Category: Fall Activities
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.
A Guide to Apple Picking & Apples in Lancaster County
September 17, 2025Key Takeaways: Apple Picking in Lancaster County
- Vibrant Harvest Window: Lancaster’s apple season runs from mid-July through November, featuring early varieties like Yellow Transparent and late-season favorites like Fuji and Pink Lady.
- Expert Picking Tips: For the best orchard experience, dress in layers, wear sturdy closed-toe shoes, and always check current harvest schedules to ensure your preferred variety is ready for picking.
- Top U-Pick Locations: Discover local favorites like Kauffman Orchards (conveniently located right next to AmishView Inn), Cherry Hill Orchards, and Masonic Village Farm Market.
- Authentic Local Flavors: Beyond the orchards, indulge in “must-taste” treats including Miller’s Smorgasbord’s gourmet apple pie, fresh cider donuts, and traditional Pennsylvania Dutch Apple Snitz.
- Stay Near the Orchards: AmishView Inn & Suites offers the perfect autumnal home base, placing you within walking distance of prime picking at Kauffman Orchards and the heart of fall harvest country.
As autumn rolls in and the air turns crisp, apple season becomes one of the sweetest times of year here in Lancaster County. Whether you’re staying at AmishView Inn & Suites or exploring the countryside, there’s nothing like picking your own apples, tasting local treats, and slipping into cozy fall rituals. Some varieties of apple start to ripen in mid-July and others in November so make sure to check the orchards websites for when they will start pick your own and which varieties will be available.
Lancaster County Fairs and Festivals in September
July 19, 2025Key Takeaways: Autumn Fairs & Harvest Festivals in Lancaster
- Community Fair Season: Experience the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch culture through local annual fairs featuring agricultural exhibits, traditional parades, live music, and classic fair foods like handmade funnel cakes.
- Signature Arts & Entertainment: Plan your visit around prestigious regional events, including the juried Longs Park Art Festival over Labor Day weekend and the immersive Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, which runs from late summer through October.
- Harvest Traditions: Embrace the season with family-friendly activities like apple picking at local orchards, navigating massive corn mazes, and visiting pumpkin patches at iconic spots like Cherry Crest Farm and Oregon Dairy.
- A “Next-Door” Harvest Experience: Enjoy unmatched convenience when staying at AmishView Inn & Suites, located directly next to local favorites like Kauffman’s Fruit Market for fresh apple butter and cider.
Activities for Fall Fun in Lancaster County
September 8, 2024Key Takeaways: Your Guide to Autumn in Lancaster County
- Family-Friendly Farm Adventures: Explore the region’s top agricultural attractions, including the massive corn mazes at Cherry Crest Adventure Farm, and hayrides at Barnyard Kingdom.
- Thrills & Haunted History: From the terrifying haunted houses at Field of Screams to candlelit ghost tours and lantern-lit history walks through Lancaster City and Columbia, there are plenty of haunts for every level of bravery. Plus, check out “Happy Hauntings” at Dutch Wonderland.
- Unique Seasonal Experiences: Take part in one-of-a-kind local events like a Murder Mystery train ride on the Strasburg Rail Road, full-moon bonfires at the Wolf Sanctuary, or a subterranean tour of the historic Indian Echo Caverns.
- Classic Harvest Traditions: Enjoy the best of the season by visiting local apple orchards for pick-your-own fruit, attending the Lititz Craft Beer Fest, or spending a themed weekend at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire.
- Scenic Fall Foliage: Discover the best vistas for autumn colors in the Mid-Atlantic, including Breezyview Overlook and the Susquehannock State Park, all located just a short drive from AmishView Inn & Suites.