Labor Day Weekend is here! While this holiday weekend often represents the end of the summer season, Chester County continues to enjoy the great outdoors with good food, all sorts of sports, live music, and more! Check out a few of my favorite events in our area over the next month!
Foodie Fun
Don’t forget: the Restaurant Festival returns to West Chester on September 15th. See you there, ready with a bib!
Kennett Square Mushroom Festival
September 7-8
The Mushroom Capital of the World once again celebrates its top crop with a weekend of fungal fun. Head into downtown Kennett Square for all sorts of mushroom-themed fun: from celebrity chef demonstrations to educational booths to shopping opportunities, there’s mushroomy fun for everyone!
Rock Hall Scrapple Festival
August 31
While technically outside of Chester County, the Rock Hall Scrapple Festival in Rock Hall, Maryland, celebrates a southeast Pennsylvania staple in all its glory. Scrapple, or the scraps left over after making sausages pressed into a loaf and divinely seasoned, is celebrated in all its varied forms at this Chesapeake small town festival. Head down for a tasty breakfast and a nice day on the Eastern Shore.
West Chester Oktoberfest
September 28
What could be better than $6 beers, fall-themed appetizers, and friends – all within walking distance? Head to your favorite watering hole in West Chester and ask for the Oktoberfest Special! The downtown area will be abuzz with live music and revelers in their Oktoberfest best during one of the last weekends of the Gay Street Open Air Market and street closure.
Community Reminders
Area schools are back in session
Our local area schools are now back in session! From West Chester Area School District to West Chester University, students flocked to classrooms this week as the new school year kicked off. Be on the lookout for students waiting for the bus in the morning and walking home in the afternoon.
West Chester University’s Fall Football is here!
The first home football game is September 7th at noon. Be ready for a flock of fans to descend on our town, as many for the football as for the award-winning West Chester University Incomparable Golden Rams Marching Band.
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event
Next household hazardous waste pickup event – Saturday, October 5 in West Chester - https://www.chestercountyswa.org/121/Upcoming-Household-Hazardous-Waste-Event
Remember to sign up if you plan to drop anything off.
Fun for Everyone
Ludwig’s Corner Country Fair and Horse Show
August 31 – September 2
Head to the Ludwig’s Corner Show Grounds for a Labor Day Weekend tradition. This equestrian competition and country fair brings the community together to celebrate the character of preservation so entwined with Chester County.
Phoenixville Film Festival
September 19-22
Head to the historic Colonial Theatre this September for the second annual Phoenixville Film Festival! This celebration of all things independent film includes screenings, industry panels, workshops, awards, and (of course) parties!
Devon Horse Show Fall Classic
September 12-15
As the seasons turn in Devon, PA, the horses come out to strut their stuff. Head over to the Devon Horse Show for this all-jumper display of equestrian skill. As always, stick around for the boutique shopping options and carnival fun for the whole family.
Phoenixville Blues Festival
September 7
The Annual Phoenixville Blues Festival, a local favorite music festival over in Reeves Park, returns for the 12th year, bringing food, fun, and the best live blues music in the area. Join the community fun at this charity event and be a part of the action!
Coatesville Bluegrass Festival
September 14
Stroll over to the Beergarden in Mortonville for nearly 9 hours of bluegrass music, food, and local brews! Relax on the river with a cold brew and some good eats.
Dead Fest
September 6
This day-long festival celebrates the music catalog of the Grateful Dead in the heart of the natural beauty of Chester County. The Brandywine Red Clay Alliance facilities at the Myrick Conservation Center hosts this beautiful evening of food, music, and family-friendly fun. Get your wristbands today and be ready for the show!
As summer draws to a close and fall begins to take hold, Chester County’s events calendar is still packed with events that bring our community together. From equestrian competitions to music festivals and everything in between, there’s no shortage of options to help you savor the season. Whether you’re exploring something new or revisiting a favorite tradition, these events are the perfect way to celebrate the unique character of our area.
Don’t let the season pass without taking advantage of these wonderful events. Whether you’re celebrating the season, cheering on your favorite local sports team, or simply enjoying the vibrant community spirit, there’s something here for everyone. Chester County is truly special, and it’s the people and their stories that make it shine. Let’s continue to share and celebrate what makes this place home!
