The 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show will feature traditions, new attractions and the kick-off to an important milestone in U.S. history.
Of course there will still be the iconic butter sculpture, milkshakes, food, competitive events and exhibits, commercial exhibits and educational and entertaining events.
The 110th edition of the Farm Show runs Jan. 10 through 17 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center in Harrisburg.
This year’s theme, Growing A Nation, puts a spotlight on Pennsylvania, where America was born 250 years ago, and the innovative people behind the industry that continues to feed our lives and our economy and make us a national and world leader, officials said.
The milkshakes served by the PA Dairymen’s Association are favorites of Farm Show visitors. (Reading Eagle)
The Farm Show will kick off a year of America250PA special events and celebrations bringing millions of visitors to the state recognizing Pennsylvania’s leading role in the founding of our American democracy, officials said in a release.
“America was born in Pennsylvania, with its identity deeply rooted in agriculture,” state Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said in a release. “Two hundred and fifty years later, Pennsylvania agriculture is still leading our nation, supplying the economic power, ingenuity and innovation that is growing our nation’s future.
“Farm Show celebrates the outstanding products and people who make up our powerhouse agriculture and food industry, supporting 600,000 jobs pouring more than $132.5 billion into our state economy, including exports of more than $4 billion in agriculture and forest products — not only keeping our heritage alive, but supplying innovative solutions to our nation’s greatest challenges.”
If you’re making plans to go, here’s what you need to know:
Q: How much is admission?
A: General admission is free. Some events and attractions may charge admission or be ticketed separately. This includes events offered as fundraisers for the Friends of Farm Show Foundation, events by the Pennsylvania State Showmen’s Association and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association’s Frontier Circuit Finals.
Q: Where can I park and how much does it cost?
A: Parking costs $15. The complex offers on-site lots within walking distance to the center, along with off-site lots that open on a rolling basis. Staff and signage will direct visitors to available parking.
Off-site parking location information:
• Elmerton Avenue: open all week; shuttle access available.
• Harrisburg Area Community College: Wildwood Park Drive; open all week; shuttle access available.
• Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture: 2301 N. Cameron St.; open weekends only; within walking distance to the center.
• Pennsylvania Vet Lab: 2305 N. Cameron St.; open weekends only; within walking distance to the center.
Free shuttles are available for lots managed by the show that aren’t within walking distance to the facility. The shuttles are wheelchair-accessible and run continuously during the event.
An assortment of angel food cakes after the first round of tastings during last year’s Pennsylvania Farm Show. (Courtesy of Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture)
Q: What are the show hours?
A: Jan. 9, noon to 9 p.m. (Food Court only; free parking available)
• Jan. 10: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Jan. 11: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Jan. 12-16: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Jan. 17: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Q: Is there a schedule of events?
A: Yes, go to bit.ly/2026PAFarmShow
Pennsylvania-grown fruits are featured at the Farm Show in Harrisburg. (Courtesy of Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture)
Q: What are some of the new features?
A: The PA Dairymen’s Association will offer the new AMERICA250PA Milkshake Flight, featuring naturally colored red (strawberry), white (vanilla) and blue (raspberry) flavors to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. A new strawberry sundae and new blueberry milk also will be available.
• In the snuggle bunny realm: Silver Tipped Steel for Netherland Dwarf, Smoke Pearl for Mini Satin, Tortoise Shell for Dwarf Papillon join the fluffy favorites in the lineup of breeds.
• Celebrate the state’s culinary heritage or grow the limits of your culinary imagination and knowledge at the PA Preferred Culinary Connection Stage in the Main Hall. Every day, every hour, meet an all-star line-up of celebrity chefs.
• Also on the stage, chefs will be paired with the farmers who produced the ingredients making their menu happen, and experts from Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Food Safety will share tips on preparing your feast safely.
• On the menu front, a PA Spirits Competition joins fan-favorite cheese, wine, cider and beer competitions in the show’s made-in-PA lineup. In its first year, the contest will be an exhibition, with awards, and with sampling and sales in the next two years. Find out what distillery’s finest will win the first year’s bragging rights and enhance a menu.
Q: Are wheelchairs available?
A: Yes, they are at the security desk in the Cameron Street Lobby at no cost on a first-come, first-served basis Users must leave their driver’s license.
Q: What is the password for free WiFi?
A: farmshow2026
Q: What is the bag policy?
A: Bags are permitted, but they may be searched by state police if requested.
Q: Are strollers allowed?
A: Yes. Be aware that some surfaces are covered for animal traffic and may be difficult to travel with a stroller.
Q: Where is the nursing area and changing station?
A: In the Cameron Street Lobby.
Q: Can I bring my dog?
A: Only service dogs are permitted at the facility during this event.
Q: Is there a lost and found area if something is misplaced?
A: Yes, the lost and found is at the security desk in the Cameron Street Lobby. You can contact the security desk at 717-231-6565.