The annual Kecksburg UFO Festival returns this weekend, celebrating all things alien in “Pennsylvania’s Roswell.”
Elsewhere, you’ll find festivals celebrating pickles, blueberries, and horses, along with the kickoff of a two-week classical music festival in Pennsylvania’s Endless Mountain region.
Picklesburgh – Pittsburgh,Thursday through Sunday
Picklesburgh burst onto the Pittsburgh festival scene in 2015 and quickly became known to pickle fans nationwide, with the downtown festival attracting as many as 250,000 visitors in 2024. Picklesburgh organizers have been hard at work to make the event—with its pickle juice drinking contests, Dill-cathalon, pickle-flavored beer and pierogi, and live entertainment—a can’t-miss festival. Last year, the festival expanded its footprint, operating on the Roberto Clemente Bridge, the Andy Warhol Bridge, and throughout several other downtown locations. This year features some new wrinkles like Pickleball at Arts Landing.
Kecksburg UFO Festival — Westmoreland County, Friday through Sunday
Get ready for out-of-this-world fun at the Kecksburg UFO Festival, located about 75 minutes southeast of Pittsburgh. This quirky celebration commemorates the 1965 UFO incident that put the small town of Kecksburg (often referred to in paranormal circles as “Pennsylvania’s Roswell”) on the map. Enjoy a weekend of alien-themed fun—from the vendor fair and local food to the cornhole tournament and all the sci-fi vibes.
Endless Mountain Music Festival – Central Pennsylvania and Southern New York, Friday through Aug. 2
Each summer, the Endless Mountain Music Festival brings celebrated classical musicians to the rural mountains of Central Pennsylvania, hosting 17 shows over 17 days. The performances run from orchestral music to percussion, big band, and string quartets and are hosted alongside the beauty of the region in Wellsboro, Knoxville, Mansfield, and Coudersport, as well as in parts of nearby southern New York. This year’s theme is “America the Beautiful,” with several orchestral performances focusing on classics from American composers.
Bethlehem Blueberry Festival – Saturday and Sunday
What better way to celebrate blueberry season than at the 39th annual Bethlehem Blueberry Festival at the historic Burnside Plantation. From blueberry-infused cocktails and N/A beverages, to grilled cheese featuring blueberry compote, to blueberry-based desserts, nearly everything will be coming up blueberries in Bethlehem. Beyond blueberries, the festival features blacksmithing and hearth-cooking demonstrations, a petting zoo, and live music.
Zelienople Horse Trading Days – Thursday through Saturday
You’ll find horses and much more at the 62nd Annual Zelienople Horse Trading Days, located about 30 minutes northwest of Pittsburgh. Events include a horse parade down Main Street, a dog show, pony rides, petting zoo, food trucks, rides for the kids, and the 7th Annual ShuBrew Hot Dog Eating Contest.
