Good morning, Lancaster County. It's the Friday before Memorial Day weekend, the sun is out, and the high is pushing 77° - a near-perfect send-off into what looks like a spectacular few days. We've got a packed weekend ahead, so let's get you ready for it.
In today's Lancaster Local:
Lancaster's buffet legends, Shady Maple and Miller's Smorgasbord, are back in a national spotlight - and your vote counts
Two days of food trucks, live music, and a makers market kick off Saturday at Valhalla Farms in Columbia
Puppy yoga comes to Lancaster this weekend, with sessions at The Shops at Rockvale
A free adaptive baseball clinic Sunday morning gives athletes of all abilities a chance to play ball at Penn Medicine Park
BUSINESS
Lancaster's Buffet Icons Are in a National Face-Off - Again
Shady Maple in East Earl and Miller's Smorgasbord in Ronks have both landed in USA Today's 10Best awards spotlight, keeping Lancaster County's legendary all-you-can-eat tradition in the national food conversation. Shady Maple edged out Miller's in both 2024 and 2025, making it two years running at the top. Now voting is open again for 2026, and local pride is officially on the menu. Whether you're a Shady Maple loyalist or a Miller's devotee, this is your moment to put Lancaster buffets back on top. Cast your vote here →
EVENTS
A big weekend is here - here's what's happening across Lancaster County.
🚚 Lancaster's Best Food Truck Competition IV - Valhalla Farms - 1466 Habecker Road, Columbia, PA 17512. Saturday, May 30 & Sunday, May 31, 11 AM–4 PM. Local food trucks go head-to-head over two days in a community showdown of flavor, creativity, and crowd enthusiasm - with judges and attendees both voting for their favorites. Expect live entertainment, a makers market, and plenty of sampling, all with free admission. Proceeds benefit Joyful Doberman Rescue of PA. More info →
🐾 Puppy Flow / Puppy Yoga Launch Weekend - The Shops at Rockvale - 35 S. Willowdale Drive, Lancaster, PA 17602. Saturday, May 30 & Sunday, May 31, 12 PM–6:30 PM EDT. Puppy Flow officially launches in Lancaster with beginner-friendly yoga sessions that pair gentle movement, breathwork, and relaxation with live puppy interaction - because everything is better with puppies. Sessions are ticketed and available both days. Get tickets →
🖤 Shadowland Lancaster - Zoetropolis Cinema Stillhouse - 112 N. Water Street, Lancaster, PA 17603. Saturday, May 30, 8 PM–12 AM. Lancaster's monthly dark alternative dance night returns with goth, industrial, darkwave, and EBM from DJ STYGIAN and special guest DJs. If your idea of a great Saturday night involves a dimly lit room and music with atmosphere, this is your scene. More info →
⚾ Adaptive Baseball Clinic - Free - Penn Medicine Park (Lancaster Stormers) - 650 N. Prince Street, Lancaster, PA 17603. Sunday, May 31, 9 AM–12 PM. Special Strong Lancaster County hosts a free adaptive baseball clinic open to athletes of all ages and ability levels, including individuals with physical, cognitive, or mental challenges. Participants build skills, play ball, and can stick around afterward to watch a Lancaster Stormers game with fellow families. More info →
💍 Pennsylvania Bridal & Wedding Expo - Lancaster County Convention Center - 25 S. Queen Street, Lancaster, PA 17603. Sunday, May 31, 1:30 PM–5 PM. Whether you're newly engaged or deep in the planning trenches, this expo pulls together gowns, photographers, DJs, reception venues, food sampling, and giveaways all under one roof. Free passes are available online; admission is $10 at the door. Get tickets →
🔄 Lancaster Sunday Swap - Buchanan Park - 905 Buchanan Avenue, Lancaster, PA. Sunday, May 31, 1 PM–2 PM. This low-key women's meetup is one of those simple-but-great ideas: bring 12 of something you make, collect, or love, lay them out, and leave with 12 different things from the other attendees. Casual, creative, and genuinely fun. More info →
💃 Latin Social Dance at West Art - West Art - 816 Buchanan Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17603. Tuesday, June 2, 7 PM–10 PM. Salsa and Bachata lessons from instructor Luis Santiago kick things off, followed by a high-energy DJ set from DJ Rumspringa. No experience required, all ages welcome, and tickets are just $10 in advance or at the door if space remains. Get tickets →
Weather For Friday, May 29 - Mostly sunny and 77°, with barely a 5% chance of rain. It's about as good a start to Memorial Day weekend as Lancaster could ask for. Get outside if you can - Saturday cools off a bit, and this afternoon's golden hour is not to be wasted.
Thanks for reading Lancaster Local. You've got a full, fun, community-packed weekend ahead - food trucks, puppy yoga, live music, baseball, and a bridal expo, all within a few miles of home. If you found something useful, forward it to someone who still gets their news from a Facebook group.
See you next week.