Join the Fun at Kitchen Kettle Village’s 41st Annual Rhubarb Festival

On May 16 and 17, 2025, celebrate all things rhubarb at the 41st Annual Rhubarb Festival at Kitchen Kettle Village. With exciting contests, a lineup of entertainment, and delicious rhubarb-infused foods, this free community event is the perfect way to welcome spring in Lancaster County.

Rhubarb Recipes & Real Impact

Get ready to indulge in an array of rhubarb-infused dishes at the festival! From rhubarb dips and sauces to pies and drinks, Kitchen Kettle Village is the place to be for rhubarb lovers. Enjoy a wide range of creative culinary creations at the village’s eateries, or take part in sampling different rhubarb treats throughout the event.

Think your rhubarb recipe is prize-worthy? The Annual Rhubarb Baking Contest, held on Saturday, May 17, is your chance to prove it! Categories include Rhubarb Pie, Rhubarb Cake, and Rhubarb Dessert. All entries must feature rhubarb as a key ingredient. Prizes include gift certificates of $50, $35, and $25 for first, second, and third place in each category, with a $250 Best of Show award. Proceeds benefit the Lancaster Farmland Trust, and the public can support the cause by purchasing and sampling the entries after judging.

The Lancaster Farmland Trust is the heart of the festival, with proceeds from events like the Rhubarb Baking Contest, Rhubarb Derby, and the sale of Lancaster County-grown rhubarb going toward preserving the region’s beautiful farms for future generations. For the entire month of May, profits from MOMS Pretzels will also benefit the trust, helping to support local agriculture.

Rhubarb Rhythms & Festival Fun

The festival offers a jam-packed schedule of entertainment and activities for all ages on both Friday, May 16, and Saturday, May 17. On Friday, guests can catch the Red Hill Road duo performing live, or enjoy the antics of strolling comedian Geist. At the top of the Village, Nick DiSanto, the one-man band, will keep the energy high, while Summit Hill Bluegrass Band takes the stage. The day also features cheese stretching demonstrations at Aged & Cured, and a Pretzel Twisting Contest with prizes for participants. Don’t miss the unique Rhubarb Race Car Derby, where guests can make their own rhubarb car and race it to benefit the Lancaster Farmland Trust.

Saturday kicks off with the Best Rhubarb Dessert in Lancaster County Baking Contest, followed by the chance to purchase and sample the entries. The Rhubarb Race Car Derby returns with races, offering cash prizes for winners. Live performances continue throughout the day, including George Papazekos and the Rampart Street Ramblers performing Dixieland favorites. The official Rhubarb King & Queen will be crowned, followed by the festive Rhubarb Stroll, featuring a mini parade with the royalty, the Dutchyfunk Band, and more. Browse the festival schedule by day and time!

Go Full Rhubarb: The VIP Way

For those looking to take their rhubarb celebration to the next level, the VIP Rhubarb Festival Package offers an exclusive, all-access experience. The VIP adventure begins at By Candle Light, where guests pick up a bright pink shopping bag filled with rhubarb-themed goodies and offers from participating Village shops.

The VIP package includes:

• A meal at The Harvest Cafe (up to $17 value), featuring rhubarb-inspired specials and desserts
• A refreshing Strawberry Rhubarb Cloud beverage from The Roasted Rooster
• A pound of fresh Lancaster County rhubarb with a recipe booklet
• A half-pint jar of Strawberry Rhubarb Jam from The Jam & Relish Kitchen
• A chocolate-covered rhubarb treat from Pepper Lane Fudge & Sweets
• A Strawberry Rhubarb Mini Candle from By Candle Light
• A Rhubarb Rosé Shushie from Waltz Vineyards
• A Strawberry Rhubarb Mocktail Mixer from The Olive Basin
• A Strawberry Rhubarb Thumbprint Cookie from The Bake Shop
• A bar of Very Berry Rhubarb Soap from Village Soap Company
• A stretch bracelet in a choice of green or pink from The Jewelry Bar
• A VIP Rhubarb Festival T-shirt, shopping bag, and commemorative festival lanyard

VIP guests are also invited to participate in the Rhubarb Stroll on Saturday, May 17, dressed in their best red, pink, or green outfits for this colorful and cheerful mini parade. The cost is $50 per package (plus tax and booking fee), making it a fantastic way to enjoy a full day of rhubarb-infused fun, food, and festivities at Kitchen Kettle Village.

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