Tickets for two of Lititz’s most popular paid events were on sale in July 2016, and only a limited number remained for each: the long-running Lititz Chocolate Walk and the newer event on the block, the Lititz Craft Beer Fest. Both are known to sell out.
Lititz Craft Beer Fest
Fewer than 300 tickets were left in early July for the third annual Lititz Craft Beer Fest, set for Sunday, Sept. 25, 2016, from 2 to 5 p.m. on Main Street in downtown Lititz.
The fest featured more than 110 craft beers from 55 local, regional and national breweries, along with food trucks, live music and a popular homebrew competition judged by attendees after they sample the top 10 finalists.
Proceeds benefit local charities through the Lititz AMBUCS, a chapter of the national nonprofit dedicated to creating mobility and independence for people with disabilities. The 2015 fest raised more than $61,000.
Details: Rain or shine. Attendees must be 21 or older to drink and must show valid photo ID at admission. Tickets were $40 plus a $2.99 online fee, and designated drivers were admitted free.
Lititz Chocolate Walk
The Lititz Chocolate Walk was set for Oct. 8, 2016, offering ticket holders the sweetest stroll in town through more than 25 Lititz shops, each featuring cocoa-based delights designed and donated by local chefs, bakers and ice cream makers.
Funds raised support Lancaster County children’s charities, including Schreiber Pediatric Rehab Center, the Lancaster Cleft Palate Clinic, and the Lititz and Manheim public libraries.
Aptly described as “trick-or-treat for adults,” the walk draws chocolate lovers from across Lancaster County and beyond. Tickets went on sale July 1 and almost always sell out.
Details: Rain or shine. Organizers noted that some locations on the walk were not accessible to people with disabilities. Tickets were $35 online before Sept. 5 and $40 afterward.
Two causes, one town
Both events reflect a Lititz tradition of combining fun with fundraising. The Chocolate Walk channels its proceeds to children’s causes across the county. The Craft Beer Fest, run by the Lititz AMBUCS, quickly became one of the largest single-day fundraisers in town, with proceeds supporting adaptive tricycles and other programs for people with disabilities.
Planning tips
- Buy early. Both events have sold out in advance in recent years.
- Plan parking. Downtown streets fill quickly on event days, and Main Street closes for the beer fest.
- Pace yourself. Both events involve plenty of sampling, so wear comfortable shoes and stay hydrated.
- For the beer fest, arrange a designated driver, who gets in free.
Fall in Lititz
September and October are among the busiest months in Lititz, with the Beer Fest and Chocolate Walk joining Second Fridays, Halloween events and the borough’s busy downtown shops and restaurants. For visitors, a fall weekend in Lititz offers a taste of everything the town is known for.
Supporting the cause
Both events rely heavily on volunteers, who handle ticketing, check-in, setup and cleanup. Local businesses also donate time, products and space, which keeps costs down and allows more money to reach the charities.
For anyone who misses out on tickets, organizers typically welcome direct donations and volunteers, and both events post updates on their websites and social media pages as the dates approach.
Getting there
Downtown Lititz is about 20 minutes north of Lancaster city. On big event days, visitors should expect street closures around Main Street and Broad Street and plan to park a few blocks away and walk in. Arriving early makes for an easier start to the day.
This article was originally published in July 2016.