Don't miss these things to see and do at the 2026 Pa. Farm Show
A sheep is ready to be sheared at the Sheep to Shawl contest during Day 5 of the 2019 Pa State Farm Show. January 09, 2019 Sean Simmers | [email protected]
The 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show promises eight jam-packed days of fun events, activities and food.
More than a half million visitors attend the show at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg.
This year’s show runs Jan. 10-17, but you can get a jump start on the food court a day early from noon-9 p.m. on Jan. 9 with free parking.
The Farm Show is the place to go for funnel cakes and apple dumplings, baby animals, tractor square dancing, cooking demonstrations and the famous 1,000-pound butter sculpture.
This year’s theme is “Growing a Nation,” a tribute to the country’s 250th birthday.
The square dance competition on day 3 of the 2020 Pa. Farm Show seen from inside a light fixture above the arena floor. Jan. 06, 2020. Sean Simmers | [email protected]
With so much packed into the complex, it’s hard to see everything. Here are some highlights you don’t want to miss.
New foods
The food court in the Giant Expo Hall is one of the biggest attractions where commodity groups sell a smorgasbord of Pa. foods, snacks and fare. New this year is mushroom coffee from the Mushroom Farmers of Pa. booth and a flight of patriotic milkshake flavors – vanilla, strawberry and blue raspberry – from the Pa. Dairymen’s Association. Also, new this year are strawberry sundaes from the Dairymen’s Association.
A spirited competition
Check out the first-ever Pa. Spirits Competition to see what distillers make the best. It joins the ever-popular and long running wine, beer and cider competitions. Winners will be announced at 6 p.m. Jan. 10 on the PSECU Stage in the Main Hall.
Beau Hoffer, 4, of Newport, with dad Joe, at right, placed first in the age 5 and under category. Contestants compete in the Pa. Farm Show Pennsylvanias Preferred Mullet Contest. January 6, 2025. Dan Gleiter | [email protected]
Goat snuggling
Get up close to baby goats at the Goat Snuggling booth by Steinmetz Family Farm in the Main Hall. The Berks County farm brings dozens of baby goats for visitors to pet and hold. Admission is charged.
Mullet contest
The mullet contest returns for a third year at 11:30 a.m. Jan. 12 at the PSECU Stage in the Main Hall. Participants compete for the best mullets, the hairstyle known as “business up front and party in the back,” in several age categories. New this year is a Flow of Freedom award for the most patriotic participant.
Calving Corner
Watch cows giving birth at the Calving Corner at the Northeast Hall. The live dairy cow-birthing center gives visitors the chance to experience the miracle of life and a firsthand look at the dairy industry. A total of 16 calves will be born during the Farm Show.
See top chefs
The Pa. Preferred Culinary Connection Stage in the Main Hall will feature Jen Heasley, Author of The Game Day Kitchen and Host of “Cooking with the Pros” on CBS 21, at 5 p.m. Jan. 10.
The following day on Jan. 11, Bryan Voltaggio, an American celebrity chef, restaurateur, author and ‘Top Chef’ alum who is a James Beard Award semifinalist, will be featured. He will present on stage at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Kiss a Cow
Kiss a cow for the perfect selfie with Swartz Farm in the East Hall. For a fee visitors can pet, hug and pose for photos with the farm’s miniature Highland Cows.
Square Dancing
Kick up your heels for the square dancing parade at 6:45 p.m. Monday followed at 7 p.m. by the square dancing competition in the New Holland Arena.
Baking competitions
It’s a little-known secret that if you stick around long enough you can sample the baked goods judged at the Farm Show’s hallmark baking competitions. Baked goods, including chocolate cakes and apple pies, are sliced into samples and shared with the public. Judging takes place on the PSECU Stage in the Main Hall. Apple pies and chocolate cakes are judged on Jan. 10 and angel food cakes on Jan. 11.
Sheep-to-shawl
Mark your calendar for the annual sheep-to-shawl contest. The hallmark event kicks off at 3 p.m. Jan. 14 in the Small Arena. It pits teams against each other to see which one can shear a sheep, spin the yarn and knit a shawl the fastest.
PA Preferred Marketplace
Bring your spending money. The Pa. Preferred Marketplace near the Culinary Connection stage is chockfull of vendors selling PA products, including caramel popcorn, peanuts, cheese, beef jerky, candies, pickles and hot sauces.
Attend the rodeo
Buy tickets to the First Frontier Circuit Rodeo from Jan. 15-17. Known as the biggest rodeo in the northeast it features bareback riding, barrel racing and bull riding. Tickets are $10 and up. More information is available on the rodeo’s website.
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