Fairs & Festivals
The Shippensburg Community Fair.
Franklin County’s July Celebrations
By Bill Kamenjar
Franklin County residents know July is packed with a dynamic lineup of fairs, festivals, and celebrations with opportunities almost daily to attend one event or another.
As usual, the month kicks off with the Franklin County Fair (July 5 to 12). This is the annual staple of the region’s agricultural community featuring livestock shows, 4-H competitions, home goods and arts competitions, the Baby Barnyard, horse shows, tractor pulls, an Ag Knowledge Bowl, and nightly live musical acts like Chris Woodward & Shindiggin’ and Brush Fire. The fair is held in St. Thomas Township, just outside of Chambersburg.
Overlapping the end of the fair is the annual ChambersFest (July 11 to 18). Highly anticipated each year, the week-long community celebration features live music performances, the A Cappella and Unplugged contest, food events like Scoop-a-Palooza, the Old Market Day street festival, and the Burning of Chambersburg light show.
The 68th Annual Shippensburg Community Fair takes place from July 20 to July 25 at the Shippensburg Fairgrounds in Pennsylvania. This premier regional event offers family friendly carnival rides, thrilling tractor pulls, and delicious homemade foods from local non-profits, all celebrating the area’s rich agricultural heritage.
The Greencastle Country Music Festival returns to the Greencastle American Legion Picnic Grounds on July 25. This summer celebration features a robust lineup led by Leroy Burks. There is also a vendor village, cookouts, drink specials, raffles, and overnight camping among the scenic, creekside outdoor atmosphere in Greencastle.
Also in Greencastle is the annual Sidewalk Days on July 11. This traditional community gathering offers local food vendors and a designated acoustic guitar music area.
The Summer on the Farm at Antrim Spring Farm on July 25 is a family-friendly outdoor farm event featuring local music, food trucks, and an evening outdoor movie night.
Franklin County Calendar
July 11
21+ Backlot Blast
Capitol Theatre, 159 S. Main St., Chambersburg
This annual event with The Reagan Years is a day of food trucks, wine, craft, specialty and domestic beer as well as non-alcoholic drinks. Theatre Concessions will also be available. The two food trucks from Dabo-Rye and Mad Dash Artisan Grilled Cheese will be on site. Rain or shine; in case of inclement weather, band will move inside. No coolers, outside food, or drinks.
July 12
Backroads Boil
5991 Boundary Road, Chambersburg
The Backroads Boil, a laid-back coastal-inspired summer family style dinner experience takes place at Backroads Greenhouse. Tickets include a seafood boil, choice of one handcrafted cocktail or mocktail, appetizer and dessert, live music, yard games, and beautiful outdoor seating under the lights. Happy hour begins at 6 p.m. and dinner service begins at 6:30 p.m.
July 18
Old Market Day
Downtown Chambersburg
Old Market Day transforms Main Street into a vibrant, family-friendly street festival hosted by the Downtown Business Council of Chambersburg and sponsored by F&M Trust. Admission is free as the event serves as the celebratory grand finale to the town’s week-long ChambersFest. More than 100 strictly handmade artisan vendors and food trucks line the streets, offering unique crafts, home decor, and local treats while downtown restaurants and small businesses host sidewalk sales. Live music spans across the Courthouse Plaza and the Spring Street Amphitheatre building to the evening’s A Cappella & Unplugged finals. The festivities culminate in a powerful, live reenactment of the historic 1864 Ransoming, Burning, and Rebirth of Chambersburg. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
July 31
Harry Porter Pub Crawl
66 West Main Street, Waynesboro
Mainstreet Waynesboro Inc., hosts a magical evening of adult fun at the 4th Annual Harry Porter Pub Crawl, as part of the Waynesboro Wizarding Weekend. Gather your fellow witches, wizards, and magical creatures for an enchanting evening of themed drinks, costumes, prizes, and unforgettable fun. The journey begins at 66 W. Main Street where guests will pick up their official pub crawl passport before setting off to participating downtown locations.