas: BlackStar Film Festival – Philadelphia, PA
A fresh, modern festival pick
Not all epic festivals are about rides or balloons—this one focuses on film, art, community, and culture. The BlackStar Film Festival in Philadelphia celebrates under-represented voices and international storytellers.
Festival features
Screenings of features and shorts by Black, Brown, and Indigenous creators
Panels, workshops, networking for filmmakers
Urban setting, accessible for weekend travellers
Why it qualifies
While different in tone, it ranks among the best “annual events in Pennsylvania” because of its strong cultural mission, community relevance, and appeal to film and art lovers.
Tips for Attending and Maximizing Enjoyment
Book lodging early. Big festivals fill up hotels fast.
Check dates ahead of time. Most of the events listed are annual and currently open, but dates shift.
Use public transit or shuttle services when available (especially for big music festivals).
Mix experiences. Don’t just go for one day at a big event—if you have time, stay through multiple days.
Share your experience. These festivals are highly shareable on social media—bring your camera.
Plan for weather. Outdoor events can be hot in summer, crisp in fall—pack accordingly.
Consider travel logistics. Choose events that make sense for your geographic route within Pennsylvania.
Final Thoughts
Pennsylvania’s annual events are more than gatherings—they’re cultural touchpoints. From the vibrant rhythms of Musikfest to the heritage-rich Kutztown Folk Festival, from a classic state fair in Allentown to the film-forward BlackStar Festival in Philadelphia, this list offers something for every taste. These ten events qualify as the most epic annual events in Pennsylvania you’ll want to experience.