Art, Music, and Community: The Long’s Park Art Festival Returns This Labor Day Weekend

Labor Day weekend in Lancaster County is synonymous with a beloved tradition: the Long’s Park Art Festival. Taking place Friday, September 4 through Sunday, September 6, this three-day celebration transforms the park’s tree-lined grounds into a vibrant outdoor art gallery.

What began in 1979 as a modest fundraiser for the park’s Summer Music Series has grown into a nationally acclaimed event and an essential pillar of the local community. The festival’s reach extends far across the country, bringing artists in from 29 states. While Lancaster hosts many wonderful craft and maker gatherings throughout the year, the Long’s Park Art Festival stands apart through the sheer caliber of work and its national perspective, bringing a large variety of creative talent to Central Pennsylvania.

Whether you are an avid collector, a casual browser, or simply looking for a fun day out with family, the festival offers an easy “pick-your-own-adventure” atmosphere. Visitors can explore the booths, meet the artists, and discover art in more than 20 artistic mediums, ranging from fine woodworking and ceramics to expertly crafted jewelry and painting. Attendees can also take a chance at the Raffle Art Gallery for an opportunity to take home an original work.

Beyond the gallery booths, the park grounds buzz with energy. Families can bring little ones to the nearby playgrounds or stop by the Kids Art Tent, where children can roll up their sleeves for hands-on craft projects. A central field transforms into a bustling food court surrounded by local food trucks, while pop-up pubs serve beer, wine, cocktails, and the local-favorite Jimmy Juice to keep you refreshed as you stroll. New for 2026, the weekend will feature acoustic music sets from local and regional performers each day of the festival.

Supporting the Future: Raise the Roof, Lancaster! Campaign

As the Art Festival continues to nourish the park’s present lineup of events, a vital initiative is underway to secure its future. The Long’s Park Amphitheater Foundation has launched the Raise the Roof, Lancaster! campaign, dedicated to repairing the amphitheater’s iconic roof and setting the stage for future physical and programming enhancements. To celebrate those financially supporting this vision, the Foundation has partnered with Art Research Enterprises to create a dedicated Donor Art Wall—enhancing the amphitheater as a piece of art in its own right. Donors contributing $500 or more (payable over five years) will be permanently honored on this wall on the side of the venue. As Co-Chair Laura Schanz shares: “Our generation has the responsibility and the privilege of making the biggest changes to Long’s Park Amphitheater since its opening 60-plus years ago. Together we can ensure this hallmark of summer in Lancaster continues for the next 60 years. Please join us!”

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