Category: Things to Do
Sunflower Season in Lancaster County: Festivals, Flower Fields & Fall Fun
June 9, 2026- Lancaster County sunflower season typically runs from late August through mid-October, with farms, meadows, and festivals offering colorful blooms and photo opportunities.
- Popular sunflower activities include Cherry Crest Adventure Farm’s Sunflower Festival and sunflower picking, Oregon Dairy’s Sunflower Pickin’ Days, and pick-your-own flowers at local farms.
- Visitors can enjoy sunflower fields, zinnias, corn mazes, wagon rides, live music, craft vendors, and peaceful countryside views throughout Pennsylvania Dutch Country.
As summer fades into fall, Lancaster County transforms into a sea of golden blooms. Sunflower season is one of the most beautiful times to visit Pennsylvania Dutch Country, offering colorful photo opportunities, family-friendly festivals, and peaceful countryside views. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a photography excursion, or simply looking for a relaxing day outdoors, Lancaster County’s sunflower fields provide the perfect backdrop.
If you’re visiting Lancaster in late summer or early fall, here are some of the best sunflower festivals and sunflower-picking destinations to add to your itinerary.
Cherry Crest Adventure Farm Sunflower Festival
September 5, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
One of Lancaster County’s most anticipated flower events, the Cherry Crest Adventure Farm Sunflower Festivalcelebrates the beauty of sunflower season with activities for all ages.
Festival highlights include:
- Sunflowers sold by the stem or bucket
- Local craft vendors
- Kids’ crafts
- Face painting (1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
- Balloon artist (1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
- Live music
- Scenic photo opportunities throughout the fields
Visitors can stroll through vibrant sunflower displays while enjoying a festive atmosphere in the heart of Amish Country.
Oregon Dairy Sunflower Pickin’ Days
Throughout September, Oregon Dairy welcomes guests to explore a stunning two-acre field featuring 23 varieties of sunflowers and colorful zinnias.
Visitors can:
- Wander through the flower fields
- Take family photos and selfies among the blooms
- Purchase fresh-cut flowers
- Enjoy special photography sessions for professional photographers
- Access the corn maze, rides, and farm attractions with admission
The combination of flowers and farm fun makes Oregon Dairy’s Sunflower Pickin’ Days a favorite fall tradition for visitors of all ages.
Country Barn Market Sunflower Festival
Country Barn Market frequently celebrates sunflower season with a family-friendly festival in late August.
Activities often include:
- A cut sunflower to take home
- Wagon tours
- Live music
- Corn maze adventures
- Pig races
- Farm attractions and seasonal treats
This small kid-friendly barnyard a wonderful way to experience Lancaster County’s agricultural heritage while enjoying the beauty of sunflower season.
Best Sunflower Fields in Lancaster County
Cherry Hill Orchards
Located at 400 Long Lane in Lancaster, Cherry Hill Orchards offers pick-your-own sunflowers alongside its popular fruit-picking experiences.
Flower picking typically continues through mid-October, making it one of the longest-running sunflower seasons in the county. Guests can enjoy the scenic orchard setting while gathering their own bouquet to take home.
Lancaster County Central Park
For those who prefer a peaceful nature walk, Lancaster County Central Park’s meadow features beautiful native sunflowers beginning in mid- to late August.
The meadow also includes:
- Yellow coneflowers
- Jerusalem artichokes
- Native pollinators and wildlife
The blooms usually last through mid-October, and the park remains open daily from dawn to dusk. It’s an ideal stop for nature lovers, bird watchers, and photographers.
Cherry Crest Adventure Farm
Beyond its annual festival, Cherry Crest Adventure Farm features six acres of sunflower fields and colorful zinnia plantings near its famous corn maze.
Visitors can explore more than 20 sunflower varieties that typically bloom through October. giving visitors plenty of opportunities for photos, flower picking, and relaxed stroll through the fields.
Access to the sunflower fields is included with admission, and flowers are sold by the stem or bucket.
Harvest Lane Farm
Located in Lititz, Harvest Lane Farm offers a relaxed pick-your-own sunflower experience, usually beginning in mid- to late September.
One of the best parts? There is no admission fee.
Visitors can enjoy the farm’s beautiful blooms while selecting their favorite flowers to take home.
Wildflower Lookout
Just outside Ronks, Wildflower Lookout combines expansive wildflower plantings with several sunflower fields throughout the season. See website for admission and hours.
The next major sunflower bloom is expected during the last week of September and typically lasts one to two weeks. The colorful fields create exceptional opportunities for photography and leisurely countryside strolls.
Tips for Visiting Lancaster County Sunflower Fields
To make the most of your sunflower adventure:
- Visit in the morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and cooler temperatures.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes, as many fields cover several acres.
- Bring your camera—sunflower fields provide some of Lancaster County’s most photogenic landscapes.
- Check bloom conditions before visiting, as weather can affect peak flowering times.
- Consider weekday visits for a quieter experience.
Plan Your Lancaster County Sunflower Getaway
Sunflower season offers a unique opportunity to experience Lancaster County’s countryside at its most colorful. From flower festivals and family attractions to peaceful meadows and pick-your-own farms, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy these iconic blooms.
After a day exploring sunflower fields, return to the comfort of AmishView Inn & Suites. Relax in spacious accommodations, enjoy beautiful farmland views, and experience the warm hospitality that makes Lancaster County a favorite destination for couples and families alike.
Book your fall getaway today and discover why sunflower season is one of the most beautiful times to visit Lancaster County.
Annual Lancaster Hot Air Balloon Festival and Country Fair
May 5, 2026Family Friendly and Romantic Fun in Lancaster County
The Hot Air Balloon Festival in Bird-In-Hand is back in 2026! Dates & Time: September 25 & 26, 3-10PM both days. Can’t make it, schedule a your own balloon ride with Lancaster Balloon Rides which is just minutes away from AmishView Inn & Suites.
Firework Displays in 2026 in Lancaster County
May 1, 2026Key Facts on Independence Day Celebrations in Lancaster County
- Lancaster County offers nearly a full week of Independence Day events each year, from late June celebrations through early July.
- Major highlights include the Lititz Fourth of July Celebration, a patriotic concert at Long’s Park, and the big “Celebration and Fireworks Extravaganza” at the Star Barn at Stone Gables Estate.
- Families can choose from free or low-cost events, such as the Independence Day Celebration at Penn Medicine Park (Lancaster Stormers Stadium), Marietta’s celebration at Community Bible Church, and New Holland’s concert and fireworks in Community Park.
- Many events combine concerts, picnics, or full-day festivals with evening fireworks, so visitors can tailor plans around preferred locations, ticket prices (per person or per vehicle), and start times.
- Travelers are encouraged to book lodging early for Independence Day week, as these popular fireworks displays and community celebrations draw both locals and visitors to the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country. AmishView Inn & Suites is perfect place to stay near fireworks.
Top 10 Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Lancaster PA
April 1, 2026
During your family vacations to AmishView Inn & Suites, you’ll come to find we are centrally located to a variety of things to do in Lancaster PA with your kids! There are many family-friendly adventures to take advantage of to ensure that you’re loved ones stay entertained. We know that planning an itinerary for your family getaways can be time-consuming, so let us act as your guide and offer advice on how to make your trip a kid-friendly one! Most of these are within 15 minutes of AmishView Inn & Suites, making AmishView the perfect place to stay.
June Special Events in PA Dutch Country
March 29, 2026Activities galore are in store for you when you visit various Pennsylvania Dutch areas of Lancaster County in June.
- Experience local food, music, history, and community at Intercourse Heritage Days in June.
- Take a Day Out with Thomas at the Strasburg Rail Road.
- Take in some live music at Longs Park, Nissley Winery, or Mary Oehme Gardens.
- Check out Homestead Days at Plain & Fancy Farm for demos, food, games and more.
Lancaster Craft Beer and Lancaster Wineries: A Guide for AmishView Guests
March 11, 2026Key Takeaways on Lancaster Wineries and Breweries
- Discover Lancaster craft beer and Lancaster wineries near AmishView Inn & Suites, including brewery taprooms, winery tasting rooms, and local distilleries throughout Lancaster County.
- Explore convenient wine tasting locations in Bird-in-Hand, Intercourse, and Lancaster City, including Mount Hope Wine Gallery, Nissley Wines, Waltz Vineyards, and Thorn Hill Vineyards.
- Visit popular Lancaster craft beer breweries and taprooms, including Lancaster Brewing Company, Spring House Brewing Company, Bespoke Brewing, BierHall Brewing, and St. Boniface Craft Brewing.
- Plan your visit around the Lancaster Ale Trail, Discover Lancaster Brew Trail, Lititz Craft Beer Fest, and Lancaster Brewery Tours for the best local craft beverage experiences.
Lancaster County is widely known for its farmland, Amish heritage, and Pennsylvania Dutch cooking. Over the past decade, however, the region has also become a destination for Lancaster craft beer, Lancaster wineries, and locally distilled spirits. Visitors can explore brewery taprooms, winery tasting rooms, and distilleries across the county, many located just minutes from AmishView Inn & Suites in Bird-in-Hand.
Trip Itinerary to Celebrate America 250 in Lancaster County
February 13, 2026Key Takeaways: Your America 250 History Itinerary
- A Landmark Celebration: Join the national celebration of America’s 250th birthday with a curated journey through Lancaster County—a region uniquely blending Revolutionary leadership, colonial faith, and the pursuit of freedom.
- Four Days of Discovery: Experience a comprehensive “History Hub” itinerary covering the Ephrata Cloister, President James Buchanan’s Wheatland, the nation’s oldest farmers market, and the new Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center.
- Diverse American Stories: Explore the layered history of the region, from the endurance of Amish agricultural traditions and Pennsylvania German craftsmanship to the pivotal roles played in the Underground Railroad and early American modern art.
- Interactive Heritage: Enhance your visit with seasonal hands-on farm demonstrations, historic steam train rides, and guided walking tours that reveal Lancaster’s brief tenure as the United States capital.
- The Perfect Home Base: Stay in the heart of history at AmishView Inn & Suites, offering a tranquil countryside retreat with convenient, central access to every landmark on the America 250 trail.
A History-Filled Road Trip: From Philadelphia to Lancaster, Gettysburg to Washington, DC
February 11, 2026Road Trip Highlights at a Glance
- A scenic east coast historical road trip connecting Philadelphia, Lancaster County, Gettysburg, and Washington, DC.
- Explore Revolutionary War landmarks in Philadelphia and Valley Forge
- Experience Amish heritage and historic sites on a memorable Lancaster County road trip
- Walk the battlefield on a powerful Gettysburg road trip through Civil War history
- Discover iconic monuments and Smithsonian museums on your Washington DC road trip
As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, there’s no better way to honor the nation’s history than by exploring the places where it all began. If you’re planning an East Coast historical road trip, consider taking a scenic and meaningful route from Philadelphia to Washington, DC, with Lancaster County and Gettysburg as unforgettable stops along the way.
Why You Should Visit Lancaster County During Pennsylvania’s Big Sports Year
February 11, 2026Key takeaways: Visiting Lancaster PA during the World Cup
- Stay just 90 minutes from Philadelphia’s FIFA World Cup matches and official Fan Fest locations
- Convenient to the MLB All-Star Game, PGA Championship, NFL Draft, and March Madness events across Pennsylvania
- Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary while exploring historic Lancaster County between game days
- Easy drives to FIFA World Cup Events in Philadelphia, New York/New Jersey, and Boston
2026 is shaping up to be a big year in Pennsylvania. As the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, there’s no better place to be than the birthplace of American democracy. Pennsylvania is home to the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the very spot where both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were debated and signed. But it’s not just about history this year—some of the biggest sporting events in the world are headed to the Keystone State, drawing travelers from across the country and around the globe.
Lancaster County Fairs and Farm Shows
February 4, 2026Key Facts about Lancaster County Farm Shows and Fairs
- Lancaster County hosts an annual fall lineup of county fairs and farm shows that feature parades, livestock exhibits, competitions (baking, canning, sewing), live music, rides, and family-friendly activities each year.
- Major recurring fairs include community events in Elizabethtown, Denver, Solanco, Ephrata (large street fair), West Lampeter, New Holland, and Manheim, each offering local food, contests, and agricultural showcases that highlight regional traditions.
- The Pennsylvania Farm Show is the region’s largest agricultural exhibition held every winter and draws statewide exhibitors and visitors with livestock, competitions, commercial vendors, and specialty events.
- Visitors should plan ahead for busy weekends, check individual fair websites for exact schedules and admission details, and consider booking nearby lodging (such as AmishView Inn & Suites) to relax after a full day of fall fun.