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Lancaster Capital Day Block Party
September 26 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Celebrate Lancaster’s remarkable history during the first Lancaster Capital Day, a free, family-friendly street festival featuring live music, historical performances, tours, exhibits, activities, local food, artisans, and more in the heart of downtown Lancaster.
Lancaster made history on September 27, 1777, when the Continental Congress met in the city and made it the capital of the United States for one extraordinary day. On Saturday, September 26, 2026, the community will gather in Penn Square to celebrate that remarkable chapter and the people, places, and traditions that have shaped Lancaster County.
The first Lancaster Capital Day will transform the heart of downtown Lancaster into a free, family-friendly street festival filled with live music, historical performers, reenactments, architectural and historical tours, art exhibits, hands-on activities, local organizations, craft vendors, food stands, a beer garden, Capital Day trivia, and more.
Programming will explore Lancaster’s history from the founding of Pennsylvania through the present day, including Lancaster’s role as the nation’s temporary capital during the American Revolution. Visitors can also enjoy Lancaster Central Market, participating downtown businesses, and special Capital Day activities taking place throughout the surrounding area.
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.
Admission is free, and visitors of all ages are invited to help celebrate the history and culture that make Lancaster County unique.
Learn more and watch for programming updates at LancasterCapitalDay.org.