COATESVILLE, PA — The sounds of fiddles, banjos, guitars, and gospel harmonies will once again fill Hibernia County Park as Chester County’s beloved Old Fiddler’s Picnic returns for its 97th annual gathering, inviting musicians and families to celebrate a tradition that has brought the community together for generations.
Taking place Saturday, Aug. 8, the free event welcomes everyone from seasoned performers to first-time pickers for a full day of bluegrass, folk, and gospel music in the scenic setting of Hibernia County Park. Visitors are encouraged to bring an instrument and join one of the informal jam sessions along the forest’s edge or sign up for a chance to perform on the main stage.
Beyond the music, families can enjoy a variety of activities throughout the park, including food trucks, craft vendors, free wagon rides, tours of the historic Hibernia Mansion, yard games, inflatables, face painting, and Bubbletopia. The House Band will kick off the festivities with a performance at 10 a.m.
With nearly a century of history, the Old Fiddler’s Picnic has become one of Chester County’s longest-running community traditions, offering a welcoming place for musicians and music lovers of all ages to gather, share songs, and enjoy the outdoors.
Event Details
- What: 97th Annual Old Fiddler’s Picnic
- When: Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Where: Hibernia County Park, 1 Park Road, Coatesville, PA 19320
- Cost/Tickets: Free admission; free parking
- More Info: https://www.chesco.org/2415/Old-Fiddlers-Picnic
Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs for seating, although tents and canopies are not permitted within Fiddler’s Field. Pets are welcome on a leash no longer than six feet, and the event will take place even if light rain moves through the area.
Set across more than 1,000 acres of woodlands, trails, meadows, picnic areas, and Chambers Lake, Hibernia County Park provides a picturesque backdrop for a day dedicated to music, community, and one of Chester County’s most enduring summer traditions.
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