Mullets, milkshakes, moos, and more: A Pennsylvania Farm Show preview

Whether you’re looking to see a sculpture made from 1,000 pounds of butter, or witness the miracle of calf birth, you’ll find it at the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show, which opens Saturday in Harrisburg.

This year’s event, which takes place at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center, marks the official kick off of America250PA, a series of events and celebrations across the state marking Pennsylvania’s leading role in the 250th anniversary of America. 

“Growing a Nation” is the theme of this year’s Farm Show, which runs through Saturday, Jan. 17. Here are some of the attractions visitors can look forward to experiencing.

Butter sculpture

The Farm Show unveiled this year’s butter sculpture during a preview event Thursday. Titled “A Toast to Our Nation’s 250th Anniversary: Inspired by Founders, Grown by Farmers,” the sculpture depicts Benjamin Franklin and the Founding Fathers signing the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia in 1776, complete with a celebratory toast with milk. 

The sculpture was designed and crafted by Jim Victor and Marie Pelton of Conshohocken using 1,000 pounds of butter donated by Land O’ Lakes in Cumberland County. It will be recycled at Reinford Farms in Juniata County and converted into renewable energy in the farm’s methane digester.

The 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show butter sculpture, “A Toast to Our Nation’s 250th Anniversary: Inspired by Founders, Grown by Farmers,” during a preview event in Harrisburg on Jan. 8, 2026. (Pennsylvania Farm Show).

Competitions

New to the show this year is Reined Cow Horse, a sport showcasing the skill and athleticism of equine athletes. Events take place Saturday beginning at 8 a.m. with both professional and amateur competitors.

Monday will see the return of the PA Farm Show Mullet Contest, where participants will be judged on their “business on top, party in the back” hairstyles. If you’re rocking a mullet you want to show off, register here.

Exhibits

The Calving Corner, a live dairy cow-birthing center, returns this year with live births, adorable calves and cows, and more. Visitors get the chance to learn about the animal care and stewardship that happens on today’s dairy farms.

Throughout the show, Pennsylvania’s agricultural history and future will be showcased through crafts and historical displays. That includes edible art with pies, pickles, nuts, and veggies; floral displays; quilts; and even heritage swine breeds.

Food

New this year is the PA Preferred Culinary Connection Stage, which will highlight talented chefs showcasing dishes made with PA Preferred and local ingredients. Through live cooking demonstrations and interactive tastings, chefs will bring Pennsylvania’s farms and kitchens together in delicious, inspiring ways. Find the schedule of events here.

Also debuting in 2026:

The PA Spirits Competition joins the popular cheese, wine, cider, and beer competitions in the Farm Show’s “Made-in-PA” lineup.

Straight from Kennett Square, aka “The Mushroom Capitol of the World,” visitors can sip Mushroom Coffee in the Food Court.

Red, white, and blue milkshakes are available from the PA Dairymen’s Association at the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show. (Pennsylvania Farm Show).

Milkshakes

Always a popular Farm Show feature, the PA Dairymen’s Association is shaking things up for America’s 250th birthday by offering three festive flavors of milkshakes this year: 

Red – Strawberry (Naturally Colored)

White – Vanilla

Blue – Raspberry (Naturally Colored)

Don’t worry: Chocolate milkshakes will also be available.

Women in Agriculture

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture will celebrate the contributions of Pennsylvania women who are “Growing a Nation” through agriculture.

Exhibitions will highlight Pennsylvania women working in all facets of agriculture, focusing on their efforts to integrate technology into their processes, and make their ag businesses more sustainable financially and environmentally.