Are you planning a trip to Pennsylvania and want to find fun and entertaining activities for you and your family? Maybe you already live in the area, and you just want something new and fun to do with a few of your buddies. Festivals can be an exciting way to pass the time with loved ones, and Western Pennsylvania has many types of events to offer - there’s one for everybody! You will find various music, food, and arts festivals happening throughout the year, and even a Renaissance Festival, among others. Keep reading to find out about the popular festivals in Western Pennsylvania.
1. Heart of the Arts Folk Festival [Last event in 2018]
Heart of the Arts Folk Festival is a place where folk lovers can unite and enjoy music together. Held in Titusville, Pennsylvania, this fun event has lots of live music scheduled for guests to enjoy while eating or participating in workshops or arts and crafts sessions. Some of the genres featured include bluegrass, Irish Celtic, gospel, Scottish, and folk, among others.
Heart of the Arts Folk Festival
Address: Scheide Park, W Central Ave, Titusville, PA
2. Springs Folk Festival
Springs Folk Festival is a cultural experience that is focused on the history of America’s early years. Life many years ago was very different compared to today, and this festival goes back in time to educate families on the traditional way of life. Guests can observe live baking, weaving, log hewing, and grain threshing done the old-fashioned way. To better immerse participants in the times, there will be live performances of bluegrass, gospel, and old-time music throughout the venue. Springs Folk Festival also features many hand-crafted items available for sale that people enjoy purchasing as gifts or souvenirs.
Springs Folk Festival
Address: 1711 Springs Road, Springs, PA 15562
Website: Springs Folk Festival
Takes Place: October
Price: from 5 USD
3. Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix
If you’re a true fan of racing, you won’t want to miss the nation’s largest street race! Around 200,000 visitors come to watch this famous vintage car race in Pennsylvania - the only one of its kind that uses city streets. Spectators can watch any one of the numerous races during the days of the event and cheer for their favorite racer. Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix is said to be one of the most difficult race courses because of the many turns and sudden elevation changes, but that just makes it all the more exciting to watch!
Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix
Address: Bob O’Conner Golf Course at Schenley Park, Schenley Drive & Darlington Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
Website: Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix
Takes Place: July
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4. Groundhog Day
Visiting the famous groundhog on Groundhog Day is on the bucket list of many people. It is said that if the groundhog sees his shadow, then winter will remain for six more weeks, but if he doesn’t see his shadow, then spring will come early that year. Even though its all superstition, it’s still a fun tradition for families to participate in at least once.
Groundhog Day
Address: The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, 200 West Mahoning Street, Suite 1, Punxsutawney, PA 15767
Website: Groundhog Day
Takes Place: February 2
5. Three Rivers Arts Festival
Three Rivers Arts Festival is a popular free festival in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania that focuses on visual and performing arts - basically, anything from music and dance to art and theater, this event features them all. There are normally around 1,000 artists in attendance! Creative attractions and hands-on workshops are also available for children and anyone else who wants to get involved. Surely, there is something for everyone in the family to enjoy here.
Three Rivers Arts Festival
Address: 803 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Website: Three Rivers Arts Festival
Takes Place: June
Price: Free
6. Fort Armstrong Folk Festival
Fort Armstrong Folk Festival celebrates music, art, and the heritage of the United States. Aside from the live music performances, this event also features blacksmithing and spinning demonstrations, horse and carriage rides, a petting zoo, and plenty of fun activities for the children. Various food items are also available to purchase for anyone who needs a snack. Jam-packed with activities, Fort Armstrong Folk Festival has something to entertain all ages! If you find yourself in Pennsylvania towards the end of July, be sure to stop by Kittanning to participate.
Fort Armstrong Folk Festival
Address: Kittanning Riverfront Park, Kittanning, PA 16201
Website: Fort Armstrong Folk Festival
Takes Place: August
7. Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival
Come dressed in your favorite Renaissance costume and enjoy watching some dramatic reenactments in West Newton, Pennsylvania. You will even have the opportunity to role-play with professional actors! The unique, hand-crafted works available will make the perfect gift for a friend or a loved one. Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival features many shows throughout the premises, and these include tight wire walking, comedic acts, dancing, jousting, and realistic sword fights, among others. This is especially fun for children and those who love history, but anyone visiting will surely enjoy this event.
Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival
Address: 112 Renaissance Ln, West Newton, PA 15089
Website: Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival
Takes Place: September
8. Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival
Come together with thousands of Jeep lovers to experience the thrills of the 10th Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival. This event is perfect for people who love rugged terrain, getting dirty, and of course, Jeeps. It will feature off-road trails, children’s playgrounds, and shopping opportunities for Jeep parts and accessories. Don’t miss out on your chance to participate in this fun festival this coming June 2020!
Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival
Address: 205 Currie Rd, Slippery Rock, PA 16057
Website: Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival
Takes Place: June
9. Erie's Wild Rib Cook-Off and Music Festival
Three days of local music acts, award-winning ribs, and all-around fun awaits anybody who partakes in Erie’s Wild Rib Cook-Off and Music Festival. This event has been going on for close to 30 years now, and it doesn’t seem to be going away any time soon. They feature several mouthwatering flavors and styles of cooking ribs, and they even offer fun rides and bouncy houses for the kids. If love music and you love good food, head to Erie for this festival.
Erie's Wild Rib Cook-Off and Music Festival
Address: Perry Square Park, Erie, PA, 16501
Website: Erie’s Wild Rib Cook-Off and Music Festival
Takes Place: September
10. Thurston Classic Hot Air Balloon Event
Many people dream of being able to see hot air balloons take off in person. Witnessing hundreds of them will be absolutely magical. This event is all the more mystifying at sunrise when the balloons light up the darkening sky. After seeing the beautiful balloons in the air, it is something you surely won’t forget! Take your family and friends to Thurston Classic Hot Air Balloon Event in Meadville, Pennsylvania to see hundreds of hot air balloons take flight!
Thurston Classic Hot Air Balloon Event
Address: 916 Diamond Park, Meadville, PA 16335
Takes Place: June
Which festivals will you participate in this year?
Western Pennsylvania has many unique festivals that are fun for the whole family. There is a festival that caters to almost every interest, and people come from all over the country just to participate. Some of them are educational while others are purely for fun. So, which ones will you visit this year?
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