For one extraordinary day in 1777, Lancaster stood at the center of a revolution.
Following the British occupation of Philadelphia, members of the Continental Congress fled west to Lancaster. On September 27, 1777, they assembled inside the Lancaster County Courthouse, which once stood in the center of today’s Penn Square. Their brief session made Lancaster the capital of the United States for one historic day.
Nearly 250 years later, Lancaster will celebrate that remarkable chapter with a new festival honoring the people, places, and traditions that have shaped the county.
The first Lancaster Capital Day will take over downtown Lancaster on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This free, family-friendly street festival will feature live music, historical performers, reenactments, tours, exhibits, food, crafts, hands-on activities, and plenty of opportunities to explore Lancaster’s past.
Seven Hours and Nearly 350 Years of History
Capital Day will be centered on Penn Square, just steps from where the Continental Congress met in 1777. Activities will extend along King and Queen streets, transforming the heart of the city into a celebration of Lancaster County history and culture.
The festival’s stage programming will move through Pennsylvania and Lancaster history from 1681 to the present day, with roughly a century passing every two hours.
The historical journey begins at 10:05 a.m. with the signing of William Penn’s Charter and continues through the founding of Lancaster, the city’s day as the nation’s capital, the presidency of James Buchanan, the Civil War, Prohibition, World War II, the Civil Rights era, downtown renewal, and the communities continuing to shape Lancaster today.
At noon, the spotlight will turn to the event that inspired the festival: the September 27, 1777, meeting of the Continental Congress in Lancaster.
Music, History, Food, and Family Activities
Throughout the day, visitors will encounter historical performers, musical acts, art exhibits, local organizations, craft vendors, and activities for children and adults.
Scheduled musical entertainment includes Big Boy Brass, the Barkley Cove Band, The Moonlighter’s Big Band, and the Malta Band.
Festival activities will include:
- Historical and architectural tours
- Historical performers and reenactments
- Capital Day trivia
- Art exhibits and history tables
- Historical figure signature books
- Children’s building blocks and coloring activities
- Local craft and merchandise vendors
- Food trucks and food stands
- A beer garden
Food offerings will range from wood-fired pizza and Greek specialties to Italian fare, baked goods, pickles, and other local favorites. Participating vendors currently include Noel’s Cafe, Lazzaro’s Food Truck, Bala Saahas, Rendezvous Wood-Fired Pizza, Freshly Greek, Antonella Modern Italian Fare, Extra Rice, Ph’Usion, and Grasshopper’s Wicked Pickles.
Uncharted Lancaster will also be among the participating organizations, so be sure to stop by and say hello during the festival.
Explore Beyond Penn Square
Capital Day will extend beyond the official festival area, with downtown shops, restaurants, and organizations offering additional activities and promotions.
Lancaster Central Market will be open from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., giving visitors an opportunity to explore one of the country’s oldest continuously operating public markets while enjoying its many stands and vendors.
From 1 to 4 p.m., the Hamilton Club will open its doors to the community for a special display featuring its portrait of President James Buchanan, the historic Herr Deed, and photographs of downtown Lancaster from the club’s archives.
Annie Bailey’s Irish Public House will also hold its 19th annual Oysterfest from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., featuring oyster specials, a Bloody Mary bar, and Guinness.
Additional programs, tours, vendors, and downtown activities are expected to be announced as the festival approaches.
Plan Your Visit
Lancaster Capital Day will take place on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free, and activities are designed for visitors of all ages.
The festival will be centered on Penn Square, with activities extending along King and Queen streets. Queen Street will be closed between Vine and Orange streets, while King Street will be closed between Prince and North Christian streets. King Street between North Christian and Duke streets will remain open for vehicles traveling to and from the Lancaster Marriott and Penn Square Garage.
Larger-than-usual crowds are expected downtown, so visitors should allow extra time for travel and parking.
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Product on sale
Capital Day: Lancaster and the Revolution, September 27, 1777Price range: $14.99 through $19.99
Celebrate the Story of Lancaster
Lancaster Capital Day is about more than a single meeting held nearly 250 years ago. It is a celebration of the farmers, craftspeople, merchants, soldiers, reformers, immigrants, artists, entrepreneurs, and everyday residents who have contributed to Lancaster County’s distinctive identity.
History did not end when Congress departed for York. It has continued to unfold in Lancaster’s streets, markets, workshops, churches, neighborhoods, and gathering places ever since.
On September 26, the community is invited to gather in the very place where Lancaster once became the capital of a nation and celebrate the history that brought us here.
For the latest schedule, vendor announcements, maps, volunteer opportunities, and other festival updates, visit LancasterCapitalDay.org.
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