January 21, 2026
From the Lancaster Festival

The Lancaster Festival Board of Directors is excited to announce that the 2026 Lancaster Festival will take place with a newly revamped schedule of events.

The week-long celebration of music, art and community will be held July 17 – 25, 2026, beginning with Artwalk in partnership with Destination Downtown Lancaster on Friday, July 17.  Saturday, July 18 will include Festival Fair Day and a double-tribute night concert at the Wendel Concert Stage at Ohio University Lancaster. The evening will feature two Festival “fan favorites” – Dancing Dream (ABBA tribute) and Elton Rohn (Elton John tribute).

The Lancaster Festival Orchestra will perform multiple concerts under Music Director John Devlin, including the Saturday night Grand Finale concert on July 25. The headlining artist for that evening will be announced at a later date.

“We are incredibly proud of the hard work done by Executive Director Deb Connell, staff, volunteers, donors and friends of the Festival to make this year’s Festival happen!” said Aunie Cordle, Chair, Board of Directors. “It is an enormous accomplishment to be able to come back from the devastation of last year’s flooding and be able to offer a full line-up of entertainment, art and activities for the community to support and enjoy.”

While the schedule is still being confirmed for many of the ticketed and free family events held throughout the week, the following additional concerts and activities have been confirmed:

• July 19 – Lancaster community Orchestra concert
• July 20 – Children’s Corner, Noon at the Square & Café Concert
• July 21 – Children’s Corner, Noon at the Square & Lancaster Festival Orchestra: A Night on Broadway Concert
• July 22 – Children’s Corner, Noon at the Square & Covered Bridge Music Series Concert
• July 23 – Children’s Corner, Noon at the Square & Lancaster Festival Orchestra: The Basilica of St. Mary Concert
• July 24 – Children’s Corner, Noon at the Square, Café Concert & Jazz Concert in Downtown Lancaster

Tickets will go on sale May 1. A full schedule of events will be released in the coming months and more information will be released as it becomes available at www.lancasterfestival.org.