April 2026 Susquehanna Valley Happenings: York and Lancaster County Events

27 Mar April 2026 Susquehanna Valley Happenings: York and Lancaster County Events

Posted at 15:28h in Susquehanna Valley Happenings by Susan and Kurt Johnston 0 Comments

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Spring is here, and April in the Susquehanna Valley means it is time to get outside. Whether you are planning a day with the family or looking for the best car shows and cruise-ins in York and Lancaster Counties, here is your complete guide to the best events happening this month.

AT A GLANCE — APRIL 2026

FAMILY FUN

April 9–25 | Lancaster Best Kept Secrets Tour | Lancaster County (self-guided)
April 17 | PA Herb & Garden Festival | York Expo Center
April 18 | Go Green in the City | Downtown York | FREE
April 22–26 | Spring Antiques Extravaganza | Adamstown, Lancaster County
April 23–26 | LAUNCH Music Conference & Festival | Lancaster Convention Cemter
April 24–25 | York Train Meet (Public Days) | York Expo Center, York

CAR SHOWS & CRUISE-INS

April 4 | Pagoda Cruise #3 — Modified Auto Club | Rutter’s, Wrightsville, York County
April 18 | Tailgate for a Cause — One Community, One Cause | Ephrata, Lancaster County
April 22–26 | Spring Carlisle | Carlisle PA Fairgrounds
April 24 | Cruise Nights at the Markets at Shrewsbury | Glen Rock, York County

FAMILY FUN EVENTS

Lancaster Best Kept Secrets Tour

When: April 9–25, 2026 | Self-guided, any day during the run

Where: Lancaster County (various locations revealed with ticket purchase)

Cost: Paid ticket required; see tour website for pricing

Why Go: This is one of the most creative community events Lancaster County puts on each spring. Forty-four off-the-beaten-path businesses open their doors with free experiences for ticketholders — farm tours, make-and-take workshops, product demos, games, and special refreshments. You travel at your own pace in your own vehicle, and your ticket is valid the entire sixteen-day run. A shop-and-win game offers over one thousand dollars in prizes, and each participating business includes a valuable coupon. A genuine treasure hunt through Lancaster County’s most unique hidden gems.

Read More: Search “Lancaster County Best Kept Secrets Tour” for ticketing and route details.

PA Herb & Garden Festival

When: Friday, April 17, 2026, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Saturday, April 18, 2026, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Where: York Expo Center, All Trans Memorial Hall, 334 Carlisle Ave, York, PA 17404

Cost: $10 daily admission (includes all lectures, demonstrations, and vendor exhibits) | Additional fee for workshops | Children 12 and under Free | Free Parking

Why Go: Now in its twenty-sixth year, the Pennsylvania Herb and Garden Festival is one of the most beloved spring traditions at the York Expo Center. This two-day event brings together nationally known speakers, hands-on workshops, and a full floor of vendors selling plants, herbal crafts, and products for gardeners, cooks, and crafters. Whether you are a serious gardener, a casual plant lover, or just looking for something different to do on a spring weekend, this one is worth the visit. Admission covers all lectures and demonstrations, and kids twelve and under get in free.

Read More: paherbfest.com | yorkstatefair.com

Go Green in the City

When: Saturday, April 18, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Where: North and South Beaver Street, Downtown York, PA

Cost: FREE

Why Go: Go Green in the City is a beloved downtown York tradition celebrating green, healthy, and local living. More than seventy vendors line Beaver Street, live music fills the street all day, and there are dedicated children’s activities throughout. Past events have drawn over six thousand five hundred attendees, and admission is completely free. An easy, fun Saturday for the whole family right in the heart of York.

Spring Antiques Extravaganza

When: April 22–26, 2026

Where: Adamstown, Lancaster County, PA | Off Exit 286, Pennsylvania Turnpike

Cost: Free to browse; individual dealer pricing varies

Why Go: Adamstown has earned its reputation as the Antiques Capital of Pennsylvania, and the Spring Antiques Extravaganza is the crown jewel of the collecting calendar. During this five-day event, dozens of antique shops extend their hours and dealers set up extra outdoor booths. Fine furniture, historic postcards, vintage signs, redware, quirky collectibles — if you are looking for it, you can probably find it here. Conveniently located right off Exit 286 of the PA Turnpike, it makes for a great day trip any day of the week.

Read More: discoverlancaster.com

LAUNCH Music Conference and Festival

When: April 23–26, 2026

Where: Lancaster County Convention Center, 112 W Orange St, Lancaster, PA 17603

Cost: $49–$179; prices vary by pass type

Why Go: LAUNCH is one of the most unique events Lancaster hosts all year, drawing artists, music industry professionals, and fans together for four days of panels, seminars, showcases, and live performances. It is part conference, part festival, built around the idea that music careers grow through real human connection. If you have ever wanted to see emerging talent up close, sit in on an industry conversation, or just be in a room where the music world is actively happening, LAUNCH delivers that experience in downtown Lancaster. A standout event that puts Lancaster County on the map in a whole different way.

York Train Meet — Public Days

When: Friday, April 24 and Saturday, April 25, 2026 | Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Saturday 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Where: York Expo Center, 334 Carlisle Ave, York, PA 17404

Cost: $25 Day Pass (Main Meet, Public) | Children welcome

Why Go: The York Train Meet is one of the most remarkable events our region hosts, happening twice a year. Presented by the Eastern Division of the Train Collectors Association, this is the world’s largest model train event, drawing around ten thousand visitors and approximately thirteen hundred exhibitors from across the country. The public is welcome on Friday April 24th and Saturday April 25th for the main meet days, featuring the massive dealer building and operating train layout buildings. Whether you are a lifelong collector or just want to experience something truly one of a kind, this event delivers.

Read More: easterntca.com | yorkpa.org

CAR SHOWS & CRUISE-INS

Pagoda Cruise #3 — Modified Auto Club

When: Saturday, April 4, 2026 | Meet: 4:00 PM – 5:010 PM | Cruise departs: 5:10 PM

Where: Rutter’s, 201 Cool Springs Rd, Wrightsville, PA 17368

Cost: Free

Why Go: The Modified Auto Club brings their Pagoda Cruise series back for a third installment, open to all builds. Cars, trucks, Jeeps, stock or modified — all are welcome. The meet runs four to five at Rutter’s in Wrightsville with the cruise rolling out at five ten. A standout feature: free photography and drone shots are available for your vehicle on site. A fun early-April kickoff to the cruise season right along the Susquehanna.

Read More: Search “Modified Auto Club” on Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube | carcruisefinder.com/car-show/pagoda-cruise-3

Tailgate for a Cause — One Community, One Cause

When: Saturday, April 18, 2026 | Car Show Check-In: 10:00 AM | Show: 1:00 PM | Bingo Doors: 11:30 AM | Bingo: 1:00 PM

Where: Ephrata, PA (Lancaster County) | Rain or Shine | Free Parking | Handicap Accessible

Cost: Car/Bike Show Pre-Registration $15 (by April 15) | $25 at the gate | Designer Bingo $35 advance | $40 at the door | Spectators free

Why Go: Tailgate for a Cause is one of the most community-spirited events on the April calendar, benefiting the Philadelphia Eagles Autism Foundation and organized by Christina Saez and Kate Wolsyn. The car and bike show anchors the afternoon, but the full day includes live music, food trucks, raffles, a 50/50, a cornhole tournament, and designer prize bingo. The Kids Zone is a highlight, featuring autism awareness tables, sensory activities, hair tinsel, character visits, outdoor games, and playground access. Family-friendly, rain or shine, free parking, and fully handicap accessible. An event with a lot of heart behind it.

Spring Carlisle Collector Car Flea Market, Corral & Auction

When: April 22–26, 2026 | Wednesday–Saturday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Sunday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Where: Carlisle PA Fairgrounds, 1000 Bryn Mawr Rd, Carlisle, PA 17013

Why Go: Spring Carlisle is one of the great automotive events in the world, and it is right in our backyard. Over eight thousand one hundred vendor spaces filled with parts, accessories, memorabilia, and cars spanning every era of automotive history. The car corral lets buyers deal directly with owners, a two-day Carlisle Auctions collector car auction runs Thursday and Friday, and the Manufacturers Midway features the latest products from top industry brands. On Wednesday April 22nd only, Pennsylvania’s America 250 PA Mobile Unit will be on the grounds with interactive exhibits marking the nation’s two hundred and fiftieth anniversary. Kids twelve and under are always free.

Read More: carlisleevents.com

Cruise Nights at the Markets at Shrewsbury — Season Opener

When: Friday, April 24, 2026 | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Where: The Markets at Shrewsbury, Glen Rock, York County,

PA Cost: $2 for registered show vehicles | Free for spectators

Why Go: One of the most popular cruise-ins in York County, Cruise Nights at the Markets at Shrewsbury runs on the fourth Friday of every month, April through October, hosted by the Motor Menders Rod and Custom Club. April 24th opens the 2026 season. Hundreds of custom vehicles fill the parking lot, dash plaques go to the first one hundred and twenty-five registered cars, and three trophies are awarded. All makes and models welcome. No rain dates in 2026. Step inside the Markets afterward for great food.

Read More: marketsatshrewsbury.com