Celebrate 10 years of soulful music, diverse genres, and community spirit.

Downtown Lancaster PA is once again set to come alive with the sounds of blues, roots, soul, and more as the 10th annual Lancaster Roots & Blues Festival Returns for 2026! 

From Friday, February 27 through Sunday, March 1, 2026, music lovers from across the region will gather inside multiple venues within just a few blocks of each other for three days of unforgettable performances.

This festival of music and art transforms Lancaster’s historic downtown into a sprawling indoor concert series - with at least 50 concerts over the weekend and performances across a wide range of styles including blues, jazz, Americana, funk, soul, rockabilly, roots rock, and more.

One of the unique features of Lancaster Roots & Blues is its venue-hopping experience. Wristband holders can explore music at venues like The Village Nightclub, Tellus 360, Zoetropolis, Marion Court Room, Trust Performing Arts Center, and more - all within walking distance in downtown Lancaster.

The festival’s lineup brings together nationally touring acts, rising stars, and dynamic local artists. Fan favorites like blues powerhouse Albert Cummings, legendary British rock blues icons The Yardbirds, and soul-infused acts such as Billy Price Band are joined by emerging talent like Amani Burnham, True Loves, Buffalo Nichols, and many others.

Click here to learn more about the festival. 

This Saturday, February 28, downtown Lancaster’s nightlife gets a fresh dose of rhythm and soul when Cesar and The Five take the stage at Annie Bailey's Irish Public House for a free, high-energy live performance starting at 11:00 PM.

The Lancaster-based six-piece ensemble is known locally for its vibrant fusion of modern jazz harmonies, smooth Latin rhythms, and deep funk grooves, creating a sound that’s both dance-ready and musically sophisticated.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of jazz or simply looking for something different to do late Saturday night, the band’s set promises to deliver a lively atmosphere that keeps the crowd moving until close.

Their repertoire blends fresh arrangements of beloved classics with original twists - delivering renditions of songs associated with icons like Frank Sinatra, Bill Withers, Stevie Wonder, and Astrud Gilberto, in both Spanish and English.

This free, late-night show offers a great chance to soak up the local music scene while enjoying the lively vibe of one of Lancaster’s most beloved pubs. 

With its warm interior, craft beers, signature cocktails, and hearty fare, Annie Bailey’s provides a welcoming backdrop for the performance and for a night out with friends.

They’re a truly special band - hailing from Lancaster. 

Don’t you just love seeing local talent pop? 

Personally, I’m big into jazz music - so this is right up my alley. 

Want to hear a bit of their music for free? Check out a gig they played on YouTube. 

If you've ever wished you could hear "Fix You" or "Radioactive" performed by a live string ensemble surrounded by the warm glow of candlelight, Lancaster has something special coming your way.

The performance is Saturday night at 6pm.

The globally popular Candlelight concert series is bringing its Coldplay vs. Imagine Dragons installment to the Barshinger Center at 600 College Avenue - and if you haven't experienced one of these performances before, this is a great excuse to finally check it out.

The concept is simple but genuinely magical. Instead of a traditional rock show, a live classical ensemble reimagines some of the most beloved pop anthems of the past two decades in rich, orchestral arrangements. 

Think "Clocks," "The Scientist," and "Viva la Vida" from Coldplay alongside Imagine Dragons staples like "Believer" and "Radioactive" - all performed under a sea of flickering candlelight in one of Lancaster's most acoustically beautiful spaces.

The 60-minute runtime makes it an easy and accessible night out, whether you're planning a date, bringing the family, or just looking for something a little different than your usual Friday evening. 

Past attendees have called the experience "wonderful," "beautiful," and "perfect for family and friends" - and it's easy to understand why. 

There's something about hearing music you already love transformed into something new that hits differently.

A few things worth knowing before you go: doors open about 45 minutes before showtime, and latecomers aren't admitted once the performance begins, so plan to arrive early and soak in the atmosphere.

The show is recommended for ages 8 and up, and anyone under 16 needs to be accompanied by an adult.

If you've been looking for a reason to get out and experience something a little more memorable than the usual Lancaster weekend, this might just be it.

Click here to learn more and grab tickets.

There are yard sales… and then there are mud sales.

On Friday, February 27 (auctions begin around 3:30 PM) and Saturday, February 28 (auctions begin at 8:00 AM), the beloved Strasburg Spring Consignment & Mud Sale returns to the Strasburg Volunteer Fire Company grounds at 203 W. Franklin Street in Strasburg.

This is the unofficial start of one of Lancaster County’s most treasured traditions.

Admission is free. The experience? Pure Lancaster.

What Is a Mud Sale?

If you’re new to the area - or you’ve heard the term but never gone - here’s the short version:

Mud sales are large-scale community auctions, historically held in late winter and early spring when thawing ground meant… well… mud. 

Today, the name remains, even if the boots aren’t always required.

They’re fundraisers for local volunteer fire companies - and in Lancaster County, they’ve become something much bigger: a cultural event that blends Amish craftsmanship, agricultural heritage, and community spirit into one unforgettable weekend.

The Strasburg sale is the first mud sale of the 2026 season, making it the ceremonial kickoff for auction lovers across the county.

Curious about what other mud sales are coming up, or want to know more about what to expect? Check out this great article from AmishAmerica.com.