The Ultimate Guide to Summer Fun in Williamsport, PA 2019 Edition

As the weather warms up and Williamsport becomes enveloped in lush green trees and the flowers are in full bloom, we can breathe a sigh of relief and say that summer is finally upon us. It’s time to enjoy the outdoors, gather for barbecues and picnics, and see what our hometown is all about. There’s so much to do and see, and we know you don’t want to miss anything. We’ve detailed all the goings-on in our city so you can take full advantage of what Williamsport has to offer this summer. Let’s dive in!

Williamsport Community Events and Activities

Keep a close eye on the calendar—there’s always something to look forward to in Williamsport. Whether it’s an event at one of the many local businesses or put on by the city, your summer is sure to be entertaining!

• First Fridays and First Saturdays. The first weekends of the summer months are when downtown comes to life. All kinds of local artists set up tents and tables to showcase their wares. With the wide variety of crafters and food vendors, it’s a good thing you have multiple opportunities to see what they’re offering.
• Williamsport Growers Market. While the Growers Market runs all year, it starts to pick up and stay busy from May-September. Farmers sell their locally grown food alongside local businesses and artisans. You can find the Growers Market in the parking lot at Little League Boulevard & Pine Street from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Community Arts Center. Plan a night out and see a show! The Community Arts Center has all kinds of performances. Check out what they’ve got in store for this summer.
• Community Theatre League. The play’s the thing, and the Community Theatre League can provide. The summer is packed with plays and musicals that everyone can enjoy. See their schedule here.
• Arthaus Projects. See stunning visual art exhibitions, participate in art workshops, or enjoy their comedy night. Arthaus Projects rejects elitism often associated with art and embraces curiosity. Everyone is welcome here, just check out their schedule!
• Wine and Design. Painting. Wine. If those two things sound great to you, then you should consider going to Wine and Design. Their calendar is full of interesting art projects. Pick the one you want and enjoy your creative night out!
• New Trail Brewing Company. This local brewery fits right in with the summer season. They love to spend time outdoors and this love of nature is reflected in New Trail’s selection of beer. Definitely give the tasting room a visit! The tasting room is open Thursday and Friday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Hiawatha. The Hiawatha, also known as the Queen of the Susquehanna, is a paddlewheel riverboat. From May through October, the Hiawatha offer river cruises six days a week. There are so many kinds of cruises you can sign up for, including a Craft Beer Cruise, Wing Night Cruise, and Floating Classroom Series cruise. Events also cater to kids, including Princess Party cruises and Kid’s Night. Check out all they’re offering here.
• Bastress Mountain Winery. Go for a wine tasting at Bastress Mountain Winery. Their tasting room is open Wednesday-Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. They also always have interesting events going on, including live music, Wine Bingo, and more.
• Every Day Is Veteran’s Day at the World of Little League Museum. The museum honors military active duty and veterans and their families with free admission. The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and this event runs all summer long, up until August 25, so you have plenty of time to plan a visit.
• Wildberry Studios. This cute studio has a full schedule of interesting art classes that you can sign up for. Check the calendar regularly because the classes fill up quickly! On May 25, you can take a Succulent Hanging Basket class. Learn more here.
• Clear Sphere Yoga. Summer brings time for relaxation, unwinding, and getting in tune with ourselves. Yoga is the perfect opportunity to do this. Our local yoga studio has a new location on Market Street. Check out their grand opening on Friday, May 31 at 4 p.m. and Saturday, June 1 at 10 a.m.
• Healthy Kids Day in Pine Square. School’s out! The kids can’t wait to run and play outside and make the most of their three month break. Kick off the summer right by celebrating Healthy Kids Day in Pine Square on Saturday, June 1 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Hosted by the Williamsport Branch YMCA, this free event will have plenty of games, activities, and food vendors.
• Summer Beach Party. The Liberty Arena is hosting a summer beach party on Saturday, June 1 from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. The parking lot will transform into an oasis with sand, palm trees, and mini pools. Come out to listen to the live music and participate in the fun activities that everyone can enjoy!
• Central PA Wine Festival. We know, we know—Bloomsburg isn’t Williamsport. But who doesn’t love a day trip? The Central PA Wine Festival is on Saturday, June 1, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds.
• Kiwanis 5K Run for Kids. The Kiwanis Club is hosting Williamsport’s 14th Annual 5K Run for Kids. The run is on June 7. The free kids’ race begins at 6 p.m., and the 5K begins at 6:15 p.m. All proceeds benefit Kiwanis Club of Williamsport charities.
• Williamsport Crosscutters Baseball. The boys of summer are ready to play. Opening night is June 14, but if you can’t make it, that’s fine. June, July, and August are full of games, so you’ll be able to find one that works for you. Is there a more classic summer activity than watching a baseball game and eating a hotdog? We don’t think so!
• Movie In the Park. The Montoursville Rec Board will continue to host its Movie In the Park series this summer. Catch the first movie at Indian Park on Friday, June 14 from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. Keep up with the Facebook page for updates on future movies.
• Billtown Blues Festival. Three days of celebrating blues music and the artists who perform it—what could be better? The Billtown Blues Festival starts on Friday June 14 and goes until Sunday, June 16. The festival is held at the Lycoming County Fairgrounds in Hughesville, PA.
• HomeMade Days. On Friday, June 21 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, June 22 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Brandon Park fills with craftsmen, artists, food vendors, and more. All items for sale are homemade.
• Dino Days at Reptiland. Anyone who attended elementary school in the Williamsport area has probably taken a class field trip to Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland. While always a fun visit, they’re doing something special this summer. From Friday, June 21 to Sunday, June 23, Dino Days will be in full swing from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can learn about the fascinating creatures that roamed the Earth in prehistoric times.
• James V. Brown Library. The library offers more than an impressive collection of books to read. They also have crafting activities! For those who want to tap into their creative side, visit the James V. Brown Library on June 21 at 6 p.m. or June 22 at 12:15 p.m. to make Galaxy Coasters. This activity is for adults only, as it’s part of the adult summer reading program, A Universe of Stories. Learn more about the event here.
• Cutter’s 5K. On Saturday June 29 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., The Hope Enterprises Foundation will host the Cutter’s 5K. All proceeds benefit the Children’s Development Center of Williamsport.
• Set the Night to Music. Hosted by Backyard Broadcasting, Downtown Williamsport celebrates our country’s freedom on the 4th of July with a spectacular fireworks display set to music. Radio stations WILQ, WZXR, and WBZD will all be covering the event.
• Little League Grand Slam Parade. On Wednesday, August 14, we start to gear up for the Little League World Series. Come out and see the teams who will be competing for the coveted championship title! The parade is from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., but make sure to get here early because the fun starts at 4 p.m. and the sidewalks quickly become crowded!
• Little League World Series. The Little League World Series showcases everything wonderful about Williamsport. We’re supporting the community, celebrating city tradition, and setting an example for sportsmanship and kindness in younger generations. The series begins on Thursday, August 15 and continues until Sunday, August 25. Make sure to bring a glove—you may catch a ball!
• Williamsport Welcomes the World. On Friday, August 23 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., we celebrate having people visiting our community from all over the globe. Make sure to join in on the fun!

It looks like we’re in for a busy summer! And while we’re running around getting to all these activities, we’re all going to work up an appetite. Let’s check out where to grab a bite to eat.

Outdoor Dining in Williamsport

One of the best parts of summer is dining outside. What’s better than eating a delicious meal with friends and family in the warm sun and slight breeze? We’ve found the best local restaurants that have outdoor dining options so you can make the most of the balmy summer afternoons and evenings.

• Barrel 135. Barrel 135 has a patio on the side of the restaurant, where you can enjoy one of their signature cocktails and delicious, fresh food. Who doesn’t love a martini at happy hour?
• The Brickyard Restaurant & Ale House. While they’ve always had a patio, there’s now a roof overhead to protect patrons from the hot sun. If you’re looking for a classic beer and burger, then the Brickyard is the place to be. You can also check out live music in Pine Square.
• Boom City Brewing Company. With locally sourced ingredients to make their food, a selection of their own microbrews, and accommodating hours for those looking for a later dinner, Boom City is the perfect choice for summer dining. Their Colossal Pretzel is an appetizer you do not want to miss!
• The Stonehouse Pizza & Pasteria. Wood-fired pizza is one of the best dinners to share with friends. The Stonehouse offers a wide variety of pizza, along with other Italian dishes, and has a bar stocked with cold beer, wine, sangria, and homemade cocktails.
• Moon and Raven Public House. After a hard week of work, there’s nothing better than going to a pub for a tasty meal and a drink. Moon and Raven has a unique menu inspired by Scottish, Irish, and English pubs, where you can choose something adventurous or familiar. While seating outside is limited, the window facing toward West 4^th Street opens up and allows the fresh air to fill the entire dining area.
• The Bar on Market. There’s always something fun happening at The Bar on Market. The relaxed atmosphere makes you feel right at home. Enjoy a sandwich, appetizers, cold drinks, and maybe catch a band’s performance.
• Scorz Bar and Grill. Connected to Kaos Fun Zone, Scorz Bar and Grill is the perfect option for a night out. You can go bowling and try your hand at winning arcade prizes. No matter how you fare with the claw machine, you can always head over to Scorz and enjoy a victory drink or a consolation drink on the patio, along with appetizers and a meal!
• The James – An American Kitchen and Bar. This restaurant is in the Holiday Inn. The patio is the perfect place to get a drink, listen to live music, and get dinner. The James specializes in upscale, made to order dishes.
• Old Corner Hotel. Pair history with fine dining at the Old Corner Hotel. Greenery and lights decorate the outdoor dining area, creating the perfect summer night ambience.
• DiSalvo’s Restaurant. Fine Italian food and an outdoor wine bar makes DiSalvo’s a must-visit this summer. It’s the perfect place to gather with friends and family to talk and share a meal.
• Morrone’s Café. Dine outside under a pergola decorated in grape vines and lights. Morrone’s is a wonderful option if you’re looking for a quiet night and delicious food.
• The Sawhorse Café. If you haven’t been to the Sawhorse Café yet, you need to make plans soon. The Sawhorse Café uses fresh, local ingredients. With a menu that’s subject to change because of the ingredients available, you’re sure to get something new and delicious each time.
• Sticky Elbow. While not in the heart of downtown but still in Williamsport, the Sticky Elbow always offers something unique. Their dynamic menu includes dishes you wouldn’t normally find in Williamsport and are cooked to perfection. The outdoor area is spacious and a wonderful spot to have dinner in the summer.
• Pier 87 Bar & Grill. Explore beyond downtown Williamsport and enjoy a scenic dinner at Pier 87. The outdoor area includes its own beach—and who doesn’t love to have a drink on the beach? While there’s no ocean here, Pier 87 is right next to the Loyalsock Creek. Sip you drink, listen to the band play, and you’ve got the perfect evening.

Many of these places have live music, but you may be wondering about the kinds of local music Williamsport has to offer. There are so many talented local bands that always give energetic performances that everyone will love. Let’s take a beat and look into Williamsport’s music scene.

Local Bands and Musicians

As you’re enjoying live music this summer, you may realize you’re listening to one of the following artists on this list. These talented musicians are contributing to Williamsport’s thriving artistic community and all have their unique voice and sound.

• The Gabe Stillman Band. Members Gabe Stillman, Colin Beatty, and Jesse Roedts form the perfect trio to bring hard stompin’ blues to Williamsport. You can see The Gabe Stillman Band perform live on Friday, May 17 at the Bar on Market at 9 p.m.
• Pepper Street Band. This classic rock oldies cover band is one you should definitely check out. Five talented and enthusiastic band members all come together to play the hits that you love. Pepper Street Band’s next gig is on May 17 at the South Williamsport Legion at 9 p.m.
• The Cadillac Cats. Blair Mitcheltree, Urie Kline, Scott Myers, Dave Thompson, and Becky Wool make up one of the great local blues and rock’n’roll bands. You can see The Cadillac Cats on May 18 at Scorz Bar and Grill at 8 p.m.
• Sean Farley. This talented musician plays blues, rock, Americana and soul. Sean Farley is releasing a new EP, called Raising the Grain. Check out his EP release party on May 22 at 6 p.m. at New Trail Brewing Company.
• Boom Town Boys. Alternative country rock band Boom Town Boys includes Mike Steppe, Mike Wrench, Nick Laylon, and Joe Tokay II. They will be performing on May 25 at Horsepower Harley-Davidson’s Grill N Chill. The event is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• The Keystone SKA Exchange. Enjoy the upbeat music of The Keystone SKA Exchange! Band members include Zack Herbst, Al Meck, Alex Boyce, Nick Worrell, and Brett Schneider. They’ll be playing at Bastress Winery on Sunday, May 26 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Don’t miss out!
• The Billtown All-Stars. In the mood for heavy metal rock? The Billtown All-Stars have your back. Band members Tim Yasui, Steve Morrow, Chris Silvagni, and Jamie Savko know how to put on a show—and do more than that. The band’s interests include raising money and awareness s for Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Their next show is May 26 at Pier 87 Bar & Grill at 5 p.m.
• HAL. HAL is a two-piece band of experimental rock music. With Shawn Chism on guitar and Justin Lutz on drums, their styles merge jazz, post-punk, math rock and hardcore into a melting pot of experimental rock that will grab your attention. They’ll be playing at First Friday this June in front of the Frame Shop.
• ‽ (Interrobang). This band blends their sounds in an interesting mixture of jazz and funk. Members Aaron Kiessling, Alex Boyce, and Brett Schneider bring something new to the table with their music. Enjoy an afternoon of jazz and drinks at Bastress Mountain Winery on June 16 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

We’re lucky to have local talent in our city, so keep up with their events so you know when they’re playing this summer!

Nature Trails and Parks

Many of the activities on this list revolve around community and being around other people. But sometimes, you need to take some time for yourself. Luckily, Williamsport’s surroundings include forests, mountains, creeks, and waterfalls—the perfect elements for hiking. Take some time to get away from the noise and the rush of the day-to-day and revel in the peace and quiet of nature.

• Ricketts Glen State Park. This park is known for its rushing waterfalls and has trails for all levels of hikers. It takes about 48 minutes to drive to Ricketts Glen.
• World’s End State Park. About 45 mins away from Williamsport, World’s End is a place for long hikes and known for its scenic overlooks. It has a family campground for those who wish to spend more than a day.
• Susquehanna State Park. This park is 20 acres, has a view of the river, and is in your own backyard! A mere 8 minutes from Williamsport, Susquehanna State Park is an ideal location for a summer picnic.
• Loyalsock Trail. This trail is only about 20 minutes away and hikers can immediately immerse themselves in the beauty of Pennsylvania.
• The Susquehanna Riverwalk and Timber Trail. You don’t have to go on a nature walk in the forest to enjoy the fresh air. The scenic walk follows the Susquehanna River and is bike friendly. If you wanted to get out for a quick half hour walk, then this is a great option!

With all these events, places, and people to see, you’ve got the makings for a great summer. The rest is up to you!

Have a Safe, Happy Summer from Legal InSites

Legal InSites is a digital marketing agency located in downtown Williamsport. We love being a part of this community and do all we can to support it, because that’s what makes our city so special. Williamsport has so much to offer, and the way we see it is the more people know about these events, activities, and businesses, the more Williamsport thrives. No matter if you’re new in town or have lived here your whole life, there’s bound to be a few items on this list that excite you. Grab your sunscreen and enjoy!