Life is expensive, nowadays — here are a few opportunities to have a stellar weekend without spending a dollar.
There are many festivals, car shows, mixers and artistic events happening this weekend that don’t require payment for admission, and often include many fun, free activities, too.
Events include a two-day festival in Intercourse, two car shows, a free concert, a chance to see artists in action, a strawberry-themed picnic and a Juneteenth mixer.
Here are seven free events to check out in Lancaster County this weekend.
READ: Pride Month 2024: 22 events to celebrate LGBTQ+ pride in Lancaster County
Intercourse Heritage Days
If two days of food, kid-friendly activities, tournaments, tractor pulls, live entertainment and a laser show sound like a fun time to you, consider checking out Intercourse Heritage Days. There will be a volleyball tournament, a cornhole tournament, a pancake and sausage breakfast, a food court that showcases Lancaster County foods and more.
More information: Friday from 5-9 p.m., Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. | Intercourse Community Park, 3730 Old Philadelphia Pike, Gordonville | Cost: Free admission, though tournaments have entry fees to play | More info
Thunder on the River
The Columbia Lions Club will host its annual Thunder on the River car show, featuring more than 500 cars on display on Locust Street in Columbia. Car registrations have sold out, so those planning to attend should do so as spectators.
More information: Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Locust Street between Front Street and 6th Street in Columbia | Cost: Free admission | More info
Paint the City
Many Lancaster city art galleries and businesses will host outdoor painters for this year’s Paint the City event. Those interested can stop by a participating location — Freiman Stoltzfus Gallery, Lancaster Art Vault, Nooks Gallery & Bookstore, Red Raven Art Company, EsoArts and Third Story, with the potential for more to be added — and watch painters work outside.
More information: Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Multiple locations in downtown Lancaster | Cost: Free admission | More info
Cars for Chance
There will be a car show at Comet Field that honors Chance Canfield, who died at age 26 on Feb. 20. All vehicles are welcome to be shown, from motorcycles to 18-wheelers, with proceeds from the car admission fee going toward the 22 Project, an organization that helps veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries. There will also be two food trucks on site.
More information: Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. | Comet Field Park, Millersville Road, Lancaster | Cost: $5 to show a car, free for spectators | More info
Strawberry Social
Liv_Etown, a group that plans community events for those in Elizabethtown, will host a strawberry social event this weekend, featuring plenty of free activities, from a candy buffet, to a pie eating contest, to bounce houses and other activities for children. Attendees are encouraged to wear red and bring picnic accessories — someone may even be chosen to be the Strawberry Princess. There will also be food trucks, a makers market and more.
More information: Sunday from 1-6 p.m. | Elizabethtown Borough Park, 1 Ken Lane, Elizabethtown | Cost: Free admission | More info
Juneteenth cultural mixer
Get out and meet some community members with Crispus Attucks’ third annual Cultural Mixer event this Sunday. The mixer will include food and drinks, as well as live entertainment and opportunities to connect.
More information: Sunday from 5-8 p.m. | Crispus Attucks Community Center, 407 Howard Ave., Lancaster | Cost: Free admission | More info
Snacktime
Philadelphia-based soul/funk group Snacktime will perform at Long’s Park this Sunday as part of the park’s free summer concert series. This performance is one of the first concerts in Snacktime’s summer tour with Portugal. The Man, which also features venues like the Red Rocks Amphitheatre, the Bowery Ballroom and the Red Butte Garden Amphitheatre.
More information: Sunday at 7:30 p.m. | Long’s Park, 1441 Harrisburg Ave., Lancaster | Cost: Free admission | More info