Author Archives: Maddie Conley

Thoughtful Planning: Preparation is key for a smooth remodel

March 30, 2026 | by Jim Mirando

Image courtesy of Excel Remodeling

Spring often brings a renewed focus on the home.

As days grow longer and families spend more time together, many homeowners begin to notice what isn’t quite working in their space. A kitchen that feels cramped during meal prep, a bathroom that no longer meets daily needs, or rooms that don’t flow the way modern life demands can all prompt the same question: Is it time to remodel?

A successful remodel starts long before construction begins. In fact, thoughtful planning is often what separates a smooth, rewarding experience from one that feels stressful or rushed.

One of the most important early considerations is function. While design trends change, the way a home needs to work for its occupants is far more personal. Kitchens, for example, are no longer just places to cook. They are gathering spaces, homework stations and hubs for everyday life. Bathrooms, especially primary baths, have evolved into spaces that support comfort, efficiency and long-term use. Understanding how a space is used daily helps guide decisions that will continue to feel right years down the road.

Another key factor is pre-construction planning. Many homeowners are surprised to learn how much happens before a single wall is opened. Finalizing layouts, selecting materials, confirming measurements, and coordinating timelines all take place well in advance. This preparation helps reduce delays, avoids costly changes during construction, and creates a more predictable experience overall.

Material selection also plays a significant role in long-term satisfaction. Visiting a showroom or working closely with a designer allows homeowners to compare options side by side and understand how different finishes, fixtures and surfaces will perform over time. Making these decisions early keeps the project moving and ensures the final space feels cohesive and intentional.

It’s also important to recognize that quality remodeling takes time. While it can be tempting to look for the fastest solution, a well-planned project accounts for design development, product lead times and skilled craftsmanship. Allowing the process to unfold thoughtfully often results in better outcomes, fewer surprises and a finished space that truly enhances daily living.

Finally, homeowners benefit from working with professionals who emphasize clear communication and a defined process. Knowing what to expect at each stage—from initial conversations through final walkthrough—can make the entire experience feel more manageable and far less intimidating.

As spring inspires homeowners to reimagine their spaces, the most successful remodels are those rooted in planning, function and intention. When a project is designed around how people truly live, the result is not just a more beautiful home, but one that supports everyday life in meaningful ways.

Jim Mirando is president and design team member of Excel Remodeling, 570 S. 3rd St., Lemoyne. For more information, visit www.excelremodeling.com or call 717-774-4490.

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Willful Conduct: Planning for a worst-case scenario may be the best gift to your family

March 30, 2026 | by Susan Ryder

Illustration by Aron Rook

“I’ve thought about it a lot, but I haven’t really taken any action,” said Dustin Bishop about creating a will.

He and his wife Amber are my neighbors, and they have two children, ages 15 and 11. The Bishops aren’t alone in procrastination in making financial and custodial arrangements in the event of their passing.

“The number one reason that I hear is the fear that, once they put something into place, that somehow they are going to die,” said attorney Jenni Chavis, owner of Chavis Law Firm, LLC, as we chatted in her Union Deposit office. However, she reassured me that no one has ever keeled over after creating and signing a will with her.

Not to make light of the situation, but the much bigger concern is what may come if an untimely death occurs and the family doesn’t have a will.

“Having to go to court when someone doesn’t have a power of attorney is exponentially more expensive than actually getting power of attorney document in place or fighting over an estate when there is no will,” Chavis said.

For busy families, thinking about what will happen in the future is easy to push to the side. At the West Shore Farmers Market, I talked with three moms out with their children.

“I just keep thinking it’s down the line,” said Maria Mansell. “I don’t have to worry about it yet.”

Her friend, Sophia Topper, turned to the group and said, “I actually was talking about it yesterday to you, about getting one.”

Folks often decide to follow through because they’ve heard of a bad experience that someone has had.

“More often than not, I see people coming in because they had some sort of wake-up call in their life—whether it was a friend who passed, who didn’t have a will, or a parent who left things a mess,” said Jessica Fisher Greene, member partner at Walters & Galloway, PLLC in Mechanicsburg.

Fisher Greene, a former Dauphin County prosecutor, turned her sights to elder law because she saw a need.

“I was getting phone calls from families who were in the thick of things as a result of not having anything in place. It was just horrific,” she said. “So many people were coming in and just crying and trying to grieve and trying to deal with things is the worst.”

Future Freedom

So, what is a will?

“A will is a document that you would create while you are able, so you have capacity, the ability to understand it, and it will allow you to let people know what you’re wishing when you’ve passed away,” Fisher Greene said.

This includes financial wishes but also property wishes. It’s best to not let who’s going to get mom’s wedding ring or dad’s snowblower up to the family to determine.

“Whatever your stuff is, you have to plan for it—whether it’s your sweatshirt or your Pittsburgh Steeler paraphernalia,” Chavis said. “You have to plan for it so that there is no conflict or chaos.”

Chavis added that people can be very reasonable before the life changing event but, “I always say that weddings and funerals bring out the worst in people.”

It is hard to think about our families turning angry and bitter over some dishes or an old car, but both Chavis and Fisher Greene assure me that often happens. Perhaps more important than preventing conflict is the freedom that it provides.

“It’s a gift, a grieving that you’re giving them,” Chavis said. “So, when my parents passed away, they had their plans in place, so I was freed to grieve the loss of my parents versus, ‘We got to run to the courthouse, or we got to get this document signed.’”

When my husband and I began estate planning, the biggest concern on my mind was the custody of the children. The thought of having someone else raise them was a painful one, but the thought of someone raising them, who I didn’t want, was worse. We wanted to pick those people.

“You start thinking about, ‘What are my values?’” Chavis said. “I’m going to start thinking of the people in our lives who fit those values.”

Many parents assume that godparents legally have guardianship, but that is not the case. Also, guardianship doesn’t have to go to a family member, but could go to a friend who knows your children.

When our children reached school age, my husband and I decided to have a friend act as guardian, so that the kids could remain in the same school and keep some continuity in their lives.

Picking an executor who will carry out the will is another important decision to make.

“It’s definitely someone you know who is responsible and going to respond to things,” Fisher Greene said. “They are going to open the mail; they’re going to pay the bills on time—someone you trust to follow through with things.”

The cost of creating a will can prevent people from taking the first step, and at about a $1,000 price tag, that’s understandable. According to Fisher Greene, it’s OK to shop around and ask how much it’s going to cost. People make assumptions about after-death property rights, so despite the cost, it’s best to consult a lawyer about these complicated topics.

It’s common to put off creating a will. What may help is knowing that the will is for the people left behind, and it will also give you peace of mind. Maybe most telling is what Chavis said most families say after completing the process.

“Everyone says, ‘I feel relieved.’”

To contact Jenni Chavis at Chavis Law Firm, LLC, visit www.chavislawfirm.com or call 717-884-8533.

To contact Jessica Fisher Greene at Walters & Galloway, PLLC, visit www.waltersgalloway.com or call 717-697-4700.

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Green Days: Say hello to spring with this asparagus recipe

March 30, 2026 | by Rosemary Ruggieri Baer

I always thought of my mother as a harbinger of spring.

It was the same every year. She was so happy to see little green shoots sprouting here and there in the yard. She loved the first sight of daffodils and crocuses and was convinced the same robin came to visit her every March on her little back porch. And she took extraordinary delight in the first vegetables of the season as they appeared at the farmers market.

One of her best spring treats was asparagus. But it had to be “home grown” and not “shipped.”

Asparagus flourishes in the northern area of Italy called Emilia Romagna, where it is stuffed into omelets, tossed with pasta, and baked with sharp Parmesan cheese. In the spring, you might have it at every meal when you are visiting there.

My mother cooked it plainly, steamed and bathed in good olive oil. Our little family loved it. Now, my own family was (and still is) a different story. Picky vegetable husband will only eat skinny asparagus stalks and then only the tops. Older son avoids it at all costs. But I love it, and it almost always shows up at our dinners, especially in the spring.

I steam it plainly until it turns bright green and dress it with lots of olive oil. But frequently, I slice the asparagus stalks into 1-inch pieces and sauté them in a non-stick skillet with a healthy sprinkling of red-hot pepper flakes. It’s a fun vegetable side dish that spruces up any dinner. Did you know that grilling asparagus works too as it imparts a great smoky flavor?

I recently found an unusual recipe that can be served as a light lunch, brunch and even a quick dinner. It is simple asparagus but all dressed up. It is perfect with a slice of quiche or frittata or just creamy scrambled eggs. In Italian, it’s Fagottini di Asparagi al Forno or “Baked Asparagus Bundles.” It originates in the Italian region noted above: Emilia Romagna.

Baked Asparagus Bundles

Ingredients

16 to 24 asparagus spears, salt to taste
4 thin prosciutto slices
4 fresh mozzarella cheese slices
1 tablespoon unsalted butter cut into bits

Directions

Pre-heat the oven to 375 degrees. Butter a 9-inch baking dish.
Trim off any rough ends from the asparagus at the point where they turn white. You can also peel them lightly a few inches from the ends of the tips.
Bring a large saucepan with water to a boil.
Add the asparagus and salt and simmer until slightly tender, depending on thickness.
Using tongs, lift the spears to a paper towel-lined plate and dry them gently.
Divide the asparagus spears evenly on the prosciutto slices, centering them across the ends.
Roll the asparagus spears with prosciutto slices to form four neat bundles.
Place the bundles in the buttered baking dish. Lay a fresh mozzarella slice on top of each bundle. Dot the ends and tips of the asparagus with the butter.
Bake until the cheese is melted, about 10 minutes. Serve on warm plates and serve hot.

Serve as part of a spring brunch with some fluffy scrambled eggs and some fresh fruit. (Don’t forget some daffodils for the table.)

It has been a long, cold winter. Like my mother, I hope you will enjoy the dish above and the many culinary delights that arrive with spring.

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Adventure Together: A split-second decision turned into an exploration of waterfalls and forests for our writer’s family

March 30, 2026 | by Natalie diSanto

On our way to visit friends in Richmond, Va., recently, my kiddo and I spontaneously turned right, transforming our day into an adventure.

Route 15 has multiple signs pointing to Cunningham Falls State Park—advertising that obviously worked well on us.

Just over an hour south of Harrisburg on Route 15 is the Maryland state line. About 15 minutes below that is Cunningham Falls State Park. Cunningham Falls is located in the Catoctin Mountains, which are part of the Appalachian Mountains. The Appalachians contribute to the greater Harrisburg area’s identity and community; therefore, the falls fall into our region’s assets.

When you’re unfamiliar with a park, the best first stop is a ranger station. We learned that, in addition to Maryland’s largest cascading waterfall, the park has a 43-acre lake for boating and fishing with a beach area for summertime swimming. Since Cunningham Falls is a Maryland State Park, there’s a fee of $5 per vehicle to enter the park from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Catoctin Mountain Park is a U.S. national park that abuts Cunningham Falls. Catoctin Mountain Park is a second growth forest, so it’s rehabilitated from destruction caused by past logging, charcoal making and farming. Catoctin Mountain was designated as a national park in 1936 and, through revitalization efforts, is now able to boast a healthy, thriving forest on 95% of its 5,120 acres. There is no fee to enter the park.

Reporting for Duty

As we learned about the history and properties of the two parks that look like one cohesive forest, the rangers asked my kiddo if he was interested in becoming a junior park ranger by completing a hike and handbook. Thrilled, he accepted the activity book and was shown the badge that would be awarded if he successfully completed the mission.

The booklet had a scavenger hunt, trivia and a connect-the-dots activity. All parents can appreciate the value of a distraction, so I too, was delighted.

First, he had to find a pinecone, then draw a picture of it. Next, he searched for a maple leaf, a flower, a spiderweb and a worm, all of which had to be documented with drawings. As he searched and scavenged, we wound our way along the Cliff Trail toward the namesake of the park, where a creek goes to fall.

Big Hunting Creek tumbles 78 feet down huge gray boulders, where folks can climb and splash in the water when the weather warms up. There’s a boardwalk that carries visitors over the marshy land leading to the main attraction. The boardwalk also allows accessibility for all viewers to enjoy the natural beauty of Cunningham Falls.

After seeing the falls and completing our booklet, we hiked back towards the ranger station. My kid submitted his activity book for examination and excitedly learned he’d passed, though I can’t imagine they fail any children who put in an honest effort. He was then sworn in as an official junior ranger. The ranger who performed the ceremony asked my child to put one hand on the activity booklet, raise the other towards the sky, and repeat an adorable oath to protect forests, remain curious, and be kind to all creatures.

This inspired me to create an unofficial junior park ranger continual educational program by printing off scavenger hunts each month for my kid and his friends to complete. Parents can recreate this experience, motivating kids to get outside in nature with just a few sheets of paper.

Tree Hugs

Become part of the team that helps keep our parks open to all and in tip-top shape by volunteering. Often, we think of park volunteer work as planting trees or cleaning up trails, but Cunningham Falls State Park has so much to offer that volunteers have an opportunity to contribute in exciting ways.

The park hosts events throughout the year and is always seeking people to assist with set-up, parking, food service and tours. They also host interpretive and educational programs, inviting artists and educators to share their expertise with the community. Programs cover topics such as crafts, history, animals and more. Interested folks are encouraged to reach out to the park’s volunteer coordinator.

When we tumbled into our truck to drive to Richmond, we weren’t expecting to spend the day in a forest, see a waterfall, or have my kid become a junior park ranger. Spontaneity is kind of like a second chance. You never know what you’ll get—you just hope for the best.

As I drove back toward Route 15, I thought of the second growth forest and its resilience. Through community care and patience, this once desolate land has regrown into a lush area for people to gather and explore. As the forests burst back to life this spring, let it stir fresh adventure, hope and growth.

Cunningham Falls State Park is located at 14274 William Houck Dr., Thurmont, Md.

Catoctin Mountain Park is located at 14707 Central Park Rd., Thurmont, Md.

To learn more about volunteering with Cunningham Falls State Park, email the volunteer coordinator at [email protected].

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Musical Notes: April Warms Up

March 30, 2026 | by Skye Cadzow

If your concert calendar looks anything like mine, I’m wishing you the very best of luck as you figure out how and where you’ll sleep this month. It seems like every single artist whose 2025 albums I obsessed over announced tours this April, so I’ll be bopping around the DC area mid-month to catch Hayley Williams, Florence + The Machine and other artists at different venues. That said, I’m trying to work in a few local shows to support the excellent indie rock acts like Phoneboy, The Happy Fits and Old 97’s, all hitting stages in the area this April. See you in the pit!

AMERICANA DREAM

4/2, Old 97’s, Englewood Hershey

I almost fell out of my chair when I saw the Old 97’s are playing at Englewood Hershey this month. The alt Americana/rock outfit is one of the few bands that I think has woven an incredible range of genres into their signature sound, while somehow landing it every time. The opening of “Timebomb” on 1997’s “Too Far to Care” still goes just as hard as it did 30 years ago, and the more recently released song, “The Dropouts,” is permanently etched into my brain as a small light that got me through long, sad summer days in 2020.

GIVE ‘EM A RING

4/3, Phoneboy w/Heart Attack Man, Capital City Music Hall

I don’t know where Phoneboy came from (writer’s note: the correct answer is New Jersey), but “Nevermind” might be one of the catchiest songs I’ve heard in a minute, so it shouldn’t be a surprise the band snagged a spot in my top picks for the month. The pop-punk influenced indie rock outfit is exactly what my early-aughts, indie-loving heart needed. Their music is refreshing and clever. For a good smattering of what to expect at the show, check out tracks like “Wayside,” “Nevermind” and “Hey, Kid!”

Oi! Oi! Oi!

4/26, Laura Jane Grace, XL Live

An icon and a poet, frontwoman of punk band, Against Me! Laura Jane Grace is bringing her current solo tour to the ‘Burg later this month. In addition to her amazing performances supercharged with anthemic, heartfelt hooks, Grace is known for her advocacy for transgender visibility, addiction and mental health, often spotlighting her own experiences through raw lyrics in songs like “Black Me Out.” Grace’s latest album, “Adventure Club,” features some excellent tracks like “WWIII Revisited” and a few unprintable titles that I can’t wait to hear live.

If you’re a musician and/or promoter, or a fan of a local artist, and you’d like to share some upcoming shows with TheBurg, drop me a line at [email protected].

HONORABLE MENTIONS

4/3, Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country, XL Live

4/16, Lotus, XL Live

4/18, Save Ferris, XL Live

4/18, Dance Dance Revolt Tour, Consciousness Coffee

4/24, Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, Hershey Theatre

4/24, Plunder & Lightning, The Abbey Bar

4/25, Joe Pye and Neidig & Koretzky, Wildwood Wetlands Festival

4/26, Soulja Boy, Capital City Music Hall

4/26, Motown Through the Decades, West Shore Theatre

4/29, John Legend, Hershey Theatre
4/29, The Happy Fits, XL Live

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

A Space, Reborn: Coronet Park opens its gates, plans a full lineup in downtown Harrisburg

March 30, 2026 | by Molly Pavlovich

Coronet Park rendering. Image courtesy of Harristown Development.

A long-vacant parcel in downtown Harrisburg soon will be re-energized as a new place for gathering and events.

This month, on Earth Day, Coronet Park debuts, hosting the first of many scheduled events centered on music, pop-up vendors and other creative community activities.

Located just south of Market Square, Coronet Park is a Harristown project rooted in the same purpose of placemaking and ongoing revitalization that brought Harrisburg its popular SoMa block parties, Strawberry Square Music Series and 3rd in the Burg events.

“We hope Coronet Park becomes another hub for people to gather, socialize and enjoy the city environment in a space that feels unique and curated,” said Brad Jones, president and CEO of Harristown.

The park is named for the former Coronet restaurant, a long-time city eatery that caught fire and closed over 30 years ago. Harristown later bought the blighted building and razed it, creating an empty space that the company transformed into the centrally located, 3,300-square-foot “pocket park.”

On April 22 from 5 to 7 p.m., the park will kick off a full calendar for the spring and summer with an Earth Day plant swap. As plant lovers trade propagations, pop-ups from local businesses will be available to peruse, including Ashcombe Farm & Greenhouse, Zeroday Brewing, Agape Elixir Bar mocktails and Mediterranean eats from Traveling J’s.

“If you haven’t attended a SoMa block party before—maybe they’re too large of a crowd for you—what we’re creating at Coronet Park will be a much more intimate experience with a little something for everyone,” said Sara Bozich, who is spearheading the park’s event lineup.

The park, she added, is surrounded by walls on three sides, “creating a canvas for events unlike anything currently in the city.”

“We’re hoping to appeal to people with all different kinds of interests,” Bozich said.

From a bookish evening with bestselling author Jo Piazza to a free “Tiny Park Concert Series” spanning from the second Friday in May through September, here’s a taste of what is upcoming at Coronet Park:

May 2: Books & Brews with bestselling author Jo Piazza
May 8: Tiny Park Concert (DeRose & The Dreadnoughts)
June 4: Dog-friendly Yappy Hour
June 12: Tiny Park Concert (Meaghan Farrell)
July 1: Ice Cream Social
July 10: Tiny Park Concert (Sons of Pitches)

“Most events will take place during the afternoon or early evening with the idea that the park is just kicking off someone’s weekend plans,” Bozich said. “We envision people stopping by, maybe grabbing a bite to eat or a drink at a nearby restaurant after, and then heading onto their next thing—whether that’s a walk alongside Riverfront Park or a late-night show.”

As the once-dormant space works toward becoming a community hub that draws people in—and out to explore other local businesses—Jones is already looking forward to how it might evolve over time with input from guests. He envisions murals, string lights and other creative touches that could further amplify the park’s quaint, quirky atmosphere.

“I think Coronet Park is going to be a really special place that excites and re-energizes people to explore local,” Jones said.

Coronet Park is located at 21 S. 2nd St., Harrisburg. For the full calendar of events happening at Coronet Park, visit www.sarabozich.com.

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Outdoor Education: Through HICO, Harrisburg students experience, learn from nature

March 30, 2026 | by Dan Miller

Harrisburg Inspiring Connections Outdoors (HICO) student outings. Photo courtesy of HICO.

It could be learning how to make a fire in the wilderness. Paddling a canoe for the first time in Swatara Creek. The hissing of a swarm of bicycles as you pedal the Capital Area Greenbelt.

These are the kinds of first experiences offered through Harrisburg Inspiring Connections Outdoors—better known as HICO. It is one of about 50 such organizations nationwide affiliated with the Sierra Club that provide outdoor activities for city youth.

The organization was formed in 1996, then known as Harrisburg Inner City Outings. In 2014, the name was changed as part of a program rebranding.

For the last 12 years, HICO has offered its outings exclusively to students attending Marshall Math Science Academy of the Harrisburg School District. The program is open to students grades 5 through 7, girls and boys alike.

HICO holds one outdoor outing for Marshall students each month of the year. In some months, there are two outings, said Michael Horgan, a volunteer with the organization for more than 20 years.

Students chosen to go on a HICO outing pay nothing, nor is there any charge to their parents or guardian. All the food and supplies the students need for any outing—tents, sleeping bags, footwear, canoes, kayaks and the like—is provided by HICO in partnership with supporting area businesses and nonprofit groups.

Outings take place on weekends, usually on a Saturday. The organization embarks on at least three camping trips a year, most running two nights long.

HICO often combines camping with other outdoor activities. This summer, it will take students to Hickory Run State Park for camping, followed by whitewater rafting. Camping can also be combined with other outdoor activities like orienteering and birding.

This past year, HICO took students on a two-day canoe float trip covering about 15 miles on Swatara Creek. The canoes were provided by Canoe Club of Greater Harrisburg, which also provided volunteers for the event—an example of the essential partnerships HICO has forged with area organizations.

“More than half of these kids had never been on a canoe before,” Horgan said.

Also in 2025, HICO organized a 12-mile backpacking trip along the Appalachian Trail. The students camped out on the trail for two nights.

Each year, HICO takes the Marshall students on a 21-mile-long bicycle ride around the Greenbelt, with bicycles provided by Trips for Kids Harrisburg. Again, it’s a new experience for these kids, even though it’s one that others may take for granted.

“Some of these kids are just learning how to ride a bicycle,” Horgan said. “Half of them don’t even have a bicycle.”

An Incentive

Horgan first became involved with HICO through an employee of the advertising agency he owned. The employee wanted to start a Harrisburg chapter, and Horgan helped develop a video supporting the effort.

As a graduate of Harrisburg schools, Horgan knew how difficult it was for city kids to experience the wonders of the outdoors, just a few miles away. Fortunately, Horgan had been able to do so as a Boy Scout.

“I was always like ‘Wow, when I retire, I want to get involved in this,’” he said. “So, the year I retired over 20 years ago, I signed up and started my payback, putting my effort, my time and my energy into this.”

In the beginning, HICO worked through churches, and anybody could sign a child up for an outing. Over time, the process shifted to a school setting, where students are selected by teachers, a method that Horgan said works much better.

“The teachers are able to choose the students who will benefit from it the most,” Horgan said. “It’s a great vetting process for us too, so that we don’t have kids that are going to be disruptive or pull back from us being successful.”

A HICO outing can be an incentive for a student who is doing well. Teachers will also use a HICO outing as “an extra space” to try and get to know students in a different setting, said Ellen Mearns, a Marshall Math Science Academy teacher who has been involved with HICO for eight years.

The HICO outings provide benefits for students that teachers see translated in the classroom. Mastering hands-on skills outside of school—reading a compass, starting a fire, following a trail or riding the Greenbelt—can provide a student who is struggling academically with the confidence to take on challenging and difficult tasks inside the classroom, Mearns said.

HICO has considered expanding beyond Marshall academy, and other schools in the region have shown interest in the program.

It comes down to the need for more volunteers—and more money. HICO is self-funded, receiving no government assistance. The group spends $7,000 to $10,000 a year on expenses, with most of that covering transportation to outings, which is provided by Susquehanna Outfitters.

Horgan and the other volunteers have their hands full keeping HICO going for Marshall.

“We would be more than happy to lend out our gear (and) our expertise if another group wanted to start up,” he said. “If somebody was interested, they could get in touch with us, and we would help them organize and create this group and support the group.”

For more information on Harrisburg Inspiring Connections Outdoors (HICO), visit www.harrisburgico.org.

Stories on environmental topics are proudly sponsored by LCSWMA.

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

The Painted Word: Old Man River, Art of the Susquehanna, at SAM

March 30, 2026 | by Bob MacGinnes

Image courtesy of Susquehanna Art Museum

Our identity as Americans is intertwined with the place where we live and its impact on our daily lives. So many things in our area owe their name to our best-known landmark, the Susquehanna, even a museum.

In Harrisburg and locales close by, the Susquehanna River plays a role so vital that it is far more than just a body of water. It is a constant reminder of how beautiful life is along the river, no matter the season or time of year. “American Identity: Restoring the Susquehanna River’s Artistic Legacy” opened on March 14 at the Susquehanna Art Museum (SAM). It unveiled a far-reaching survey of art that encompasses 400 years of assembled works across a wide variety of mediums.

Mounted by collectors and curators Rob Evans and James Snyder, the exhibit became a team effort by SAM’s leaders to bring it to Harrisburg for an extensive run through June 28. Now in her first full year as the director of exhibitions, Rachel O’Connor has a passion for this exhibit partly because its subject matter, the Susquehanna River, is in our own backyard and is a major focal point stretching for miles along Front Street.

“This survey should resonate with everyone who calls the Harrisburg area home,” she said. “To think that our river has inspired so many artists categorically and stylistically is remarkable. Art truly does imitate life.”

Sets the Tone

With its existence over 325 million years, the Susquehanna River originated in the Paleozoic era, making it one of the oldest river systems in the world, even older than the Nile. At 444 miles long, it holds the distinction of being the longest commercially non-navigable river in the United States. The Susquehanna plays a crucial role as the Chesapeake Bay’s largest tributary, supporting communities across states and diverse ecosystems that benefit from its wildlife corridors and habitats. When one views its beauty, both “scenic” and “wild” come to mind.

I have always been fascinated with cartography, the art of mapmaking. One truly exceptional map commands center stage in the exhibit as it is one of the original renderings of Virginia charted by Capt. John Smith. It fires the imagination, a spectacular piece of art that undeniably sets the tone for the rest of the show. The map from 1612 is titled, “Virginia: Discovered and ‘Discribed,’” and is the first detailed accurate illustration of the Chesapeake Bay region. It covers Virginia, Maryland and parts of neighboring states featuring over 200 Native American towns. It includes portraits of a Susquehannock warrior and Powhatan, the paramount chief. Stunning in its detail, it reveals an America that owes many of its place names to the original inhabitants who revered nature and found all things sacred.

The stunning breadth of the exhibit draws from two major private collections of art. Both are collaboratively built by artist/curator, Evans, and arts patron and collector, Snyder.

Together, they have amassed one of the largest collections of Susquehanna-related art and objects in the world.

Spanning over four centuries and boasting more than 100 works, the collection includes paintings, drawings, engravings, lithographs, etchings, books, maps, ceramics and vintage printing plates and tools.

In addition, included are contemporary works from the “Visions of the Susquehanna Art Collection,” the core of which was acquired from its namesake touring exhibit that Evans organized and curated in 2005. The ultimate goal is that eventually the “Visions of the Susquehanna Collection” and “Susquehanna Art Collection” will be housed under one roof in a new art museum being planned for the Susquehanna River Discovery Center and Heritage Park, developed at the historic Mifflin Farm in Wrightsville.

Grand Appeal

To say that the collection is diverse would be an understatement in this visually stunning survey. Viewing it as a complete body of work speaks to the world class education the viewer will receive as each work illuminates the next, encompassing history, geography and, certainly, the arts.

As a writer, I hold a special place in my heart for James Fenimore Cooper’s first edition, “The Pioneers—Or the Sources of the Susquehanna,” published in 1823. Hitting closer to home is a hand-colored lithograph in the style of Abner Reeder, “An Attempt to Burn John Harris,” done in 1839. Other standouts include a ceramic pitcher and soup plate illustrating scenes of the river, fired in Staffordshire, England, in the 1840s. John James Audubon’s hand-colored engraving, “Canvas backed Ducks,” captures the smallest details showcasing his artistry. Female authors are also represented, including Emma Catherine Embury’s first edition, “Nature’s Gems—American Wildflowers in Their Native Haunts.”

Even the curator of this monumental exhibit, Rob Evans, contributes a visually arresting mixed-media work, “Migration,” from 1997 of the Susquehanna National Heritage Area. The survey’s grand appeal is discovering the amazing legacy that our beloved Susquehanna River has made through a kaleidoscope of artistic lenses, both personal and as broader arts movements. It solidly grounds the river’s rightful place in American art history as a formative influence vitally linked to what would become our nation’s first truly American faction of landscape painting.

“We are honored to contribute this timeless exhibition about our beloved Susquehanna River as the museum’s part in the ‘America 250’ celebration,” said Alice Anne Schwab, SAM’s executive director. “That artists over hundreds of years have made the Susquehanna a subject of concentration, creating an entire genre of art built around a glorious river, is worthy of our attention. After viewing ‘American Identity’ at SAM, no one will question the validity of the claim that those Hudson River School painters were inspired by artists from south central Pennsylvania, the Susquehanna River School.”

“American Identity” provides a fascinating journey through 400 years of life along the Susquehanna, winding its way down and around the main streets of time. If you only see one exhibit this year, this is the one to see. When a river this old has existed for over 300 million years, it has rightly earned the title, “Old Man River.”

“American Identity: Restoring the Susquehanna River’s Artistic Legacy” runs through June 28 at the Susquehanna Art Museum, 1401 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.susquehannaartmuseum.org.

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Happenings: Our April Calendar of Events

March 30, 2026 | by Missy Smith

Museums & Art Spaces

AACA Museum
161 Museum Dr., Hershey
717-566-7100; aacamuseum.org

“Mustang Then and Now,” through April 19

“Old School Rods and Customs, through April 19

SAAB Showroom, through April 19

Art Association of Harrisburg
21 N. Front St., Harrisburg
717-236-1432; artassocofhbg.com

“Pastiche and the Present,” featuring the work of Dylan Berger, who specializes in graphite master studies, April 1-30; reception: April 17, 5-8 p.m.

“A Day in the Life,” featuring the work of Sarah Mendez, Mark Dennis, Rebekah Campbell, and Lisa Moore, through April 2

“Vivid Experiences,” April 10-May 14; reception: April 17, 5-8 p.m.

The Art Center School & Galleries
18 Artcraft Dr., Mechanicsburg
717-697-2072; theartcenterschoolandgalleries.com

Students of Landscapes of Oil, April 1-30

Arts on the Square
20 S. 2nd St., Harrisburg
717-257-1270; marketsquarechurch.org

“Faces & Places,” works by Mindy Deardorff and Sherryl Heberlig Sunday, through April 19 (select dates)

Carlisle Arts Learning Center (CALC)
38 W. Pomfret St., Carlisle
717-249-6973; carlislearts.org

“A Celebration of Student Art,” annual showcase of art by Carlisle Area School District K-12, April 18

“Legacy,” exploring family and memory through photography, found objects and fiber art created by three sisters after the loss of their parents, April 24-May 30

“Expressions in Fiber & Form,” an exploration of three different approaches to fiber art by Miki Howell, Beth Reese and Jóh Ricci, April 24-May 30

The Cornerstone Coffeehouse
2133 Market St., Camp Hill
thecornerstonecoffeehouse.com

April artist of the month: Missy Smith

Gallery on the Square
Millersburg Area Art Association
226 Union St., Millersburg
Facebook: Gallery on the Square

Artwork by Ruth Ann Klinger, April 1-25

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyart.org

“Art in Bloom” art show at Hershey Story Museum, April 10-12, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

HAAA Member Artwork at Hershey Public Library, hallway gallery, through April 11

HAAA Member Artwork at Hershey Public Library, community room, through May 30

Hershey Gardens
170 Hotel Rd., Hershey
717-534-3492; hersheygardens.org

“Botanicals—Above, Below and Beyond,” April 1-24

Historic Harrisburg Resource Center
1230 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
historicharrisburg.org

“Artistic Expressions,” annual high school art exhibition, April 1-26

Historical Society of Dauphin County
John Harris-Simon Cameron Mansion
219 S Front St., Harrisburg
717- 233-3462; dauphincountyhistory.org

Mansion Tours, Tuesdays-Friday, 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Lebanon Picture Frame & Fine Art Gallery
847 Cumberland St., Lebanon
LebanonPictureFrame.com

“Awakenings,” watercolor paintings by Gail Savage, April 4-May 31; reception: April 4, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.

The Millworks
340 Verbeke St., Harrisburg
717-695-4888; millworksharrisburg.com

New works by Tina Berrier, Caren Shelley, The Huckle Buckle Boys, Jeff Scorza, Eve Tiday, Marjorie Taylor, Annika Koser, Justin Pettingell, through April 12

New works by Linda McCloskey, Rexmake, Ambria Michelle, Rebecca Adey, Kristin Livelsberger, Caleb Smith, Kathy Mina and Yachiyo Beck, April 13-May 10

Messiah University
One University Ave., Mechanicsburg
717-766-2511; messiah.edu

Senior Exhibition II capstone artwork by seniors in the BFA studio art and BFA graphic design programs, April 18-May 2; reception: April 18, 4:30 p.m.

Pop-Up Student Art Show—Annual Juried Exhibition submissions on public display for jurying and campus voting, April 25, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art
176 Water Company Rd., Millersburg
717-692-3699; nedsmithcenter.org

Art by Chet Davis, April 10-July 25; reception: April 10, 5-8 p.m.

Artwork by Marjorie Taylor, through July 18

Pennsylvania National Fire Museum
1820 N. 4th St., Harrisburg
717-232-8915; pnfm.org

Exhibits dedicated to Pennsylvania firefighting history

Rose Lehrman Art Gallery
One HACC Drive, Harrisburg
717-780-2435; hacc.edu

Student Honors Show I, through April 10; reception: April 9, 5:30-7 p.m.

Student Honors Show II, April 20-May 8; reception: April 30, 5:30-7 p.m.

The State Museum of Pennsylvania
300 North St., Harrisburg
717-787-4980; statemuseumpa.org

“Bannered Heroes—Celebrating Pennsylvania’s African American Veterans,” presented by Beta Pi Boulé, the Harrisburg chapter of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity (the Boulé)

“Game Changers—Pennsylvania Women Who Made History,” celebrating women from across PA in diverse fields, detailing their contributions and challenges they faced in their lifetimes

“Horse2Auto—A Transportation Revolution,” exploring the transition from horse to automobile through the history of three vehicles from Pennsylvania’s last transportation revolution

“Illuminating Independence,” featuring 35 original “illuminations” of the Declaration of Independence, completed over 10 years by self-taught Harrisburg resident and penman Sherman Notestine

“Revolutionary Things—Objects from the Collection,” special exhibit bringing together a wide range of objects that testify to Pennsylvania’s outsized role in the American Revolution, scheduled to coincide with the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026

Susquehanna Art Museum
1401 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-233-8668; susquehannaartmuseum.org

“Nightfall,” juried exhibition exploring the concept of oncoming night, whether metaphorically or through medium and technique, through April 5

“Elsewhere,” featuring paintings by Caleb Kortokrax that depict his children in moments of stillness, sleeping, daydreaming, or quietly withdrawn into themselves, through May 10

“American Identity: Restoring the Susquehanna River’s Artistic Legacy,” an exhibition drawn from the Friends of the Susquehanna River Art Collection and curated by Rob Evans, through June 28

Suzanne H. Arnold Art Gallery
Lebanon Valley College
101 College Ave., Annville
717-233-8668; lvc.edu/gallery

“The Secret Paris of the 1930s—Vintage Photographs by Brassaï,” through April 4

The Trout Gallery
Dickinson College
240 W. High St., Carlisle
717-254-8159; troutgallery.org

“A Measure of Value,” works by Faith Ringgold, Sue Coe, Andy Warhol, the Guerilla Girls and others that consider how art and artifacts intersect with economic principles of markets, through April 4

Dissecting Locomotion, examining Eadweard Muybridge’s groundbreaking scientific and photographic project Animal Locomotion through April 4

“Give Up the Ghost” Senior Studio Art Majors Thesis Exhibition, April 17 – May 17

The Ware Center
42 N. Prince St., Lancaster
717-871-2308; artsmu.com

“What is Home?” features works by Wille Baronet and Leah den Bok that highlight the human reality of homelessness and challenge viewers to rethink their assumptions about housing and belonging, April 3–24; reception: April 3 at 5 p.m.

Wheel of Light Studio
3738 Peters Mountain Rd., Halifax
wheeloflightstudio.com

“Reduce, Reuse, Recycle…Art” group show, through April 11; reception: April 11, 2-4 p.m.

The Floral Art of Jacqui Whitcomb, April 15-May 30

Whitaker Center
222 Market St., Harrisburg
717-214-ARTS; whitakercenter.org

“Survival of the Slowest—Counterintuitive Adaptations,” touring exhibition with 19 immersive habitats filled with live animals and plants, through May 24

Wildwood Park
100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg
717-221-0292; explorewildwoodpark.org

“Art in the Wild,” a community outdoor environmental art exhibit with works by local artists created mostly natural materials to complement Wildwood’s natural setting, through Sept. 30

Read, Make, Learn

Appalachian Brewing Co./Abbey Bar
50 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg
717-221-1083; abcbrew.com

April 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29: Swing and Latin dance classes, 6-9:30 p.m.

The Art Center School & Galleries
18 Artcraft Dr., Mechanicsburg
717-697-2072; theartcenterschoolandgalleries.com

April 1 and 15: Watercolor Painting Step-by-Step, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
April 9-30: Elements of the Human Face (ages 9-14), Thursdays, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
April 9-30: Intermediate/Advanced Pastel Painting, Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
April 30: Collage is Cool, 6-8 p.m.

Bosler Library
158 W. High St., Carlisle
717-243-4642; boslerlibrary.org

April 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29: Baby Time, 9:30 a.m.
April 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29: Toddler Tales, 10:15 a.m.
April 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29: Preschool Storytime, 10:30 a.m.
April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Tabletop Gaming, 4:30 p.m.
April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Knitting Group, 10:30 a.m.
April 3, 10, 17, 24: Mah Jongg Club, 9:30 a.m.
April 6: Monday Night Book Group, 6 p.m.
April 8: Wicked Wednesday Book Group, 1 p.m.
April 8: Adult Coloring Night, 4:30 p.m.
April 8, 15, 22, 29: Teen Café, 3:30 p.m.
April 9, 16: Money in Your Pocket Tax Preparation, 12 p.m.
April 9, 16, 23, 30: Kids of the Trades, 4:30 p.m.
April 9, 16, 23, 30: Upstairs Stitchers, 5:30 p.m.
April 13: Teen Murder Mystery Party, 6 p.m.
April 17: Adult LEGO Club, 10:30 a.m.
April 24: Just Mysteries Book Group, 1 p.m.

BrainVessel Gallery
4707 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg
717-350-2306; www.brainvessel.com

April 1, 15: Cherry Blossom Wine Glass Painting, 6-7:30 p.m.

Capital Blue Cross Connect
4500 Marketplace Way, Enola
www.capitalbluecrossconnect.com/wellness/fitness-classes

April 1, 22, 29: Virtual INSPIRE, 9 a.m.
April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Ready, Steady, Action (Enola and Virtual), 4:15 p.m.
April 3, 10, 17, 24: Strong and Fit (Enola and Virtual), 10 a.m.
April 6, 13, 20, 27: Virtual Pilates, 5 p.m.
April 7, 14, 21, 28: Mindful Yoga & Meditation (Enola), 10 a.m.
April 10: Virtual Connect: Health & Wellness and Beyond, 11 a.m.
April 13: Virtual Cooking Demo—Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Beef, 12 p.m.
April 22: Virtual Lifestyle Basics for Gut Health, 11 a.m.

Carlisle Arts Learning Center (CALC)
38 W. Pomfret St., Carlisle
717-249-6973; carlislearts.org

April 2: Natural Wonders nature-themed projects (ages 5-12), 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
April 3: Enchanted Woods (ages 5-12), 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
April 4, 11: Hands Down drawing (ages 9-14), 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
April 6: Flower Power spring crafts (ages 5-12), 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
April 11: A Bug’s Life (ages 5-12), 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
April 11: Buck-A-Book, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. or 1-2 p.m.
April 13: Third Space Craft Night, 6-8 p.m.
April 14-28: Explorations in Abstraction, Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
April 14-May 5: Evening Intermediate Watercolor, Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
April 15-29: Color Mixing Basics, Wednesdays, 6-8 p.m.
April 15-May 6: Daytime Intermediate Watercolor, Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
April 17: Craft Beer & Clay, 7-9 p.m.
April 18-May 9: Figure Drawing, Saturdays, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
April 24: Under the Sea ocean-themed art (ages 5-12), 9 am.-3 p.m.
April 25: Put Your Color Pedal to the Metal (ages 13-adult), 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Dauphin County Library System
dcls.org

April 4: Once Upon a Rainbow, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
April 11: Reading the Rainbow at LGBT Center of Central PA, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

East Pennsboro Library
98 S. Enola Dr., Enola
717-732-4274; eastpennsborobranch.org

April 1: Family Game Night, 4:30-7:30 p.m.
April 2: Drop-In Easter Suncatcher, 4:30-7:30 p.m.
April 7: Read to Dogs, 6-7 p.m.
April 9, 30: Story Time and Craft, 6:30 p.m.
April 15: Drop-In STEM Play, 4:30-7:30 p.m.
April 16: Drop-In Paper Quilling Craft, 4:30-7:30 p.m.
April 21: Spring Floral Wreath Craft, 6:30 p.m.
April 23: Creative Movement with Central PA Youth Ballet (ages 4-6), 4 p.m.
April 28: BINGO for Books, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

East Shore Area Library
4501 Ethel St., Harrisburg
717-652-9380; dcls.org

April 4: Figment Forge, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
April 4: Limelight on Local Artists—Meet & Greet Artist Reception, 2-4 p.m.
April 6, 13, 20, 27: The Stitch Sitch, 2-3:30 p.m.
April 7, 14, 21, 28: Crafting with the Classics, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
April 7: Stained-Glass Suncatchers, 6-7 p.m.
April 8: Chess Club, 12-1:30 p.m.
April 16: Who Sank the Boat?, 6-7 p.m.
April 25: Spring Clothing Swap, 12-4 p.m.
April 25: East Shore Cinema—“Clue,” 2-4 p.m.

Elizabethtown Public Library
10 S. Market St., Elizabethtown
717-367-7467; etownpubliclibrary.org

April 1: Toddler Time, 10:30-11 a.m.
April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Homeschool Happening, 2-4 p.m.
April 2: Family Storytime, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
April 8, 15, 22, 29: Card Making Group, 5-7 p.m.
April 11: Fiber Artists, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
April 25: Board Game Meetup, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Fort Hunter
5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg
717-599-5751; forthunter.org

April 4: Volunteer Cleanup Day, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
April 13: Park Rx—Historical Tree Walk, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
April 14: Spring Homeschool Day, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
April 25: Hearthside Series—Traditional Net Tying, 1-3 p.m.

Fredricksen Library
100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill
717-761-3900; fredricksenlibrary.org

April 1: Zen Meditation, 2-3 p.m.
April 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29: Preschool Story Time (ages 3-5), 11-11:30 a.m., 6-6:30 p.m.
April 2: Special Themed Storytime (ages 3-5), 10-10:30 a.m.
April 2: Elementary LEGO Lab, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Meditation to Calm the Mind, 12-12:30 p.m.
April 3: Chess Club, 6:30 p.m.
April 3, 17: One Seed Grows Garden Club, 4-5 p.m.
April 4: Read & Relax Quiet Hour, 2-3 p.m.
April 6, 20: Fredricksen Writes, 7-8:30 p.m.
April 7, 14, 21, 28: Food and Farm Discovery Zone, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
April 7, 14, 21, 28: iPhone Basics Series, 3-4:30 p.m.
April 10: Book Dragons Club—Book Keepers, 6-8:30 p.m.
April 11: Neurodivergent Adult Support Group, 3-4:30 p.m.
April 12: Pokémon Club for Tweens and Teens, 3-4:30 p.m.
April 13, 20: Book Explorers (ages 3-6), 5:30-6:30 p.m.
April 14, 28: Read to Dogs, 6-7:30 p.m.
April 20: World Explorers, 6-7 p.m.
April 21: Excel Basics, 10-11 a.m.
April 24: Peaceful Poses Yoga Storytime for Preschoolers, 10-10:45 a.m.
April 25: Simple Rules to Balance Food, Metabolism and Health, 2-4 p.m.
April 26: Paint With Us, 1-3 p.m.
April 26: Games, Cards and Puzzles, 1-5 p.m.
April 28: Tween LEGO Club, 6-7:30 p.m.

Gallery on the Square
Millersburg Area Art Association
226 Union St., Millersburg
Facebook: Gallery on the Square

April 11: Sunflower Painting with Chris Pettman, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
April 17: Tie Dye Workshop with Chris Pettman, 6-8 p.m.
April 19: Wine Bottle Painting with Chris Pettman, 2-4 p.m.
April 24: Needle Felting with Emmett Dailey, 6-8 p.m.
April 26: Cherry Blossom Painting with Jacqui Whitcomb, 2-4 p.m.

George & Hettie Love Memorial Library
530 S. 29th St., Harrisburg
717-234-3934; dcls.org

April 4: Otherworldly Book Club, 12-1 p.m.
April 7: Design and Draw!, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
April 11: Knit One, Crochet Too!, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
April 21: Paint a Birdhouse, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
April 23: Try-it Yoga with Community Yoga, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
April 25: Write On!, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Harrisburg Improv Theatre
1633 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
hbgimprov.com

April 23-June 11: Character in Improv, Thursdays, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
April 28-May 26: Teenprov (ages 13-17), Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyart.org

April 14: Hollow Animal Pottery Sculpture, 1:30-4 p.m.

Hershey Gardens
170 Hotel Rd., Hershey
717-534-3492; hersheygardens.org

April 4, 11, 18, 25: Guided Garden Walk, 10-11 a.m.
April 24: Eco-Fiction Group, 10-11:30 a.m.
April 25: Earth Day Celebration, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Hershey Public Library
701 Cocoa Ave., Hershey
717-533-6555; hersheylibrary.org

April 1: Exploring Poetry, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
April 1: LEGO Club, 1-2 p.m.
April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Community Crochet Night, 6-7 p.m.
April 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30: Penn State Hershey Mothers & Babies, 10:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Teen Time, 2:30-4:15 p.m.
April 2, 16, 30 Hershey Quilters, 12:30 p.m.
April 7: Hershey Area Pokémon Club, 5:30-7 p.m.
April 7: “Mysteries, She Wrote” Mystery Book Group, 6:30-8 p.m.
April 11: Distinguished Author Visit—Kate Quinn, 2-3:30 p.m.
April 13: Hershey Area Neighbors and Newcomers, 10:15 a.m.-1 p.m.
April 14: Philosophers’ Round Table Discussion Group, 2-3:30 p.m.
April 14, 21, 28: Whee!, 10:15-10:45 a.m.
April 16, 23, 30: Storytime for Everyone, 10:15-10:45 a.m.
April 18: Cyber Lions PSU Tech Support, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
April 18: Cocoa Area Fiber Enthusiasts, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
April 20, 27: Books and Babies, 10:15-10:45 a.m.
April 20, 27: Storytime for Everyone, 11-11:30 a.m.
April 21: Splash of Serenity—Watercolors for Relaxation, 2-3:30 p.m.
April 21: Tween Tuesday, 4-5 p.m.
April 21, 28: Silent Book Group, 10-11:30 a.m.
April 25: Chess Club, 1-3 p.m.

Historic Harrisburg Resource Center
1230 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
historicharrisburg.org

April 27: Fourth Monday Program—New Materials for Old Homes: A Guide for Harrisburg, 6-7 p.m.

Historical Society of Dauphin County
John Harris-Simon Cameron Mansion
219 S Front St., Harrisburg
717- 233-3462; dauphincountyhistory.org

April 14: US Constitutional History with Dickinson Law Prof. Amy Gaudion, 11:30 a.m.

Horn Farm Center for Agricultural Education
4945 Horn Road, York
717-757-6441; hornfarmcenter.org

April 11: Carpentry Fundamentals: Potting Bench Make & Take, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
April 11: Backyard Wildlife: Safety & Rehabilitation with Raven Ridge, 10-11:30 a.m.
April 12: Shoots & Leaves: Early Spring Foraging Walk, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
April 12: Micro-Survival Kit Workshop, 1-2:30 p.m.
April 18: Wildcrafted Medicinals Plant Walk, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
April 18: Artisanal Herbal Tinctures at Home, 12-3 p.m.
April 24: Walk the Seasons—Spring, 6-7:30 p.m.

Johnson Memorial Library
799 East Center St., Millersburg
717-692-2658; dcls.org

April 7: Upcycled Crafting, 6-7 p.m.

Joseph T. Simpson Public Library
16 N. Walnut St., Mechanicsburg
717-766-0171; simpsonlibrary.org

April 1, 8, 15, 29: Story Time, 1:30-2:15 p.m.
April 3, 10, 17, 24: LEGO Time, 10:15-11:15 a.m.
April 4: Craft-A-Palooza, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
April 6, 13, 20, 27: Story Time, 10:15-11 a.m.
April 6, 13, 20, 27: Toddler Time, 11:15-11:35 a.m.
April 7, 14, 21, 28: Storybook STEAM, 6-7 p.m.
April 7, 14, 21, 28: Tea and Stitches, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
April 11, 25: Block Party, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
April 11, 25: Puzzle Party, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
April 15: Watch the Skies Book Club, 7-8 p.m.
April 16, 23: Play Scrabble!, 1:15-3:15 p.m.
April 21: Creative Movement Story Time, 10:15-11:15 a.m.
April 25: Trivia at Home—Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?, 6-8 p.m.
April 28: Tea & Stitches Extended Edition, 12-2 p.m.

The LGBT Center of Central PA
717-409-5781; centralpalgbtcenter.org

April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Common Roads (ages 12-17), 6-8 p.m.
April 4, 11, 18, 25: Passageways, 2 p.m.
April 5, 12, 19, 26: Young Adult Group, 4 p.m.
April 11: QTPOC Advisory Group, 6-8 p.m.

Madeline L. Olewine Memorial Library
2410 North 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-232-7286; dcls.org

April 4: Chess Club, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
April 9: Try-it Yoga 5-6 p.m.
April 18: Chess Club, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
April 28: Coloring for Adults!, 3-4 p.m.

McCormick Riverfront Library
101 Walnut St., Harrisburg
717-234-4976; dcls.org

April 9: Who Sank the Boat?, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
April 13: Ace That Job App!, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Middletown Public Library
20 N. Catherine St., Middletown
717-944-6412; middletownpubliclib.org

April 2: Teen Time, 4-5 p.m.
April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: LEGO Club, 6-7 p.m.
April 6, 13, 20, 27: STEAM Club, 6-7 p.m.
April 7, 14, 21, 28: Wee Readers Storytime, 1-2 p.m.
April 7, 14, 21, 28: Tiny Tots Storytime, 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
April 11: Community Table Top Game Time, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
April 14, 28: Read to Pets—Tales with T.A.I.L.S., 6-7 p.m.
April 21: Sensory Story Time, 5:30-6 p.m.

Midtown Scholar Bookstore-Cafe
1302 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-236-1680; midtownscholar.com

April 16: An Afternoon with Marie Benedict, 1-2 p.m.

The Millworks
340 Verbeke St., Harrisburg
717-695-4888; millworksharrisburg.com

April 3: First Saturday, 2-5 p.m.
April 9: Textural Collage Workshop, 5-8 p.m.
April 11: Advanced Acrylic Pouring, 1-4 p.m.
April 14: Crafty Stitches, 6-8 p.m.
April 25: Odd Ones Bizarre, 11-5 p.m.

National Civil War Museum
One Lincoln Circle, Harrisburg
717-260-1861; nationalcivilwarmuseum.org

April 18: Lessons in History—Opium Slavery Civil War Veterans and America’s First Opioid Crisis, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art
176 Water Company Rd., Millersburg
717-692-3699; nedsmithcenter.org

April 1: Pre-K Story Time, 10:30 a.m.
April 25: Spring Bird Walk, 7:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

New Cumberland Public Library
1 Benjamin Plaza, New Cumberland
717-774-7820; newcumberlandlibrary.org

April 1: Piece Seekers, 6-7:30 p.m.
April 1-30: Fairytale Scavenger Hunt (ages 0-12)
April 1-30: April Library Love (ages 0-18)
April 2: Ruth’s Mystery Discussion Group, 10:15 a.m.-12 p.m.
April 2: Musical Mornings (ages 2-5), 10:30-11 a.m.
April 2: Super Mario Mania! (ages 5 and older), 5-6 p.m.
April 3, 10: 1,2,3 Play With Me (ages 1-3), 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
April 4, 11, 18: Take and Makes (ages 0-12)
April 4, 18: Book Sales, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
April 6: Spring Poetry Workshop (ages 6-12), 3-4 p.m.
April 6, 13: Preschool Storytime (ages 3-5), 10:30-11:15 a.m.
April 6, 20: Great Books Discussion Group, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
April 7: Spring Refresh & Reset, 6-7 p.m.
April 7, 14: Book Babies (ages 0-2), 11:15 a.m.-12 p.m.
April 8-May 20: iPhone Class, Wednesdays, 6-7:30 p.m.
April 9: Toddler Time (ages 2-3), 10:30-11 a.m.
April 9: Escape from Wooka Booka Island (ages 5-8), 5-6 p.m.
April 10: Teen Slam Poetry (ages 12 and older), 5:30-7 p.m.
April 11: Teen Craft Kits (ages 13-17)
April 14: Brush Hour Art Club (ages 12 and older), 4:30-5:30 p.m.
April 14: Tales for Tails (ages 6-12), 6:30-7:30 p.m.
April 14: Shelf Love, 6-7 p.m.
April 16: Movers and Groovers (ages 2-5), 10:30-11 a.m.
April 17: STEM Sort & Match with Spring Sensory Bins (ages 2-5), 10:30-11:30 a.m.
April 21: Storytime STEAM (ages 3-5), 10:30-11:15 a.m.
April 21: Junior Scientists (ages 5 and older), 5-6 p.m.
April 25: Crafty Crafters, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Panacea Healing Arts
701 N. Mountain Road, Harrisburg
484-373-9109; panaceahealingarts.com

April 3, 17: Hero’s Journey (RPG-Based Personal Growth), 6-8 p.m.
April 13: Crystal Bowl Sound Immersion, 6-7 p.m.
April 20: Central Pennsylvania Psychedelic Society Meeting, 6:30-8 p.m.

Pathways Institute for Lifelong Learning
100 Mt. Allen Dr., Mechanicsburg
717-591-7213; ThePathwaysInstitute.org

April 8: Paint Night, 6 p.m.
April 9: Movement as Medicine for the Brain, 1 p.m.
April 10: Amish Life and Culture, 10 a.m.
April 14: Mysterious Lititz: Ghosts, True Crime, UFOs, and More, 10 a.m.
April 15: Weapons of Mass Destruction: History & Current Situation, 1 p.m.
April 16: The History of Climate Science After WWII, 1 p.m.
April 17: The Female Soldiers of the American Civil War, 10 a.m.
April 20: Railroads in the Gettysburg Campaign, 10 a.m.
April 21: Who Came to Colonial Pennsylvania, 10 a.m.
April 22: Roger Williams: Pioneer of Liberty in Early America, 1 p.m.
April 29: WWII Memories and Secrets in Historical Fiction, 1 p.m.
April 30: The Power of Poetry: Exploring U.S. Poet Laureate Works, 10 a.m.

The State Museum of Pennsylvania
300 North St., Harrisburg
717-787-4980; statemuseumpa.org

April 2: Peeps, 11:30 a.m.
April 3, 18: Storytime, 10:30 a.m.
April 4: Celebrate Spring blooming windsocks, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., 1-3 p.m.
April 10: Curiosity Kids—Bubbles, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
April 11: Rocks and Minerals of PA, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., 1-3 p.m.
April 17: Virtual Program—Beavers in Pennsylvania, 12:15-12:45 p.m.
April 18: Flags of Pennsylvania, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
April 24: Curiosity Kids—Memory & Logic, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
April 26: Rocks and Minerals of PA, 1-3 p.m.

Wheel of Light Studio
3738 Peters Mountain Rd., Halifax
wheeloflightstudio.com

April 11: Smoker Sourdough Basics, 10:30 a.m.
April 16: Butterfly Watercolor Class with Key on Paper
April 18: Clay Wall Pockets Workshop, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
April 24: Dirty Date Night, 7-9 p.m.
April 25: Botanical Plates, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
April 25: Resin Beginner Basics 101, 1-3 p.m.
April 30: Beach Glass Jewelry, 6-8 p.m.

Wildwood Park
100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg
717-221-0292; explorewildwoodpark.org

April 3: Kids Discover—Rabbits and Hares (ages 5-10), 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
April 4: Intro to Woodburning, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
April 7, 14, 21, 28: Weekly Wellness Walks, 1-2:30 p.m.
April 11: Birds & Coffee with Appalachian Audubon Society, 10-11 a.m.
April 11: Volunteer Work Day Litter Clean-up, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
April 11: Penn State Extension Master Gardener’s Home Gardening Series—Soil Testing Demystified, 6-7:30 p.m.
April 12: Daisy/Brownie Girl Scouts—Shapes in Nature, 1-3 p.m.
April 12: Flower Walk—Spring Arrivals 1:30-3 p.m.
April 16: Kids Discover—Salamanders (ages 8-12), 2-4 p.m.
April 18: Intro to Birdwatching, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
April 22: Preschool Storytime—Spring at Wildwood, 1-2:30 p.m.
April 23: Seasonal Garden Walks, 9:30-11 a.m.
April 29: Bird walk—Peak Migration, 7:30-9:30 a.m.

William H. & Marion C. Alexander Family Library
200 W. Second St., Hummelstown
717-566-0949; dcls.org

April 4: Crafternoon, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
April 22: Time for Tea, 5-6:30 p.m.

Live Music

American Music Theatre
2425 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster
717-397-7700; amtshows.com

April 2: The Simon & Garfunkel Story
April 9: The Temptations & The Four Tops
April 12: Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
April 17: The Concert—A Tribute to ABBA
April 19: Folsom Prison Experience—A Johnny Cash Music/Dramatic Production
April 23: One Night of Queen performed by Gary Mullen & The Works
April 24: Shenandoah
April 25: Stayin’ Alive—One Night of the Bee Gees
April 26: The Lovin Spoonful, Terry Sylvester and Gary Lewis & The Playboys
April 30: Leslie Odom, Jr.

Appalachian Brewing Co./Abbey Bar
50 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg
717-221-1083; abcbrew.com

April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Open Mic
April 3: Coyote Island with Mr. Mota
April 17: Yarn with Dr. Nyce
April 18: The Eighties Club—80s Tribute
April 24: Plunder & Lightning with Shine Delphi

Appell Center for the Performing Arts
50 N. George St., York
717-846-1111; appellcenter.org

April 3: Jazz in the City
April 8: Roger McGuinn
April 9: Paul Hoffman
April 11: York Symphony’s “Women Rock”
April 12: The Outlaws
April 18: Trout Fishing in America
April 23: Fool House—The Ultimate 90s Party, the Millennium Tour
April 25: Walter Trout

Arts on the Square
20 S. 2nd St., Harrisburg
717-257-1270; marketsquarechurch.org

April 19: Lynne Davis

Blues Society of Central PA
bscpblues.com

April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Blues Society Jams at Champions Sports Bar, Highspire
April 26: Eden Brendt, Jimmy Blue and The Jilted Playboys

Bosler Library
158 W. High St., Carlisle
717-243-4642; boslerlibrary.org

April 24: Zach King

Capital City Music Hall
234 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg
capcitymusichall.com

April 3: Heartsick
April 3: Phoneboy with Heart Attack Man
April 4: The Last Ten Seconds of Life
April 4: JUMP—America’s Van Halen Experience
April 7: Pit Lords
April 7: Pop Evil
April 10: Exhorder
April 12: Aesthetic Perfection
April 13: Attila
April 15: Zero 9:36
April 18: The Weeknd Night Dance Party
April 23: First Jason
April 26: Soulja Boy
April 29: The LACS x Giovannie and the Hired Guns

The Cumberland Singers
thecumberlandsingers.org

April 17: Life, Love, Death and Other Inconveniences at St. Peter’s UCC, Mechanicsburg
April 18: Life, Love, Death and Other Inconveniences, St. Paul’s UCC, Mechanicsburg
April 19: Life, Love, Death and Other Inconveniences at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, Camp Hill

Elizabethtown College
1 Alpha Dr., Elizabethtown
717-361-1212; etown.edu

April 6: Student Chamber Recital
April 12: Symphonic Band Concert
April 19: Elizabethtown College-Community Orchestra
April 26: Spring Choral Concert

The Englewood
1219 Research Blvd. Hummelstown
717-256-9480; englewoodhershey.com

April 2: Old 97s
April 4: Colebrook Road
April 9: Carbon Leaf

The Harrisburg Singers
harrisburgsingers.org

April 24: “Pops to Broadway” at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Hershey
April 25: “Pops to Broadway” at Mechanicsburg Presbyterian Church
April 26: “Pops to Broadway” at Trinity Lutheran Church, Camp Hill

Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra
The Forum at 5th and Walnut St., Harrisburg
717-545-5527; harrisburgsymphony.org

April 18-19: The Verdi Requiem
April 25-26: The Music of Billy Joel Starring Michael Cavanaugh

Hershey Public Library
701 Cocoa Ave., Hershey
717-533-6555; hersheylibrary.org

April 25: Taikoza—Japanese Festival Drums

Hershey Theatre
15 E. Caracas Ave., Hershey
717-534-3405; hersheytheatre.com

April 2: The Fab Four—The Ultimate Beatles Tribute
April 3: Collective Soul
April 8: Puscifer
April 21: Crowder
April 24: Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons
April 25: Ali Siddiq
April 28: Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks
April 29: John Legend
April 30: Anne Wilson

Hollywood Casino
777 Hollywood Blvd., Grantville
717-469-2211; hollywoodpnrc.com

April 3: Funktion
April 4: Crazy Train The Ultimate Ozzy Osbourne Tribute Show
April 10: Jess Zimmerman Baend
April 11: Twisted Charm
April 17: Nick Ferarro & the Allstars
April 18: Dance Fever
April 24: Love Rocket
April 25: Jason Dumm Band

Little Amps Coffee Roasters, Downtown
133 State St., Harrisburg
717-635-9870; littleampscoffee.com

April 11: The World on Edge and Delta Wave

Luhrs Performing Arts Center
1871 Old Main Dr., Shippensburg
717-477-7469; luhrscenter.com

April 6: Shippensburg University Jazz Ensemble
April 7: Shippensburg University Percussion Ensemble
April 11: Trisha Yearwood
April 19: Shippensburg University Community Orchestra
April 26: United States Navy Concert Band

Majestic Theater
25 Carlisle St., Gettysburg
717-337-8200; gettysburgmajestic.org

April 10: Wind Symphony Masterworks and Premieres
April 12: Symphony Band Concert
April 17: Symphony Orchestra Concert
April 18: Jazz Ensemble Concert
April 24, 25: Opera Workshop Performance
April 27: Wind Symphony Student Conductor Concert

Market Square Concerts
marketsquareconcerts.org

April 30: Cuarteto Latinoamericano

Messiah University
One University Ave., Mechanicsburg
717-766-2511; messiah.edu

April 10: Messiah University Choral Showcase
April 11: Faculty Chamber Concert
April 13: Messiah University Chamber Ensembles
April 14: Messiah University Brass Choir and Symphonic Winds
April 18: Flute Choir Concert
April 20: Chamber Ensemble Concert
April 24: “Carnival of the Animals” featuring the Messiah University Piano Ensemble
April 25: Messiah University Handbell Choir
April 25: Messiah University Jazz Ensembles
April 29: Messiah University Wind Ensemble
April 30: Messiah University Musica Nova—Student Ensembles

Susquehanna Folk Music Society
717-745-6577; sfmsfolk.org

April 26: Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas

West Shore Theatre
317 Bridge St, New Cumberland
717-759-5464; westshoretheatre.org

April 17: The Jersey Tenors
April 18: The Mahoney Brothers
April 24: Shot Thru the Heart—A Tribute to Bon Jovi
April 25: Class Act featuring Rita with Tribute to the Magnificent Men

XL Live
801 S. 10th St., Harrisburg
717-409-8975; xlhbg.com

April 3: Daniel Donato
April 4: Red Not Chili Peppers
April 9: Shadowgrass
April 10: DC Young Fly & Friends
April 10: The Four Horsemen—A Celebration of Metallica
April 11: Alexandra Kay with Julia Cole
April 16: Lotus
April 17: The Dave Matthews Tribute
April 18: Save Ferris, Adrian and Meredith
April 23: Big Something, Michael Wilbur
April 24: Railroad Earth, Treesap
April 25: Pink Talking Fish
April 26: Laura Jane Grace, LUNG, Black Guy Fawkes
April 29: The Happy Fits
April 30: Lacuna Coil

The Ware Center
42 N. Prince St., Lancaster
717-871-2308; artsmu.com

April 10: Shawan Rice & The Quiet Riders

The Stage Door

American Music Theatre
2425 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster
717-397-7700; amtshows.com

April 10: Jeff Foxworthy
April 11: Alton Brown

Appalachian Brewing Co./Abbey Bar
50 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg
717-221-1083; abcbrew.com

April 11: Sean Donnelly

Appell Center for the Performing Arts
50 N. George St., York
717-846-1111; appellcenter.org

April 9: The Outlet—Music & Poetry Open Mic
April 16: The Naked Magicians
April 30: “The Price is Right Live”

The Belmont Theatre
27 S. Belmont St., York
717-854-3894; thebelmont.org

April 30-May 2: “The Bar Stools—The Game of Groans”

Carlisle Theatre
44 West High St., Carlisle
717-258-0666; carlisletheatre.org

April 17-26: “Assassins”

Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
510 Centerville Rd., Lancaster
717-898-1900; DutchApple.com

April 1-May 10: “Oklahoma!”
April 10-May 5: “School of Rock LIVE! Jr.”

The Englewood
1219 Research Blvd. Hummelstown
717-256-9480; englewoodhershey.com

April 11: Jeff Leeson

Gamut Theatre Group
15 N. 4th St., Harrisburg
717-238-4111; gamuttheatre.org

April 4: Improv-apalooza
April 11: Popcorn Hat Players present “La Bella Durmient”

Harrisburg Christian Performing Arts Center (HCPAC)
1000 S. Eisenhower Blvd, Middletown
717-939-9333; thehcpac.org

April 10-12: “Matilda Jr. The Musical”

Harrisburg Comedy Zone
110 Limekiln Rd., New Cumberland
717-920-5653; harrisburgcomedyzone.com

April 3, 4: Patrick Garrity, Mike O’Donnell
April 10, 11: Richy Leis and Nick Dlouhy
April 17, 18: Bob Lauver Comedy Hypnosis
April 24, 25: Derek Richards

Harrisburg Improv Theatre
1633 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
hbgimprov.com

April 3: Lil’ Stinkers, Neighborhood Gossip, Am I the Assshow?, Who’s There?, On the Record – An Improv Talk Show
April 3, 10, 17, 24: Free Improv Jam
April 4: Solo Sleepover, The Next Leaver, Big Business LLC, Homie-Sexual
April 4, 11, 18, 25: Free Improv Mixer
April 10: LoS CoMpLiCaDoS, Harold Team, Offbeats, Unger & Williford, Neighborhood Stinkers
April 11: 8-Bit Players, Formerly Barn Bitches, Rockstar Improv
April 17: Girl’s Trip, Four of Hearts, Lizzy McChoir, Awkward Timing
April 18: Ham Juice, US: Unhushed Sisters, Barbra, Introduce a Self
April 24: Team Z, Spice Crones, We’re Here Tho, Bad Date, Bad Therapy
April 25: All Over the Place, Elderprov, Opening Night, Get to the Point!, Grandy

Hershey Area Playhouse
830 Cherry Dr., Hershey
717-533-8525; hersheyareaplayhouse.com

April 9-12: “Peter Pan and Wendy”

Hershey Theatre
15 E. Caracas Ave., Hershey
717-534-3405; hersheytheatre.com

April 10: Matt Mathews
April 14-19: “& Juliet”
April 23: Jo Koy

Keystone Theatrics
The Playhouse at Allenberry
1559 Boiling Springs Rd., Boiling Springs
717-258-3211; keystonetheatrics.com

April 24-May 10: “RENT”

Little Theatre of Mechanicsburg
915 S. York St., Mechanicsburg
717-766-0535; ltmpa.com

April 10-26: “Tiny Beautiful Things”

Luhrs Performing Arts Center
1871 Old Main Dr., Shippensburg
717-477-7469; luhrscenter.com

April 24: “Bored Teachers” Comedy Tour

Messiah University
One University Ave., Mechanicsburg
717-766-2511; messiah.edu

April 17-18: Culmination ‘26 Spring Dance Concert

Mukund S. Kulkarni Theatre
Penn State Harrisburg
777 W. Harrisburg Pike, Middletown
717-948-4398, harrisburg.psu.edu/kulkarni-theatre

April 2: Bindlestiff Family Cirkus Dynamic Trio
April 23: SHARP Dance Company

Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art
176 Water Company Rd., Millersburg
717-692-3699; nedsmithcenter.org

April 25, 26: Cory McCloskey with Pat Cusick

Open Stage of Harrisburg
223 Walnut St., Harrisburg
717-232-OPEN; openstagehbg.com

April 3: EFF Live!
April 18: Black Newsbeat
April 23-26: “The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales”

Theatre Harrisburg
513 Hurlock St., Harrisburg
717-232-5501; theatreharrisburg.com

April 24-May 10: “Godspell”

The Ware Center
42 N. Prince St., Lancaster
717-871-2308; artsmu.com

April 25: Family Fun Fest—Doodle Pop

Whitaker Center
222 Market St., Harrisburg
717-214-ARTS; whitakercenter.org

April 18: Amber Ruffin
April 22: “Puppy Pals Live!”

Community Corner: Notable April Events

March 30, 2026 | by Missy Smith

Scavenger Hunt
April 1-30: Kids ages 0-12 are invited to New Cumberland Public Library, 1 Benjamin Plaza, for a month-long scavenger hunt to find popular characters from fairytale stories. Find all items around the children’s room and win a prize. www.cumberlandcountylibraries.org

Calm the Mind
April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Join Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, for Meditation to Calm the Mind, on Thursdays, 12 to 12:30 p.m. Participants will learn short, easy 15-minute meditations to calm anxiety, worry and depression. www.fredricksenlibrary.org

Kids Discover
April 3: Kids ages 5 to 10 are invited to explore the world of rabbits and hares and learn about their habitats and superpowers at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Take a short hike to look for signs of rabbits and make your own craft. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

HBG Flea
April 4: Explore the HBG Flea for local art, vintage treasures, curated curios and unique gifts, while supporting local artists, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Strawberry Square, 320 Market St., Harrisburg. www.hbgflea.com

Book Sales
April 4, 18: Friends of New Cumberland Public Library, 1 Benjamin Plaza, hosts pre-owned book sales on the first and third Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., in Foundation House. Find books, vintage items, music, puzzles, kids’ books, records and more. www.cumberlandcountylibraries.org

Wellness Walk
April 7, 14, 21, 28: Take a moderate walk on paved, gravel and dirt surfaces led by a volunteer at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, to see the park’s trees and animals, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Pre-registration required. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Food Rally
April 9: Enjoy fresh, savory foods at New Cumberland Food Truck & Restaurant Rally every second Thursday of the month, 5 to 8 p.m. Grab dinner from food trucks or restaurants and enjoy shopping and special promotions. www.newcumberlandpa.org

Contra Dance
April 10: Join Harrisburg Area Contra Dance Association for its 2nd Friday Contra Dance with live music, 8 to 10:30 p.m., at Silver Spring Presbyterian Church, 444 Silver Spring Rd., Mechanicsburg. A free beginner lesson is at 7:30 p.m. www.harrisburgcontra.org

Business Day
April 10: Join Wildheart Ministries, 333 S. 13th St., Harrisburg, for Business Day Out, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Join in team building and meet other local businesspeople. www.lovethehillpa.com

Rummage Sale
April 10-11: Christ Church UCC hosts a rummage clothing sale on April 10, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and April 11, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., at 200 S. White Oak St., Annville. The sale offers a variety of affordable apparel and household items. Browse local donations while supporting the church’s programs. www.ccucc.org

Guitar Show
April 10-12: Artisan Guitar Show to be held at Best Western Premier and Conference Center, 800 E. Park Dr., Harrisburg. Visit guitar exhibitors showcasing handmade instruments, attend workshops, and enjoy a concert series. www.artisanguitarshow.com

Hypnosis Class
April 11: Susquehanna Township Parks and Recreation presents “Beyond the Mind—Discover the Power of Hypnosis and NLP” at Ridgeway Community Church, 4601 Old Gettysburg Rd., Harrisburg, 10 a.m. Learn about neuro-linguistic programming and hypnosis for personal development. www.susqparks.com

Neighbor Day
April 11: WITF hosts a free family event, Be My Neighbor Day, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the WITF Public Media Center, 4801 Lindle Rd., Harrisburg. Families can meet community helpers and take photos with Daniel Tiger. Activities include flower planting, robotics and rock painting. www.witf.org

Beef and Brew
April 11: Join Puchog’s Beef and Brew at Chambers Hill Fire Co., 6400 Chambers Hill Rd., Harrisburg, 6 to 10 p.m., to enjoy food from Mission BBQ, live music and drinks. Proceeds benefit the PUCHOG hockey program. www.puchog.org

Plants + Pints
April 12: Plants + Pints returns to Strawberry Square in downtown Harrisburg, 1 to 5 p.m., featuring plant-based vendors and craft beverages. Event highlights vegetarian and vegan food, products and beverages, with over 40 vendors attending, to benefit Downtown Daily Bread. www.sarabozich.com/event/plants-pints-2026.

Flower Walk
April 12: Take a walk at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, to search for spring ephemerals along the Towpath Trail, 1:30 to 3 p.m. Learn interesting facts and how to identify common species. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Peace Gathering
April 12: Intertwined hosts the season launch of Peace Out(doors) at 5 p.m. on City Island near the train station. The event offers a quiet, outdoor space for community members or an evening of shared readings, prayer and reflection. www.intertwinedfc.org

Social Hour
April 16: Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC hosts a Business Appreciation Social Hour, 4 to 6 p.m., at Historic Harrisburg Resource Center, 1230 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg. Attendance is free for members and $25 for nonmembers. Register via website. www.harrisburgregionalchamber.org

Farm Soiree
April 16: West Shore Chamber of Commerce hosts a soiree, 6 to 9 p.m., at Farm 1840, 101 State Rd., Mechanicsburg, with live music, dancing and heavy hors d’oeuvres. Guests are encouraged to wear formal or cocktail attire. www.wschamber.org

Book Sale
April 16-19: Friends of Fredricksen Library hosts their book and media sale throughout the library, 100 N. 19th Street, Camp Hill. Visitors can browse a variety of books, media, games and puzzles, with proceeds benefiting the library. www.fredricksenlibrary.org

3rd in The Burg
April 17: Explore the best of Harrisburg during 3rd in the Burg, the monthly arts and culture event, where you can visit and enjoy galleries, restaurants and art spaces throughout downtown and Midtown, 6 to 9 p.m. www.thirdintheburg.org

Choral Concert
April 17-19: Cumberland Singers present free spring concerts, “Life, Love, Death and Other Inconveniences” at St. Peter’s UCC, Mechanicsburg, April 17, 8 p.m.; St. Paul’s UCC, Mechanicsburg, April 18, 7 p.m.; and Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, Camp Hill, April 19, 3 p.m. Receptions follow performances. www.thecumberlandsingers.org

Block Party
April 18: Join Wildheart Ministries for its Church Day Out and Spring Block Party at 333 S. 13th St., Harrisburg, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring your church to help serve the neighborhood in the morning then help celebrate the Allison Hill neighborhood with a block party. www.lovethehillpa.com

Tech Support
April 18: Penn State Harrisburg students and computer science majors offer an IT help desk at Hershey Public Library, 701 Cocoa Ave., 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. They will help troubleshoot issues with cell phones, laptops or other devices. www.hersheylibrary.org

Jewelry Pop-up
April 19: Richelle Leigh Collection hosts a jewelry pop-up, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 1335 E. Chocolate Ave., Hershey. Event features a display of handcrafted pieces for purchase. www.rlcollection.com

Dance Night
April 19: Dance enthusiasts are invited to join Harrisburg USA Dance Chapter #3009 for a Bolero lesson at 2 p.m., followed by three hours of social dancing at PA DanceSport, 585 E. Main St., Hummelstown. All levels welcome. Facebook: USA Dance Chapter #3009 – Harrisburg Area PA

Nonprofit Summit
April 22: Susquehanna Valley organizations are invited to the Susquehanna Nonprofit Summit—focused on building capacity, collaboration and resilience—at Wyndham Gettysburg Hotel, 95 Presidential Circle, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Author Leslie Crutchfield will deliver the keynote. www.susquehannanonprofitsummit.org

Celebration of Harrisburg
April 23: Salvation Army Harrisburg hosts the Celebration of Harrisburg luncheon at Hershey Lodge, 325 University Dr., marking 140 years of service. Program includes networking, a local history panel discussion and presentation of the Others Award. www.salvationarmy.org

Passport Gala
April 23: Vision Resources of Central Pennsylvania holds its premiere Passport Gala, 6 to 9 p.m., at Visaggio’s Restaurant, 6990 Wertzville Rd., Enola. Italian-themed fundraiser features regional cuisine, musicians and signature drink. Proceeds benefit their mission. www.vrocp.org

Peaceful Poses
April 24: Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, hosts two Peaceful Poses yoga sessions—a story time for kids ages 2 to 5 at 10 a.m. and an adult class at 10:45 a.m. Kids learn mindful movement, and adults explore poses and coping skills. www.fredricksenlibrary.org

Pops to Broadway
April 24-26: Harrisburg Singers present a series of concerts featuring selections from movies, the American Songbook and Broadway classics, at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Hershey, on April 24; Mechanicsburg Presbyterian Church on April 25; and Trinity Lutheran Church, Camp Hill, on April 26. www.harrisburgsingers.org

Litter Cleanup
April 25: Tri County Community Action hosts 14th annual Great Harrisburg Litter Cleanup, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Volunteers will collect trash and tires at various sites, including 1514 Derry St., 1523 N. 4th St., and 5th and Camp streets. Supplies, like gloves and bags, provided. www.cactricounty.org/ghlc

Plant Sale
April 25: New Cumberland Library, One Benjamin Plaza, hosts a plant sale, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Event features annuals, vegetables, herbs, perennials, hanging baskets and more. www.cumberlandcountylibraries.org

Fun Run
April 25: Londonderry School, 1800 Bamberger Rd., Harrisburg hosts the Bright Futures Community Fun Run and Festival at 8:30 a.m. Event brings families together for a morning of physical activity, community celebration and outdoor festivities. Open to the public. www.londonderryschool.org

Odd Ones
April 25: The Millworks, 340 Verbeke St., Harrisburg, hosts the Odd Ones Bizarre, showcasing a variety of unique, handcrafted items by local artists and vendors, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.millworksharrisburg.com

Trolley Tour
April 25: Hershey History Center offers World War II trolley tours at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. from 40 Northeast Dr., Hershey. The immersive experience explores how the conflict reshaped Derry Township. www.hersheyhistory.org

Health Seminar
April 25: Learn how to balance hormones for better physical and mental health, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill. Session includes a discussion on how food and lifestyle impact habits and anxiety. https://plan.cumberlandcountylibraries.org/event/15995084

Fam Jam
April 26: Family Promise of Harrisburg Capital Region hosts the fourth annual Fam Jam, 1 to 4 p.m. at Englewood Hershey, 1219 W. End Ave., Hummelstown. Child-friendly fundraiser includes live music, hors d’oeuvres and silent auction. Tickets support families facing homelessness. www.familypromisehcr.org

Game Day
April 26: Fredericksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, invites adults 19 years of age and older to a game day of tabletop games and cards, 1 to 5 p.m. Library will have games available to play, but guests can bring their own. www.fredricksenlibrary.org

Leadership Lessons
April 28-29: Army Heritage Center Foundation presents “From Antietam to Independence” program starting with an evening reception at 950 Soldiers Dr., Carlisle. Event continues on April 29 with a guided bus tour of the Antietam National Battlefield, Maryland, to explore military sites, departing at 8:30 a.m. www.armyheritage.org

River Towns
April 30: The 6th annual River Towns Plein Air event begins in Wrightsville, Columbia and Marietta, and runs through May 3. Artists will capture outdoor scenes across the Susquehanna region. Public can view the resulting works at Studio 264, 264 W. Market St., Marietta. www.mariettaartalive.com

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like