HanoverLand Festival: A 250-Year American Celebration

The Heart of HanoverLand Festival will return for its third iteration in 2026, offering four days packed with civics, history, and community engagement. Scheduled from Thursday, June 25, to Sunday, June 28, 2026, the festival aligns with the grand celebration of America's 250th anniversary.

Established in 2023, the festival annually takes place around the anniversary of the Battle of Hanover, a key event on June 30, 1863, during the Civil War. This year, it aims to connect Hanover's local narrative with the broader national story.

Events commence on Thursday, June 25, with a wreath-laying ceremony at Hanover's Center Square at 10 a.m., near 'The Picket' statue. Following this, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday will each feature a wreath-laying and the induction of deserving individuals or organizations into the HanoverLand Legion of Honor.

Thursday evening includes a special tribute to Academy Award-winning costume designer Ann Roth at the Dolphin and Anchor, featuring a family-friendly screening of 'Barbie.' The Greater Hanover Fire Museum will also offer special hours from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday through Saturday.

Friday's schedule includes a living history lunch with a reenactment of President Abraham Lincoln and a performance by historian-magician Marc Charisse, organized by the Hanover Area Historical Society. Saturday promises a full day of living history, reenactments by the 87th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and educational sessions like 'Two Revolutions, One York County' with historian Jim McClure.

The festival culminates on Saturday evening with a solemn march by the 87th Pennsylvania to the German Cemetery, honoring Battle of Hanover casualties with a three-round volley salute and 'Taps.' Sunday features a Battle of Hanover Walking Tour led by historians Matthew Jackson and Marc Charisse, starting at 1 p.m. at 'The Picket' statue, with tickets available for $15.