PRESENTED BY LANCASTER CITY ALLIANCE
Lancaster City Alliance is hosting VeloCity for the 11th consecutive year and it is the ultimate celebration of all that Lancaster City has to offer. Party goers come from all over to experience the tapestry of art, culture, food, beverage and fashion that is uniquely Lancaster City.
VeloCity 2025 takes place from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18, at Tellus360. The fan-favorite cocktail competition, featuring Lancaster City bartenders, will now share the stage with local chefs in a newly added restaurant competition. While people sample the different offerings, they will enjoy live music by Suge on the Tellus Rooftop.
A photo booth and local photographers will be there to capture the moments and memories from a night to remember.
“Everyone at VeloCity shows up in high fashion ready to represent and celebrate the City,” says Colleen Wagner, Vice President of Administration & Relations for Lancaster City Alliance. “This is a beautiful and unique community, and this night is about showcasing that in every possible way.”
All proceeds benefit Lancaster City Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to improving economic growth and quality of life in the City of Lancaster.
Here’s what to know about VeloCity 2025:
Cocktail & Restaurant competitions
13 of the city’s best bartenders and 16 local restaurants will try to outdo one another on the Tellus360 rooftop. VIP guests will be voting on the people’s choice award in each category, and a panel of judges will decide the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place cocktails based on mixology, ingredients, techniques and presentation.
Cocktail competitors will be Andre Brown (401 Prime), Bobby Bustamante (551 West), Gabriel Miller (Annie Bailey’s), Zach Fortney (The Belvedere), Carlos Palacios (Bert & The Elephant), Genevieve Glatfelter-Jones (The Coffin Bar), Patrick Bruning (Conway Social), Moone Abhainn (Decades), Rob Mauer (Hi-Fi Izakaya), Jen Splain (Passerine), Kaia Camerote (Tellus 360), Erin Lewis (Zoetropolis), and Sam Costello (Proof).
Participating in the restaurant competition will be Tacos del Soul, Psyche Deli, Sushi Sang, Cracked Pepper, Passerine, Decades, Isaac’s Brewhouse, 401 Prime, The Belvedere, C’est La Vie, Josephine’s, Zoetropolis, Annie Bailey’s, Conway Social Club, Sprout/Rice and Noodles, and Cabalar.
Thistle Finch Distilleries will be sponsoring the cocktail competition and providing the liquor. The restaurant competition is sponsored by GEM’s Catering.
Fashion show
“We have a great mix of new and returning boutiques for the fashion show this year,” Wagner says. “We want to continue to provide an exciting and new experience each year.”
MC’s Molly Crouser of the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce and Chris Ballentine of Willow Valley Communities will introduce a series of local personalities modeling fashions and accessories from City merchants and boutiques. See it all on fashion week-style runway created by Atomic Design and Shumaker PTD and music from DJ Dasha.
Silent auction
The silent auction is back offering everything from local goods and experiences to vacation packages. Members of Lancaster city’s merchant community are donating items and gift certificates in support of VeloCity and Lancaster City Alliance.
Anyone can participate in the Silent Auction, with or without a VeloCity ticket.
Admission
This year’s event is sold out. To join the waiting list for any tickets that become available, visit lancastercityalliance.org/velocity.
After party
The VeloCity vibes continue with the Tellus360 After Party starting at 9PM which is open to all.
VeloCity is not just the ultimate celebration of the city, it’s also for the city. The funds it raises will make it possible for Lancaster City Alliance to create clean, safe, beautiful spaces for all to enjoy. “That’s our mission,” Wagner says, “Lancaster City flourishes and everyone shares in its success. That’s what this night is all about.”
For a full schedule of VeloCity events, silent auction items and to join the wait list, visit lancastercityalliance.org/velocity.