Free events in Lancaster County, PA

Tadpole Time introduces little explorers to nature along the river through stories and hands-on activities that spark curiosity. Designed for children ages 2 to 5 with their caretakers, this program features a different theme each month in 2026, including Birds, Seeds, Tadpoles and Frogs, Rainbows, Who lives in a tree, Bubbles, Go on a Hike, Water Fun, Fish, Rocks, Canoes, and Animal Tracks. Every child must attend with a participating adult. Columbia Borough residents attend for free, and non-borough participants pay $4 per child at check-in, with cash or card accepted. Taking place in Columbia, PA.

Enjoy a free screening of Mountain Souls in the auditorium at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area. The film runs 50 minutes. Consider taking a hike on nearby trails before or after the screening, and take time to explore the visitor center and museum.

Enjoy four rounds of general knowledge trivia, with the third round centered on pictures. It is free to take part whether you play solo or come with a group of any size. Answers are written on answer sheets and each team reviews its own responses, while the host keeps the scores. The atmosphere is family friendly and non smoking, and food and drinks are available for purchase.

Test your knowledge across four rounds of general trivia, with the third round featuring pictures. It is free to participate on your own or with a team of any size, and non members are welcome. Answers are written on an answer sheet, teams check their own responses, and the host keeps score. The setting is family friendly and non smoking, with food and bar service available for purchase. This event takes place each week downstairs in The Commander's Room.

Art of Recycle’s Writers Club welcomes writers of every level and genre. Sessions focus on creative writing, how to share your work with others, and the essentials of self-publishing. Participants can take part in free writing competitions, practice presenting their work to peers, and build confidence in their creative voice. The club meets every third Friday. Attendance is free, supported by sales of donated gently used and new art and teaching supplies at AoR.

Enjoy a family friendly fall festival at The Meadow Garden Mercantile featuring local vendors, food and drinks, live music, activities for families, giveaways, and a chance to pet goats. Admission is free and the event is open to all ages.

This event focuses on making sandwiches for Lancaster neighbors in collaboration with the Parish Resource Center. Lunch will be served to all who participate, and attendance can be for a short portion or the entire session. Registration is requested for the free lunch.

At Ephrata Cloister Post 429, an all evening fall series blends general trivia with live music. Each night offers four trivia rounds, with the third serving as a picture round. There is a winner for each of the three Saturdays and an overall champion determined by results across the series. Admission is free for attending, playing, and enjoying the music, and a variety of food and drinks will be available for purchase. Participants can take part in one, two, or all three nights. This installment features general trivia followed by Resin8, also known as the Gabe Traynor Band, delivering rock, grunge, and alternative. The series is designed to bring together trivia teams from multiple venues to meet in person and share fellowship, while also welcoming those who are new to trivia.

Explore Manheim’s Industrial Revolution era on a free, 45-minute guided walk. Led by a knowledgeable guide, the route features stories from the town’s 19th century history. Please arrive a little early so the group can gather on the South porch before setting off, weather permitting. Tours run on select dates.

Test your music knowledge at Lucky Ducks Bar & Grille in Elizabethtown. This all-music trivia event features questions spanning artists, songs, and decades. It is free to play, and prizes are awarded to the top teams.