Top Annual Events in Gettysburg, PA: A Year-Round Guide to Festivals, Parades & Celebrations

Gettysburg might be famous for one historic battle, but this charming Pennsylvania town knows how to celebrate all year long. Whether you're a history buff, a music lover, a foodie, or just looking for a great weekend getaway, Gettysburg's annual events calendar has something for everyone.

Here's your month-by-month guide to the top annual events in Gettysburg, PA.

Spring: Racing, Blooms & Bluegrass

Gettysburg Festival of Races (April)

Lace up your running shoes! The Gettysburg Festival of Races combines multiple historic races into one weekend, including a 5K, 10K, and half marathon. You'll run through the hallowed grounds near the battlefield, making this one of the most scenic race courses in the country. It's a beautiful way to experience Gettysburg in the early spring.

Adams County Apple Blossom Festival (April)

Celebrate the arrival of spring at the Adams County Apple Blossom Festival, held at the National Apple Museum in nearby Biglerville. This free family-friendly event features craft vendors, live music, food trucks, and — of course — the apple blossoms themselves. Adams County is one of the top apple-growing regions in the country, and the spring bloom is absolutely stunning.

Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival — Spring Edition (May)

Twice a year, the sounds of banjos and fiddles fill the air at the Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival, held at Granite Hill Camping Resort. The spring edition (May 14–17, 2026) brings nationally recognized bluegrass artists for four days of live performances, camping, jam sessions, and family fun. Whether you're a seasoned bluegrass fan or a curious newcomer, the atmosphere is infectious.

Summer: Brass Bands, Parades & Wine

Gettysburg Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony (May)

Gettysburg's tradition of honoring fallen heroes stretches back to 1867, making this one of the oldest continuously running Memorial Day parades in America. The Annual Gettysburg Memorial Day Parade marches through the historic streets and concludes with a solemn ceremony at the Soldiers' National Cemetery — the very place where Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address.

Gettysburg Brass Band Festival (June)

For five days in June, the Gettysburg Brass Band Festival fills the air with the stirring sounds of brass music. Multiple bands perform at venues throughout town, including the brick courtyard at the Gettysburg National Cemetery. It's all free and open to the public, making it one of the best free summer events in Gettysburg.

Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival — August Edition (August)

Can't make the spring festival? The Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival returns August 13–16, 2026, with another round of world-class bluegrass performances. The August edition often features different artists, so many fans attend both weekends.

Gettysburg Wine & Music Festival (September)

Sip and sway at the Gettysburg Wine & Music Festival, held in September. This two-day event showcases wines and spirits from across central Pennsylvania, paired with live music and food vendors. It's the perfect late-summer outing for couples and friend groups.

Fall: Apples, Heritage & History

Adams County Heritage Festival (September)

Celebrate the diverse cultural heritage of Adams County at this free community event, typically held in September. Enjoy international food, music, dancing, and activities that highlight the many cultures that make up the Gettysburg community.

National Apple Harvest Festival (October)

This is the event that puts Adams County on the map every fall. The National Apple Harvest Festival runs the first two full weekends in October (October 3–4 and 10–11, 2026) in Biglerville, just 20 minutes from Gettysburg. Expect handmade crafts, live entertainment, incredible food (apple dumplings! apple cider! apple everything!), and a true autumn festival atmosphere. It's consistently ranked as one of the best fall festivals in Pennsylvania.

Remembrance Day Parade & Illumination (November)

Every November, Gettysburg honors the anniversary of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address with a full weekend of events. The Remembrance Day Parade on November 14 features Civil War living history groups marching through town in a colorful, historical display. Later in the month, the Remembrance Day Illumination at the Soldiers' National Cemetery offers a candlelight tribute — a deeply moving experience.

Winter: A Gettysburg Christmas

A Gettysburg Christmas Festival (December)

Gettysburg goes all out for the holidays. A Gettysburg Christmas Festival (December 4–6, 2026) kicks off with the annual Tree Lighting and Tuba Carol Fest at Lincoln Square, where dozens of tuba players perform holiday carols. The weekend-long festival features crafts vendors, carriage rides, live music, and the timeless charm of a small-town Christmas. It's the kind of event that makes you believe in magic again.

Planning Your Gettysburg Event Weekend

Many of these annual events draw large crowds, so booking your accommodations early is essential. Staying at The Getty House puts you right in the heart of Gettysburg, walking distance to Lincoln Square, downtown shops, restaurants, and the National Cemetery. Our boutique B&B is the perfect home base for experiencing everything Gettysburg's events calendar has to offer — all year round.

Check our availability and start planning your Gettysburg getaway today!