Things to Do
Things To Do in Lancaster, PA
Lancaster rewards curiosity. Walk out of the convention center, and you're already in the middle of one of the most historically rich, culturally active small cities in the Northeast. Whether your attendees have an hour between sessions or a full free day, the city gives them plenty of ways to spend it well.
Central Market
One of the oldest continuously operating farmers' markets in the country, Central Market has been at the heart of Lancaster City since 1730. The iconic red brick building on Penn Square is just steps from the convention center, and the vendors inside reflect everything that makes Lancaster food culture worth experiencing.
Stevens & Smith Center
The Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center is a new museum and education center by LancasterHistory, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Find inspiration in the courageous struggle for freedom and equality in America through exhibits, immersive media experiences, and educational programs.
The Fulton Theatre
One of the oldest continuously operating theaters in the country, Fulton Theatre delivers Broadway-quality productions in a beautifully restored 19th-century building just blocks from LCCC. Check the schedule before your event; your attendees may want to add a show to their plans.
Gallery Row
Lancaster's gallery district lines Prince Street with independent art galleries, studios, and creative businesses. It's a genuinely walkable stretch worth an afternoon, especially during First Friday events when galleries open their doors to the public.
Penn Medicine Park
Home of the Lancaster Barnstormers, Penn Medicine Park offers minor league baseball in a setting that's relaxed, affordable, and fun. It's an easy group outing for attendees looking for something to do on a free evening.
Southern Market
Right on the corner of South Queen and Vine Street, Southern Market is a modern food hall with 10 distinct food stands. Bar 1888 serves specialty cocktails, beer and wine on tap, and a coffee and pastry shop. It's a natural stop for groups looking for a casual, lively meal without committing to a single cuisine.
More to Explore in Lancaster
Lancaster's downtown delivers far more than you'd expect from a city its size. You'll find independent boutiques, antique shops, craft breweries, distilleries, wine bars, live music venues, and an arts scene that has grown steadily over the past two decades. The surrounding county adds covered bridges, Amish farmland, and rural landscapes that are unlike anything else in the Mid-Atlantic.
Use the interactive map to browse attractions, museums, shopping, and entertainment options near the convention center.
Seasonal Highlights
Spring and Summer
Outdoor dining fills the streets, Central Market is at its peak, and Penn Medicine Park has games most evenings. Lancaster's walkable neighborhoods are at their best when the weather cooperates.
Fall
Lancaster County's farm country turns into one of the most scenic drives in Pennsylvania. Harvest festivals, apple orchards, and farmers' markets make fall a popular time to extend a trip.
Winter
The holiday season brings festive events throughout downtown Lancaster, including the annual Penn Square tree lighting and holiday markets. The Fulton Theatre's winter programming draws visitors from across the region.
Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do in Lancaster
What are the top attractions near the Lancaster County Convention Center?
Central Market, Southern Market, the Fulton Theatre, Gallery Row, and LancasterHistory are all within easy walking distance of LCCC. Clipper Magazine Stadium is a short drive away.
Is Lancaster walkable for event attendees?
Very much so. The convention center sits in the heart of downtown, and most major attractions, restaurants, and shops are within a few blocks. Your attendees won't need a car to have a full evening out.
What is Lancaster known for?
Lancaster is known for its Pennsylvania Dutch heritage, farm-fresh food culture, well-preserved historic architecture, and a thriving independent arts and dining scene. It's one of the most distinctive mid-size cities in the Northeast.
Are there things to do in Lancaster in the evening?
Plenty. Downtown Lancaster has live music, craft breweries, cocktail bars, theater performances, and restaurant options that keep things lively well into the evening. The Fulton Theatre and Southern Market are both popular evening destinations.
Is Lancaster a good destination for group outings?
Yes. The combination of walkable dining, arts and culture, historic sites, and outdoor options gives groups plenty to choose from regardless of interest or budget.