Things to do in Lancaster This weekend Nov 6 - 8 2026

The first weekend of November in Lancaster has a little bit of everything. Friday is First Friday, with free art, a free evening at the Science Factory and a pop-up art market. Saturday brings a holiday show and an indie concert, and a sold-out-fast mystery wraps up on Sunday. Here are my picks for November 6 to 8.

Friday, November 6

1. First Friday in downtown Lancaster

When: Friday, 5 to 9 PM. Where: Galleries, shops and restaurants across downtown Lancaster City. Cost: Free to walk.

Galleries open late, shops stay open, and the sidewalks fill up. It's the easiest way to see what downtown feels like on a good night. Start with the First Friday guide from Visit Lancaster City to see who's showing what.

2. PCA&D Fall Art Market

When: Friday, 4 to 8 PM. Where: Pennsylvania College of Art & Design, 204 N. Prince St., downtown Lancaster. Cost: Free.

More than 50 artists selling prints, ceramics, jewelry and more. It's an early chance to knock out some holiday shopping and support local makers. Details: pcad.edu

3. Free First Friday at the Lancaster Science Factory

When: Friday, 5 to 7 PM. Where: 454 New Holland Ave., northeast Lancaster City. Cost: Free for the first 300 guests.

If you have kids, this is the move. Hands-on exhibits, and the price is right. Get there early, because the free spots are first come, first served. Details: lancastersciencefactory.org

4. Emo Night Karaoke at Tellus360

When: Friday, 7:30 PM. Where: Tellus360, 24 E. King St., downtown. Cost: $22.70 in advance.

If you know every word to the songs you loved in 2006, this one's for you. Details: tellus360.com

5. Adrenalize: A Tribute to Def Leppard

When: Friday, show at 8 PM. Where: Mickey's Black Box, 101 Rock Lititz Blvd., Lititz. Cost: From $34.70.

A big arena-rock night in one of the county's best small rooms. Details: mickeysblackbox.com

Saturday, November 7

6. "The 2026 Christmas Show: Winter Wonderland" at American Music Theatre

When: Saturday, 3 PM and 7:30 PM. Where: American Music Theatre, 2425 Lincoln Hwy. E., East Lampeter Township.

AMT's holiday show is a Lancaster tradition, and early November is a good time to go before the December crowds. Details: amtshows.com

7. "Joshua" at Sight & Sound Theatres

When: Performances on Saturday. Check the schedule for times. Where: Sight & Sound Theatres, Strasburg area.

Huge sets, live animals and a production level that brings visitors from across the country. Book ahead. Details: sight-sound.com

8. Briston Maroney with Noah Pope at West Art City Hall

When: Saturday, 8 PM. Where: West Art City Hall, 816 Buchanan Ave., West End of Lancaster City.

An indie rock show in an intimate venue a few blocks from Buchanan Park. Details: check West Art's event listings

9. Lancaster Central Market

When: Friday and Saturday mornings. Where: 23 N. Market St., Penn Square.

Grab coffee, a pastry and something for dinner at the country's oldest continuously operating public farmers market. Details: centralmarketlancaster.com

Sunday, November 8

10. Last chance: "Murder at Ackerton Manor" at the Fulton

When: The run ends Sunday, November 8. Where: The Tell Studio Theatre at the Fulton Theatre, 12 N. Prince St., downtown.

An interactive murder mystery in the Fulton's studio space. It's been close to sold out, so check availability before you go. Details: thefulton.org

Also Sunday: the metal band Forbidden plays Mickey's Black Box in Lititz, with the show at 7 PM. Details: mickeysblackbox.com

Albert's Pick

Albert's Pick: First Friday, starting at the PCA&D Fall Art Market. Hit the art market on North Prince Street around 5, walk the galleries down Prince and Queen, and grab dinner downtown. If you're thinking about moving to Lancaster, this is the night to come see the city. You'll get a feel for which blocks you'd want to live on in about two hours.

Planning tips for the weekend

• Parking: Downtown garages fill up on First Friday evenings, so arrive before 6 or plan to walk a few blocks.

• Weather: Early November nights in Lancaster get cold. Bring a layer for the gallery walk.

• Tickets: Prices and times can change. Always confirm with the venue before you head out.

Last time around, I put together this weekend guide for October 23 to 25. If you're new to town, start with 10 things to know before you move to Lancaster.

FAQ

Is First Friday in Lancaster free?

Yes. Walking the galleries and shops is free. You'll only pay for food, drinks or anything you buy.

What time does First Friday start?

The citywide hours are 5 to 9 PM, though some venues start earlier. The PCA&D Fall Art Market opens at 4.

Are these events kid-friendly?

The Science Factory, the art market, Central Market and the AMT holiday show are all good picks for families. Check age rules for the concerts and the Fulton studio show.

Where can I find more things to do in Lancaster?

I put out a weekend guide every week, plus deeper guides to living here. My Living in Lancaster guide is the best place to start.

Thinking about living here?

If a weekend like this has you picturing life in Lancaster, my free Living in Lancaster guide covers the neighborhoods, costs and everyday life. When you're ready to talk about where you'd fit best, you can always book a free call with Albert.

About Albert Linsdell

Albert Linsdell is a Lancaster, PA real estate agent helping buyers and sellers across Lancaster County, including Lancaster City, Manheim Township, Lititz, Ephrata and Mount Joy. He's known for numbers-first pricing, creative financing strategies, and a trusted contractor network that helps sellers get top dollar. He's rated 5 stars across 22 Google reviews. Book a call with Albert.