Location: Lancaster
Top Things to do in Lancaster
Top 9 Concerts & Shows in Lancaster, Pennsylvania (PA)
Pennsylvania Dutch country is a fascinating destination to explore. Visitors will get a glimpse of farm life as it was in the early 1800s. Visit markets and farm stores for homemade shoofly pie and fresh produce, or shop for a handmade quilt. President James Buchanan's elegant home, Wheatland, is no less historic but contrasts sharply to the simpler Pennsylvania Dutch heritage sites in Lancaster. Consider a side trip to nearby Hershey, home of Hershey Park and the Hershey chocolate factory.
Restaurants in Lancaster
1. Fulton Theatre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 643 reviews
Central Pennsylvania’s nationally regarded premier regional theatre, producing Broadway caliber musicals, comedies and dramas, employing professionals from New York City, the local community, and nationwide, experienced within a beautifully restored 165 year old national historic landmark of ornate Victorian architecture, walking distance from Lancaster’s historic attractions and one block from the Lancaster County Convention Center. MAINSTAGE: Million Dollar Quartet NOW-05/20/18; Hunchback of Notre Dame 06/15/18-07/22/18; GROFF STUDIO SERIES–99-seat Black Box–Intimate, Experiential: Red 05/08/18-05/27/18; FAMILY SERIES (Theatre for Young Audiences) one-hour performances at 11AM Saturday mornings: The Emperor's New Clothes 04/28/18-05/19/18; Aladdin 06/16/18-07/21/18
Reviewed By BetsyA170
Saw a great performance of one of my favorite Agatha Christie novels, Murder on the Orient Express. Cast is outstanding and the staff are so helpful and friendly. We really love this theater!
2. High Fine Arts Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
3. Lancaster Marionette Theatre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 80 reviews
The Lancaster Marionette Theatre is one of the few marionette theatres in America, located in Historic Downtown Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Robert Brock, the founder and Artistic Director, keeps this unique art form alive and well. He creates all the marionettes used in all productions, writes the scripts and music and performs in his unique one-man style. His humor appeals to children, as well as grown-ups. The John Durang Puppet Museum is open before performances. John Durang was the first puppeteer to be born in the USA. He was born in Lancaster in 1768. Backstage tours are given prior to every performance.The Marionette Theatre welcomes field trip groups. We hope to see you soon at one of our exciting shows. Thanks for visiting!
Reviewed By 272josephm - Lancaster, United States
I’ve seen two shows here and highly recommend this to both children and adults. The stories have cute characters and songs to keep the kiddos engaged and Robert throws in enough jokes to entertain the older crowd. Robert is the force that makes it all work with his enthusiastic personality, fun sense of humor, and genuineness! I recommend showing up early before the show to catch the museum and backstage tour. I also recommend taking some time afterwards to gets some pictures and to talk to Robert a bit. He is ridiculously friendly and loves to chat about his work and Lancaster! He’ll also give you tips for taking the best selfies!????
4. The Ware Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 19 reviews
The Ware Center is a beautiful, state-of-the-art performing arts center located in downtown Lancaster. The Ware Center hosts cultural and artistic events, art exhibitions, dance performances, film screenings, classical and non-classical music performances, private events, family programming, multi-cultural presentations, lectures, and small theatrical productions. Millersville University owns and operates the Ware Center with a mission to provide a broad spectrum of cultural and artistic events and learning opportunities for its students and the public. The Ware Center is an ideal venue for private events too. Local businesses and charities often hold corporate meetings, banquets, and fundraising galas in one of several areas available for private events. The elegant Grand Salon that overlooks Lancaster city and the magnificence of the Steinman Hall stage are popular spots for wedding receptions.
5. The Trust Performing Arts Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Built in 1912, the historic Trust Performing Arts Center is the elegant new concert venue in the heart of Lancaster City. Hosting both renowned international artists and favorite local performers, The Trust offers a diverse calendar of events throughout the year. The beautiful Beaux-Arts architecture of the Trust building provides a unique setting for music, theater, and dance performances, as well as lectures. Looking for a memorable venue for your next corporate, ministry, or personal event? Consider renting one of the Trust's 3 unique spaces: a small, intimate living room setting in the Square Halo Gallery, a medium-sized Black Box theater, and our Great Hall, with 50-foot-high vaulted ceiling, stunning windows, outstanding acoustics, and seating for up to 230 people. Visit our website to request renting our facility, view our upcoming schedule, or purchase tickets. You can also reach us by phone at 717-208-7835.
6. Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 679 reviews
Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre is a year-round entertainment facility that performs eight mainstage musicals and four childrens productions each year as well as hosts several tribute concerts. Our theatre seats 328, and we offer a selection of dining options. Enjoy our full all you can eat buffet before each Sunday - Wednesday evening and matinee show. The buffet menu changes with each show and can be found on our website. On Friday and Saturday evening, enjoy Prime Rib on the carving station. On Thursday evenings, we offer a four course served meal. Let us serve you with full service, plated dinners right at your table! Looking for show only? Sit anywhere in the theatre on Thursday evenings. Appetizers and desserts menu is available for an additional cost. There is also a Gift Shop and Art Gallery within the building. We offer special rates for groups of 16 or more and offer special discounts and perks for season subscribers. Let us cater your next special occasion in our Encore Room!
Reviewed By 831connier - Kempton, United States
Dinner was very good and the production of "Grease" was outstanding. The wait staff was friendly and attentive. Definitely deserves 5 stars! Connie R., Kempton PA
7. American Music Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,354 reviews
American Music Theatre is the only theatre of its kind in the country that features both touring concerts and Original Shows. This 1,600-seat theatre hosts more than 300 live performances a year – from Broadway tours to rock legends to famous comedians to today’s hottest acts. Since its debut in 1997, they’ve welcomed Grammy winners, CMA winners, Tony winners, and even Oscar winners to their stage. They’ve also featured some of the most talented musicians, vocalists, and dancers in the nation in their own Original Shows. No other theatre in the region offers a wider variety of performances, year in and year out. Take the opportunity to catch a show in the comfort of one of the most premier venues on the East Coast for live entertainment.
Reviewed By mccaskeykid - Lancaster, United States
The American Music Theatre is a gem for not only Lancaster County but also for the State of Pa and even for performers worldwide! Every year, AMT produces 2-3 of their own original productions. Typically, 1 show runs from May-October which is based off of a chosen theme/concept for the year. They also produce a Christmas show that runs from November-December which has been considered better than the Radio City Music Hall Christmas show! These shows feature experienced and talented singers, dancers, musicians, and performers from across the US and beyond. Many of these people have résumé’s that include Broadway, National Broadway tours, Cruise ships, prior theatre experience, Disney, and touring positions just to name some. Some of these people return every year for the next AMT production. In addition to their original productions, AMT also books major concerts and touring productions throughout the year. Some of the shows that have took the AMT stage in the past include: Martina McBride, Trace Adkins, Celtic Woman, The Robert Cray Band, Melissa Etheridge, Johnny Mathis, The Piano Guys, The Temptations, The Four Tops, The Beach Boys, Scotty McCreery, Charley Pride, Marc Cohn, Blind Boys of Alabama, Shemekia Copeland, Foreigner, Dancing with the Stars: Live!, Tony Bennett, Kristin Chenoweth, Home Free, Roger Hodgson, The Price Is Right Live!, Daughtry, Yanni, Steve Martin, Martin Short, Jay Leno, Stephen Stills, Judy Collins, Brian Setzer, Julianne Hough, Derek Hough, America, Christopher Cross, Terry Fator, Jennifer Nettles, The Moody Blues, Merle Haggard, Carol Burnett, Neil Sedaka, Million Dollar Quartet, Bob Newhart, Heart, Peter Frampton, Chicago, Ringo Starr, and Donny Osmond! And these are just a sample of some of the shows that AMT has welcomed to the stage! Usually AMT books 50-70 touring/celebrity shows every year that include returning favorites and new shows. They do listen to their fans/guests and will attempt to bring back fan favorites/requested shows as much as possible. AMT is not a large theatre so they cannot always bring in large production shows, but they do surprise you sometimes when they can book big shows or superstars. Many of the shows that AMT does bring in are shows that have played resorts in Atlantic City NJ and Las Vegas Nevada, Grand Ole Opry in Nashville TN, and even Radio City Music Hall in New York. The auditorium of the theatre only holds about 1,600 seats and all seats give you a good view of the stage! The seats are also very comfy and has plenty of leg room. The theatre does have a concession stand but only sells basically snacks and drinks. There are many great restaurants near the theatre so you can eat before or after the show. There is also a gift shop. The staff at the theatre are very nice and very accommodating. They seem to like their job and make the show experience better. Parking is a problem at this venue. The parking lot tends to fill up quickly if the show is sold out. As the theatre is on a major highway, exiting is basically at the mercy of the traffic light so getting out can be slow. I recommend that if you find out your show is almost/is sold out, That you park either across the highway at the restaurant or next door at the Target(there is a covered bridge that connects to the theatre) to avoid the risk of no more spots at the theatre and a slow exit from the parking lot.
8. Prima
Lancaster's home for fresh theatrical experiences. - Free on-site parking - Concessions & bar on-site - Lux seating - Contemporary musical theater and concerts
9. Lancaster Roots & Blues
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
