Lancaster Capital Day is a free street festival in downtown Lancaster marking September 27, 1777, the day the Continental Congress met in Lancaster and the city served as capital of the United States. The festival centers on Penn Square and extends one block in each direction along King and Queen Streets, with many downtown shops and restaurants joining in with their own Capital Day offerings.
History on stage
The main stage moves through Lancaster’s role in American history over the course of the day, roughly a century every two hours: William Penn’s Charter (1681) at 10:05 AM, the founding of Lancaster City (1730) at 11:00, Lancaster as U.S. capital (1777) at noon, James Buchanan’s inauguration and the Civil War era in the early afternoon, the Roaring ’20s, World War II, the Civil Rights era, and immigration and city renewal later in the day, closing with a look at the future of Lancaster at 5:00 PM.
Music, food and activities
Live music from Big Boy Brass, Barkley Cove Band, The Moonlighter’s Big Band and Malta Band, plus historical character performers. Activities include face painting, kids’ building blocks, storytelling, magicians, caricature art, art exhibits, a car show, historical figure signature books, and a wine & beer garden. Food trucks include Noels Cafe, Lazzaro’s, Bala Saahas, Rendezvous Wood-Fired Pizza, Freshly Greek and Antonella Modern Italian Fare, alongside a local craft market.
Parade (11:30 AM)
The Capital Day Parade steps off from Penn Square with Big Boy Brass, historic characters, a replica of the Lancaster County Courthouse and the McCaskey drum line. Anyone can join in historical costume or with a costumed pet. Pet and historical costume contest awards follow at 12:30 PM on the Hamilton Stage.
Tours
Partner organizations are running tours throughout the day (separate tickets):
- Historic Lancaster Walking Tour – 10 AM & 1 PM, 90 min, $10
- Lancaster Vice: Backstreet Brothel Walking Tour – 12 PM & 5 PM, 90 min, $20
- Griest Building Observation Deck Tour – 12 PM, 60 min, $30
- Masonic Hall Tour – 1 PM, 60 min, $20
- Self-Guided Tour of the Hamilton Club – anytime 1–4 PM, 20–30 min, free
- African American Heritage Walking Tour – 2 PM, 2 hrs, $17 adult / $10 senior / $5 student / under 6 free
Getting around
Queen Street is closed between Vine and Orange, and King Street is closed from Prince to N. Christian. King Street between N. Christian and Duke stays open for access to the Lancaster Marriott and Penn Square Garage. Lancaster Central Market is open its usual Saturday hours (6 AM–3 PM), so expect bigger crowds than usual.