Updated for 2024 — We love living in Central Pennsylvania and enjoying sweet summer sounds in Hershey. There are so many exciting things to do in Hershey, PA, all year round, but summer is a highlight—and summer here means music! Many of the area’s vineyards have planned fantastic fresh-air concerts.
If you love music and wine as much as we do here at The Inn at Westwynd Farm, you’ll be thrilled to hear about these summer events, which combine joyful music, serene outdoor venues, and delicious local wines.
CASSEL VINEYARDS
Great friends. Good food. Award-winning wines. It doesn’t get much better than this. The Cassel family has grown high-quality grapes since the early 1900s and established the Cassel Vineyards in the early 2000s. This spot is one of the top 3 vineyards we recommend visiting during your stay.
Ambiance and Location
While sitting on their deck, sipping their wines and ciders, you may also see free-roaming peacocks strutting their plumes and other unique animals. We highly recommend Cassels, less than 10 minutes from our Inn. Plus, it’s conveniently located near Hershey Park and other Hershey, PA, attractions.
Food and Entertainment
Enjoy their Music in the Vines Concert Series every Friday and Saturday, 6-8:30pm. Food trucks begin serving by 5:30pm. That’s not all—they have a variety of events that provide fun and entertainment for all.
Bonus: The Inn at Westwynd Farm guests receive a free tasting of some of their delicious and unique local wines.
NISSLEY VINEYARDS
The Nissley Vineyards are about 25 minutes from the Inn and host multiple open-air concerts on their spacious lawn.
Springtime
If you join us for Springfest in May, you’ll love the live music, local food trucks such as Brewster’s BBQ, lawn games, local vendors like Palmyra Greenhouse and Flower Truck, and, of course, Nissley Vineyards’ delectable wine.
Summertime
If Summerfest is more your jam, you’ll have the opportunity to check out the bands, such as regional big bands, light-rock, and oldies groups, scheduled to play throughout July and August.
Atmosphere
You’ll also find it’s a short drive from Hersheypark Stadium and other attractions. So bring a picnic supper, good friends, and lawn chairs or a blanket for all, or enjoy a romantic evening for two under the stars as these groups perform for you. There will be plenty of wine (including wine slushies), beer, and food. A season pass is available if you plan to stop by more than once.
MOON DANCER WINERY, TAPHOUSE, AND CIDERY
About 40 minutes from our Hershey B&B, this French Country Chateau overlooks the beautiful Susquehanna River in Wrightsville and offers premium European-style dry wines and select Pennsylvania sweet wines. They also create their very own ciders and beers. We love the stunning views of the vineyards and surrounding countryside; it is Pennsylvania at its finest.
Entertainment Offerings:
- Live music on the lawn (every weekend year-round)
- The Freedom Festival (July)
- The Reggae Festival (July)
- The Country Festival (August)
- The Women of Folk Festival (September)
We hope to see you there!
JAZZIN’ ON THE PRIDE
The only type of concert we love just as much as a vineyard lawn concert is, you guessed it, a Jazz Cruise on the Susquehanna River. Cruises are held every Thursday night starting in June, and the dock is only a 30-minute drive from the Inn. They book up fast, so reserve your spot in advance.
What could be better than cool jazz, cold drinks, and a summer breeze aboard the Pride of the Susquehanna River Boat? This authentic stern paddlewheel riverboat holds 120 passengers and features various local jazz musicians every week. It also includes a cash bar, snacks, appetizers, and a spectacular view of the City of Harrisburg.
Our list only scratches the surface of the outdoor concerts and musical performances available in the area every summer. We hope our guide has been helpful and that you have the opportunity to enjoy some of these fantastic events during your stay.
Check availability for your visit today, and join us in savoring the sweet summer sounds in Hershey.
Additional Musical Events in the Summer:
- Sunset Music and Movies in Harrisburg, PA (June-August)
- Annual Cultural Fest in Harrisburg, PA (August)
- Jazz and Wine Festival in Harrisburg, PA (September)
- Celebrity Concerts at the American Music Theatre in Lancaster, PA (All summer long)
Are you more of a brewery or distillery enthusiast? Check out these 7 must-try breweries and distilleries in Hershey, PA.
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