June is the official start of summer, and there are many fantastic events happening throughout Pennsylvania for the whole family to enjoy.
Whether you like beautiful local art, heart-stopping excitement, or incredible scenery, there’s a lot to like about the events happening in Pennsylvania this June.
Here are my nine top picks for great things to do in Pennsylvania in June.
(Article Updated May 13, 2024 for Pennsylvania events in June 2024.)
Three Rivers Arts Festival in Pittsburgh – May 31
The Three Rivers Arts Festival brings some of the best local and regional artists to Pittsburgh’s Cultural District. Over the course of 10 days, Pittsburgh comes alive with free performances, hundreds of artist stalls, great food, and much more.
This year, the festival will feature free entertainment each day (including a concerts by artists like Ben Folds and the Sugar Hill Gang), as well as hundreds of great art and food vendors throughout the 14 blocks that the festival covers. This is one of the largest free art festivals in the country and should be on every Pennsylvania traveler’s list.
For more information, visit the festival’s website.
World War 2 Weekend at the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum in Reading – June 7-9
If you love history, the World War 2 Weekend at the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum in Reading is a great thing to do in PA this June.
During the weekend, you can not only tour this fantastic museum, but you can also see hundreds of World War 2 reenactors representing nearly every aspect of the war experience. There will also be dozens of authentic planes from the era, and talks by veterans of the war.
On top of that, there will be a popular airshow during the event and the opportunity to ride on many of the planes on display.
For more information and tickets, visit the museum’s website.
Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival in Butler County – June 7-9
Butler, Pennsylvania, is the birthplace of the Jeep, and every year, they host the Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival to celebrate the community’s automotive legacy.
Jeep lovers from all over the country come to western Pennsylvania to explore the area’s automotive history and to participate in a wide variety of Jeep obstacle courses. There will also be a chance for visitors to see hundreds of Jeeps on display, learn about the area’s history, and enjoy food and live entertainment.
For more information, visit the event’s website.
Pennsylvania Laurel Festival in Wellsboro – June 8-16
For its 82nd year, the Pennsylvania Laurel Festival will be returning to Wellsboro this June.
Celebrating the official state flower, the mountain laurel, the festival will feature concerts, a pageant, a pet parade, an art fair, and much more. However, the highlight of the event is always the two-hour-long Laurel Parade held on the streets of downtown Wellsboro on the afternoon of Saturday, June 15.
For more information, visit the event’s website.
Kempton Fair in Berks County – June 13-15
The Kempton Fair is once again returning to eastern Berks County this June, one of the many PA fairs you’ll find this summer.
This three-day fair will feature a variety of livestock events and competitions, multiple tractor pulls, and a live entertainment stage. And, of course, there will also be rides, great food, and vendors throughout the grounds.
To find out more, visit the fair’s website.
Thurston Classic in Meadville – June 13-16
If you love hot air balloons, you won’t want to miss the fantastic Thurston Classic, which is returning to Meadville this June.
The event kicks off with the Night Glow when over 100 hot air balloons take to the sky after dark, which is truly a spectacular sight to see. There will also be other flights throughout the weekend, including balloon races on Saturday and Sunday.
Visitors are invited to come and watch the balloons get ready to take off for no charge, but there are no balloon rides during the event.
For more information, visit the event’s website.
Jubilee Day in Mechanicsburg – June 20
Jubilee Day, said to be the “Largest, Longest running, One-Day Street Fair on the East Coast (maybe the country!)” will be returning to Mechanicsburg this June for its 94th edition.
Held every year on a Thursday, this street fair features more than 325 vendors including artisans, local business, and food. There will also be a children’s area, carnival rides, and much more.
Find out more about Jubilee Day here.
The Chinese Lantern Festival in Philadelphia – Starting June 20
One of my favorite events of the year is the Chinese Lantern Festival in Philadelphia’s Franklin Square.
Each evening from June 20 through August 18, dozens of giant Chinese-style lanterns will be lit and are sure to delight. The highlight of these is the 200-foot phoenix dragon to help ring in the Year of the Dragon.
In addition to the lanterns, each evening will feature special cultural entertainment, fountain shows, and unique food and beverage options.
Find out more and get tickets on PhillyChineseLanternFestival.com.
Celtic Fling and Highland Games in Lancaster County – June 22-23
Held on the grounds of the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire in northern Lancaster County, the Celtic Fling and Highland Games is sure to be a lot of fun.
The faire grounds will be filled with great activities and live entertainment, all with a Celtic theme. You can also watch athletes compete in many fun and unusual competitions during the Highland Games.
For more information and to get tickets, visit the event’s website.
Do you know of a great event happening in Pennsylvania in June? Let us know in the comments section below!
Looking for more things to do in Pennsylvania? Check out the best things to do in PA in May and our favorite Pennsylvania events in July.
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