We're just days away from Memorial Day, the (unofficial) kick off to summer 2011! That means it's also time for Bucks Happening to debut our official 2011 Summer Guide. After yet another long, snowy winter followed by one very wet spring, Bucks County residents are more than ready to embrace the sunshine and there are plenty of ways to do it! From the best events to summer shopping to the top spots to stop, Bucks Happening has got your summer fun list covered. Check it out here- 2011 Bucks County Summer Guide– and make sure to check back all summer long as we'll continue to update with the more summer goodies that you won't want to miss. Plus, use ourcalendar to navigate your day-to-day and find outdoor dining suggestions on our restaurant guide.
Click the quick links above to quickly and conveniently navigate this guide.
Summer Events
ALL SUMMER LONG!:
Rose Bank Wine Concert Series – Shady Brook Farm will host another concert series throughout May and June from 6:30-9:30pm. Bring the whole family to hear great local bands, enjoy wine tasting by Rose Bank Winery, and have the chance to relax on the beautifully landscaped E.P. Henry patio. Enjoy crackers, cheeses, chips and dips from our Farm Market, and sandwiches from our full service Deli, or grab a burger or hot dog hot off the grill. Wine is sold by the glass or by the bottle. Schedule is May 27 Bob Croce, June 3 Richard Cox, June 10 Kelly Stratton, June 17 Joe Ganter and 2nd Shift Band, and June 24 Mark Register and The Change.
The Grapevine Express– Join the New Hope & Ivyland Railroad for a romantic wine and cheese excursion at 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays May 28th thru October 30th. Ride the rails in first class comfort in the beautifully restored, air conditioned Parlor Car for a 50 minute tour. Enjoying fine cheeses, toasted crackers and exclusive vintages from various regions. Each month a different region will be featured. All passengers must be 21 years of age or older. Ticket prices are $43-$60 per person, which includes the train ride, two glasses of wine and a gourmet cheese platter with fruit and crackers.
Evening Star Dinner Trains– Passengers can ride the rails in first class comfort, enjoying dinner and cocktails while appreciating the strolling scene provided by the Bucks County countryside.
Ticket prices includes: Two-hour round trip, train ride to Buckingham Valley, three course meal, and coffee service. Ticket prices are $75-$108 per person. Dinner trains run on June 4th, June 18th, July 2nd, July 16th, July 30th, August 6th and August 20th. Train departs promptly at 7:30pm and returns to New Hope at 9:30pm.
Murder Mystery Dinner Trains – The New Hope & Ivyland Railroad and Act 1 Productions bring another season of mystery on the rails on July 15th at 7:30pm.The wild 40's cast of Act 1 Productions has new act for 2011 called “There's no business like show business”. Ticket prices includes two-hour round trip, train ride to Buckingham Valley, three course meal, interactive dining experience with Act 1 Productions, Murder Mystery show, and coffee services. Ticket prices are $92- $120 per person.
Movies in the Park: On the first Monday of each month June through October, Washington Crossing Open Air Theater will air movies in the park at sunset. The line-up is awesome with movies like Twilight, Toy Story 3, & Up.
Sesame Place Memorial Day BBQ – Come celebrate Memorial Day with all your favorite Sesame Street friends at Big Bird's Riverside Pavilion on May 29th 5:30-6:30, 7:30-8:30pm! After a fun-filled dinner, enjoy the Memorial Day fireworks display! Dinner includes an all-you-can-eat buffet of BBQ chicken, smoked beef brisket, hamburgers, hot dogs, corn on the cob, mashed potatoes, mac n' cheese, salads, rolls, beverages and desserts.
Civil War Encampment-1861– Living historians introduce visitors to the early days of the Civil War in the North at Mercer Museum on May 28th from 10 am-5pm and May 29th 12-5 pm. Visit with engineers and map makers, join the ranks of new recruits to the Union Army, watch medical demonstrations, interact with local civilians, and participate in special demonstrations and activities. Program marks the beginning of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. Rain or Shine. Included with museum admission.
Doylestown Open House– A Memorial Day open house will be at the Bucks County Civil War Library & Museum from 8:30am-noon on May 30th. Residents are invited to take guided tours with uniformed docents. Active duty military families can visit before or after the Doylestown Memorial Day Parade to share history in partnership with the Blue Star Museums program as developed by the National Endowment for the Arts.
Langhorne Memorial Day Parade – The parade will be held on May 30th at 9am starting at the Jesse W. Soby American Legion Post home at 115 West Richardson Avenue.
The ABCs of Wine Tasting – On June 1st at 7pm smell, swirl, sip and learn a little science at Crossing Vineyards and Winery. Find out how to use your senses to enhance the enjoyment of wine. Cost $20 per person. Includes instruction and wine tasting.
Antique Appraisal Night – Professional appraisers, expert in antiques will appraise the value of items brought in. This event is usually quite successful. It is a sort of miniature Antiques Road Show. Find out what your treasure is worth! This event will be held at the Historic Craven Hall in The John Fitch Steamboat Museum on June 3rd from 6:30-9pm. The cost is $8 per item or $20 for three items.
Tyler Tasting Party – Join BCCC for the Tyler Tasting Party on June 3rd from 6:30-9:30pm, the College's premier food and wine tasting event. This event raises funds for students enrolled in the College's Historic Preservation Program, and to restore and maintain Tyler Hall, the French-Norman style mansion on the National Register of Historic Places and cornerstone of the Newtown campus. Sample food, wine and spirits from over 40 of Bucks County's finest restaurants, wineries and breweries. Live auction featuring national and international getaways.
Hampton BrewFest Beer and Wine Festival- The Hampton BrewFest features: micro and craft brews, regional wineries, entertainment, and food vendors. The event will take place on June 4th from 1-5pm at the Phoenix Sport Club in Feasterville. Four of the area's most popular bands will be playing; The Mango Men, The KIRKO Band, The Missing Links and Mike Beck. General admission ticket holders will receive a souvenir tasting glass for unlimited beer and wine tasting from local and regional brewers and wineries. The event will be held rain or shine. Tickets are required for all attendees. Tickets will be limited and may not be available at gate. Online by June 3rd tickets are $45 and at the gate $50.
MMA Fight Night – The NAC will host MMA Fight Night featuring 10 professional fights and more on June 4th at 7pm. Another Pro Am MMA Fight Night in Bucks County produced by Jim McCann of Xtremefreestyle Combat Sports Training. This fight is designed to feature some of the most notable up and coming fighters both Pro and Am from the entire East Coast and Canada. The event will have food and beverage available and vendors including the US Army, Shosen MMA branded clothing and Liquid Lightning Energy drink will be giving out materials and prizes all night long. Kathy Sledge of Sister Sledge (“We are Family”) will be singing the National Anthem live that night to kick off the event.
Strawberry Festival– Head to Shady Brook Farm on June 4th & 5th from 11am-4pm. Hayride to pick your own strawberries, fresh strawberry shortcake, gourmet sampling and so much more!
Second Annual Community Flower Show and Garden Tours – Join Byers Choice on June 4th & June 5th; 12- 5pm for beautiful blossoms. The community flower show and competition is open to all non-professionals. Ribbons and prizes will be awarded in Flower Arranging, Houseplants, and Specimens. There will also be floral design tips as well as container hints. This event is free!
Pairing Wine and Chocolate – Enjoy a “sweet” afternoon at Crossing Vineyards and Winery filled with tips on how to pair your two favorite foods on June 4th at 2pm. Includes instruction, wine tasting, tour and your personal box of “Naked Chocolate.” Cost is $35 per person. (The event will happen again on Sunday, July 10th at 2 pm and August 14th, at 2 pm).
An American Concert– On June 4th at 8pm the Bucks County Choral Society will present an American concert with Leslie Johnson. The perfect season-ender in the perfect New Hope theater-steeped location brings together the best of the established Americans (Copland, Bernstein and Sondheim) with the best of today's hot young Americans writing in new ways for concerts and musical theater (Gordon, Guettel, and Brown). Music includes Copland's In the Beginning, excerpts from Bernstein's Candide, Brown's Parade, Guettel's Light in the Piazza, and the world premiere of a new work from Ricky Ian Gordon, commissioned for BCCS by the Karen & Michael Noland Commission Fund. Advanced pricing: adults $17, seniors $13, students $5. At-the-door pricing: adults $20, seniors $15, students $5.
Peddler’s Village Fine Art & Contemporary Crafts Show– This juried outdoor exhibition features a variety of original artwork including paintings, drawings, photographs,sculpture, jewelry, and contemporary crafts. Come see all the art on June 4 & June 5, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Cash prizes awarded in three categories; “Fine Art”, Contemporary Crafts”, and “Photography”. Live entertainment and children's activities.
Young Girls Tea Party – An event at Craven Hall on June 11th from 1-3pm for young ladies and their dolls. Events includes hat making and a lovely tea tailored for them.
Bolton Mansion Paranormal Expo – Join the Friends of Bolton Mansion on June 11th & 12th for psychic readings, lectures, authors, ghost hunting classes, paranormal investigations, mansion tours, equipment sales and demonstrations. Historic & paranormal organizations will be there.
Dog Days of Summer– On June 11th from 11am-5pm, head to Byers’ Choice for a day full of pet care products and services. There will be competitions and programs held throughout the day.
Legacy Sweepstakes & Lawn Party– Enter the Mercer Legacy Sweepstakes and you could win a brand new car from Thompson BMW or $20,000 cash! Sweepstakes entrant and guest enjoy refreshments and entertainment at the Legacy Lawn Party on June 12th from 4-6pm at Fonthill, where the winner will be announced. Fundraiser supports education programs at the Mercer Museum and Fonthill.
Evening Exploration – Join Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve for this special program as they explore the Preserve after hours on June 18th. Enjoy a leisurely guided walk along the Preserve’s diverse trails in search of blooming native plants like rosebay rhododendron, mountain laurel and purple-flowering raspberry. They will also explore the world of insects in our wildflower meadow. This is a unique opportunity to catch, study and release – unharmed – a great diversity of bugs, butterflies, grasshoppers and any other critters we might find. Tickets are $2-$6 per person.
Mercer Museum Opens New Wing– The Mercer Museum unveils its new wing featuring a state-of-the-art changing exhibition space and Learning Center on June 18th from 10am-4pm. Guests will see the Inaugural Exhibit. Opening day activities include: welcome and ribbon-cutting, meet Henry Mercer, a mercer puppet show, craft activity, craft demonstration, African Rhythms drumming/percussion performance and much more!
Delaware Canal Festival– The Friends of the Delaware Canal, Landmark Towns of Bucks County, and the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, Inc. are sponsoring the 2011 Delaware Canal Festival. Three days of canal themed events and activities, including decorated boat parades, cardboard boat making, critter races on the canal, music, artists exhibits, and more! The event is held on June 18th, 24th and 25th.
In and Out of the Garden We Go Concert at Snipes: A celebration of the local Deadhead community on June 18th at Snipes Farm in Morrisville, PA! For many years local bands have paid tribute to the spirit the Grateful Dead & Jerry Garcia in each of their own communities.
Fair Summer Evenings Programs– The Covered Bridges of Bucks County – Take a lively, evocative tour of Bucks County’s historic covered bridges on June 28th, 7-8:30 pm. Peruse related images and archival materials from the library collections.
JULY
Fonthill's Old-Fashioned 4th of July Celebration – The “good old days” are recreated on the grounds of Fonthill Museum for Fonthill's Old-Fashioned 4th of July Celebrationon July 4th, 12-5 pm. The family-friendly event features a variety of activities including the traditional Children's Decorated Bike Parade, old-fashioned games, live music, entertainment, picnic foods and much more.
Southampton Country Fair – The Southampton Days Annual Fair runs from July 4th – July 9th. Bring your family and join the fun! Amusement rides, concerts, bingo, talent show, food/refreshments, crafts, vendors, children's fames & fireworks!
Learn Something Old Summer Workshops: Rug Hooking – Explore the history, traditions and techniques of rug hooking as you work on your own project on July 7th, 6-9 pm at Mercer Museum. Kits with original pattern, wool and instructions provided. Tools supplied for class use; rug hooks and work frames available for purchase. \This is a two session class with the second class on July 14 in the same time frame. Limited space, registration required.
Tinicum Arts Festival– More than 250 vendors with fine arts and crafts – plus live entertainment, food, silent auction, book signings, discovery tent, white elephant sale, thousands of used books for sale, children's activities and more on July 9th from 10-6pm and July 10th 11-5pm. Proceeds benefit more than 30 local non-profit organizations.
Bucks County Blues Society Concert at Snipes: Sugar Blue, Leroy Hawkes & the Hipnotics, Steve Guyger & the Excellos, Ray Fuller & the Blues Rockers, Donna Angelle & the Zydeco Posse, Matt Hill, and Ben Prestage & more rock out at Snipes in Morrisville on July 16th.
Cool Jazz Indoors – When it's scorching-hot outside, join the Crossing Vineyards and Winery inside for a “Cool Jazz” evening, featuring local artists. A nice and easy way to unwind after a long and hot work week. Wine and cheese available for purchase. Price is only $10 per person. The event will take place on July 22nd and August 5th at 8pm.
Family Concerts in the Gardens– Pack a snack and join Byers’ Choice for two lovely evenings of music in the Byers' Choice gardens. The Community Conservatory of Music will perform a Blues, Jazz and Oldies concert on August 12th and a Student Recital on August 19th. The event will take place from 6:30-8pm on both days.
FIESTA, Aqui – On July 23rd at 5pm, Crossing Vineyards and Winery celebrates summer, the “Caliente” way: enjoy a buffet dinner with a “Build Your Own Taco” bar. Live music and a glass of Sangria will get the party started. Wear your favorite sombrero and win a prize! Cost is $35 per person and reservations are a must!
Learn Something Old Summer Workshops: “Go Green” Papermaking for Families – Instructor Richard Aldorasi explains the history of this 2,000 year-old “green” craft on July 23rd, 1-4 pm at Mercer Museum. Participants make paper from recycled fibers and achieve extraordinary effects using a range of natural materials, pigments, leaves and glitters.
Make-it/Take-it Activities: Brown Bag-it Series – Bring a brown bag lunch and your favorite object, and join a Mercer Museum curator on August 3rd, from 12-1 pm for an intriguing hour of show and tell. Museum staff kicks things off with a story about an object from the Mercer collection. Then it’s your turn to share! Coffee and soft drinks provided.
Farm to Table – The Heritage Conservancy puts on its 3rd Annual Farm to Table Dinner at Lyndsay Farm. Enjoy a meal that is grown completely locally, cooked by some of Bucks County's finest chefs. Contact Heritage Conservancy for more details. These tickets sell out FAST.
AUGUST
Peach Festival– Shady Brook Farm will host a weekend full of peaches! August 6th & 7th from 11am to 4pm you can pick-your-own peaches (priced by the lb.), hayrides, face painting, inflatable attractions, & gourmet peach items. Admission is free!
Annual Beer Event: Bring on the Belgians – The annual Fonthill beer tasting event celebrates Belgian beer culture in the beautiful outdoor setting of Fonthill on August 12th, 7-10 pm. Guests will enjoy a lecture on Belgian beer styles, tutored tasting, hor d'oeuvres and music.
New Hope Auto Show– This 54 year old two day show, August 13-14, featuring a different roster of cars each day showcases classic automobiles and motorcycles. This year’s theme is “FINS”! Featuring a live band, delicious food and vendors this is a show you must see. The show takes places at New Hope Solebury High School from 9am-4pm.
Middletown Grange Fair – Since 1949, features fun for the entire family including children's activities, entertainment, rides, music, commercial vendors, exhibit, plus a wide variety of food and attractions. Fair takes place August 17th – 21st. Times are Wednesday and Thursday, 10 am-10 pm, Friday and Saturday, 10 am-11 pm and Sunday, 10 am-5 pm.
Autism Cares Foundation Music Event – Help support a great cause: come with family & friends to Crossing Vineyards & Winery, enjoy award winning wines while listening to live Jazz on August 21st, 4-6pm. The music event will be held under an outdoor tent, rain or shine. There is open sitting on the lawn but bring a lawn chair! Wine and soft drinks are available on site as well as cheese plates. Cost is $25 in advance or $35 at the door. $10 of every ticket sold will go directly to the foundation.
Tail Waggin’ Times at Fonthill – A day of fun at Fonthill includes a special dedication to Henry Mercer’s favorite pet and best friend, “Rollo,” dog costume parade/contest, craft activities, special limited edition tile, and canine service vendors. The event will take place on August 21st, from 12:30-4:30 pm. Participants include Chesapeake Bay Retriever Rescue, Bucks SPCA, Holiday House Pet Resort, others. Free access to grounds; purchase tickets to participate in crafts and special activities
Annual Sidewalk Sale– July 14th– July 16th head to the streets of Bristol to get some great deals from local shops!
Peddler’s Village Sidewalk Sale & Community Days – On August 6th and 7th there is sensational shopping and sizzling savings up to 90% off throughout the Village. New for this year is Peddler's Vilage Third Annual Community Days each day from noon to 4:00 pm. Area nonprofits will be exhibiting and sharing info and there will be a DJ from Signatures DJs spinning tunes.
Rice’s Market – A 30 acre outdoor market open on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 7am-1:30pm. Vendors come from all around, as they have for over 100 years, to sell their goods. Items include antiques, collectibles, jewelry, fresh fruits & vegetables, Amish meats & baked goods, clothing, handbags, plus many household products you've seen advertised on TV. On a typical day – there is 700 vendors!
Shirley & Co – A store full of ladies designer swimwear, cruise-wear, and accessories.
Bucks County Zoo– The Bucks County Zoo features a diverse selection of exotic mammals, birds, invertebrates, reptiles and amphibians that provides for a different adventure every time.
Canal Trail: Have you explored the Delaware River Canal? With scenic views up and down Bucks County, you can take a leisurely walk or bike ride (there are several bike rental shops such as Greenway & Pure Energy Cycling). Many lovely Bucks County riverside towns are connected by the canal, so if you are athletic enough you might want to visit a few. If you find that you really love the canal and want to know more, please check out Friends of the Delware Canal.
Core Creek Park: Go for a run, set up a picnic, or try something different like Full Moon Kayak Tours on Lake Luxembourg. Learn about the history of this area along with flora and fauna that make it unique.
Running at Core Creek Park –>
Delaware River Tubing – Delaware River Tubing, the closest and most inexpensive river tubing, rafting, kayaking, and canoeing outfitter in the tri-state area. Each river rental includes a free BBQ meal at “The Famous River Hot Dog Man” while tubing, rafting, kayaking, or canoeing down the river.
Honey Hollow: Honey Hollow has several hiking trails (open daily form 9am-5pm), as well as an educational center, hosting various classes & field trips.
Kid’s Castle – This 8-story structure was the result of a volunteer community effort to build a wonderland of swings, slides, a rocket ship, climbing and hiding places, and a great place for kids to spend a summer afternoon. It is located within Central Park at 425 Wells Road in Doylestown Township, just outside of town. It is open 7 days a week, sunrise to sunset.
Peace Valley Park – Peace Valley Park is comprised of 1500 acres and includes horseback riding, walkways and bikeways, tennis, hiking and boat rentals.
Ringing Rocks Park – This 128 acre park includes an amazing field of boulders which, when struck by a hammer or another rock, produce a hollow metallic ringing sound. The origin of the field is a mystery – neither glacial nor the result of a rock slide. It's also the site of the largest waterfall in Bucks County. Check out our post about it!
Tyler State Park– Tyler State Park consists of 1,711 acres in Bucks County. You can horseback ride, hike, fish, boat, canoe and watch wildlife!
We're just days away from Memorial Day, the (unofficial) kick off to summer 2011! That means it's also time for Bucks Happening to debut our official 2011 Summer Guide. After yet another long, snowy winter followed by one very wet spring, Bucks County residents are more than ready to embrace the sunshine and there are plenty of ways to do it! From the best events to summer shopping to the top spots to stop, Bucks Happening has got your summer fun list covered. Check it out here- 2011 Bucks County Summer Guide– and make sure to check back all summer long as we'll continue to update with the more summer goodies that you won't want to miss. Plus, use our calendar to navigate your day-to-day and find outdoor dining suggestions on our restaurant guide.
Rose Bank Wine Concert Series – Shady Brook Farm will host another concert series throughout May and June from 6:30-9:30pm. Bring the whole family to hear great local bands, enjoy wine tasting by 
Tyler Tasting Party
Evening Exploration – Join 
Learn Something Old Summer Workshops: Rug Hooking
Middletown Grange Fair – Since 1949, features fun for the entire family including children's activities, entertainment, rides, music, commercial vendors, exhibit, plus a wide variety of food and attractions. Fair takes place August 17th – 21st. Times are Wednesday and Thursday, 10 am-10 pm, Friday and Saturday, 10 am-11 pm and Sunday, 10 am-5 pm.
Kid’s Castle – This 8-story structure was the result of a volunteer community effort to build a wonderland of swings, slides, a rocket ship, climbing and hiding places, and a great place for kids to spend a summer afternoon. It is located within Central Park at 425 Wells Road in Doylestown Township, just outside of town. It is open 7 days a week, sunrise to sunset.
