Patio Parties
Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Join Central Penn College, 600 Valley Rd., Summerdale, for its free family-friendly live music and food truck series, “Party on the Patio,” every Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m. through Oct. 10. The events feature live music by local performers, food trucks and patio games. www.centralpenn.edu
Visit The Bower
Aug. 1-31: The Bower, 1190 Bower Rd., Shermans Dale, is open by appointment through mid-October for visits, featuring 36 acres of varied native habitats with 12 sculptures featured throughout. Each month’s scheduling calendar is posted one month in advance on the “visit” page of their website. www.thegardenbower.com
Book Sale
Aug. 2-6: Hershey Public Library will hold its Friends Annual Summer Book Sale at 701 Cocoa Ave., Hershey. On Aug. 2, there will be a book sale preview for members of the Friends of the Hershey Public Library from 6 to 8 p.m. www.hersheylibrary.org
Sunset Series
Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23: Dauphin County Parks and Recreation hosts an outdoor Sunset Music and Movie Series at Fort Hunter Park, 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg. Performances start at 7 p.m., movies begin at 8:30 p.m. Bring a picnic or grab refreshments from the concession stand. www.forthunter.org
Mystery Conference
Aug. 3: Mechanicsburg Mystery Bookshop hosts a “Mystery Conference” at 125 E. Main St., Shiremanstown, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Hear authors speak, enjoy author roundabouts and have books signed. Tickets are $30 per person. www.mysterybooksonline.com
Community Day
Aug. 3: Join the Harrisburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta for a Community Day, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Soldier’s Grove in the state Capitol Complex. The whole family can enjoy games, face painting, health screenings, educational resources and food trucks. Stock up on school supplies with free book bags and register to vote. www.dstharrisburg.org
HBG Flea
Aug. 3: Shop the HBG Flea for local art, vintage treasures, curated curios and unique gifts, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Midtown Cinema, 250 Reily St., Harrisburg. The mission of the HBG Flea is to create a platform for community growth by bringing artists, small businesses and patrons together. www.hbgflea.com
Home Tour
Aug. 3: Enjoy the architecture and style of Mt. Gretna’s iconic homes at the annual Mt. Gretna Tour of Homes and Gardens, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Take a self-guided walking tour to get a glimpse inside unique cottages, homes, historic buildings and gardens. www.gretnamusic.org
Art Soiree
Aug. 3: Art Association of Harrisburg hosts the “Manor on Front Soiree” at the home of Mark and Sheri Bennington, 2917 N. Front St., Harrisburg, 5 to 8 p.m., with featured artists Jonathan Frazier, Paul Gallo, Julie Riker, Steve Wetzel and Robert Nulph. Enjoy live music by Noah Spangler Jazz Quartet. www.artassocofhbg.com
Book Sales
Aug. 3, 17: 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, across the shared parking lot from the library. www.cumberlandcountylibraries.org
Sousa Concert
Aug. 4: The Carlisle Town Band will host the 36th annual Grand Sousa Concert at the Carlisle Theatre, 40 W. High St., 6:30 p.m. Enjoy an evening of music in the iconic style of John Philip Sousa. www.carlisleband.org
Garden Camp
Aug. 6: Penn State Master Gardeners of Cumberland County hosts a summer gardening camp series for youth ages 7-12 at the Penn State Extension office, 310 Allen Rd., Carlisle, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Activities include planting and harvesting, crafts, games and scientific exploration. Cost is $10 per session. www.extension.psu.edu
Group Connection
Aug. 6: Families with children under 5 years in Perry, Dauphin and Cumberland counties are invited to “Scoopin’ Up the Fun,” at Little Buffalo State Park, Pavilion #3, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Enjoy ice cream and activities, connect with other local families, and access resources for families in need. www.cactricounty.org
Evening Mixer
Aug. 7: Join West Shore Chamber of Commerce for an evening mixer at Pennoni, 5072 Ritter Rd, Suite 102, Mechanicsburg, 4 to 6 p.m. This free event is open to chamber members and potential members. www.wschamber.org
Kids Workshops
Aug. 8: The Bower, 1190 Bower Rd., Shermans Dale, in collaboration with Dickinson College’s Trout Gallery, offers free summer workshops for kids ages 4-10 who can explore environmental science, art and literature. Theme is “Maps of Where We Live.” Families may pack a picnic. www.thegardenbower.com
Food Rally
Aug. 8: Enjoy fresh, savory foods at the New Cumberland Food Truck & Restaurant Rally every second Thursday of the month, 5 to 8 p.m. Grab dinner from area food trucks or New Cumberland restaurants and enjoy shopping and special promotions at local businesses. www.newcumberlandpa.org
Golf Open
Aug. 9: Education Foundation of Central Penn College hosts the 53rd annual Golf Open, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Rich Valley Golf, 227 Rich Valley Rd., Mechanicsburg. All proceeds benefit student scholarship funds. www.centralpenn.edu
Film Friday
Aug. 9: Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, will show “A Sunday in the Country” from France at 2 p.m. Guests are encouraged to join the library for a film discussion following the film. www.fredricksenlibrary.org
Weekender Party
Aug. 9: The Weekender Festival invites you to a free block party at Hall Manor Activity Field, 100 Hall Manor Plaza, Harrisburg, 3 to 9 p.m. This family-friendly celebration of community features live music, food trucks, local and regional performers and activities. Connect with your neighbors and celebrate community. www.weekenderhbg.com
Summer Jazz
Aug. 9: Gretna Music and Central PA Friends of Jazz present a summer jazz concert at the Mt. Gretna Playhouse, 200 Pennsylvania Ave., Mt. Gretna. Catch the Charles McPherson Quintet at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., featuring free performances by talented young musicians. www.gretnamusic.org
Folk Festival
Aug. 9-11: Enjoy the Susquehanna Folk Festival at the Appell Center for the Performing Arts, 50 N. George St., York, with a weekend of folk music, dance and art, featuring numerous folk music performers and bands. www.sfmsfolk.org
Volunteer Day
Aug. 10: Help with park and habitat enhancement projects at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tools and work gloves provided, and refreshments available. www.explorewildwoodpark.org
Game Day
Aug. 10: Harrisburg Board Game Day will be held for all ages and skill levels to enjoy at Whitaker Center, 222 Market St., Harrisburg, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Board, card and role-playing games available, and guests will have chances to win door prizes. Facebook: Harrisburg Board Game Day
Summer Service
Aug. 11: Salem United Church of Christ, 231 Chestnut St., Harrisburg, will host its annual Butterfly Release Service in the garden to the west of the sanctuary at 10:30 a.m. Butterflies are available to order in remembrance of, or in honor of, someone special. salemuccharrisburg.org
Backyard Foraging
Aug. 13: Join naturalists at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, 6 to 7:30 p.m., to learn how to identify and utilize edible plants to create delicious summer recipes. Learn how to craft a refreshing drink, a healthy salad and a sweet treat, using foraged ingredients. Cost is $20 per person. www.explorewildwoodpark.org
Jazz Party
Aug. 15: Historical Society of Dauphin County hosts “Flowers & All that Jazz—A Jazz Age Lawn Party” at John Harris-Simon Cameron Mansion, 6:30 to 9 p.m. Enjoy food, dessert, wine, beer, a specialty cocktail, raffles, croquet, live music, flowers, mansion tours, conversation and networking. Tickets start at $65. www.dauphincountyhistory.org
Art Soiree
Aug. 16: Art Association of Harrisburg hosts the “Historic Midtown Soiree” co-hosted by David Morrison and Robert Potter, 1230 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg, 5 to 8 p.m., with featured artists Craig Bomberger, Thom Kulp, Ron Steficek and Tom Banks. Enjoy live music by Jonathan Frazier. Cost is $45 in advance, $50 at the door. www.artassocofhbg.com
3rd in The Burg
Aug. 16: 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
Sesquicentennial
Aug. 16-18: Shiremanstown celebrates 150 years at its three-day Sesquicentennial Celebration, with live music, historical exhibits, art displays, a parade, food trucks, fireworks display and family-friendly activities. www.shiremanstown150.weebly.com
Chili Cook-Off
Aug. 17: Perry County Literacy Council hosts its annual Perry County Fair Chili Cook-Off, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sample entries and vote for a winner, while supporting adult literacy. Chili enthusiasts can compete for trophies and cash prizes. Find entry and sponsor information online or by calling 717-567-7323. www.perryliteracy.org
Neurodiverse Group
Aug. 17: The Neurodiverse Network hosts a Neurodiverse Adult Support Group, 3 to 4:30 p.m., at Cleve J. Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 6th St., Harrisburg. This free peer-led group provides a safe space for discussion, resource sharing and mutual support. www.fredricksenlibrary.org
Opera in the Park
Aug. 18: Enjoy Harrisburg Opera Association’s annual free concert “Opera in the Park—Icons of Music” at Italian Lake, Harrisburg, 4 p.m. The concert is for music lovers of all ages and will explore music’s impact on culture and the human experience. Bring your own picnic. www.harrisburg-opera.org
Golf Tournament
Aug. 19: Bethesda Mission will host its annual Mission Open Golf Tournament at Colonial Golf and Tennis Club, 4901 Linglestown Rd., Harrisburg, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Proceeds will benefit its alcohol and addiction recovery programs. www.bethesdamission.org
Bella Serata
Aug. 20: Fort Hunter, 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg, hosts its Bella Serata fundraiser, “Farm to River,” 6 to 8 p.m., with locally sourced, homemade dinner offerings, local beer and wines, live acoustic music and more. www.forthunter.org
Plant Sale
Aug. 22: Manada Conservancy hosts a summer native plant sale at its native plant nursery, within the East Hanover Township Nature Park, 328 N. Crawford Road, Grantville, 5 to 7:30 p.m. www.manada.org
Support Veterans
Aug. 23: Help Veterans Outreach of PA at their fourth annual “Red, White & Blue Scramble” at Manada Golf Course, Grantville, teeing off at 2 p.m. The cost is $100 per golfer and includes a light lunch, dinner and drinks. All proceeds support veterans in need. [email protected]
Run Wild
Aug. 24: Join Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, for the fourth annual “Run Wild for Wildwood” 5K & 10K, 8 to 11 a.m. This scenic run/walk will take you on the Wildwood Way Trail around the lake and the Towpath Trail along the PA Canal. www.explorewildwoodpark.org
Summer BBQ
Aug. 24: The Valley of Harrisburg & Cigar Lodge #1 host a casual summer barbecue on Saturday, 1 to 6 p.m., at the Harrisburg Consistory, 2701 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg. Enjoy BBQ chicken, coleslaw, potato salad, corn and more, with a cigar smoker on-site. Tickets are required for $20 per person. www.valleyofharrisfburg.org
Mansion Concert
Aug. 24: The Manor on Front, 2917 N. Front St., Harrisburg, will host a Mansion Concert with Tony McManus at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. Admission is a $35 recommended donation, but guests are asked to register online. Bring a lawn chair, picnic food and a cold beverage. www.mansionconcert.com
Concert Series
Aug. 25: Harrisburg Young Professionals hosts a free Italian Lake Concert Series concert with Natalie Ness at Italian Lake, N. 3rd and Division streets, Harrisburg, 6 to 8 p.m. Bring a lawn chair, picnic blankets and snacks. www.hyp.org
Kipona
Aug. 31-Sept. 2: Harrisburg’s Kipona festival celebrates its 108th year along the city’s riverfront and on City Island with live music, food trucks, vendors, a beer/wine garden, kids’ activities, a Native American pow-wow and more. The free event runs 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday. www.harrisburgpa.gov/special-events
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