Lancaster’s two-day Rhubarb Festival returns to Kitchen Kettle Village

For over 40 years, Kitchen Kettle Village has come alive each May with the celebration and sweet aroma of rhubarb. A harbinger of spring in Pennsylvania Dutch Country, rhubarb is celebrated in every form at this annual, two-day event. Enjoy delicious rhubarb foods, the traditional rhubarb race-car derby, live music, entertainment, activities, a bake off, and so much more on May 15 &16, 2026.

A Celebration of All Things Rhubarb

Rhubarb is the rockstar of this event—enjoy delectable rhubarb foods throughout the Village, like rhubarb dips, sauces, baked goods, drinks, and more.

Rhubarb Dessert Contest: Saturday, May 16

The Annual Rhubarb Baking Contest returns with proceeds benefiting the Lancaster Farmland Trust. Bakers are invited to compete in Pie, Cake, and Dessert categories, with multiple entries allowed and prizes awarded for top creations, including a $250 Best of Show. Interested bakers are encouraged to register and submit their best rhubarb recipes for a chance to take home top honors.

Supporting Local Farmland

Proceeds from many of the other festival’s activities will also benefit the Lancaster Farmland Trust, including fresh rhubarb sales—featuring more than 300 pounds of locally grown Lancaster County rhubarb—the Rhubarb Race Car Derby, and the sale of cookbooks, fascinators, and festival tote bags.

The Rhubarb VIP Experience

The 2026 VIP Rhubarb Festival Package offers an immersive, all-day experience celebrating the flavors of spring, beginning with a curated shopping bag pickup at The Deerskin Leather Shop. The package includes a variety of rhubarb-inspired vouchers from participating Village shops, along with a meal at The Harvest Café and access to special activities like the Rhubarb Stroll.

Festival Fun & Daily Happenings

Friday, May 15

The festival runs from 9AM–4PM on Friday with plenty to explore throughout the Village. Shop fresh Lancaster County rhubarb and cookbooks, sample specialty sauces, and connect with a Penn State Master Gardener for tips on growing and harvesting. Enjoy live music from Red Hill Road and the Summit Hill Bluegrass Band, plus performances by a strolling comedian and a one-man band. Don’t miss cheese-stretching demos, an interactive fascinator-making session, and a photo-worthy rhubarb-themed backdrop.

Afternoon highlights include a pretzel twisting contest, the Rhubarb Race Car Derby (with its featured race at 3PM), and opportunities to meet the Lancaster Farmland Trust team. Plus, rhubarb-inspired dishes will be available all day throughout the Village.

Saturday, May 16

Saturday kicks off with the Best Rhubarb Dessert in Lancaster County Baking Contest, where award-winning entries will be available for purchase by the slice starting around 11AM. Throughout the day, browse fresh rhubarb and cookbooks for sale, enjoy specialty food samples, and stop by the photo-worthy rhubarb display.

Entertainment fills the Village with live performances from Nick DiSanto, the Rampart Street Ramblers, and the Roof Rockers, along with cheese-stretching demonstrations and local wine tastings. Festival favorites include the Rhubarb Race Car Derby with multiple races and prizes, the crowning of the Rhubarb King and Queen, and the lively Rhubarb Stroll parade. Guests can also connect with the Lancaster Farmland Trust and enjoy rhubarb-inspired dishes served all day.

Want to discover more local? Follow Fig on Facebook and Instagram for inspiration.