Reasons to Visit Gettysburg this May

Warm temperatures are finally here to stay, and we invite you to get away to Gettysburg this May with a pre-summer trip for you, your special someone or the entire family.

May is chock full of great experiences, ranging from festivals to country drives to the unofficial start to summer, Memorial Day. There’s no need to wait until summer to book a trip to your favorite getaway!

Here are just a few reasons why May is a great time for a Gettysburg getaway …

Treat yourself! You deserve it, don’t you? Cleaning out the garage can wait … it’s time to get out and enjoy the beautiful springtime weather by getting outside and exploring. Dust off your bicycle, lace up those hiking boots and take your first Gettysburg trip of the year.

And if you won’t do it for yourself, do it for Mom. Mother’s Day is May 11, and if you’re looking to give Mom more than flowers and a card, a getaway to America’s favorite historic destination might be just what she’s looking for. Check out our calendar for some good Mom events and book your stay today!

Mother’s Day Weekend just also happens to occur during the Gettysburg Film Festival, several days of amazing World War II cinema hosted by amazing actors, historians and the Adams County Historical Society. Tickets are available, but don’t wait long. Make it a weekend and see it all!Mother’s Day Weekend just also happens to occur during the Gettysburg Film Festival, several days of amazing World War II cinema hosted by amazing actors, historians and the Adams County Historical Society. Tickets are available, but don’t wait long. Make it a weekend and see it all!

If music is more your thing, we’ve got you covered! The Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival is May 15-18 and features some of the country’s best artists. Don’t miss this long-lived tradition every May and August at the Granite Hill Camping Resort just south of Gettysburg.

And if that’s not enough live music for you, visit Reid’s Cider House on Fridays and Saturdays the entire month of May for new artists each night. Enjoy a variety of wines and ciders at what’s becoming one of Gettysburg’s evening hot spots.

Near the end of the month, summer gets an early start with the annual Memorial Day Parade on May 26, followed that very night the first performance of “100 Nights of Taps” at its new location – the Pennsylvania Memorial.

Wrapping up the month and into June are two big events – the Gettysburg Pride Festival and Hollabaugh Bros. Fruit Farm’s annual Strawberry Festival, both held the final weekend of May.

May is also the month of neigh. Giddee on out to the Gettysburg battlefield and ride in style on a scenic horseback tour, guided by expert historians who will give you a unique perspective to the epic battle that changed the course of American history.

For a full list of events happening in May – including history programs, live performances, Mother’s Day activities and more, visit our event calendar.