Updated for 2026.
Summer in Hershey, PA, is packed with more than roller coasters and chocolate treats. Concerts, festivals, food events, outdoor adventures, and family attractions fill the season with plenty to enjoy.
Spend one day at Hersheypark, then plan a river cruise, chocolate class, craft beer tasting, or fireworks night nearby. Keep reading for some of our favorite summer events and activities worth adding to your Hershey getaway!
Art, Music, and Performances
Summer brings concerts, comedy, family shows, and live entertainment to Hershey. Hersheypark Stadium and other Hershey Entertainment venues host big seasonal performances throughout the summer.
If you have a specific show in mind, check the full Hershey Entertainment schedule before your visit. Popular concerts and performances can sell quickly, so it’s worth planning ahead.
For something quieter, visit Art In The Wild at Wildwood Park in nearby Harrisburg. This free outdoor art exhibit features nature-inspired installations along the trails, with themes and dates changing each year.
Festivals and Events
Summer around Hershey brings more than park days and chocolate stops. The season is packed with music, food, history, and community celebrations that make a getaway feel even more memorable.
Celtic Fling and Highland Games
🍫 June 27 & 28, 2026
Hershey, PA, hosts plenty of summer festivals and events for those who love local flavor. One favorite is the Celtic Fling and Highland Games, a lively celebration of Celtic music, dancing, food, artisan vendors, and traditional athletic competitions.
Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire
🍫 Saturdays & Sundays | August 15 – October 25, 2026
Ready to step into another world for the day? The Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire at Mount Hope Estate & Winery brings a full Tudor-style village to life with costumed characters, artisan shops, music, food, and live performances.
You can watch jousting, browse the marketplace, visit the taverns, and try classic faire favorites like giant turkey legs.
Pro Tip: Each weekend usually has its own theme, so it’s worth checking the schedule before you go.
Food and Drink
Summer is a delicious time to explore beyond Hershey’s classic chocolate stops. Nearby food festivals, craft beverage events, and riverfront celebrations offer flavors you don’t want to miss!
4th of July Food Truck Festival
🍫 July 4, 2026
Celebrate America’s 250th year near Hershey with food, music, and fireworks along the Susquehanna River. Harrisburg’s July 4th Food Truck Festival takes place at Riverfront Park and features dozens of food trucks, live music, a wine and beer garden, kids’ activities, and more.
Guests can enjoy everything from funnel cakes and loaded fries to lobster rolls, burgers, cheesesteaks, milkshakes, and global flavors. Bring lawn chairs or a blanket, then settle in for one of the area’s favorite fireworks displays over the river!
Attend BrewFest
🍫 July 18, 2026
If you enjoy craft beer, BrewFest at Fort Hunter Park makes a fun summer afternoon near Hershey. Local and regional breweries gather along the riverfront for tastings, live music, food trucks, and conversations with the brewers themselves.
This is one of our favorite summer events in Hershey. You’ll have the chance to sample a wide range of Pennsylvania craft beers while relaxing outdoors at one of the area’s most scenic historic parks.
Pro Tip: Tickets are usually cheaper when purchased in advance.
Outdoor Activities
Summer is a great time to get outside around Hershey. River cruises, kayaking, biking trails, and scenic parks offer a slower way to enjoy the season, away from the crowds and attractions.
Boat Cruise on the Susquehanna River
For a romantic summer evening near Hershey, plan a cruise aboard the Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat. Specialty cruises often include sunset dinners, live music rides, and Sips on the Susquehanna dates throughout the season.
It’s a lovely way to slow down after a day of exploring. Settle in for river views, summer breezes, and the Harrisburg skyline glowing in the distance!
Kayak in Central Pennsylvania
Spend a warm summer day on the water with a kayak rental from Cocoa Kayak. Swatara Creek offers a peaceful way to enjoy the region’s natural beauty, especially when you want a break from busier attractions.
Prefer calmer water? Memorial Lake is a lovely choice for kayaking or pedal boating at an easier pace.
Bike, Walk, or Run Race
🍫 June 7, 2026
Spend a summer morning exploring Harrisburg on the Tour de Belt, a fully supported ride around the Capital Area Greenbelt. The scenic route spans 18 miles and connects parks, river views, neighborhood trails, and local landmarks.
This isn’t a race, so you can ride at your own pace, stop for photos, and enjoy rest stops along the way. The day ends at the Finish Line Fest with food trucks, music, and a chance to celebrate outdoors.
Biking not your thing? Join the Walk for 250 instead, a 2.5-mile route that lets you enjoy the Greenbelt at an easier pace!
Parks and Attractions
Hershey’s parks and attractions offer plenty to do between summer events and restaurant stops.
The Hershey Story Chocolate Classes & Tastings
🍫 Daily
A trip to Hershey feels even sweeter when you make time for The Hershey Story Museum. Their Chocolate Lab offers hands-on classes where you pour, decorate, taste, and create your own chocolate masterpiece to take home. You’ll also learn about cacao, chocolate origins, and how chocolate is refined.
For something slower, try the museum’s warm-drinking-chocolate tastings. Guests can sample flights inspired by chocolate traditions from around the world, featuring rich, fruity flavor profiles.
Ride the Hershey Trolley
🍫 Daily
Step into Hershey’s history with a ride on Hershey Trolley Works. These guided tours blend sightseeing, storytelling, and a little chocolate tasting as you learn more about Milton Hershey and the town he built.
You may see places tied to Mr. Hershey’s life, including his historic home, Milton Hershey School, and Highpoint Mansion.
Plan Your Summer Vacation
There are so many must-see 2026 summer events in Hershey, PA, that you must include on your itinerary, and our list is just the beginning!
We know a lot about what is happening this summer, and we also have comprehensive guides to fall festivals and winter activities.
Fun in Hershey happens year-round — book your stay at 1825 Inn and enjoy easy access to the best events, attractions, and activities nearby.
Photo Credit: © Carney05 via canva.com, © yoh4nn via canva.com, © Ekaterina79 via canva.com
