Chester County welcomes unique special events each season. From vibrant festivals to equestrian traditions and countryside charms, be inspired to plan ahead and book your stay today! Many accommodations offer packages with untimed tickets to Longwood Gardens: a must during summer and holiday seasons. These are just a sampling of events to enjoy; view our complete calendar of events for more inspiration.
Spring
Springtime paints the Brandywine Valley with beautiful blooms and inspiring events, from arts to equestrian.
Revel in rainbow rows of tulips and surround yourself in acres of indoor blooms in the lush conservatory at Longwood Gardens.
Spring kicks off equestrian season, featuring Winterthur Point to Point (May 5), Radnor Hunt Races (May 18), and the Devon Horse Show & Country Fair (May 22). View a complete list of equestrian events.
Visit the real studios of local artists throughout our vibrant Towns and Villages.
Summer
Summer is all about vibrant street festivals and outdoor celebrations. Embrace the season's lively atmospheres.
A not-to-be-missed experience for your summer trip itinerary, Longwood Gardens' 1719-jet Main Fountain Garden soars by day and illuminates by night to dance to unique musical themes. Book a stay with exclusive untimed tickets at participating accommodations.
Enjoy a celebration of all things sci-fi at Blobfest, honoring the the Colonial Theatre's cameo in the 1950's cult classic: The Blob. The vibrant street festival features costume contests, unique vendors, short film showdowns, and viewings of The Blob.
Self-proclaimed sommeliers will raise a glass to Kennett Summerfest, a vibrant local wine festival in the heart of Kennett Square.
Watch hot air balloons fly into Brandywine-blue skies at the Chester County Balloon Festival, paired with live music and countryside festival fun. Look no further for a unique way to spend time with Dad this Father's Day!
Folk lovers can enjoy a time-honored Chester County tradition, the Old Fiddlers Picnic at Hibernia Park. Jam with hundreds of fiddlers and musicians, or lay out a blanket and enjoy the show!
Celebrating 81 years in 2024, Ludwig's Corner Horse Show & Country Fair pairs the region's rich equine traditions with countryside family fun, featuring shops, rides and entertainment throughout the competition.
Car lovers congregate at the annual Radnor Hunt Concours d' Elegance, featuring an impressive collection of antique and classic cars to roam. This year features Allard sports and racing cars, Pre-War MGs, and Nickel Era Cars (c1912-1929)
Fall
Autumn is for agritourism - celebrate the harvest, from Mushrooms to locally crafted brews and intricately carved pumpkins.
The annual Mushroom Festival celebrates the region's proud title of the Mushroom Capital of the World. Learn about the growing process, sample farm-fresh bites, shop quirky mushroom merchandise and enjoy live music and street festival fun-gi for all.
Immerse yourself in revolutionary history with a reenactment of the 1777 Battle of Brandywine. Engage with living history at colonial campsites and learn about the era's trades, from gunsmithing to candle and lace making.
Kennett Brewfest is a celebration of all things craft brewing the the heart of Kennett Square. Sample sip from over 80 vendors amid live music, food trucks and boozy festival fun. Around here, we call it a Chester County Cheers!
The annual Great Pumpkin Carve showcases over 70 breathtaking pumpkins intricately carved by local artists in a vibrant festival atmosphere. Enjoy music, shopping, food trucks and fall fun, including a kid-friendly haunted trail.
Longwood Gardens will debut a sweeping 17-acre expansion this fall, featuring a new West Conservatory: a crystal palace structure seemingly floating on a pool of water. Other elements include a seasonal Waterlily Court, Bonsai Courtyard and more to inspire the imagination.
Holiday
Memories are made merry & bright throughout the holiday season. Surround yourself in shimmering light displays and tour divinely decorated du Pont mansions.
A favorite holiday tradition, A Longwood Christmas transforms Longwood Gardens into a winter wonderland of holiday magic. Roam acres of towering trees, shimmering tunnels of light, and breathtaking conservatories bursting with holiday cheer.
Explore cheery du Pont chateaus decadently dressed in holiday style. Step back in time at each property to learn about the holiday traditions of the era of aristocracy in perfectly preserved rooms.
Experience the annual West Chester Christmas parade. Floats, bands, and local entertainment fill the streets to welcome the holiday season. Enjoy a day in downtown West Chester before the parade with unique local shopping and delicious dining options.
Celebrate New Year’s Eve in the Mushroom Capital of the World at the Kennett Square Mushroom Drop: Midnight in the Square. Enjoy food, music, and local fun-gi under a magnificently massive mushroom before it drops 80 feet to welcome 2025.
The Phoenixville Firebird festival is a truly unique experience: a celebration of arts and culture, marvel at a 20-ft wooden Phoenix as it is set ablaze amid festival fun. Enjoy unique vendors and local performers, from musicians to fire breathers.