From extraterrestrial mysteries to festive parades to agricultural marvels, Pennsylvania has some unique and fun events in store for family travelers this year. Here are nine especially quirky happenings coming up in the state:
Pennsylvania Farm Show (Jan. 4–11)
This farm show, in Harrisburg, is the largest indoor agricultural exposition in the country. This year’s theme is Powering Pennsylvania, highlighting the state’s role as a family-run agritourism destination and green-energy producer. Attractions include mini highland cows and an expanded So You Want to Be a Farmer exhibit. Admission is free.
© Groundhog Club / Brittany Madera
Groundhog Day Celebration (Feb. 1–3)
Witness Punxsutawney Phil’s annual weather prediction over this three-day festival, complete with activities like Lunch with Phil and the Groundhog Ball. The main event is free to attend.
100 Nights of Taps (May 26–Sept. 1)
This service takes place at Gettysburg National Cemetery, honoring servicemembers and serving as a great place to educate kids about history.
Living Dead Weekend (June 6–8)
Celebrate George A. Romero’s legacy at the filming location of Dawn of the Dead. This weekend in Monroeville features zombie-themed film screenings, celebrity meet-and-greets and exclusive location tours.
Forest County Bigfoot Festival (June 6–8)
Hunt for Sasquatch in Allegheny National Forest and peruse Bigfoot-themed vendors, enjoy live music and take part in family-friendly activities. This free festival in Marienville also includes Bigfoot hunts and educational sessions on the legendary creature.
© Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau
Kecksburg UFO Festival (July 2025, exact dates TBA)
Take the kids to this out-of-this-world event, complete with UFO-themed activities and contests. The event is free to attend.
In Benezette, witness this majestic species up close and take part in educational exhibits, seminars and wildlife-viewing opportunities.
Juniata Goose Day (Sept. 26–29)
Unique to Central Pennsylvania, this tradition traces its origins to a centuries-old European custom symbolizing good fortune and abundance. Kids will love a mix of activities, markets and family-friendly events, as well as farm-to-table feasts featuring locally sourced goose dishes.
From pickled treats to pickle cocktails to the iconic pickle juice-drinking contest, pickle lovers won’t want to miss this quirky, Pittsburgh-based festival. Voted the country’s Best Specialty Food Festival, this event is free to attend.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedCruises
Oct 6, 2026Holland America Line Unveils New Beach Club, Food Pavilion at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay
Holland America Line recently revealed a refreshed RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, the cruise line’s private island in the Bahamas. Now, guests sailing on the line’s Caribbean cruises will discover a new RelaxAway, where recently completed enhancements bring more ways for families to relax, dine and play.
Sponsored Content
Celebrating 25 Years of The Peninsula Chicago
June marked The Peninsula Chicago’s 25th anniversary, commemorating a quarter century for the hotel as a pillar of luxury on North Michigan Avenue.
Europe
Oct 5, 2026Celebrate the Holidays on Italy’s Lake Garda
Typically thought of as a summer escape, Lake Garda offers holiday festivities for all ages, making a trip well worth it during the off-season. Grand Hotel Fasano, a historical lakeside retreat, remains open beyond its traditional early-November closure this year to welcome guests for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s celebrations. The hotel will remain open through Jan. 6, 2027.
Travel Tips
Oct 1, 2026Look to the Stars for Your Ideal Travel Destination
You've searched social media travel sites, sought the advice of travel providers, surveyed your friends for destination recommendations. But have you considered one important element ... your zodiac sign?
Sponsored Content
Best of Both Worlds
Enjoy the best of both worlds when you fly with TAP Air Portugal thanks to the Portugal Stopover program. With the program, TAP passengers, whether traveling for business, leisure or both, can stop in Portugal for up to 10 days at no additional airfare on the way to their final destination. What does this mean for travelers wishing to explore by both land and sea? It means after flying to Portugal with TAP and experiencing the country in an entirely new way, travelers can then embark on scenic river and ocean cruises from Portugal’s port cities, or fly with TAP to another European destination.
Parents
Sep 29, 20263 Destinations for a 5-Star Honeymoon on a Budget
After spending a small fortune on the wedding, you might find your budget stretched a bit thin for an incredible honeymoon. The good news is there are plenty of 5-star honeymoons to be had, even with a tight budget, and they’ll take you to some pretty incredible destinations around the world. A recent report from digital entertainment platform BC Game listed the top honeymoon destinations where happy couples can have an amazing stay without breaking the bank.
ShareThis