From the Flower Show to the Mummers Parade: Pennsylvania’s Biggest Annual Events in 2026
Pennsylvania is one of America’s most historically rich states, and its annual events reflect that depth. From centuries-old traditions in Philadelphia to major music, arts, and cultural festivals across the state, Pennsylvania offers a calendar shaped by heritage, creativity, and community pride.
Below is a month-by-month guide to Pennsylvania’s biggest annual events in 2026, with expanded coverage of the state’s most iconic and large-scale celebrations.
Read more: Pennsylvania Public School Calendar 2026: What the School Year Really Looks Like for Families
January: The Mummers Parade (Philadelphia)
Mummers Parade
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| Philadelphia Mummers Parade |
Held every New Year’s Day, the Mummers Parade is Philadelphia’s most distinctive cultural tradition and one of the oldest folk parades in the United States.
Dating back more than a century, the parade features elaborate costumes, live music, theatrical performances, and competitive “string band” performances. Its mix of humor, spectacle, and local identity makes it uniquely Pennsylvanian—and instantly recognizable worldwide.
February: Winter Festivals & Arts Season
February is a quieter month but still features winter arts festivals, museum programming, and seasonal events in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, making it a good time for cultural travel.
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| Winterfest |
March: Philadelphia Flower Show
Philadelphia Flower Show
The Philadelphia Flower Show is the largest and longest-running indoor flower show in the world. Hosted annually by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, it draws visitors from across the U.S. and abroad.
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| Philadelphia Flower Show |
Beyond floral displays, the show features landscape design, sustainability showcases, workshops, and large-scale artistic installations. It’s a signature spring event that positions Philadelphia as a global center for horticultural excellence.
April: Spring Festivals & Outdoor Culture
April marks the return of outdoor festivals, historic reenactments, and food events across Pennsylvania as warmer weather arrives.
May: Philadelphia Marathon Weekend & Cultural Festivals
Broad Street Run
The Broad Street Run is one of the largest 10-mile road races in the U.S., attracting tens of thousands of runners each spring. The race’s straight, fast course through Philadelphia makes it a major highlight for both athletes and spectators.
June: Pride Month & Music Festivals
Philadelphia Pride
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| Philadelphia Pride |
Philadelphia Pride is one of the nation’s most prominent LGBTQ+ celebrations, featuring parades, concerts, and community events in the historic heart of the city.
June also brings outdoor music festivals and waterfront events in Pittsburgh and along the Delaware River.
July: Independence Day in Philadelphia
Wawa Welcome America
As the birthplace of American independence, Philadelphia hosts one of the country’s most meaningful July 4 celebrations. The multi-day Wawa Welcome America festival includes concerts, fireworks, historical programming, and family events.
Few places in the U.S. connect Independence Day to living history as powerfully as Philadelphia.
August: County Fairs & Summer Traditions
August highlights Pennsylvania’s agricultural roots with county fairs, food festivals, and rural traditions across the state.
September: Musikfest & Fall Festivals
Musikfest
Held annually in Bethlehem, Musikfest is one of the largest free music festivals in the United States, featuring hundreds of performances across multiple stages.
Its blend of music, local food, and community atmosphere makes it a standout summer-to-fall event with national recognition.
October: Oktoberfest & Fall Foliage Events
October is peak season for Oktoberfest celebrations, fall foliage festivals, and harvest events, especially in eastern and central Pennsylvania.
November: Thanksgiving Traditions & Arts
November brings cultural performances, holiday kickoffs, and museum events across major cities, setting the stage for the winter season.
December: Christmas Village & Holiday Markets
Christmas Village in Philadelphia
Inspired by traditional German markets, the Christmas Village at LOVE Park is one of Pennsylvania’s most popular holiday attractions, featuring vendors, lights, and seasonal food.
Why Pennsylvania’s Major Events Stand Out
Pennsylvania’s annual events reflect the state’s role as a cultural and historical cornerstone of the United States. From the theatrical flair of the Mummers Parade to the global scale of the Philadelphia Flower Show, these events offer experiences rooted in tradition yet relevant to modern travelers.
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