Celebrate Lancaster Returns Friday with Added Dance Parties and App-Exclusive Livestreaming

After being re-scheduled due to weather, Celebrate Lancaster returns to downtown Lancaster on Friday, August 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. This popular annual event showcases the diverse cultures and residents of Lancaster City and features live performances, food vendors, local organizations, and an array of unique vendors. 

This year, in partnership with Crispus Attucks Community Center, the event will honor Umoja, which means the spirit of community and unity in Swahili, and highlight the connection to the Juneteenth holiday. Umoja programming includes spoken word, live band performances, and the Umoja Community Champion Awards.

The event will feature an impressive lineup of performances, live music, food vendors and more. There will also be two beer gardens for 21+ attendees to enjoy. Rounding out the event, there will be three themed DJ dance parties.

For those who cannot attend the new date in person, there will be a livestream of the live performances available exclusively on the Visit Lancaster City app. For more information about the app and how to get it, go to www.visitlancastercity.com/app. 

The event’s schedule is as follows:

Food Trucks
11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Music
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Live Performances
3 – 9 p.m.

Beer Gardens
11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Dance Parties
5:15 – 6 p.m. (1980’s)
7:15 – 9 p.m. (1990’s)
9 – 10 p.m. (2000’s)

Celebrate Lancaster will take place on the 000 and 100 blocks of N. Queen St., stretching from Penn Sq. to Chestnut St. The main stage this year will be in Penn Square.

Street closures include:

7 a.m. – E. Grant St. at Christian St. to N. Queen St.

7 a.m. – 000 and 100 blocks of N. Queen St., Market St. at King St. and William Henry Pl.

11 a.m. – Queen St. at Orange St.

Towing begins at 7 a.m. Friday. Traffic delays are to be expected during the event. Drivers should seek alternate routes or parking if possible.

Celebrate Lancaster is presented by Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health, with additional support from Benchmark Construction, Penn Stone, UGI Utilities, and Willow Valley Communities.

For more information about performers, vendors and more, visit www.visitlancastercity.com/city-events/celebrate-lancaster.