Harrisburg and local officials at a press conference on Friday to talk about the July 4th festival and July Music Series.
It’s summertime in Harrisburg, which means food trucks, live music and festivities are right around the corner.
To celebrate the upcoming holiday, Harrisburg will host its annual July 4th Food Truck Festival in Riverfront Park, and will bring back its July Music Series to Reservoir Park.
July 4th celebrations will feature food, live music, line dancing and family activities, from 12 to 7 p.m. This year, there will be no city fireworks display, announced Mayor Wanda Williams at a press conference on Friday. She explained that the city made the decision with concern for safety, following several police incidents during the fireworks over the past several years.
Williams shared that although the city won’t host fireworks, the Harrisburg Senators have a home baseball game that night and will shoot off fireworks after the game, which can be viewed from the riverfront.
“Come for the food; stay for the music; and head toward the river if you want to catch the fireworks show,” she said.
Festival attendees can choose from bites and drinks from over 40 food trucks and a wine and beer garden. Throughout the day, bands will perform roots, ’90s-tribute, Motown, and rock-n-roll music at a stage near State Street. At an entertainment stage near Locust Street, instructors and DJs will lead country and soul line dancing, DJ battles and karaoke. There will also be an American Music Icons Costume Contest, giving people a chance to dress to win $200.
Family activities will include free roller skating, an inflatable obstacle course, a mini highland cow, goat and sheep petting zoo and a bubble magic show.
Metered street parking is free for the holiday, $5 parking is available on City Island, and $10 parking from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. is available at the Market Square Garage, courtesy of Park Harrisburg (you must enter & exit within this time frame to get the discounted rate).
Kicking off the next day, on July 5, is the July Music Series presented by the city and nonprofit Pop’s House. Throughout the month, the series will bring performers to the Reservoir Park bandshell for free concerts.
The July Music Series schedule is as follows:
- July 5: Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra, 6:30-9 p.m.
- July 6: Mayor Williams’ Youth Talent Showcase, 6:30-9 p.m.
- July 13: Gospel Night featuring Zak Williams and 1/Akord
- July 19: Jazz Under the Stars featuring Najee, 5-10 pm.
- July 26: Latin Afro/Soul Night featuring the original Lakeside, 5-10 p.m.
Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and snacks.
“The summer music scene in Harrisburg is about to hit another level,” Williams said.
For more information about Harrisburg’s July 4th Food Truck Festival, visit their website. For more information about the July Music Series, visit their website.
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