Community Corner
Scavenger Hunt
July 1-31: Kids are invited to New Cumberland Public Library, 1 Benjamin Plaza, to search for “America’s Firsts” around the library. Find all the scavenger hunt items around the Children’s Room and win a fun prize. www.newcumberlandlibrary.org
Summer Concerts
July 2-5: Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra presents a free summer concert series with performances on July 2 at Lebanon Valley College; July 3 at Millerstown Park; July 4 at Reservoir Park, Harrisburg; and July 5 at Carlisle Summerfair, Dickinson College. www.harrisburgsymphony.org
Barnyard Jazz
July 3: Hershey History Center features “Jazz at the Barnyard” outdoor summer concert series at Hershey History Center, 40 Northeast Dr., Hershey, first Fridays through September, 7 to 9 p.m. On July 3, enjoy Cadillac Jazz. www.hersheyhistory.org
Sunset Series
July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Dauphin County Parks and Recreation hosts outdoor Sunset Music and Movie Series at Fort Hunter Park, 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg. Pack a picnic (or purchase food), bring blankets and lawn chairs, and enjoy family fun. www.forthunter.org
Library Celebration
July 4: Friends of the New Cumberland Public Library and the New Cumberland Olde Towne Association celebrate the library’s 50th year at Benjamin House with an inaugural 5K, 8 to 10 a.m. at Borough Park, and a free community Birthday Bash, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the library lawn, 1 Benjamin Plaza. www.newcumberlandlibrary.org
Declaration Reading
July 4: Historical Society of Dauphin County presents the 16th annual reading of the Declaration of Independence from the porch of the John Harris-Simon Cameron Mansion, 219 S. Front St., Harrisburg. A John Harris Jr. reenactor will read the Declaration at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. www.dauphincountyhistory.org
Fourth Fest
July 4: Harrisburg hosts the July 4 Food Truck Festival in Riverfront Park, 1 to 9 p.m., with 40 food trucks, live music, wine and beer garden, petting zoo, free kids’ activities and more. www.harrisburgpa.gov
Fourth Celebration
July 4: Celebrate July 4th at The Star Barn Village & Ironside Ranch, Newville Road, Elizabethtown, beginning at 3 p.m. Enjoy a ride through Herr’s Mill Covered Bridge, Star Barn Village attractions, animal visits, tractor-pulled wagon, art displays, train rides and more. Fireworks at 9 p.m. www.thestarbarn.com
Independence Weekend
July 4-5: Lower Paxton Township hosts an Independence Weekend Family Celebration and 250PA Star Spangled Spectacular with a “Salute to the Flag” celebration, 10 to 11 a.m., and a Community Family Festival, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., on July 4, and entertainment, yard games and live music, 4 to 7:45 p.m., on July 5. www.lowerpaxton-pa.gov
Costume Ball
July 5: Historical Society of Dauphin County hosts a Colonial Costume Ball at the Peter Allen House, 1801 Peters Mountain Rd., Dauphin, 5 to 10 p.m. Celebration features food, drinks, live music, fireworks and tethered hot air balloon rides. www.dauphincountyhistory.org
Wellness Walks
July 7, 14, 21, 28: Participate in free, moderately paced wellness walks around Wildwood Lake, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Comfortable shoes and water recommended; dogs on leashes permitted. www.explorewildwoodpark.org
Canning Class
July 8: Penn State Extension hosts a home food preservation workshop at the Lebanon County Extension office, 2120 Cornwall Rd., 2 to 4 p.m. Participants can learn principles of water bath canning for high-acid foods. Registration required by July 6. www.extension.psu.edu
Food Rally
July 9: 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 food trucks or restaurants and enjoy shopping and promotions. www.newcumberlandpa.org
Healthy Cooking
July 10: Take a workshop with Penn State Extension on preparing balanced, plant-based meals, 12 to 2 p.m., at Lebanon County Extension office, 2120 Cornwall Rd. Explore flavors with fruits, vegetables, whole grains and plant proteins while learning to modify traditional entrees. Register by July 8. www.extension.psu.edu
Tasting Cruise
July 10: Board the Pride of the Susquehanna riverboat for a craft beer tasting cruise beginning at 6 p.m. Enjoy tastings, snacks and a souvenir glass. Passengers can sample regional brews and learn about craft beer. www.hbgriverboat.org
Contra Dance
July 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. Free beginner lesson held at 7:30 p.m. www.harrisburgcontra.org
Men’s Expo
July 11: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Zeta Theta Lambda Chapter hosts the Men’s EmPOWERment Summit & Build for Wellness Men’s Health & Fitness Expo at Camp Curtin YMCA, 2135 N. 6th St., Harrisburg, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with workshops, screenings and more. Women welcome to attend with male family and friends. www.hbg1906.org
Book Sale
July 11: Explore a used book sale, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center, 950 Soldiers Dr., Carlisle. Visitors can browse a collection of fiction, nonfiction, history, philosophy and collectibles. Proceeds support ongoing educational programs. www.armyheritage.org
Midtown Pop-up
July 11: The Meadow, 1126 N. 3rd St., and The Rummagers, 1419 N. 3rd St., present a collaborative market, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The gathering will feature vintage items, local art, clothing, collectibles, music and community vibes across both storefronts. www.themeadowharrisburg.com
Bellydance Showcase
July 11: Enjoy “1001 Nights: A Bellydance Story” at Hershey Area Playhouse, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. The show features the RAD Dance Company, plus performances from regional and local dance artists and troupes. For tickets, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1001-nights-a-bellydance-story-showcase-tickets-1989148510742.
Book Talk
July 11: Matthew Pinsker will discuss his book, “Boss Lincoln: The Partisan Life of Abraham Lincoln,” 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., at the National Civil War Museum, 1 Lincoln Circle, Harrisburg. Program is free; regular admission applies for gallery entrance. www.nationalcivilwarmuseum.org
Book Sale
July 11-16: Palmyra Public Library holds its annual used book sale at Palmyra First United Methodist Church, 520 E. Birch St. Sale opens Saturday with a $5 early bird preview at 7:30 a.m., followed by free admission until 1 p.m. Daily hours vary, with a $5 bag sale on Thursday. www.palmyra.lclibs.org
Love the Hill
July 11, 17-18: Wildheart Ministries hosts several community events at 1300 Derry St., Harrisburg. Neighbors can join a cleanup on July 11, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.; groundbreaking ceremony for affordable housing on July 17 at 10 a.m.; and a 10-year anniversary block party and mural unveiling on July 18, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. www.lovethehill.org
Musical Benefit
July 12: Harrisburg branch of the American Association of University Women hosts a benefit performance of “Quill-adelphia” at 2 p.m. at Gamut Theatre, 15 N. 4th St., Harrisburg. Musical concert and reading helps support local women and regional organizations. www.gamuttheatre.org
Princess Cruise
July 13: Pride of the Susquehanna riverboat hosts a themed family cruise beginning at 6 p.m. from City Island, Harrisburg. Children can participate in various crafts and interactive games. Event ticket includes pizza, drinks and ice cream. www.hbgriverboat.org
Chamber Event
July 15: West Shore Chamber of Commerce hosts its premier culinary networking event at Sun Motor Cars Mercedes-Benz, 6677 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, 4 to 7 p.m. Open to the public, evening showcases samples from local restaurants, caterers, breweries and wineries. www.wschamber.org
Harrisburg Mile
July 15: Lace up your running shoes for the Harrisburg Mile. The 45th annual race begins at Front and Maclay streets, Harrisburg, with heats beginning at 5:15 p.m. Stick around for food trucks, beer garden, kids’ zone, vendors, music and more. www.hbgyrun.org
Summer Music
July 16: Celebrate summer with live music and food trucks in Greenfield Park, Lancaster, through August. Sounds of Summer continues the series on July 16 at 5 p.m. with a high‑energy concert, with artists performing summer hits.www.greenfieldlancaster.com
Porch Concert
July 16: Englewood Hershey, 1219 West End Ave., Hummelstown, hosts a Summer Porch Music Series with free live music at The Farmhouse, every third Thursday of the month, 6 to 8 pm. Hockersville Station performs July 16. www.englewoodhershey.com
3rd in The Burg
July 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
Grief Counseling
July 18: The Center for Wellbeing, 510 N. Front St., Wormleysburg, hosts “A Journey Through Grief and Loss,” 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. www.sojourncounseling.com.
Brewfest
July 18: Sample more than 50 craft brews while listening to music and tasting food from food trucks at the 14th annual Dauphin County Brewfest on the front lawn of Fort Hunter Mansion, 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg, 3 to 7 p.m. www.forthunter.org
Dance Night
July 19: Take a West Coast swing lesson with Harrisburg USA Dance Chapter #3009 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
Dutch Days
July 22-25: Enjoy family fun at the 58th annual Richfield Dutch Days, at Basom Memorial Park, 6972 Heister Valley Rd., with rides, bingo, food, fireworks and more. Sample a Dutch menu, with a parade on Saturday. Dutch Days kicks off with a potluck picnic and church service on July 19. www.dutchdays.com
Brewery Float
July 24: Join Susquehanna Outfitters for a guided kayak and canoe float along a secluded section of the Yellow Breeches Creek, 1:30 to 4 p.m. Excursion concludes at the Cold Springs Inn and Brewery, 993 Park Rd., Mechanicsburg. Registration includes all watercraft and safety gear. www.susquehannaoutfitters.com
Coffee House
July 24: Attend a free coffeehouse at Enola First Church of God, 9 Sherwood Dr., Enola, beginning at 7 p.m. Musician Jeremy Goodling performs a selection of Southern Gospel songs, hymns and contemporary music. Attendees can enjoy snacks and beverages in the fellowship hall. www.enolacog.com
Pridefest
July 25: Join the 34th annual Pride Festival of Central PA, starting with a Pride Parade at 10 a.m. from City Island. Then explore vendors, entertainment, food, activities and more from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Soldier’s Grove in Harrisburg. www.centralpapride.org
Concert Series
July 26: Harrisburg Young Professionals hosts a free Italian Lake Concert series concert with The After Hours 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
Open House
July 28: Pathways Institute for Lifelong Learning, 100 Mt. Allen Dr., Mechanicsburg, hosts an open house, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Attendees can learn about upcoming fall term courses tailored for adults 55 and older, meet instructors and preview the curriculum. www.thepathwaysinstitute.org
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