Learn at Lunchtime
July 3: The State Museum of Pennsylvania will offer free admission 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. so that lunchtime visitors can explore the museum at their own pace and with the help of docents for the “Art of the State” exhibit. For more information, visit statemuseumpa.org.
Independence Day
July 4: Take in regional musical acts, a magician and other family fun during Harrisburg’s one-day Independence Day celebration. The daylong activities on City Island will culminate in a concert by the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra and a fireworks celebration.
Declaration Reading
July 4: David Biser returns to play the role of John Harris Jr. during the annual reading of the Declaration of Independence, 10 a.m., 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m., at the Harris-Cameron Mansion in Harrisburg. Tours of the mansion will be offered, and the Historical Society of Dauphin County will host a festival on the mansion grounds. For more, visit dauphincountyhistory.org.
July 4 Celebration
July 4: The AACA Museum will stay open late with special admission pricing to tour the museum then watch Hershey’s fireworks on the museum’s grounds, 161 Museum Dr., Hershey. More information is at aacamuseum.org.
Party on the River
July 4: The annual Fireworks Express moves to a new venue this year due to railroad track work. The Modern Transit Partnership event will take place at the Overlook at the Civic Club of Harrisburg, 612 N. Front St. Cost is $55 for adults and $15 for ages 6 to 20. Ticket price includes food, beverages and access to the fireworks viewing area. For more information, visit mtptransit.org.
Concert on the Lawn
July 6 & 23: The Amber Waves Band plays on July 6 and the Greater Harrisburg Concert Band on July 23 as part of Fredricksen Library’s “Concerts on the Lawn” series. The music starts at 7 p.m. on the library grounds in Camp Hill. Information is at fredricksenlibrary.org.
Chamber Mixer
July 8: Join the Central Pennsylvania Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce for its monthly business networking mixer at the Hospice of Central Pennsylvania, 1320 Linglestown Rd., Harrisburg. More information is at cpglcc.org.
Stress Relief Walk
July 8: Release the stress of the workday with a Stress Relief Walk, a three-mile stroll around Wildwood Park. Meet at the Nature Center at 6 p.m. Bring water and sturdy shoes. Information is at wildwoodlake.org.
Midtown Movie Nights
July 10 & 24: Enjoy a movie in the open air during Midtown Movie Nights, sponsored by Friends of Midtown. The July 10 show (“Plan 9 from Outer Space”) and the July 24 show (“Labyrinth”) begin at dusk in the parking lot of Midtown Cinema, 250 Reily St., Harrisburg. Information is at friendsofmidtown.org.
Civil War Workshop
July 11: Visit the Susquehanna Art Museum and create a work of art inspired by David Bustill Bowser. The event, which starts at 10 a.m. and repeats at noon, includes a discussion about the artist followed by an art-making project for the whole family. Workshop is included with price of admission. For more information, visit sqart.org.
Shipoke Flea Market
July 11: Buy, sell or just browse at the Shipoke Flea Market and Bake Sale, the annual used goods market along the riverfront in Harrisburg’s Shipoke neighborhood. The event begins at 7 a.m. and runs until 2 p.m., rain or shine. For more information, visit shipoke.org.
Harrisburg Senators Game
July 11: Spend a summer night with friends, neighbors and the great American pastime. The evening begins at 6 p.m. at Metro Bank Park on City Island. Tickets are $10 for Friends of Midtown members and $11 for non-members. Visit friendsofmidtown.org.
One-Woman Show
July 11: Lynn Blackston will give a creative performance of storytelling, poetry and inspirational song based on the life of former slave and anti-slavery activist Harriet Jacobs. The presentation takes place at 5 p.m. at the Susquehanna Art Museum, 1401 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg. Free with admission. Visit sqart.org.
Volunteer Work Day
July 11: Help beautify Wildwood Park by volunteering for a few hours. Meet at the Nature Center starting at 10 a.m. Snacks, tools and gloves provided. Visit wildwoodlake.org.
Bridges on the Susquehanna
July 12: Local author Erik Fasick will give a presentation on the bridges over the Susquehanna River, followed by a tour of the current photo exhibit. The event starts at 2:30 p.m. at the Harris-Cameron Mansion in Harrisburg. $5 donation requested. Visit dauphincountyhistory.org.
Local History Cruise
July 15: Join the Dauphin County Historical Society for a cruise aboard the Pride of the Susquehanna. Erik Fasick, author of “Harrisburg and the Susquehanna River,” will be on board for this special tour of the river. Tickets are $25 for the 6 to 8 p.m. event. Food and drink will be available for purchase. RSVP at 717-233-3462 by July 10 and visit dauphincountyhistory.org.
Harrisburg Mile
July 15: Lace up your running shoes for the annual sprint down Front Street. Starting at 6 p.m., waves of runners will take off from Maclay Street, followed by a party in Riverfront Park near the finish line at Herr Street. For registration and information, visit ymcarun.com.
Planetarium 50th Celebration
July 15-19: The State Museum of Pennsylvania celebrates the 50th anniversary of its popular planetarium by hosting the East Coast debut of the full-dome feature, “Solar Superstorms,” which ventures into the interior of the sun. The show is included in museum’s general admission price. For times, check statemuseumpa.org.
Business After Hours
July 16: Mix and mingle with local business professionals at this free networking event sponsored by the Harrisburg Regional Chamber and CREDC. This month, the 5 to 7 p.m. event takes place at Brenner Nissan, 6271 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg. Visit harrisburgregionalchamber.org.
3rd in The Burg
July 17: Enjoy the best of Harrisburg during 3rd in The Burg, the monthly arts and culture event at galleries, restaurants and art spaces throughout downtown and Midtown. Check out all the action at thirdintheburg.org.
Brewfest
July 18: The Dauphin County Brewfest is back with some of central PA’s finest craft beer, food and music. The annual event runs 3 to 7 p.m. at Fort Hunter and costs $35 in advance and $50 at the door. Visit forthunter.org.
Summer Soiree
July 18: Show your appreciation for the arts in the Harrisburg area at this summer soiree held in support of the Art Association of Harrisburg. The soiree takes place at 790 Garriston Rd., Lewisberry, and features food, music and, of course, art. Cost is $40 in advance, $45 at the door. Visit artassocofhbg.com.
Local Lunch
July 19: Dine with Friends of Midtown during their local lunch, which this month will be held at Pastorante, 1012 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg. The meal and get-together run noon to 2 p.m. For more, visit friendsofmidtown.org.
History Lecture
July 20: Michael Long will deliver a lecture on gay civil rights activist Frank Kameny. Long edited “Gay Is Good: The Life and Letters of Gay Rights Pioneer Franklin Kameny.” The 6 to 8 p.m. event will take place at the LGBT Center of Central PA, 1306 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg. Visit centralpalgbtcenter.org.
City Island Outing
July 23: Join the West Shore Chamber of Commerce for “Putt It into the Park,” an outing on City Island that includes miniature golf, a Harrisburg Senators game and a picnic dinner. The event costs $20 and runs 4 to 10 p.m. Information is at wschamber.org.
Nature & Arts Festival
July 25: The annual Nature and Arts Festival runs 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at MYO Park and the Ned Smith Center in Millersburg. Enjoy live music, food, educational programs, art events, contests and more. For all programming, visit nedsmithcenter.org.
Pride Fest
July 25: The 23rd annual Pride Festival of Central Pennsylvania begins at 11 a.m. in Riverfront Park in Harrisburg with food, vendors, entertainment and more. Admission is $9; children under 12 are free. Visit centralpapridefestival.com.
Library Loop
July 25: For a 10th year, runners and walkers will participate in the Fredricksen Library Loop, which starts at 8:30 a.m. at the library in Camp Hill. Prizes awarded to the top finishers. Register online or at the library. Visit fredricksenlibrary.org.
Dare to Defy
July 26: Artist and educator Selby Doughty will deliver a lecture, “The Women Artists of Pennsylvania: Dare to Defy,” at 3 p.m. at the Susquehanna Art Museum, 1401 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg. The program about women artists and their influences is free with admission. Please visit sqart.org.
Science Camp
July 28-31: The four-day camp will feature hands-on outdoor experiences for youth ages 10 to 15, who will learn about species identification, natural history and ecology. Each day runs 9 a.m. to noon. Cost is $80 per participant. More information is at wildwoodlake.org.
Networking Mixer
July 30: Mingle with fellow business people at the West Shore Chamber of Commerce’s monthly mixer, which will be held at the Susquehanna Club in New Cumberland. The free event begins at 7:30 p.m. Visit wschamber.org.
