The Blueberry Festival presented by the nonprofit Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites returns to Burnside Plantation for its 38th year with new attractions, hands-on family activities and the most blueberry sweets and treats in the event’s history Saturday-Sunday, July 19-20, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Fun for all ages, the Blueberry Festival features live music, delicious food, colonial cooking and candle making demonstrations, blueberry pie-eating contests, colonial games and more. During the event, children can embark on the History Quest Scavenger Hunt; take part in the “Artifact Challenge,” a fun matching game identifying 18th-century objects; enjoy pony rides; visit the petting zoo and more. Plus, families can explore the new display of 18th and 19th-century farming equipment in the Johnson Barn, go inside the Burnside home and visit the Burnside Gardens to chat with the volunteers and see what’s growing. In addition, The Story Doctor will bring books to life through engaging, interactive presentations on the festival’s Community Stage Saturday and Sunday at 11:30 a.m.

Baking contest: Individuals who want to showcase their baking skills are invited to enter the Great Bethlehem Blueberry Baking Contest. The contest, which is open to both children and adults, is judged by culinary professionals, with the winners taking home great prizes courtesy of King Arthur Flour. Kids’ Division (ages 15 and under) winners will be announced July 19 at 2:30 p.m., while Adult Division winners will be revealed July 20 at 2:30 p.m.

Tavern Tent: Summertime is the perfect time for a cool beverage and there’s no better location to enjoy one than the Tavern Tent where patrons can sample beers and spirits from Banko Beverage and local breweries and distilleries.

Proceeds from Blueberry Festival support Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites, the nonprofit that maintains and interprets 20 historic buildings in Bethlehem.

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