2019: A YEAR STUFFED WITH SAVE-THE-DATES
From the Spring 2019 issue of Discover Lansdale Magazine
By Bruce Schwartz
Editor, Discover Lansdale Magazine
While music fills the air in the summer months thanks to the Whites Road Concert Series, a full slate of events crowds the calendar from April right through the year-end holidays.
Nearly every weekend, from first crocuses through first flakes, offers a fresh reason to visit and enjoy Lansdale Borough. The singular International Spring Festival, the heralded Lansdale Beer Tasting Fest, the fabulous First Fridays, the crowd-filled Lansdale Day, the gleaming Cars Under the Lights and Bike Night, the fireworks-filled Founders Day, the nostalgic Cruise Night, and even the ill-named Mardi Gras Parade welcoming Santa to Lansdale … all combine to keep Lansdale engaged and engaging.
Here’s a look at what’s happening in Lansdale Borough, right through November’s Mardi Gras.
Please note that it’s early in the events season, and changes can and do occur. We encourage you to return to our website often or find us on Facebook to keep current with the latest news; and if your organization is planning an event you don’t see listed on our site, please let us know at info@discoverlansdale.org or leave us a message on the Contact Us page.
Manna Race to End Hunger
When: Saturday, April 6, 8-11 am
Where: Knapp Elementary School, 698 Knapp Road, Lansdale
– Your choice: Try the 5K or 5-miler at 8:15 (professionally chip-timed, with race-day registration 7 to 8 am); the fun run at 8:30; the Shopping-Cart Challenge at 9:30; or just come with strollers and pets to enjoy the morning air! All for the best of causes – to help Manna fight hunger in the region.
Info and registration: mannaonmain.org/rteh/
By Bruce Schwartz
Editor, Discover Lansdale Magazine
While music fills the air in the summer months thanks to the Whites Road Concert Series, a full slate of events crowds the calendar from April right through the year-end holidays.
Nearly every weekend, from first crocuses through first flakes, offers a fresh reason to visit and enjoy Lansdale Borough. The singular International Spring Festival, the heralded Lansdale Beer Tasting Fest, the fabulous First Fridays, the crowd-filled Lansdale Day, the gleaming Cars Under the Lights and Bike Night, the fireworks-filled Founders Day, the nostalgic Cruise Night, and even the ill-named Mardi Gras Parade welcoming Santa to Lansdale … all combine to keep Lansdale engaged and engaging.
Here’s a look at what’s happening in Lansdale Borough, right through November’s Mardi Gras.
Please note that it’s early in the events season, and changes can and do occur. We encourage you to return to our website often or find us on Facebook to keep current with the latest news; and if your organization is planning an event you don’t see listed on our site, please let us know at info@discoverlansdale.org or leave us a message on the Contact Us page.
Manna Race to End Hunger
When: Saturday, April 6, 8-11 am
Where: Knapp Elementary School, 698 Knapp Road, Lansdale
– Your choice: Try the 5K or 5-miler at 8:15 (professionally chip-timed, with race-day registration 7 to 8 am); the fun run at 8:30; the Shopping-Cart Challenge at 9:30; or just come with strollers and pets to enjoy the morning air! All for the best of causes – to help Manna fight hunger in the region.
Info and registration: mannaonmain.org/rteh/
The International Spring Festival
When: Saturday, April 27, 11 am to 5 pm
Where: North Penn High School. 1340 Valley Forge Road
– Come see what makes the North Penn region rich in cultural diversity. The 28th Annual Spring Festival spotlights a wealth of ethnicities, with food, performances, vendors, displays and activities for all ages. Performers this year include the West Philadelphia Orchestra playing Balkanize music, the Red Hill Jazz Band, Voloshky Ukrainian Dance Troupe, and the Harmony Theater. But every hour is an adventure.
Info: www.isfconnect.org
First Fridays
When: The First Friday of each month, May to December
Where: Downtown Lansdale
– New themes, bands, food, entertainment, vendors and family fun every month. Sponsored by Discover Lansdale.
May 3: Comic Zone. A miniature Lansdale Comic-Con with cosplay contest.
June 7: International Food Fest. Offerings from businesses throughout the borough, plus area food trucks and vendors.
July 5: Wet and Wild. Water theme to beat the heat.
Aug. 2: Steampunk Adventures. A genre-based party with costumes and displays.
Sept. 6: Arts and Music Festival. Multiple stages, bands, street performers and art.
Oct. 4: Fall Harvest. Chili cookoff, scarecrow decorating contest, petting zoo, more.
Nov. 1: Lansdale Zombie Walk. The undead are back in Lansdale, and they’re hungry.
Dec. 6: Tree Lighting and Holiday Market. Santa returns to to light the tree, and Discover Lansdale hosts a holiday market.
Info: www.discoverlansdale.org
Lansdale Farmers’ Market
When: Every Saturday, May 18 to November 23, 9 am-1 pm (rain or shine)
Where: Penndale Middle School, 400 Penn St., Church Road parking lot
– For the freshest in produce and prepared foods, nothing beats farm-direct. Live music, tastings, special events and more -- just good food, good people, good times.
Info: www.lansdalefarmersmarket.org
Lansdale Memorial Day Parade
When: Monday, May 27, 9 am
Where: Main Street Lansdale
– The commemoration of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms begins with a Main Street parade, starting at Cannon Avenue and concluding with a ceremony at Memorial Park at 10. Sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 32, The Virgillio Schembri Battavio Post No. 23, and the American Legion William Hare Post No. 206.
Info: www.lansdale.org/390/Memorial-Day-Parade
Summer Concert Series
When: Tuesday evenings, May 28 through Aug. 20, 7 pm
Where: Whites Road Park, 400 Whites Rd.
– Sweet sweet music all summer long, surround by the lush greenery of Lansdale's lovely Whites Road Park:
And Lansdale’s Parks & Rec Department offers a full slate of summer activities for all ages, including the pools at Fourth Street and Whites Road; children’s camps in science, golf, karate, water polo, tot soccer and summer playground; and adult classes in art, dance, gardening, golf, yoga and Zumba. Check the Lansdale Borough website for schedules.
Info and schedule: www.lansdale.org/146/Activities-Events
Lansdale Day
When: Saturday, June 1, 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Main Street, downtown Lansdale
– A showcase of fine arts and crafts, plus blocks-long rows of vendors and business displays, food, music, cars, Pet Alley and family-friendly events. Sponsored by the Rotary Club of North Penn, benefiting multiple community charities. (See ad page xx)
Info: www.rotaryclubofnorthpenn.org
When: Saturday, April 27, 11 am to 5 pm
Where: North Penn High School. 1340 Valley Forge Road
– Come see what makes the North Penn region rich in cultural diversity. The 28th Annual Spring Festival spotlights a wealth of ethnicities, with food, performances, vendors, displays and activities for all ages. Performers this year include the West Philadelphia Orchestra playing Balkanize music, the Red Hill Jazz Band, Voloshky Ukrainian Dance Troupe, and the Harmony Theater. But every hour is an adventure.
Info: www.isfconnect.org
First Fridays
When: The First Friday of each month, May to December
Where: Downtown Lansdale
– New themes, bands, food, entertainment, vendors and family fun every month. Sponsored by Discover Lansdale.
May 3: Comic Zone. A miniature Lansdale Comic-Con with cosplay contest.
June 7: International Food Fest. Offerings from businesses throughout the borough, plus area food trucks and vendors.
July 5: Wet and Wild. Water theme to beat the heat.
Aug. 2: Steampunk Adventures. A genre-based party with costumes and displays.
Sept. 6: Arts and Music Festival. Multiple stages, bands, street performers and art.
Oct. 4: Fall Harvest. Chili cookoff, scarecrow decorating contest, petting zoo, more.
Nov. 1: Lansdale Zombie Walk. The undead are back in Lansdale, and they’re hungry.
Dec. 6: Tree Lighting and Holiday Market. Santa returns to to light the tree, and Discover Lansdale hosts a holiday market.
Info: www.discoverlansdale.org
Lansdale Farmers’ Market
When: Every Saturday, May 18 to November 23, 9 am-1 pm (rain or shine)
Where: Penndale Middle School, 400 Penn St., Church Road parking lot
– For the freshest in produce and prepared foods, nothing beats farm-direct. Live music, tastings, special events and more -- just good food, good people, good times.
Info: www.lansdalefarmersmarket.org
Lansdale Memorial Day Parade
When: Monday, May 27, 9 am
Where: Main Street Lansdale
– The commemoration of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms begins with a Main Street parade, starting at Cannon Avenue and concluding with a ceremony at Memorial Park at 10. Sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 32, The Virgillio Schembri Battavio Post No. 23, and the American Legion William Hare Post No. 206.
Info: www.lansdale.org/390/Memorial-Day-Parade
Summer Concert Series
When: Tuesday evenings, May 28 through Aug. 20, 7 pm
Where: Whites Road Park, 400 Whites Rd.
– Sweet sweet music all summer long, surround by the lush greenery of Lansdale's lovely Whites Road Park:
- May 28: North Penn High School Jazz Ensembles
- June 4: Montgomery County Concert Band
- June 11: Mike Guldin and Rollin' & Tumblin'
- June 18: Cabin Dogs
- June 25: Billy Bauer Band
- July 2: RGM Project
- July 9: Eastern Hellbenders
- July 16: JD Malone & The Experts
- July 23: Eric Mintel Quartet
- July 30: Incendio
- August 6: Craig Thatcher
- August 13: Dibbs & The Detonators
- August 20: The Mighty Manatees
And Lansdale’s Parks & Rec Department offers a full slate of summer activities for all ages, including the pools at Fourth Street and Whites Road; children’s camps in science, golf, karate, water polo, tot soccer and summer playground; and adult classes in art, dance, gardening, golf, yoga and Zumba. Check the Lansdale Borough website for schedules.
Info and schedule: www.lansdale.org/146/Activities-Events
Lansdale Day
When: Saturday, June 1, 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Main Street, downtown Lansdale
– A showcase of fine arts and crafts, plus blocks-long rows of vendors and business displays, food, music, cars, Pet Alley and family-friendly events. Sponsored by the Rotary Club of North Penn, benefiting multiple community charities. (See ad page xx)
Info: www.rotaryclubofnorthpenn.org
Under the Lights Car Show
When: Saturday, June 15, starting at 7 pm (rain or shine)
Where: Main Street, downtown Lansdale
– A vast view of internal combustion conveyances from the turn of the 20th century right through today’s muscle cars. Hundreds of vehicles in the exhibition regularly draw thousands of visitors to town. Again this year, it’s hosted by and for the benefit of Fairmount Fire Company.
Info: www.fairmountfireco.com
Lansdale Beer Tasting Festival
When: Saturday, June 22, noon-5:30 pm
Where: 206 W. Fifth St. (Cannoneers Field)
– Sponsored by the Lansdale Area Fundraising Society, to benefit multiple community causes. This year, two sessions return – the VIP experience, a 90-minute dedicated session (and the return of the VIP Bottle Row); followed by a General Admission session from 1:30 to 5:30. Details are still being finalized; check back often on Facebook or the website for info and tickets.
Info: www.lansdalebeerfest.com
Saint Stanislaus Roman Catholic Church Annual Summer Festival
When: Tuesday, Aug. 13 to Saturday, Aug. 17, 6 to 10 pm each evening
Where: On the grounds of St. Stanislaus, 51 Lansdale Ave.
– Sponsored by St. Stanislaus. The carnival comes to town, with rides and games, along with food, fun, live bands each night, a beer garden, raffles and a big garage and bake sale.
Info: www.ststanislaus.com
Founders Day
When: Saturday, Aug. 24, all day, starting at 9 am
Where: All around town
– Sponsored by Discover Lansdale, this is the big annual celebration of the borough’s founding, with open houses, a beer garden, food trucks, family activities, antique autos and live music; it coincides with Lansdale’s annual Festival of the Arts juried show and sale in Memorial Park, 10 am to 4 pm. As always, the big guns roll out for the evening’s wrap-up – a spectacular fireworks display.
Info: www.discoverlansdale.org
Lansdale Bike Night
When: Saturday, Sept. 7, 5-11 pm
Where: Along Main Street
– One of the largest one-night bike events in the country, Bike Night is a huge motorcycle show packed with merchandise, music and refreshments alongside some smokin’ hot machines. Sponsored by the Blue Comet Motorcycle Club.
Info: www.bluecometmc.com/lbn
Lansdale Cruise Night
When: Saturday, Sept. 14, 6-10 pm
Where: Along Main Street
– Happy days are here again! Roll into nostalgia for those midcentury years when weekend evenings meant piling into the family jalopy and cruising real slow down Main. Hundreds of cars from all eras join the always-impressive parade.
Info: www.facebook.com/LansdaleCruiseNight/
Oktoberfest/Zer0.5K
When: Date TBD
Where: Freight House Lot and along Lansdale streets
– Yes, the Race for the Rest of Us was such a success last year that the 0.5K heart-stopper returns for a second season! The route and details are still to be determined, but once again, if you can’t make the full third-of-a-mile without refueling, we promise carbs at the halfway point, plus beer and refreshments before and after. This year, the Zer0.5K will be part of Lansdale’s Oktoberfest celebration in the lot of the Freight House, Discover Lansdale’s restoration project, which all proceeds go to benefit.
Info: www.discoverlansdale.org
Mardi Gras Parade
When: Saturday, Nov. 23, 1 pm
Where: Downtown Lansdale
– Every year we ask the same question: why “Fat Tuesday” on a Saturday in November? Why Thanksgiving instead of Lent? And the answer always remains: “It seemed like a good idea at the time.” Nonetheless, the Big Man in Red arrives riding a fire truck to kick off the Christmas season in town, and everyone enjoys the floats and fun of this annual tradition.
Info: www.lansdale.org/400/Mardi-Gras-Parade
When: Saturday, June 15, starting at 7 pm (rain or shine)
Where: Main Street, downtown Lansdale
– A vast view of internal combustion conveyances from the turn of the 20th century right through today’s muscle cars. Hundreds of vehicles in the exhibition regularly draw thousands of visitors to town. Again this year, it’s hosted by and for the benefit of Fairmount Fire Company.
Info: www.fairmountfireco.com
Lansdale Beer Tasting Festival
When: Saturday, June 22, noon-5:30 pm
Where: 206 W. Fifth St. (Cannoneers Field)
– Sponsored by the Lansdale Area Fundraising Society, to benefit multiple community causes. This year, two sessions return – the VIP experience, a 90-minute dedicated session (and the return of the VIP Bottle Row); followed by a General Admission session from 1:30 to 5:30. Details are still being finalized; check back often on Facebook or the website for info and tickets.
Info: www.lansdalebeerfest.com
Saint Stanislaus Roman Catholic Church Annual Summer Festival
When: Tuesday, Aug. 13 to Saturday, Aug. 17, 6 to 10 pm each evening
Where: On the grounds of St. Stanislaus, 51 Lansdale Ave.
– Sponsored by St. Stanislaus. The carnival comes to town, with rides and games, along with food, fun, live bands each night, a beer garden, raffles and a big garage and bake sale.
Info: www.ststanislaus.com
Founders Day
When: Saturday, Aug. 24, all day, starting at 9 am
Where: All around town
– Sponsored by Discover Lansdale, this is the big annual celebration of the borough’s founding, with open houses, a beer garden, food trucks, family activities, antique autos and live music; it coincides with Lansdale’s annual Festival of the Arts juried show and sale in Memorial Park, 10 am to 4 pm. As always, the big guns roll out for the evening’s wrap-up – a spectacular fireworks display.
Info: www.discoverlansdale.org
Lansdale Bike Night
When: Saturday, Sept. 7, 5-11 pm
Where: Along Main Street
– One of the largest one-night bike events in the country, Bike Night is a huge motorcycle show packed with merchandise, music and refreshments alongside some smokin’ hot machines. Sponsored by the Blue Comet Motorcycle Club.
Info: www.bluecometmc.com/lbn
Lansdale Cruise Night
When: Saturday, Sept. 14, 6-10 pm
Where: Along Main Street
– Happy days are here again! Roll into nostalgia for those midcentury years when weekend evenings meant piling into the family jalopy and cruising real slow down Main. Hundreds of cars from all eras join the always-impressive parade.
Info: www.facebook.com/LansdaleCruiseNight/
Oktoberfest/Zer0.5K
When: Date TBD
Where: Freight House Lot and along Lansdale streets
– Yes, the Race for the Rest of Us was such a success last year that the 0.5K heart-stopper returns for a second season! The route and details are still to be determined, but once again, if you can’t make the full third-of-a-mile without refueling, we promise carbs at the halfway point, plus beer and refreshments before and after. This year, the Zer0.5K will be part of Lansdale’s Oktoberfest celebration in the lot of the Freight House, Discover Lansdale’s restoration project, which all proceeds go to benefit.
Info: www.discoverlansdale.org
Mardi Gras Parade
When: Saturday, Nov. 23, 1 pm
Where: Downtown Lansdale
– Every year we ask the same question: why “Fat Tuesday” on a Saturday in November? Why Thanksgiving instead of Lent? And the answer always remains: “It seemed like a good idea at the time.” Nonetheless, the Big Man in Red arrives riding a fire truck to kick off the Christmas season in town, and everyone enjoys the floats and fun of this annual tradition.
Info: www.lansdale.org/400/Mardi-Gras-Parade
