Events: Open House

Capital Day Celebration

Capital Day Celebration

Celebrate the one day in 1777 that Lancaster was the capital of the United States! Join LancasterHistory around cozy firepits, and enjoy a signature Capital Day cocktail, light bites, and a healthy dose of quirky history!

This family-friendly event encourages all to dress in a “capital way,” whether donning a tricorn hat that’s been collecting dust in the closet, sporting red, white, and blue, or borrowing your neighbor’s powdered wig! Dress up encouraged in a fun and fancy way! Kids can enjoy an activity station and everyone can snack on s’mores around the campfires. Discover the (brief) history of Capital Day with Stephanie Townrow, and test your Lancaster knowledge with Lancaster Quiztory!

Events Schedule

  • 5:30pm: Light bites, featuring a special Capital Day cocktail and apple butterscotch dessert by County Founding Cake contest winner, Jessica Zielinski
  • 6pm: The History (Happy Hour) of Capital Day by LancasterHistory’s Stephanie Townrow and surprise special guests.
  • 6:45pm: Lancaster Quiztory, a Lancaster County-themed game of trivia. (Register for trivia at the event.)

Tickets are $35/Adults (18+) and $10 for Children (17 & Under). Advance tickets are strongly recommended as tickets may not be available at the door. Purchase tickets online or by calling 717.392.4633. Attendees must be 21 and older to consume alcoholic beverages. Non-alcoholic options will be available.

(Looking for something to do earlier in the day, check out our first ever Capital Day Pet Parade!)

We hope to see you on September 27 to celebrate Lancaster’s claim to the nation’s capital fame!

Thank You to Our Capital Day Celebration Sponsors!

Logos for America 250 PA Semiquin Grants and Walz Group.

Open House Family-Friendly In-Person Event

September 27, 2025 LancasterHistory, 230 N. President Ave., Lancaster, PA 5:30-7:30pm $35/Adults (18+) | $10/Children (17 & Under)