Pennsylvania has been a hotbed of quirky and offbeat events that add a unique flair to the Keystone State. From the annual Groundhog Day festivities in Punxsutawney, where Punxsutawney Phil predicts the weather, to the colourful and whacky Mummers Parade in Philadelphia and the zombie filled Living Dead Weekend in Evans City and Monroeville. The large choice of fun and unusual events provides many reasons to choose to visit Pennsylvania in 2024.
Not just a movie but an annual ceremony that takes place on 2nd February in Punxsutawney in western Pennsylvania, focusing on a semi-mythical groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil.
The event derives from the Pennsylvania Dutch superstition that if a groundhog emerges from its burrow on this day and sees its shadow, it will retreat to its den and winter will go on for six more weeks; if it does not see its shadow, spring will arrive early.
In 1886, a spirited group of groundhog hunters from Punxsutawney dubbed themselves “The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club” and proclaimed Punxsutawney Phil, the local groundhog, to be the one and only weather prognosticating groundhog. Phil’s fame spread and today you will find up to 30,000 in attendance and millions watching on television or streaming on the internet.
This famous New Year’s Day parade in Philadelphia is believed to be the oldest folk festival in America. An undeniably unique event, most likened to Mardi Gras in New Orleans, this is a must-see if you are looking for something colourful and exuberant. It features 10,000 men and women dressed in spectacular and unusual costumes as they and parade down Philadelphia’s Broad Street.
Forest County Bigfoot Festival
Will you spot the elusive sasquatch at the annual Forest County Bigfoot Festival? Join the hunt for bigfoot with professional and casual enthusiasts in Allegheny National Forest. Be sure to take home cryptid keepsakes from more than 100 vendors selling bigfoot gifts and knickknacks. The free event takes place from 7-9th June in Marienville.
From 7-9th June zombie lovers flock to Evans City and Monroeville in western Pennsylvania for The Living Dead Weekend. Located in the towns where the Living Dead movie was filmed, the event features autograph sessions with members of the cast and crew, film screenings, movie location tours and parties.
This year’s zombie-con will host three creepy cast reunions from “Creepshow,” “Creepshow 2,” and “Night of the Creeps!”
Looking for more spooky film locations? Take a journey on the Pennsylvania’s Horror Film Trail.
Enchanted Valley Fairy and Pirate Festival
2024 will be the third event, organised by the Actors Guild of Schuylkill County, which sees people of all ages dressed as fairies, pirates, or other magical beings converge on the small and beautiful community of Heckschersville.
During the festival, which takes place on 22nd June there will be costumed creatures of all kinds, games, dances, activities, a petting zoo, vendors, food trucks, refreshments, and more.
This cultural festival. Which takes place in December, celebrates the borough of Phoenixville, honouring the mythological creature that shares their name. The event showcases local artists, musicians, and performers and culminates with an enormous bonfire and the ceremonial burning of a giant wooden bird.
Voted 2023’s Best Specialty Food Festival in the nation by “USA Today” (the third time it was won this coveted award), Picklesburgh promises a dill-icious good time at this pickle-themed festival in Downtown Pittsburgh, taking place in late July! Pickle fanatics can enjoy all the pickled treats they can imagine, from fried pickles and pickle tots to pickled cocktails and shots. If you’re a truly diehard pickle lover, consider entering the pickle juice-drinking contest. The winner ascends to the coveted title of Mayor of Picklesburgh.
In the small town of Pittston in northeastern Pennsylvania, you’ll find a festival celebrating the humble tomato. Pittston’s claim to fame is their delicious home-grown tomatoes and for nearly 40 years has celebrated this. The four-day festival now draws more than 100,000 people and takes place in August (2024 dates TBC).
You’ll find everything from tomato ice cream to traditional Italian foods like tripe, ravioli, eggplant, and sausage. There’s a parade, live entertainment, a fun run and even a Little Miss and Little Mr. Tomato contest!
Groundhog Day isn’t Pennsylvania’s only quirky animal holiday, Juniata River Valley celebrates Goose Day weekend every year! The two-century-old legend says that if you eat goose on Sep. 29, you’ll attract wealth and prosperity for the coming year. This year’s festivities will be lit up by a Goose Day Drone Light Show. Embrace this unconventional tradition and lock in your luck year over year.
For information on more quirky events in Pennsylvania click here.
