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.
If you’re making your way to Pennsylvania for any of these major events, consider adding a visit to Lancaster County to your itinerary. Just 90 minutes from Philadelphia and surrounded by rolling farmland, charming towns, and centuries of preserved heritage, Lancaster offers a quieter, more authentic American experience between game days. And with beautiful views of Amish farmland, spacious suites, and award-winning hospitality, AmishView Inn & Suites is the perfect place to stay while you’re here.
Major Sporting Events in Pennsylvania in 2026
FIFA World Cup Games – Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia will host six World Cup matches at Lincoln Financial Field between June 14 and July 4, 2026. These are expected to draw thousands of international fans. The city’s Lemon Hill in Fairmount Park will be home to the official FIFA Fan Fest, featuring live game viewings, entertainment, and local food vendors. Pennsylvania is the only state with multiple official Fan Fests, so even if you can’t make it to a match, you’ll still find plenty of excitement.
MLB All-Star Game – Philadelphia, PA
Baseball fans will descend on Citizens Bank Park on July 14, 2026, for the MLB All-Star Game, hosted by the Philadelphia Phillies. Whether you’re a longtime baseball enthusiast or just looking for an all-American summer experience, this is a great reason to visit.
PGA Championship – Newtown Square, PA
The PGA Championship will take place at Aronimink Golf Club from May 11 to May 17, 2026. Located just outside of Philadelphia, this is a chance to see world-class golfers compete on one of the Northeast’s premier courses.
NFL Draft – Pittsburgh, PA
Pittsburgh will host the NFL Draft from April 23 to 25, along with the NFL Draft Experience, a free festival that includes interactive exhibits, games, autograph sessions, and live entertainment.
NCAA March Madness – Philadelphia, PA
March Madness comes to Saint Joseph’s University’s Xfinity Mobile Arena for the first and second rounds on March 20 and 22. Expect the energy to be high as college basketball fans gather to watch their teams make a run for the title.
With all these events taking place across the state, now is the perfect time to plan a trip that blends the energy of live sports with the quiet beauty and rich history of Lancaster County.
Things to Do in Lancaster County Between Games
Lancaster County offers a welcome break from crowded stadiums and city traffic. Whether you’re here for a few hours or a few days, you’ll find plenty to explore—from history and the arts to food and scenic drives.
Dive into American History
Lancaster has long been a place where American stories come to life. Visit the new Stevens & Smith Center for History and Democracy Museum, which exams the struggle for freedom and equality in America. You can also explore the Ephrata Cloister, the Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum, Historic Rock Ford, and the home of President James Buchanan. Many don’t realize Lancaster was once the nation’s capital for a day. As this year is the 250th birthday of America, there has never been a better year to learn more about American history.
Experience the Arts and Amish Craftsmanship
Stroll Gallery Row in downtown Lancaster or visit the Demuth Museum, located in the former home of American modernist Charles Demuth. Just a short drive away, you’ll find The Quilt Shop at Miller’s, where hand stitched Amish-made quilts showcase a tradition of handcraft that’s both beautiful and deeply rooted in Lancaster’s culture. These are only a few places to find the amazing craftmanship and artwork of Lancaster County.
Taste the Flavors of Pennsylvania Dutch Country
There’s no shortage of good food in Lancaster County. Miller’s Smorgasbord is a favorite for its authentic Pennsylvania Dutch dishes like chicken pot pie, shoofly pie, and chow chow. You can also visit the Sturgis Pretzel Bakery, the country’s oldest commercial pretzel bakery, where you can even twist your own pretzel. Herr’s Factory Tours, local ice shops like Fox Meadow’s and local chocolate shops offer more ways to sample Lancaster’s best flavors. Or stop into Locally Made Food Shop, where you can pick up a selection of Lancaster County made food as well as Miller’s Bakery sticky buns and shoofly pie.
Take a Scenic Amish Buggy Ride
No trip to Lancaster County is complete without spending time in the Amish countryside. From AmishView Inn, you can take a buggy ride through the backroads, visit Amish-owned farms and shops, and witness a way of life that has changed very little over the centuries.
Catch a Show
Evenings in Lancaster can be just as memorable. Nearby entertainment includes Sight & Sound Theatre, where Broadway-style productions bring Bible stories to life on stage, and the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre, a great option for dinner and a show. These are just some of the great things to do in Lancaster County.
Plan a Road Trip to Explore American History
Lancaster is centrally located as you take your American 250th road trip from any of the games in New York, Philadelphia, Washington DC, or Boston. For a unique and charming experience, add a night (or two) at AmishView as you travel between the major East Coast cities. Check out our 250th Road Trip Itinerary that takes you from Philadelphia to Lancaster, Gettysburg to Washington, DC.
Ready to plan your trip?
Let AmishView Inn & Suites be your home base. Enjoy charming comfort, complimentary hearty breakfast, free wi-fi, and thoughtful extras that help your travel dollars go further.
Getting to Lancaster County
Getting to Lancaster from Philadelphia or Pittsburgh
Lancaster is easily accessible by rail service from Philadelphia, and by train or car from Pittsburgh. However, to explore Lancaster’s scenic backroads, farmers markets, and antique shops, having a car is ideal. Car rentals are available from the train station. A personal vehicle also makes it easier to explore all the surrounding heritage destinations during the 250th celebrations, including nearby stops in Philadelphia, Gettysburg (US Civil War), Washington DC., Valley Forge (American Revolution) and even Boston.
Coming for the FIFA World Cup or Fan Fests in Philadelphia or New York/New Jersey?
Lancaster is a comfortable drive (or train ride) from all the major 2026 World Cup locations in the Northeast. You’re just 90-minute drive from Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia, PA); and Lemon Hill in East Fairmount (Philly Fan Festival). And, within 2–3 hours of MetLife Stadium (NJ), Liberty State Park (FIFA Fan Festival™ NYNJ), Queens NY (NYNJ World Cup 26 Fan Zone Queens), Rockefeller Center, Manhattan NY (NY/NJ World Cup 26 & Telemundo Fan Village). Or 7 hours by car or train from Gillette Stadium (Boston, MA).
Whether you’re looking to stay in between matches or want to unwind in the countryside for a few days after the games, AmishView Inn & Suites provides the perfect balance of convenience and comfort.