The Mount Gretna Art Show
The Mount Gretna Art Show is eagerly anticipated by art lovers from across the country! For example, Annville Inn has Guests staying for the Mount Gretna Outdoor Art Show as far away as California! Plan now to stay at Hershey’s Five Star Bed and Breakfast, Annville Inn, on Saturday, Aug. 15, and Sunday, Aug. 16.
Bringing artists from across the country, The Mount Gretna Outdoor Art Show is centered in one of three remaining major “pockets” of the Chautauqua movement in North America: Lebanon County’s Mount Gretna. Both Annville Inn and Mount Gretna are located within the beautiful, verdant and very fertile Lebanon Valley. Side note: Milton Hershey decided to form his factory town next to the Lebanon Valley because he needed dairy cows to produce milk for his new invention, Milk Chocolate!”
In this celebration, art replaces chocolate! The Mount Gretna Outdoor Art Show is held among the town’s tree-lined streets, the juried show features paintings, photography, ceramics, jewelry, woodworking, metalwork and other handcrafted works all under the canopy of the forest. Enjoy a breath of wonderful fresh air, beautiful days, bird songs, and tremendous art from artists all over the country who converge at the Mount Gretna Outdoor Art Show.
International Film Festival
Art Show weekend also includes the Mount Gretna International Film Festival at the historic Mount Gretna Playhouse. The festival showcases juried short films from regional, national and international filmmakers across a variety of genres. Admission to the art show also includes access to the film festival.
Only a 15-minute drive from Annville Inn, Mount Gretna was founded in 1892 as a Chautauqua community and remains known for its winding streets, the Gretna Theatre bringing Broadway musicals and shows, the Mt. Gretna Tabernacle, historic cottages, wooded setting, and unique places to visit including the nation’s oldest roller rink (see our blog post about the Mt. Gretna Roller Rink). The summer arts tradition collectively provides multiple opportunities for visitors every day; all the performances, displays, galleries, lectures, and other events create a catalogue of events thicker than found on college campuses…more to do than possible—one picks from a plethora of possibilities!
In a “nutshell”:
- 200 Juried Artists: Features high-quality fine art and crafts including painting, sculpture, photography, and jewelry.
- Historic Setting: Held under the trees in the charming, historic community of Mt. Gretna, PA.
- Show Dates & Times: Saturday, Aug 15 (9 a.m.–6 p.m.) and Sunday, Aug 16 (9 a.m.–5 p.m.), rain or shine.
- Ticket Information: Admission is $15 in advance ($17 with processing fee) or $15 at the gate, offering access to the art show and film festival.
- International Film Festival: Takes place during the weekend in the historic Gretna Playhouse, showcasing short films.
- Local Food & Music: Features a variety of food vendors and live musical performances throughout the weekend.
- Top-Ranked Event: Consistently recognized as one of the top 200 outdoor art shows by Sunshine Artist Magazine.
- Volunteer-Run: Supported by hundreds of volunteers, making it a true community event.
Event Highlights
- Mount Gretna International Film Festival (MTGIFF) – A specialized event showcasing short films (under 5 minutes) in the Gretna Playhouse.
- Gourmet Food Market – A selection of food vendors providing high-quality dining options on-site.
- Historic Walking – An opportunity to explore the unique, historic architecture of the Chautauqua community.
Surrounding Attractions
- Gretna Theatre – Known as America’s oldest summer theatre, offering professional performances.
- Gretna Music – Hosts concerts with world-class musicians in an open-air venue.
- Governor Dick Area – Trails for hiking and enjoying nature, located near the event.
- Mt. Gretna Lake & Beach – A nearby spot for relaxing and swimming in the summer.
52nd Annual Mt. Gretna Art Show
Aug. 15-16
Under the Trees of Old Chautauqua
Mount Gretna, PA 17064
$17 (online); $15 at gate
