Guide to Easter Weekend 2026 in Hershey

Date: March 12, 2026

From the exciting return of coaster rides at Hersheypark to performances at the newly renovated Hershey Theatre, Hershey offers something for the whole family over Easter weekend. Here are the top things to do from April 2-5, 2026, for an unforgettable spring celebration in The Sweetest Place On Earth.

Homeschool Day at ZooAmerica

Thursday, April 2; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park is open daily in April (including Easter Sunday) from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. On April 2, the Zoo will host a dedicated Homeschool Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., designed to provide an interactive educational experience for homeschooling students and their families. The theme for the day is "Animal Families," offering a curriculum-supplementing adventure focused on the different classes of the animal kingdom. 

The event will feature a variety of hands-on educational activities, engaging crafts and special animal enrichment to complement the lessons homeschooling students are currently learning. Numerous tables will be set up around the 11-acre zoo, each corresponding to reptiles, invertebrates, amphibians, mammals and birds. To help attendees navigate and make the most of the learning stations, complimentary educational booklets will be available for pickup at the Admissions Building. These booklets are designed for students to utilize at each station, providing additional information to support their learning journey.

The Fab Four at Hershey Theatre

Thursday, April 2; 7:30 p.m.

Hershey Theatre recently reopened to the public following its year-long historic renovation. A night at the theatre is a great way to celebrate the holiday weekend. The Fab Four – The Ultimate Tribute brings their all-new show to the Hershey Theatre stage on April 2, celebrating The Beatles’ second film, ‘HELP!,’ with performances from the movie soundtrack and the Beatles’ greatest hits of every era.

The Emmy Award-winning Fab Four is elevated far above every other Beatles Tribute due to their precise attention to detail. With uncanny, note-for-note live renditions of Beatles’ classics such as “Help!,” “Yesterday,” “A Day In The Life,” “Twist And Shout,” “Here Comes The Sun” and “Hey Jude,” the Fab Four will make you think you are watching the real thing.

Reester Bunny at Hershey’s Chocolate World

Thursday, April 2, through Sunday, April 5; Times vary

The Reester Bunny, a charming character inspired by the beloved Reese's Peanut Butter Cup, is still in town at Hershey's Chocolate World throughout the holiday weekend! Chocolate and peanut butter fans of all ages are encouraged to bring their cameras and their sweetest smiles to pose for a special photo-op with the Reester Bunny at the following times: 

• Thursday, April 2: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Friday, April 3: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Saturday, April 4: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Sunday, April 5: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Other activities include riding the free Hershey’s Chocolate Tour, creating your own candy bar, shopping for exclusive treats and finding the perfect Easter basket fillers.

Chocolate Lab Classes at The Hershey Story

Thursday, April 2, through Sunday, April 5; Times vary

Celebrate spring in the Chocolate Lab by making a sweet chocolate treat over Easter weekend! Located inside The Hershey Story Museum, the Chocolate Lab offers a hands-on experience where guests learn about the chocolate-making process and then make their own chocolate creation. Spring-themed classes include Butterfly Bark, Egg-citing Chocolate Bark, Marshmallow Bunny Tails and Spring Bar. Classes are 45 minutes long; children must be at least five years old to enter the lab. 

Hersheypark Spring Weekends

Friday, April 3, through Sunday, April 5; Times vary

Easter weekend marks the return to coaster riding at Hersheypark. The largest amusement park in Pennsylvania kicks off its 120th operating year on Friday, April 3, for the seven fun-filled Spring Weekends event. Guests can enjoy coaster rides and family attractions, new sweet treats, photos with the Hershey Characters, visits to ZooAmerica and endless Hersheypark Happy. 

Hersheypark Easter Weekend Hours:

• Friday, April 3: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Saturday, April 4: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Sunday, April 5: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Those looking to visit the amusement park over Easter weekend should purchase tickets before March 31 to save more than 45 percent with the Best Price Of Summer ticket offer. Tickets purchased online during this sale are valid on any 2026 public operating day through Jan. 3, 2027.

Collective Soul at Hershey Theatre

Friday, April 3; 8 p.m.

American rock group Collective Soul will visit Hershey Theatre on Friday, April 3, at 8 p.m. Hailing from Atlanta, Ga., Collective Soul celebrated their 30th anniversary last year with the release of their highly anticipated and critically acclaimed 12th studio album “Here To Eternity.” With eight No. 1 hits under their belt, Collective Soul continues to both record and play together at an uncompromised level of high quality. The five fiery rockers are only just getting started with the next phase of their thriving career, which has sold millions of records and wowed fans across the globe. 

Before seeing the show, enjoy dinner and drinks at the all-new Hershey Social Restaurant + Bar. Located right across the street from the Theatre, the full-service restaurant and bar serves chef-crafted entrees, iconic smash burgers, wings with signature Hershey’s sauces, over-the-top desserts and more.

Easter Sunday Service at Hershey Gardens

Sunday, April 5; 6:30 a.m. to 8 a.m.

The public is invited to begin their Easter Sunday morning with the annual Sunrise Service at Hershey Gardens. This cherished event has been a cornerstone of the community's Easter celebration since its inception in 1947, offering a beautiful, serene setting to mark the holiday. The service takes place from 6:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. Gates will open at 6 a.m., and no admission ticket is required. Guests are required to exit the Gardens by 8 a.m.

Beyond the Sunrise Service, guests can enjoy the beauty of the grounds throughout the holiday weekend. The Gardens maintains its regular hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Easter Brunch at Hershey Lodge

Sunday, April 5; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Locals and travelers alike can make their Easter celebration stress-free by letting the talented culinary team at Hershey Lodge handle the cooking! 

The family-friendly resort hosts an Easter Buffet on Sunday, April 5, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Chocolate Ballroom. Guests can expect a sprawling selection of holiday favorites, including carving stations, soups and salads, a seafood bar, a mezza bar, breakfast, delectable desserts and more. It's the perfect setting for a memorable family meal, with none of the kitchen prep or cleanup.

The Easter Buffet costs $78 for adults (13+), $38 for children (9-12), and $28 for children (3-8). Children two and under are free. For reservations, please contact lodgebanquetholidays@hersheypa.com or 717-534-8604. 

Book an Easter Getaway

Easter weekend in Hershey presents the perfect opportunity for a chocolate-filled getaway at one of The Official Resorts of Hersheypark! Whether you prefer the historic elegance of The Hotel Hershey, the family-friendly amenities of Hershey Lodge or the rustic charm at Hersheypark Camping Resort, each resort currently has room availability to welcome guests. To sweeten an overnight stay, the resorts offer Easter-themed activities for the whole family, including egg hunts, Easter bunny sightings, crafts and more.

Through the end of March, guests can save up to 40 percent on a resort stay with the Best Price Of Summer! Guests of The Official Resorts of Hersheypark also receive FREE Resort Benefits, such as a free shuttle to Hersheypark and extra preview hours for more coaster riding time.