Things to Do in the Poconos This Summer: Events, Festivals & Mountain Fun
Planning a summer getaway to the Pocono Mountains? From outdoor adventures and scenic mountain views to festivals, concerts, waterparks, and family-friendly attractions, summer in the Poconos is packed with unforgettable experiences.
Whether you’re staying for a weekend or a full week, Ski Lift, Summer Drift, our cozy mountain retreat near Camelback Resort in Tannersville, puts you close to many of the area’s top summer events and activities. In this guide, we’re sharing some of the best things to do in the Poconos this summer, including live entertainment, local festivals, and unique mountain experiences happening throughout the season. Read until the end for the bonus Memorial Day Weekend celebrations listed as well.
Summer Concert Series at the Sherman Theater
Step inside a historic entertainment landmark to experience a star-studded summer lineup just minutes from your mountain home base. The legendary Sherman Theater brings a diverse mix of live entertainment to the region, featuring laugh-out-loud comedy specials, intimate acoustic sets by legendary music acts, and high-energy tribute performances. From an exclusive theatrical one-man show with Chazz Palminteri to stand-up with Craig Ferguson, a special evening with Amy Grant, and a crowd-pleasing Taylor Swift tribute, this theater serves as the ultimate cultural escape after a day of outdoor exploration.
When: Select dates from June through August 2026.
Where: Sherman Theater (524 Main Street, Stroudsburg, PA).
More Info: Located approximately 11 miles southeast of Tannersville, PA, a quick 15-minute drive. Advanced ticket purchases are highly recommended as these high-profile national touring shows frequently sell out. Check out the full seasonal calendar and buy tickets on the official Sherman Theater events page.
Jason Bishop: Straight Up Magic
Escape the midday heat or an unpredictable summer shower with a world-class evening of illusion and comedy. Renowned illusionist Jason Bishop brings his fast-paced, jaw-dropping grand illusions and close-up sleight of hand to the stage. Voted a 2026 Tripadvisor Traveler’s Choice Winner, this spectacular production perfectly blends mind-bending magic with sharp wit and an unforgettable appearance by his famous performing Yorkie, Gizmo, offering Broadway-quality entertainment directly in the mountains.
When: Various dates from June through August 29, 2026 (Shows run from 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM).
Where: Valley View Room at Camelback Resort (309 Resort Drive, Tannersville, PA).
More Info: Attendees enjoy free self-parking, on-site concessions, and a full cash bar. To ensure an optimal theater environment for all guests, please note that children under the age of 6 are not permitted inside the showroom. Secure your seats in advance on the official Jason Bishop Tickets page.
Pocono Mountain Maple Tour & Tasting Experience
Treat your sweet tooth to an organic farm adventure at Pennsylvania’s premier sustainable maple property. This fully immersive farm tour invites you to take a scenic guided stroll through a 450-acre forest straight to the bustling sugar shack. You will watch live demonstrations from the expert maple production team, learn the delicate science behind tree tapping, and sample a diverse range of organic and kosher maple syrups alongside refreshing local maple water and complimentary sweet treats.
When: Weekends throughout June and July 2026 (One-hour tours depart starting at 11:00 AM).
Where: Pocono Mountain Maple (116 S. Turnpike Road, Newfoundland, PA).
More Info: Note this farm is located approximately 32 miles north of Tannersville, PA, roughly a 40-minute drive. Advanced online booking is required to secure a tour slot. Reserve your weekend tasting time directly via the Pocono Mountain Maple booking page.
NASCAR Cup Series Tripleheader Weekend
Feel the ground shake at one of the world's most unique motorsports venues as racing legends descend upon the mountains a week earlier than usual this summer. This action-packed tripleheader weekend features a distinct professional race each day on a massive 2.5-mile track famously known as "The Tricky Triangle." Fans can witness high-speed drama starting with the ARCA Menards Series on Friday, the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series on Saturday, and the main event NASCAR Cup Series showdown on Sunday.
When: June 12 through June 14, 2026.
Where: Pocono Raceway (1234 Long Pond Road, Long Pond, PA).
More Info: Located just 12 miles southwest of Tannersville, PA. To make this an affordable family outing, children aged 12 and under receive completely free admission to all grandstand areas when accompanied by an adult (though a free ticket must still be acquired). Explore race-day packages on the official Pocono Raceway website.
Independence Day Celebration at Camelbeach
Celebrate America’s birthday with a full day of premier mountain waterpark fun. Spend your morning conquering thrilling high-speed water slides or drifting along the lazy river, then dry off for an evening full of live rock music, delicious cookout-style food, and family activations. A major highlight of the day is the annual Rubber Duck Derby, where hundreds of toy ducks race down the river to win great prizes for a local charity. The entire celebration builds toward a massive, coordinated fireworks display reflecting beautifully over the mountain ridges. Fun Fact-you can usually see the fireworks show right from Ski Light Summer Drift vacation home.
When: July 4, 2026 (Festivities begin around 7:30 PM; fireworks launch at dusk).
Where: Camelbeach Outdoor Waterpark (301 Resort Drive, Tannersville, PA).
More Info: As of the writing of this blog, the celebration has not officially announced for 2026. Check on the Camelback Resort website for up to the minute updates on scheduling.
Invasion of Normandy Scenario Paintball
Experience history on a massive scale at the largest paintball event in the entire world. Every summer, thousands of global players gather across 700 heavily wooded acres to completely recreate the infamous World War II D-Day invasion. You can choose to storm the grueling beachfront obstacles with the Allied troops or dig into the heavily fortified bunkers with the Axis forces. It is an intense, action-packed weekend scenario game complete with a massive international vendor showcase and a legendary castle-versus-castle night game.
When: July 10 through July 12, 2026.
Where: Skirmish Paintball (211 North Meckesville Road, Albrightsville, PA).
More Info: Located about 22 miles southwest of Tannersville, PA. Event admission includes field access, scenario participation, and on-site weekend camping privileges. Paintballs and specific equipment rentals are priced separately. Purchase tickets or register your team on the official Skirmish Paintball events page.
100th Annual Pocono Mountain Carnival
Join a monumental centennial celebration at the longest-running and largest carnival in the region. Marking its historic 100th year of bringing community joy, this beloved weeklong summer festival features a dazzling array of amusement rides for all ages, a sprawling fleet of local food trucks, a bustling nightly bingo hall, and live musical entertainment under the grand tent. Try your luck at the Big Raffle, which features a massive $30,000 in total cash prizes to celebrate the hundred-year milestone.
When: July 13 through July 18, 2026 (Open nightly from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM).
Where: Pocono Mountain Volunteer Fire Co. Grounds (20 Murray Street, Mount Pocono, PA).
More Info: Located just 6 miles north of Tannersville, PA. Proudly hosted by the local volunteer fire company, this serves as their single largest annual fundraiser. On-site parking and gate admission are completely free. View the raffle details and daily performance lists on the official Pocono Mountain Carnival event listing.
Elements Music & Arts Festival
Immerse your senses in a magical three-day wonderland of electronic music, creative expression, and wilderness wellness. This acclaimed festival completely transforms the regional landscape into a vibrant arts village featuring themed stages inspired by the elements of fire, water, earth, and air. Festival-goers can dance to top-tier EDM artists and world-class DJs, wander through massive interactive art installations hidden in the trees, participate in group yoga and wellness workshops, and sample gourmet food trucks in an accepting, high-energy community atmosphere.
When: August 7 through August 9, 2026.
Where: Pocono Raceway (1234 Long Pond Road, Long Pond, PA).
More Info: Located just 12 miles southwest of Tannersville, PA. This is an 18+ event, and a valid photo ID is required at the gates. View the full artist lineup directly on the official Elements Festival website.
168th Annual Wayne County Fair
Step back into a simpler time and soak up authentic Americana charm at a massive regional fair that has been delighting families since the mid-19th century. This traditional agricultural celebration brings together thrilling mechanical amusement rides, a buzzing carnival midway game section, and educational farm animal exhibits. Grab a fresh funnel cake and pull up a seat at the grandstand to witness high-energy demolition derbies, truck pulls, and harness racing, culminating in an illuminating weekend fireworks display over the fairgrounds.
When: August 7 through August 15, 2026.
Where: Wayne County Fairgrounds (270 Miller Road, Honesdale, PA).
More Info: Note this event is located approximately 42 miles north of Tannersville, PA. General gate admission includes free parking and access to all grandstand entertainment, though individual amusement ride wristbands must be purchased separately. Check the daily grandstand schedule on the Wayne County Fair website.
Annual Wally Lake Fest
Give the summer season an unforgettable send-off at a massive, three-day community celebration spanning the beautiful waters and shorelines of Lake Wallenpaupack. This highly anticipated festival packs the absolute best of lakeside living into one giant holiday weekend. Visitors can browse open-air artisan markets, sample local food trucks, and pull up a lawn chair for live musical performances right on the sand. On the water, the fun continues with specialized boat tours, high-energy watersports showcases, and guided kayak excursions.
When: August 28 through August 30, 2026.
Where: Lake Wallenpaupack (Various Locations, Hawley, PA).
More Info: Lake Wallenpaupack is located roughly 33 miles north of Tannersville, PA. Once at the lake, free shuttle buses run continuously throughout the weekend to transport visitors seamlessly between the different lakeside event zones and parking lots. Map out your festival weekend itinerary on the Pocono Mountains Wally Lake Fest Guide.
Poconos Memorial Day Weekend Bonus
Looking to kick off your summer vacation a little early? Before you dive into our jam-packed June through August lineup, you can get a massive head start on the sunshine season over the holiday weekend. Explore our exclusive Memorial Day Weekend Bonus Feature below! We have handpicked two exceptional local events to help you maximize your long weekend and celebrate the unofficial start of summer in style.
Farm Animal Frolic at Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm
Celebrate the unofficial start of summer by bringing the family to a charming, historic 19th-century farmstead as it bursts with new life. The annual Farm Animal Frolic offers an interactive opportunity for children and animal lovers to get up close with a variety of newborn farm animals. Guests can watch tiny baby chicks hatching directly from their eggs, feel the soft fur of baby bunnies, and watch frisky baby goats, lambs, and piglets playing in the pastures.
When: May 23 and May 24, 2026 (Open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily).
Where: Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm (347 Quiet Valley Road, Stroudsburg, PA).
More Info: Located approximately 11 miles southeast of Tannersville, PA, about a 15-minute drive. Admission prices range from $10 to $18. All entry tickets are sold strictly by cash or card at the front gate on the day of the event, as advanced online tickets are not available. Find out schedule updates and driving directions on the official Quiet Valley Farm Animal Frolic event page.
Pocono Pines Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony
Pay tribute to America's fallen heroes at a deeply moving community parade and remembrance service hosted by the local American Legion Wilson Fischer Post 413. This traditional patriotic march features local veterans, civic organizations, festive floats, and marching bands coming together to honor Military Appreciation Month. Wave your flags along the route as the procession moves through town, culminating in a solemn, respectful wreath-laying ceremony and commemorative service on the cemetery grounds.
When: Monday, May 25, 2026. (Parade participant lineup begins at 9:00 AM; the procession officially steps off at 10:00 AM).
Where: Begins at Tobyhanna Elementary Center (398 Old Route 940, Pocono Pines, PA) and concludes at the Pocono Pines Cemetery.
More Info: Located approximately 8 miles northwest of Tannersville, PA, roughly a 12-minute drive from the center of town. Attending both the parade and the outdoor memorial ceremony is completely free to the general public. Spectators are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs for roadside viewing. Find route details or track live updates on the Wilson Fischer Post 413 event page.
From mountain adventures and waterpark fun to live concerts, local festivals, and relaxing scenic escapes, summer in the Pocono Mountains offers something for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, couples getaway, or long weekend with friends, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the season near Tannersville and Camelback Mountain.
If you’re looking for the perfect home base for your Pocono getaway, Ski Lift Summer Drift places you close to many of the area’s top summer attractions while giving you a cozy place to relax after a day of exploring. With summer weekends filling quickly, it’s always a good idea to plan ahead for popular event dates and holiday weekends.