If summer memories are made of sunshine, laughter, and outdoor celebration, then August in the Pocono Mountains is the perfect place to collect them. Picture a weekend, week (or two) of corn dogs, Ferris wheels, live music, and summer heat—there is nothing like wrapping up your summer by attending one of the local festivals surrounded by forested hills and crisp mountain air. Here’s how to plan a fun-filled August trip to the Poconos with a stay at Mountain Nest, where every day brings something different—and unforgettable.
🎡 Wayne County Fair • Aug 1–9
Kick off your festival tour at the Wayne County Fair in Honesdale. Running August 1–9 at the Wayne County Fairgrounds, this old‑time fair blends agricultural tradition with modern thrills.
During the day, explore 4‑H exhibits, check out livestock, and watch harness-horse races. In the afternoon, take the kids on carnival rides—think Ferris wheel, Tilt‑A‑Whirl, and bumper cars—before claiming a front-row seat at the livestock shows or monster‑truck demo. Evening grandstand events often include demolition derbies, rodeos, or fireworks—an ideal finale to a busy day under the county fair lights.
🌾 Carbon County Fair • Aug 4–9
Just a short journey southeast brings you to the Carbon County Fair (Aug 4–9), with a similar lineup of petting zoos, midway rides, farm-themed exhibits, and evening entertainment . With day passes or full fair wristbands, it’s easy to spend a day hopping from one fair to the next—each with its own friendly vibe and carnival favorites.
🎨 Elements Music & Arts Festival • Aug 8–10
Mid‑month, trade carnival lights for stage lights at the Elements Music & Arts Festival held August 8–10 at the Pocono Raceway. This three-day immersive experience electric acts like Illenium and deadmau5 but also includes live bands. It also has interactive art installations, yoga sessions, and foodie vendors promising great fun in a car camping festival hosted in a forested setting. The event is known for its unique "Elements" theme, with different areas representing Fire, Earth, Air, and Water.
Perfect for groups with teens or adult-only getaways, Elements combines festival fun with mountain scenery—think dancing under the trees, lounging in vibe villages, and sleeping off the day at onsite glamping or RV sites. Staying at Mountain Nest gives you the freedom to enjoy the late-night energy and return to calm comfort afterwards.
🎶 Pocono Mountain Music Festival • Aug 16
For a local live‑music fix, don’t miss the Pocono Mountain Music Festival on August 16 (at the Barrett Administrative and Recreation Complex in Cresco). With family-friendly lineups and outdoor stages, it’s easy to combine music with nature—picnic blankets, lawn chairs, and tunes under the trees. The August concert is not to be missed: Tropical Rock for Five O’clock Somewhere featuring legendary hits from Jimmy Buffet, Bob Marley, Van Morrisson and the Beach Boys.
🎪 West End Fair (Gilbert) • Aug 17–23
The West End Fair in Gilbert follows, with a full week of rides, crafts, antique tractors, food stands, and nightly musical entertainment. A small‑town fair where kids can collect raffle tickets while you sample homemade pies and local vendors, its relaxed pace makes it a mellow contrast to the bigger fairs.
🌽 Greene Dreher Sterling Fair • Aug 22–31
Wrapping up late‑summer events is the Greene Dreher Sterling Fair (Aug 22–31), a century‑old tradition near Newfoundland. Smaller than Wayne County but deeply rooted in community, this fair feels like a step back in time—live animals, antique farm equipment, tractor pulls, and homemade baked goods.
🎨 Pocono State Craft Festival • Aug 23–24
If you’re into handcrafted treasures, block off Aug 23–24 for the Pocono State Craft Festival. Held at Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm, it’s your chance to browse artisan jewelry, pottery, woodworking, and regional crafts. Pick up a one-of-a-kind souvenir that captures the spirit of the region.
🎉 Summerfest at Country Junction • Sat & Sun in August
Every weekend throughout August, Country Junction—a large general store near Mountain Nest—hosts Summerfest, with free outdoor entertainment: live music, pony rides, gem mining, petting zoo animals, and homemade treats. It’s a great daytime option that complements the bigger events, and you can visit after Saturday fairs without missing a beat.
🚶Here’s a wonderful family-friendly hike in Blakeslee at the Austin T. Blakeslee Natural Area—perfect for pairing with a day at any of your summer fairs and just minutes away from Mountain Nest:
🌲 Family Hike at Austin T. Blakeslee Natural Area, Blakeslee PA
Distance & Difficulty
- Two main loops:
- Pine Trail (orange blaze) – a gentle 0.5‑mile loop, ideal for families with younger kids or little legs
- Highland Trail (blue blaze) – right around 1 mile, winding through mixed hardwood and pine forest with easy elevation changes
Feeling adventurous? Add the Red‑Blazed Creek Trail, a scenic 2.3‑mile loop that takes you along Tobyhanna Creek to a peaceful waterfall overlook.
🏞️ What to Expect on the Trail
- Gentle Creek-Side Paths
You’ll walk alongside the tranquil Tobyhanna Creek, listening to flowing water and rustling leaves. The trails are mostly flat, natural tread with some roots and rocks—perfect for letting kids explore without worrying too much about rough terrain.
- Scenic Waterfall Overlook
On the Red Trail, take a short side-path to the Tobyhanna Falls overlook—a peaceful haven where you can pause, capture photos, or rest on one of the benches or rocks.
- Picnic & Relaxation
At the lower trailhead, you’ll find a covered pavilion, picnic tables, and grills—perfect for packing a lunch and making an afternoon of it.
- History & Nature Combined
Once a 1930s amusement site called Harrison Park, the area still holds remnants of its past—like old stone foundations—blended naturally into the forest.
🌟 Why August & Mountain Nest Make the Perfect Match
- One location, endless variety: County fairs, EDM festivals, craft shows, live music, and family events—all within easy driving distance.
- Mixed pacing: Early‑month excitement, mid‑month music festival, and late‑month small‑town charm give a balanced trip.
- Kid-friendly & adult-ready: Fairs and Summerfest are perfect for families; Lake Shangri La in our development is open all summer long with a pristine sandy beach.
- Comfort meets convenience: Mountain Nest is a private, cozy retreat after city‑like days, offering grills, outdoor space, and time to unwind.
💡 Planning Tips
- Reserve early—restaurants and other local attractions close to festivals fill up early.
- Buy fair wristbands before you go—the Wayne County Fair lets you skip long lines for rides.
- Pack smart: comfortable shoes, sunscreen, hats, hydration gear; consider ear protection for loud events.
- Balance days: Pair high-energy festivals with low-key cabin relaxation or hikes.
- Monitor weather and schedules—many fairs run rain or shine, and Elements offers a weather-guarantee refund policy.
🌄 Your August Escape Awaits
From funnel cakes under carnival lights to dancing through art installations, August in the Poconos is a celebration of summer in every sense. With county fairs, music festivals, craft markets, and more framed by forested calm, you and your crew can enjoy both thrill and chill.
Book Mountain Nest now and begin planning: a weekend at Wayne County Fair, an overnight at Elements, and breezy afternoons at local events like Summerfest, Pocono Music, and craft fairs. August memories are calling—make them magical.