5 Things To Do In PA This Weekend: Hiking, Music Festivals, Food, And More

PENNSYLVANIA — There is always something to do in the Keystone State, especially now spring is here. Patch gathered a list of events this weekend around Pennsylvania, ranging from outdoor adventures to local festivals and performances.

If you're in the mood to dance, watch a thrilling movie, try new foods, hike through the Poconos, or catch a performance, there's something on this list for you.

All events are weather-dependent, and the web pages linked to each one would be the best way to get any updates.

Here’s what’s going on in Pennsylvania this weekend:

1. Feeling nostalgic for a good movie? Pennsylvania is home to the oldest continually-operating drive-in movie theater, and there is a double feature this weekend. Shankweiler’s Drive-In Theatre in Lehigh County has showings of “Twister” and “The Shining” from Thursday, April 27 through Sunday, April 30 beginning at 8:15 p.m.

Bring a blanket and grab some snacks at the stand, and enjoy a movie night under the sky. Related article — America’s Oldest Drive-In Celebrates 89 Years In PA's Lehigh Valley

Address: 4540 Shankweiler Rd, Orefield, PA 18069

2. In the mood for some music? Perkasie PorchFest is on, rain or shine, with 80 bands at 40 venues on Saturday. The day-long festival is walkable, and open to all ages for a day of music and community from 12-9 p.m.

There will be food trucks, and food and beverage specials throughout the town. A family-friendly space is in the area around 7th and Market Streets with performances by students, face painters, and other activities for children. There is a family-friendly section along Walnut Street as well, where parents can sit and enjoy an adult beverage while listening to music.

Address: Click here to view a map and schedule.

3. Hungry for something new? South Philadelphia’s Flavors of the Avenue promises live entertainment, more than 100 craft vendors, and as the name suggests – food! The outdoor street festival is Sunday, April 30 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Restaurants and bars from around the city will bring their diverse food selections and special drink concoctions for one day only. This all-ages event is free to attend.

Address: Vendors will be at 1628 East Passyunk Ave., Philadelphia PA 19148. The festival spans along the avenue from Broad Street to Dickinson Street.

4. Want a physical challenge as you explore the Pennsylvania Poconos? Raft, hike, and bike all in the same day at the Big Day Out in Jim Thorpe on Saturday, April 29. Lunch and dinner are included, as well as a guide and all necessary equipment. There is also a bonfire with dinner after the day ends.

The adventure begins with a 23-mile bike ride between the thousand-foot walls of the Lehigh Valley Gorge on the River Trail. Lunch is at Glen Onoko where you can relax by the Lehigh River before a scenic hike to an overlook in the Pocono Mountains. Then, descend back to the river and raft the rapids “past the ruins of 18th century dams, locks and dwellings.”

Adult and youth rates are $119; book here. And if this weekend doesn’t work out, there’s another Big Day Out on May 30 and more in the summer months.

Address: The day begins and ends at Pocono Whitewater, 1519 State Route 903, Jim Thorpe PA.

5. Want to catch a unique performance? More than 25 shows are on the docket for the 10th year of the Pittsburgh Fringe Festival which celebrates the performing arts. Many shows span several genres, but can be included in categories such as cabaret, musical theatre, comedy, variety, performance art, and opera.

Performances both virtual and in-person are taking place in several of Pittsburgh’s neighborhoods along the Penn Avenue arts corridor. Click here for shows taking place from April 26-30.

Address: Several locations in the Friendship, Garfield, East Liberty, and Bloomfield neighborhoods of Pittsburgh.