For one week every January, Pennsylvania's agriculture leaders create a sprawling indoor farming experience to inform, inspire and connect residents with one of the state's largest industries.
The theme for the 110th Pennsylvania Farm Show is “Growing a Nation,” kicking off a year of activities nationwide honoring America’s 250th anniversary.
Also known as Pennsylvania’s State Fair, the event runs from January 10-17, from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. most days, with a food court preview day Jan. 9.
What is the PA Farm Show like?
Held at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, it's the largest indoor agricultural expo in the nation.
The farm show complex is vast, with several expo halls, two arenas, a barn and a very popular food court (more on that later).
Attendees will have up-close encounters with thousands of animals like alpacas, rabbits and cows, and opportunities to meet with the state’s leading potato, mushroom and Christmas tree growers.
The state’s youth soak up inspiration on trips with their school’s FFA clubs as farmers care for and show their livestock in the facility. Some will be lucky enough to watch a cow give birth.
Lawmakers convene at the event and residents and businesses compete for the best recipes and Pennsylvania-grown produce.
Activities for the whole family include goat snuggling, cattle shows, musical performances and a mullet contest to determine which Pennsylvanian has the best version of the popular 1980s hairstyle.
Exhibitors will include businesses selling Pennsylvania-made products and organizations like Dairy Farmers of America and the Bluebird Society of Pennsylvania.
The decades-long tradition in which Pennsylvania artists create a masterpiece with roughly 1,000 pounds of butter is always a hit. This year's masterpiece is titled "A Toast to Our Nation’s 250th Anniversary: Inspired by Founders. Grown by Farmers."
Food at the Pennsylvania Farm Show
Culinary demonstrations, competitions and concessions showcase the quality of food grown in Pennsylvania.
Organizations like the PA State Beekeepers Association, PA Cooperative Potato Growers, PA Maple Syrup Producers Council and PA Mushroom Farmers sell meals in the food court. Menu items include pierogies, potato donuts, BBQ sandwiches, apple cider and maple cotton candy.
Patrons line up for the PA Dairymen’s Association “famous” milkshakes. Proceeds from the milkshakes go towards agricultural scholarships, FFA career development and other educational programs.
This year, in honor of America250, a red white and blue milkshake flight is available with strawberry, vanilla and raspberry colors.
The PA Dairymen’s Association also sells ice cream, deep-fried mozzarella cheese cubes and grilled cheese sandwiches at the farm show.
Exhibitors selling food items will include German Roasted Nuts, Gourmet Popcorn of Carlisle, Wow Fudge and Belgian Chocolates, and Setas Mushrooms.
Plan your visit
The farm show officially kicks off Saturday, Jan. 10 at 8 a.m. But on Friday, the food court is open to the public.
Admission to the farm show is free. Parking costs $15 but is free on Friday, Jan. 9.
The daily schedule lists the activities happening each day. You can find a map of the Pa Farm Show complex here and the exhibitor listings here.
2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show hours
Jan. 9 - 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. (food court only)
Jan. 10 - 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Jan. 11 - 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Jan. 12 - 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Jan. 13 - 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Jan. 14 - 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Jan. 15 - 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Jan. 16 - 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Jan. 17 - 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
WVIA Live Remote
The WVIA News team will report at the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show on Thursday, Jan. 15. Tune in to WVIA Radio for live reports from Harrisburg during NPR's All Things Considered from 4 to 6 p.m.
