Annual Events & Festivals - Annual Events And Festivals
There always seems to be something going on in Gettysburg lately. Businesses in town work hard to draw visitors throughout the year, and their efforts seem to be paying off. Summertime is still the most-visited time for Gettysburg, and there are many Civil War–related events held then, especially around the anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. But many popular annual events have nothing to do with Gettysburg’s Civil War history; instead, they celebrate the beauty of Gettysburg’s setting and the area’s rich agricultural heritage. One of the largest festivals is the National Apple Harvest Festival, where everyone gathers at the fairgrounds to check out the arts and crafts and to enjoy all kinds of goodies made with apples. Most annual events here reflect the area’s laid-back nature. Many involve nothing more than enjoying the day—listening to music, checking out some art or wine or apples or whatever, having something good to eat, and spending time with friends.
Most of the agriculture-related festivals are held within 15 miles or so of Gettysburg, in the middle of orchards and farms. The spring and fall bluegrass festivals, also very popular events, are held at a local campground, and some events are held at the Eisenhower National Historic Site. But also many events are held right in town. By traveling only to the streets of Gettysburg, you can find art festivals, tours of historic sites, antiques shows, and music festivals.
Annual events are listed by month in order of occurrence. Keep in mind that dates of festivals do sometimes change, so double-check the date(s) of any event that you’re particularly interested in.
City: Gettysburg, PA
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
City: Gettysburg, PA
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Address: 3340 Fairfield Road
3. Gettysburg Spring Outdoor Antique Show
City: Gettysburg, PA
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (717) 334-4510, (800) 337-5015
Description: Antiques are a big draw in Gettysburg, and many people make this show and its sister show in September (see separate entry within this chapter) a must-attend event. More than 150 antiques dealers display their wares on tables set up on the sidewalks around Lincoln Square. With that many dealers attending, you’re bound to find something that strikes your fancy. Dishes, dolls, glassware, quilts, and tinware are just a fraction of the many types of items you’ll find here.
City: Gettysburg, PA
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
City: Gettysburg, PA
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
6. Civil War Institute At Gettysburg College
City: Gettysburg, PA
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (717) 337-6590
Address: 300 North Washington Street
Description: The Civil War Institute at Gettysburg College has been held every summer since 1983, and the program features lectures by prominent Civil War scholars. Attendees also take battlefield tours, view films, and partake in special activities, all to gain a better understanding of the intricacies of the Civil War. The program accepts 300 students each year, and a limited number of scholarships are available for students and for history teachers; check the Web site for scholarship qualifications and applications. Past Civil War scholars who have spoken during the weeklong study include James McPherson, Gary Gallagher, John Waugh, Stephen Wise, and Ed Bearss. Students may sign up for the tuition-only price or the price that includes tuition and room and board for the week.
City: Gettysburg, PA
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
8. Gettysburg Fireman’S Carnival
City: Gettysburg, PA
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (717) 334-7548
Address: 545 Long Lane
Description: The Fireman’s Carnival features rides, midway entertainment, and a fireworks display, and it’s part of the Gettysburg Heritage Days (see earlier listing). This fun annual event has been eagerly anticipated by the people of Gettysburg since 1949, and it offers something for everyone. As with many events in this area, food is a main attraction, and the soup here is one of the key reasons people attend. The chicken corn soup (a Pennsylvania Dutch staple) is always popular, and there’s also a soup of the day. If you want to feel like a true insider, bring your own container to carry out quarts and gallons of the soups. Food is served outside on the grounds as well as in the park’s air-conditioned dining room. The carnival usually attracts 8,000 to 10,000 people on a weekend night.
City: Gettysburg, PA
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Address: 2638 Emmitsburg Road
City: Gettysburg, PA
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Address: 1 Lincoln Square
11. Gettysburg Bike Week
City: Gettysburg, PA
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (800) 374-7540
Description: You’ll know if you’re here during Gettysburg Bike Week—there’s no missing the sight or the sounds of the many motorcycles that are ridden around town during this event, which was first held in 2001. Attendance often tops more than 15,000 bikers, who participate in games and contests. There are also bands playing music and vendors selling bike-related items. Bikers also take guided motorcycle tours of the battlefield and observation rides. The activities are held at the Allstar Events Complex (see the Attractions chapter) and at Gateway Gettysburg (see the Close-up in the Area Overview chapter). Many visitors avoid town during this event (and many residents wish they could), which is usually held the second Thursday through the second Sunday in July.
City: Gettysburg, PA
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
City: Gettysburg, PA
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Address: 100 Moose Road
City: Gettysburg, PA
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
15. Gettysburg Wine And Music Festival
City: Gettysburg, PA
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (717) 334-8151
Address: 95 Presidential Circle
Description: The first annual wine and music festival was held in 2005, and it just keeps getting bigger and better every year. Besides sampling wines from Pennsylvania and across the country, participants can enjoy gourmet food, arts and crafts, cooking demonstrations, and live entertainment. The admission price ($18 for advance ticket or $22 at the door) includes all performances, cooking demonstrations, a souvenir wineglass, and wine tastings. Admission for designated drivers is $12, and children age 12 and younger pay no admittance fee.