Bartender’s Choice: Drink in a Watershed moment

April 29, 2026 | by Randy Gross

Tropic Like It’s Hot. Photo courtesy of Will Masters

It can be said that, at least for those who enjoy a cocktail with their meal, Camp Hill had a watershed moment back in 2020.

That’s when the Watershed Pub became the first dining destination in the borough since prohibition to serve wine, spirits and beer. Since that time, Watershed’s bar—a PA spirits-only bar associated with the brewery at Millworks in Harrisburg—has been undergoing a transformative transition of its own. Which is something general manager Chase Nelson credits to this month’s bartender of choice, bar manager Jesse Roldan.

“He completely turned the bar program around,” said Nelson, highlighting Roldan’s pivotal efforts to modernize and streamline operations.

Roldan, a Queens, N.Y., transplant who has bartended at Watershed for two years, humbly responded, “Me and Chase make a good team. We both put a lot of work into it.”

It was immediately obvious, from the drinks that Roldan mixed during our visit, that he and his team of four bartenders put a lot of work into developing the Watershed’s ever-evolving drink menu.

To wit, the Root & Roast is a carrot cake-inspired espresso-tini with a blend of vodka, Americano amaro, spiced carrot syrup, house-made cold brew concentrate, cream cheese foam and candied carrot.

And don’t miss the Tropic Like It’s Hot (recipe below), featuring a tiki margarita-style base topped with an orange foam (made with—you’re hearing this right—an aquarium pump) that Roldan can only describe as “like drinking air!”

The Watershed Pub is located at 2129 Market St., Camp Hill. For more information, visit www.thewatershed.pub. Photos by Will Masters.

ROLDAN’S CHOICES

Words of advice to home mixologists

Don’t leave the advanced techniques to your favorite bartender—learn them yourself. Some of the questions that will help elevate your at-home cocktail game include: When do you stir or shake? And when is a cocktail chilled/diluted enough?

Favorite spirit straight

Rum. I’m half Puerto Rican, so I need to represent! Partly kidding, but I just love how versatile it is. You can enjoy it blended with a mix of juices and sugars in a tiki drink, or get yourself a nice aged one, like a Don Q Reserva 7 or any Appleton Estate and drink it straight over some ice.

Recommendations for two or three spirits to try

I’ll recommend two of my PA favorites:

Kinsey 4-Year-Old Bourbon, New Liberty Distillery

A lesser-known bourbon, but I’m a huge fan. It’s a solid middling bourbon that competes with other well-known bourbons at its price point, delivering some pretty complex flavors that any whiskey drinker would enjoy.

Salta Montes Tequila, BOTLD

This is an actual tequila and not just the typical “agave spirit” you’ll see at many PA-only bars. It’s 100% blue agave, made in Jalisco, and triple-distilled, making it true to that slightly earthy traditional agave flavor, yet very approachable.

Most commonly ordered drink(s) at your bar

We try to keep our menu interesting and are constantly trying out new creative ideas, but the Bush Doctor is pretty popular now. It’s a painkiller-meets-jerk-cooking-tiki cocktail that’s pretty fun. Our all-time best seller would be the Willoughby, a classic grapefruit cosmo.

DRINK FOR MAY

Tropic Like It’s Hot

1 oz coconut oil fat-washed tequila
75 oz Oxbow Aged Agricole Rhum Louisiane
1 oz acid-adjusted guava juice (33.8 oz guava / 7g citric acid / 6g malic acid)
5 oz lime super juice
5 oz orange sage honey syrup
25 oz passion fruit syrup
2-3 drops 20% saline solution
1 scoop “Orange Air” foam

Orange Air

60 ml orange super juice
30 ml orange sage honey syrup
30 ml water
6g soy lecithin

Shake all ingredients and double strain over a large ice cube in a rocks glass. Garnish by adding a large scoop of orange air with a julep strainer.

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Pitch Your Tent: Camping with your kids can create “magical,” core memories if you plan ahead and laugh through the mishaps

April 29, 2026 | by Gina Napoli

Illustration by Aron Rook.

I have amazing memories of childhood camping trips.

Whenever I see pinecone birdfeeders or macrame anything, my inner child transports to 1980-something, when my scouting uniform still fit, and the adults around me took care of the details. With someone else remembering smores ingredients, mess kits and insect repellent, I had a truly carefree time.

Brooke Augustine, camp property coordinator for Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania, loves camping so much that she turned it into a multi-decade career.

“Camp is a magical place where you can be silly and embrace your inner child. Everyone should have the opportunity to go,” she said. “The person you are when you arrive is not the person you will be when you leave.”

When my husband and I tried to create camping trip memories for our own children, our excursions became tainted by snafus like forgotten rain gear, heavy packs, rationing water and sub-par snacks. And my ghost stories around the campfire were not the hit I’d hoped.

One camper on our ill-fated trips, Richard Kopp, is now a parent and sportsmen supplier. Even when prepared and fully outfitted with camping gear, “Things will not always go right, so have patience. Laugh when stuff goes wrong. Your kids model what they see,” Kopp said. “And be prepared enough that, if you forget something, you can improvise.”

I’ll let your imagination fill in the blanks on his toilet paper advice.

I learned the hard way to compile a camping checklist, packing the first-aid kit, matches and food in water-tight containers. The internet contains excellent checklists, populated by seasoned campers with more computer apps than I ever had and containing more safety gear than ever invented during my childhood. Your checklist will be informed by your surroundings, accommodations and planned activities. You will also want to research the area for its wildlife, native plants, terrain, seasonal hazards, park regulations and available emergency services. Kopp recommends earmarking teachable moments for safety and conservation education.

Scout leader John Tassone of York has eight years of advanced camping experience with kids ages 8 through 18. Although he learned advanced survivalist skills in the military, like packing his own water filtration system, his advice for camping with kids is so basic, it’s sometimes overlooked.

“Check the weather and pack the correct clothing. For example, bring a rain jacket if rain is forecasted,” he said. “The proper hiking footwear is boots, not Crocs, and yes, this happens.”

For Augustine, flip-flops for the end of the day are a must-have. Also “good, yummy food that you like, and people you enjoy being around.”

Get Outside, Be Happy

If your kids are beginner campers, start simple. Try camping overnight in a campground close to civilization. As they gain experience, add complexity and grit.

Within an hour-ish drive from Harrisburg, “State parks like Pine Grove Furnace and Bald Eagle are the most family-friendly,” Kopp said, noting both have playgrounds and places to swim.

Rickett’s Glen is a winner for Augustine, as well as Jim Thorpe’s 100 Mile View Campground.

“The campsite sits on a mountain overseeing the whole valley,” she said. “I’ve camped there three times, and I will keep returning.”

To customize your level of primitivity and resilience, Tassone recommends local KOA camping sites. Showers, bathrooms and oft-forgotten items are available, plus KOAs offer family activities. As your camping skills advance, you won’t have to travel far. Harrisburg is situated right near the Appalachian Trail.

“The last thing you want to do with youth is provide bad first experiences because they will never want to go camping again,” Tassone said. “And remember that they are watching and learning from us. So, make good memories together.”

The array of camping activities can range from simple to adventurous, whether you’re teaching kids shelter-building, kayaking, or how to walk safely in a creek. While not all kids will enjoy the activities designed to grow their skills, and some kids are already way outside their comfort zones just unrolling a sleeping bag, one crowd-pleaser to suit all beginners is having a cookout.

“Cooking is always the prime event because youth always have food prepared for them by adults,” Tassone said. “This is an opportunity for them to work together, make critical decisions on what to bring, and then choose how to season and cook primitively.”

A multi-step cooking lesson includes gathering firewood, finding dry matches, building and lighting the fire, and cooking over it safely.

“Get campers to do a little more with each cookout so they know what to do,” Augustine said.

The least popular camping activity is getting rained out—but it’s not a dealbreaker. Augustine brings a box of random objects to every campout. She has her campers build indoor obstacle courses, play a game called “Dutch Auction” (found online), and hold a “Trash Bag Fashion Show,” which sounds like a bridal shower game. Augustine’s rainy-day games honestly sound more fun than sticking my foot in a muddy creek.

Tassone uses the downtime to educate kids on core concepts like weighing and checking gear, tying knots and lashings, and how to do things without technology.

Kopp takes a more present approach. “If you can go outside, then definitely go outside,” Kopp said. “Be happy you’re not at work. Go under a shelter and watch it rain.” (We used to call this “Nature TV.”) Notice how rain sounds like a steak sizzling on a grill.

Looking back on our cautionary camping tales, it’s no wonder my favorite “trips” were nestled inside tents pitched within our living room, adjacent to indoor plumbing. Although they weren’t flawless trips, we have wonderful memories and great stories to swap, campfire or not.

P.S. Before you leave, inform your emergency contact about your location and itinerary. And remember, take only pictures, leave only memories.

For more information on camping with Girl Scouts in the Heart of Central Pennsylvania, visit www.gshpa.org.

To find rules for playing “Dutch Auction,” visit www.summercamppro.com/an-introduction-to-dutch-auctions-at-camp.

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Slices of Life: Jewish Film Festival offers strong cinematic and thematic fare

April 29, 2026 | by Barbara Trainin Blank

“Checkpoint Zoo”
Photo courtesy of Artem Nesterov.

Every year, the Edward S. Finkelstein Harrisburg Jewish Film Festival aims to present what festival chair Julie Sherman calls an “excellent mix” of narratives—both dramatic and comic—and documentaries from around the world.

This year’s slate is “particularly strong,” Sherman said, “with seven European countries, the United States and Israel represented, and truly remarkable untold stories, especially among the documentaries.”

One of these documentaries is “Checkpoint Zoo,” a Ukrainian-U.S. co-production that takes place at the start of the Russia-Ukraine War.

Feldman Ecopark was caught between the invading Russians and the Ukrainian defenders, with shelling on both sides raining down on the park’s personnel and 5,000 increasingly traumatized animals. Owner Oleksandr Feldman made the decision to evacuate the entire park. A small band of zookeepers and young local volunteers undertook the Herculean task—while volunteers recorded the exodus on cellphones and GoPro.

“It’s almost impossible to describe,” said film director Josh Zeman, who received much of the footage online before joining the team in Ukraine. “Watching these kids just 22 years old—most with no experience handling animals at all—become superheroes. They weren’t scared, even though their lives were on the line every day. It was like they knew they were doing God’s work, just saving these innocent animals. The animals knew they were being saved. They would look at these kids, and you knew they were saying, ‘thank you.’”

The Harrisburg Jewish Film Festival began 32 years ago. Its mission was and remains to offer the greater Harrisburg community films that reflect contemporary and historical Jewish and Israeli experiences as well as to represent a broad spectrum of thought and opinion.

As in the past, many films this year reflect varied Israeli slices of life.

“Hola!…Ciao” sheds light on the immigrant experience when a thoroughly assimilated Argentinian man, with an Israeli wife and family, is visited by his elderly father and younger sister from across the world.

“The First Lady” highlights the personal journey of one of Israel’s first transgender women, now 72 and a vocal LGBTQ+ activist.

“The Sea” is an award-winning film about a Palestinian boy on the West Bank who longs to visit the Mediterranean Sea on the other side of the separation wall.

“He’ll do whatever it takes to get there,” Sherman said.

Another Israeli offering is “Halisa,” a contemporary drama set in a pediatric clinic in a low-income neighborhood in Haifa.

“‘Halisa’ is a movie about mothers and motherhood,” explained writer-director Sophie Artus. “I wanted to set the story in a neighborhood that would be interesting, and Halisa is a mixed neighborhood with an underprivileged population. Mothers there face lots of challenges…and I wanted to tell some of their stories.”

“The Stamp Thief” offers lighter fare. The documentary investigates a tale dating to the Holocaust that a mysterious Nazi stole priceless stamp collections from concentration camp victims. One-time “Seinfeld” producer Gary Gilbert sets out to confirm the story and recover the stamps.

“What makes the film ‘lighter fare’ is that, although Gilbert is serious about finding the stamps, the manner in which he goes about it is fun and funny,” Sherman said.

A live Zoom with Gilbert and film director Dan Sturman will follow Monday’s screening.

“This is the first full, eight-day festival we’ve held since the pandemic,” Sherman said. “And while we’ve had great success with a monthly festival series these past few years, there’s nothing like the ‘all-in’ feeling a three-film-a-day movie marathon generates in its audience.”

The Harrisburg Jewish Film Festival runs May 14 to 21 at Midtown Cinema, 250 Reily St., Harrisburg, except for opening night, which takes place at Chisuk Emuna Congregation, 3219 Green St., Harrisburg. For more information and tickets, visit www.hbgff.com. The major festival sponsor is Capital Blue Cross.

Something for Everyone

This year, the Edward S. Finkelstein Harrisburg Jewish Film Festival offers drama, comedy and documentary films. All screenings are at Midtown Cinema except where noted. The full schedule follows:

Thursday, May 14
Opening Night
“Hold on to Your Music,” 7 p.m.
Reception follows
At Chisuk Emuna Congregation

Friday, May 15
“The Ring” (with snacks!), 10 a.m.
“Halisa,” 1 p.m.
“Hola!…Ciao,” 4 p.m.

Sunday, May 17
“The Most Precious of Cargoes,” 10 a.m.
Book Club Film Event
(with pre-screening nosh from 9 a.m.)
Discussion follows
“For the Love of a Woman,” 1:30 p.m.
“The First Lady,” 4:30 p.m.
“Checkpoint Zoo,” 7:30 p.m.

Monday, May 18
“The Sea,” 1 p.m.
“The Most Precious of Cargoes,” 4 p.m.
“The Stamp Thief,” 7 p.m.
(w/filmmakers, live via Zoom!)

Tuesday, May 19
“For the Love of a Woman,” 1 p.m.
“Soda,” 4 p.m. (encore screening)
“Hola!…Ciao,” 7 p.m.

Wednesday, May 20
“The First Lady,” 1 p.m.
“Halisa,” 4 p.m.
“The Sea,” 7 p.m.

Thursday, May 21
“Checkpoint Zoo,” 1 p.m.
“The Stamp Thief,” 4 p.m.
“The Ring,” 7 p.m.

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Musical Notes: May Melodies

April 29, 2026 | by Skye Cadzow

There are some excellent shows happening this month, including a brand new concert series, Tiny Park Concerts, launching at Coronet Park in downtown Harrisburg, located near Market Square. Organizer Sara Bozich is curating the series in collaboration with Harristown Enterprises. She shared that “the Tiny Park Concerts series will serve as the park’s signature live music programming, bringing free outdoor concerts to the UPMC Stage on the second Friday of each month from May through September.” I’m looking forward to the kickoff event with DeRose & The Dreadnaughts on May 8––maybe I’ll see you there!

ALT-ROCK

5/5, Silversun Pickups, XL Live

I’ve previously written about my affinity for Silversun Pickups in this column, so I was excited to see the band’s return to Harrisburg on its “Tenterhooks” support tour. This show was originally scheduled for the now-closed HMAC, but due to ticketing system differences, ticketholders need to get the tickets XL Live released for this show. This band’s a fun throwback to early-oughts alt-rock. Listen to “Lazy Eye,” “Panic Switch” or “Bloody Mary (Nerve Endings)” to catch a vibe of what you can expect to hear at the concert.

FOLK PUNK

5/11, Susquehanna Folk Music Society presents Mama’s Broke, Fort Hunter

We’re lucky that Canadian folk duo Mama’s Broke have started adding central Pennsylvania to its rotation of tour stops. Amy Lou Keeler and Lisa Maria bring a raw, DIY punk energy to their interpretation of folk music that is haunting and visceral, with a mix of acapella and fiddle that is both gorgeous and harrowing. The band is currently on its “Analog Tour,” and I heavily endorse checking out the 2023 “Tiny Desk Concert” if you’d like to hear and see the pair’s mesmerizing vocals in action.

SLIDIN’ INTO BLUES

5/21, WXPN Welcomes Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, XL Live

Grammy winning-guitarist Christone “Kingfish” Ingram has been celebrated by many as a unique talent heralding in the next era of blues, and is touring in support of his 2025 album, “Hard Road.” The Mississippi artist’s fusion of elements from hip-hop, funk and jazz into blues has created new interpretations of what blues can—and likely will be––for the next generation of musicians and fans. You may also recognize his signature sound from the soundtrack to last year’s wildly acclaimed film, “Sinners,” where he also appeared in a scene. I love his more recent song, “…Bad Like Me,” from his latest record, but I also recommend giving his earlier releases, especially 2019’s “Kingfish,” a good listen.

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

5/1 & 5/2, WXPN Welcomes Pigeons Playing PingPong, XL Live

5 /8, Melissa Etheridge, Hershey Theatre

5 /8, DeRose & The Dreadnaughts, Coronet Park

5/10, Emerson Woolf & The Wishbones, The Abbey Bar

5/14, Saintseneca, Capital City Music Hall

5/15, The Lone Bellow, Appell Center for the Performing Arts

5/23, Khalid, GIANT Center

5/27, Jason Mraz, Hershey Theatre

5/31, Darlingside, Appell Center for the Performing Arts

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Adventure Together: This spring, wrap your arms around one of the biggest trees in the state and make rainbow butterflies with repurposed paint samples

April 29, 2026 | by Natalie diSanto

Pennsylvania is layered with history, famous for battlefields, declarations and the decade when we held the nation’s capital.

Staggered among our grand history are thousands of little tales, waiting to be uncovered, like a tree near Linglestown that has received historical recognition.

Estimated at 230 to 300 years old, the tree is believed to have been planted in the late 1700s. At its position overlooking the Blue Mountains, the tree may have known the Native American tribes of Shawnee and Susquehannock. It is named after a Native American man rumored to have been buried near its trunk. Disputes among historians give the tree a title of John Gordaway or John Goodway, interchangeably. The Pennsylvania Forestry Association named The John Gordaway/Goodway Tree a “Champion Tree,” acknowledging it as one of the largest in the state with a trunk circumference of 26 feet and canopy of approximately 153 feet.

Drawing a surprising number of visitors, the tree is a popular tourist attraction for nature enthusiasts, historians and birdwatchers and recently hosted a few buses of Dickinson College students. It is situated off Route 34 and Woodview Drive, between Susquehanna and Central Dauphin school districts. Folks can visit the tree but should get the current property renter’s permission first. Be alert when visiting. The grounds are not maintained, and there are animal holes and uneven ground.

Protect & Serve

Linglestown proper is hosting its annual Memorial Day Parade on May 25. The parade will have a one mile run prior, which could be an exciting challenge for families.

The local fire station, Linglestown Fire Company No. 1, will participate in the parade. Like many fire companies, Linglestown is seeking volunteers. Volunteers can elect to be “Participating Members” who help with fundraising, public education, data entry, events, meal prep and other behind-the-scenes work. Alternatively, volunteers can apply to be “Operational Members,” or a person who aspires to become a firefighter. Volunteers must be 14 years or older and, depending on which member type is chosen, there may be training. To help support the firefighters who protect and serve our communities, reach out to your local station for information on how you can make a difference.

Flutter & Fly

For our spring craft this month, we were inspired by a recent personal mishap that challenged us to turn rain into rainbows. The influx of rain this season burst a hole in the roof of our family camper. Consequently, my kid and I spent a ton of time at Lowe’s.

My child, like many children, loves to look at the rainbow wall of free paint samples. I let him take a few when we’re at the hardware store. We stacked up a massive pile of paint samples, indicative of how complex my roofing issue was. Always seeking to reuse and repurpose, we decided to make a butterfly yard ornament out of the brilliant colors.

Butterfly wings are covered in thousands of tiny, overlapping scales that lay like shingles on a roof. The pigment of the scales is how we see color on butterflies, with variations creating the patterns on their wings. Aiming to honor the intricacy of these delicate creatures, we decided to simulate scales on our butterfly ornament.

To make the craft, cut the shape of a butterfly body from black paint samples. Cut out the shape of wings, then cut the inside of the wings to create a silhouette. In the hollow space of the wings, apply packing tape to create an adhesive backing. Next, hole-punch paint samples over top of the wings, letting the circles fall on the tape to create a random pattern of colors.

Once the wings are covered in homemade scales, repeat the process of making the body and hollow wings, creating a mirror image to place on the backside of the butterfly. Cover this side with packing tape to laminate and protect your craft from the elements. Next, hole punch three holes in the head, one for a string to hang it with and two for antennae. Pipe cleaners make excellent antennae, so lace them through the holes then twist and shape to your delight. Add googly eyes to make your butterfly look silly as it twirls in the wind. Finally, mount your butterfly in a tree, on a porch, or anywhere that it can flutter and fly in the spring breeze.

By digging deeper into complex ideas, we found a hidden history right down the road, growing big and broad in the branches of the John Gordaway/Goodway Tree. We learned that even firefighters can use some help and that it takes a community to make things happen. We fixed my camper roof, turning a frustrating task into an opportunity to learn about the coloration of butterflies.

We often think of history as being only in the past, but the reality is that, each day, we build our own.

The John Gordaway/Goodway Tree is located at 2200 Woodview Dr., Harrisburg (near Linglestown). To visit, ask permission from the property renter first.

To learn more about volunteering with Linglestown Fire Company No. 1, visit www.linglestownfire.org.

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

Shattered Memories: Haunting family recollections imbue the excellent, “Blue Heron”

April 29, 2026 | by Gabriel Brown

Image courtesy of Janus Films

Sophy Romvari’s feature-length debut, “Blue Heron,” emanates a cool ache—a bruised limb you cradle like a child.

“Blue Heron” traces the story of a family and a childhood on the rocks. Immigrant parents from Hungary are trying their best to start a new life with their children in Canada, but their eldest, Jeremy, continues to exhibit increasingly hostile and dangerous behavior without explanation. Seen through the naive eyes of his younger sister, Sasha, now looking back with a trained eye as an adult social worker, the perspective expands into its fuller picture of the whole family—a poem about loss and the struggle of unconditional love.

Sometimes, it doesn’t work out, and that’s OK. Love spent is not love wasted. It’ll probably hurt, but you can and should truly love, even if you don’t fully understand the person.

“Blue Heron” is directed very naturalistically, showcasing character moments of daily life like core memories, which is very true to how I personally remember my childhood. I am of a similar age to the main character in the present day, and seeing elements I remember from my childhood treated as sacred brought me great joy. I was brought to tears by a scene of the father showing Sasha how to use Microsoft Paint. Its photography is simple and elegant, and its score is sparse, delicate and lovely.

The one part where I got a little lost was the timeline-jumping between past and present Sasha, but, ultimately, that makes the film play more abstractly—more focused on feelings and memories than a linear story of direct correlation and causation, which really worked for me. (Julia Ducournau’s “Alpha” from earlier this year employed a similar structure, and I think it works in both films’ favor).

I deeply admire how “Blue Heron” treats its children like real characters, with both empathy and maturity as they make their own choices. Relatively small moments become childhood-defining: peeling potatoes, learning Microsoft Paint, your brother climbing onto the roof. The film captures the feeling of being inside a memory and aching for your younger self as beautifully as I’ve ever seen a film do—maybe tied with Charlotte Wells’ “Aftersun.”

I couldn’t recommend this film more. It even ends with a needle drop of one of my favorite songs, one that I didn’t think that many people knew. See this on the big screen—I think it’s one of the best films of the decade. “Blue Heron” opens at Midtown Cinema in May.

Midtown Cinema is located at 250 Reily St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.midtowncinema.com. Gabriel Brown serves as assistant manager at Midtown Cinema.

May Events
at Midtown Cinema

First Run Films
“The Devil Wears Prada 2,” May 1
“Steal This Story, Please,” May 8
“Blue Heron,” (TBA)
“Backrooms,” May 29

25FOR25 Series
25 great films celebrating 25 years of Midtown Cinema
“Big Fish” (2003), Sunday, May 3
“Before Sunset” (2004), Tuesday, May 5
“Brokeback Mountain” (2005), Sunday, May 10
“Little Miss Sunshine” (2006), Sunday, May 17
“No Country for Old Men” (2007), Sunday, May 31

Late Night Frights
“The Fog” (1980)
Friday, May 1, 9:30 p.m.

Down in Front!
Comedy Riffing
“Prince of Space” (1959)
Friday, May 8, 9:30 p.m.

3rd in the Burg Movie Night
“Miss Congeniality” (2000)
Friday, May 15, 9:30 p.m.

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

A Piece of History: Open Stage caps off its anniversary year with “Boys in the Band”

April 29, 2026 | by McCaffrey Martone

Cast of “The Boys in the Band”

Open Stage closes out its 40th season by transporting us to an Upper East Side Manhattan apartment with a production of “The Boys in the Band.”

The show is a vignette of the lives of a group of gay men at a time when gayness was not spoken of out loud. From sharp-tongued wit to profound displays of vulnerability, this classic is the perfect piece to end a milestone season at Open Stage.

“The Boys in the Band” takes place over the course of one evening when a group of six friends gathers for a birthday party. As the drinks roll in, the volume escalates, and a few unexpected guests arrive to stir things up, as each man is forced to confront uncomfortable truths. They are forced to reckon with relationships, old grudges and the social consequences of being gay in the 1960s.

“Open Stage has always been dedicated to telling stories that are outside the mainstream,” said Director Stuart Landon. “In an industry that is full of queer people, it is important that we make sure to tell queer stories, new ones and classic ones, and make sure that we’re lifting up those voices and those stories as often as we can, even if they’re uncomfortable.”

Written by Mark Crowley and shown off-Broadway in 1968, this is the first major play to bring gay men to center stage and proudly present queer life. The characters are each fully realized, with distinct personalities ranging from clever and unapologetic to darling and ditzy, at a time when gay men were portrayed as either villains or peripheral characters.

“The first time that I read this play, I was like, ‘Oh, this is how me and my friends talk,’” said TJ Creedon, who portrays Michael. “It’s so funny how much Crowley’s finger was on the pulse and still remains on the pulse 50-plus years later.”

The show was groundbreaking after its release, closing out in 1970 with 1,001 performances. It has inspired two feature films, a sequel, and was revived on Broadway in 2018 for its 50th anniversary.

The production features set design by Kalina Barrett, costumes by Jacob Schlenker, with Stacy Reck serving as production stage manager, and Chris Krahulec and Evelyn Dorman as assistant stage managers. Tristan Stasiulis serves as lighting designer, Rachel Landon as prop master, and Anthony Pieruccini as sound designer.

The ensemble cast features Brad Barkdoll (Cowboy), Calian Byard (Emory), TJ Creedon (Michael), Joshua Dorsheimer (Harold), Joseph Chubb (Hank), Zach Haines (Donald), Marcus McGhee (Bernard), Cory Metcalf (Larry), Jason Samarin (Alan), with swing understudies Ethan Hommel and Malcolm Xtra.

This production is directed by Open Stage’s very own producing artistic director, Stuart Landon.

“The Boys in the Band” is a landmark American play that helped show the world a different side of life. It is funny, it is smart, it is human, and it is still relevant nearly six decades after it was written. The artists at Open Stage are dedicated to bringing this iconic piece to life, and to see it would be to witness a piece of history.

“The Boys in the Band” runs May 23 to June 13 at Open Stage, 25 N. Court St., Harrisburg. For tickets and more information, visit www.openstagehbg.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS

At Gamut Theatre
www.gamuttheatre.org
717-238-4111

Popcorn Hat Players
“Aesop’s Fables”
May 6 to 23

TMI Improv
Comedy Show
May 22 at 7:30 p.m.

At Open Stage
www.openstagehbg.com
717-232-6736

EFF Live!
A naughty night of theatrical hilarity
Court Street Cabaret
Saturday, May 9 at 7:30 p.m.

BaRPG
Dungeons, drinks and dice
Court Street Cabaret
Saturday, May 16 at 7:30 p.m.

“The Boys in the Band”
Groundbreaking queer drama with depth and wit
Main Stage
Begins May 23

Court Street Cabaret
Song and community at its finest
Court Street Cabaret
Sunday, May 24 at 6 p.m.

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

Happenings: Our May Calendar of Events

April 29, 2026 | by Missy Smith

Museums & Art Spaces

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

“Imperial: Chrysler’s Handcrafted Masterpiece,” May 9-Oct. 18

“American Muscle—Red, White, Blue,” May 9-Oct. 18

“Nash—RPS-Ride, Performance, Style,” May 9-Oct. 18

“Route 66 Centennial—East Coast Celebration,” May 9-Oct. 18

“Tucker #1018—The ‘Clear Vison’ Tucker,” on May 9

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

“Vivid Experiences,” showcases a dynamic selection of artwork by artists Steve Barber and Earle Rock, through May 14

98th Annual Juried Show, May 22-June 25; reception: May 29, 5-8 p.m.

“Color and Contour,” featuring a collection of work by artists from AAH’s permanent collection, through June 26

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

“Vibrant Landscapes in Oil,” through May 7

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

“Lineage,” three sisters explore family and memory through photography, found objects and fiber art created by three sisters after loss of their parents, through May 30

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

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

May artist of the month: Olivia Jean

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

Works by Leah Scheib, through May 30; “On the Porch” with Leah: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyart.org

HAAA Member Artwork at Hershey Public Library, community room, through June 6

HAAA Member Artwork at Hershey Public Library, hallway gallery, through June 20

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.

“America250 Patriots of Dauphin County,” reception: May 16, 5 p.m.

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

“Awakenings,” watercolor paintings by Gail Savagee, through May 31

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

New works by Linda McCloskey, Rexmake, Ambria Michelle, Rebecca Adey, Kristin Livelsberger, Caleb Smith, Kathy Mina and Yachiyo Beck, through 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, through May 2

Annual Juried Student Show from the 2025-26 studio year, May 20-Aug. 29

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

Art by Marjorie Taylor, through July 18
Art by Chet Davis, through July 25

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

Exhibits dedicated to Pennsylvania firefighting history

Perry County Council of the Arts
Landis House, 67 N. 4th St., Newport
717-567-7023; perrycountyarts.org

Jewelry by Marlene Quigley, through May 28

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

Student Honors Show II, through May 8

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

“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

“Presences—The Landscapes of Michael Allen,” through July 26

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

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

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

May 1: “The Light in the Dark” by Kenston Lafleur

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

The Floral Art of Jacqui Whitcomb, through 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

May 4, 7, 11, 13, 18, 20: Swing and Latin dance classes, 6-9:30 p.m.

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

May 5, 12, 19, 26: Cartoon Drawing (Ages 9-14) 5:30-7:30 p.m.
May 5, 12, 19, 26: Intermediate Pottery (Ages 15+) 12-3 p.m.
May 5, 12, 19, 26: Next Steps for the Very Beginner in Watercolor
May 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28: Supervised Lampworking Lab(12+w/ guardian) 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
May 5, 12, 19, 26, Jun. 2: Watercolor for the Very Beginner (Adults) 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
May 6, 20: Watercolor Painting Step-by-Step (Adults) 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
May 7: Sensational Silk Scarves (Adults) 6-8 p.m.
May 7, 14, 21, 28: Intermediate/Advanced Pastel Painting (Adults) 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
May 7, 14, 21, 28: Pottery Wheel Throwing Morning (Adults) 9:30-12 p.m.
May 14, 21, 28, Jun. 4: Figure Drawing w/ Instruction (18+) 6-8:30 p.m.
May 19: Ladybugs & Wildflowers Needle Felting (Adults) 5:30-8:30 p.m.
May 19, 26, Jun. 2, 9: Figure Drawing Studio (18+) 6-8 p.m.
May 20: Date Night With Glassblowing (Adults) 6-8 p.m.
May 26: Rabbit At Rest Needle Felt Workshop (Adults) 5:30-8:30 p.m.
May 28: Painting Inspirations with Yachiyo (Adults) 12-4 p.m.
May 28: Rectangular Basket Weaving Workshop (Adults) 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

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

May 1, 8, 15: Preschool Storytime, 10:30 a.m.
May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Mah Jongg Club, 9:30 a.m.
May 4: Monday Night Book Group, 6 p.m.
May 4, 6: Baby Time, 9:30 a.m.
May 4, 6, 11: Toddler Tales, 10:15 a.m.
May 4, 11, 18: Tabletop Gaming, 4:30 p.m.
May 5: Cinco De Mayo Storytime (birth to 6 years old), 9:15-9:45 a.m.
May 5: LEGO Club (3 to 6 years), 10:30 a.m.
May 5, 12, 19, 26: Upstairs Stitchers, 5:30 p.m.
May 6: Teen Café, 3:30 p.m.
May 7, 14, 21, 28: Knitting Group, 10:30 a.m.
May 9: Tween Tech Saturday, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
May 9, 23: Writers’ Wordshop, 10-11:30 a.m.
May 12: Silent Book Club, 5:30-7 p.m.
May 18: Graphic Novel Discussion Group, 6-7 p.m.
May 20: Wicked Wednesday Book Group, 1 p.m.
May 22: Just Mysteries Book Group, 1 p.m.
May 30: Adult LEGO Club, 10:30 a.m.

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

May 1, 22, 29: Strong and Fit (Enola and virtual), 10 a.m.
May 4, 18: Virtual Pilates, 5 p.m.
May 5, 12, 19, 26: Mindful Yoga & Meditation (Enola), 10 a.m.
May 6: Virtual Diabetes and Related Conditions, 11 a.m.
May 7, 14, 21, 28: Ready, Steady, Action, 4:15 p.m.
May 12: Virtual Cooking Demo—Mediterranean Steak Bowl, 12 p.m.
May 13, 20, 27: Virtual INSPIRE, 9 a.m.

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

May 7 & 14: Intermediate Knitting & Crochet, 6-8 p.m.
May 9 & 16: Fundamentals of Drawing (ages 13 and older), 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
May 11: Third Space Craft Night, 6-8 p.m.
May 11-June 22: Monday Beginner Wheel, 6-8 p.m. (no class on May 25)
May 15: Craft Beer & Clay, 7-9 p.m.
May 16: Glass Blowing—Make Your Own Glass Bud Vase, 1-3 p.m.
May 16: Hot Glass Pendants, 3-5 p.m.
May 16: Glass Blowing—Make Your Own Glass Ball Ornament, 5-7 p.m.
May 16 & 23: Say Cheese (ages 9-14), 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
May 23: Put Your Color Pedal to the Metal (ages 13-adult), 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
May 26-June 30: Tuesday Beginner Wheel, 6-8 p.m.
May 30: Abstract Funky Faces, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
May 30 & June 6: Stunning Sea Creatures (ages 9-14), 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Dauphin County Library System
dcls.org

May 9: Reading the Rainbow at LGBT Center of Central PA, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
May 12: Books on Tap at Rubber Soul Brewery, 6-7 p.m.
May 21: Sip and Speak at St. Thomas Roasters, 3-4:30 p.m.

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

May 5: Read to Dogs, 6-7 p.m.
May 6: Drop-In Mother’s Day Dandelion Craft, 4:30-7:30 p.m.
May 7, 21: Story Time and Craft, 6:30 p.m.
May 12, 19: Spring Story Time, 10:15 a.m.
May 12: Family Game Night!, 4:30-7:30 p.m.
May 13: Newspaper Tower Challenge, 6:30 p.m.
May 14: Paint with Marbles Drop-in Craft, 4:30-7:30 p.m.
May 19: DIY Fairy Garden Craft, 6:30 p.m.
May 26: BINGO for Books, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
May 28: Drop-In STEM Play, 4:30-7:30 p.m.

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

May 6, 20: Chess Club, 12-1:30 p.m.
May 25: The Stitch Sitch, 2-3:30 p.m.
May 26: Crafting with the Classics, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
May 27: East Shore Cinema—“Clue,” 2-4 p.m.

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

May 5, 12, 19, 26: Card Making Group, 5-7 p.m.
May 6: Write to Become—An Adult Writing Seminar, 5:30-7 p.m.
May 6, 13, 20, 27: Homeschool Happening, 2-4 p.m.
May 7, 14, 21, 28: Fiber Artists, 3-7 p.m.
May 9, 23: LEGO Club, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
May 16: Book Discussion Group, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
May 23: Board Game Meetup, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

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

May 6: Art Heals—Spring Terrarium Planter Workshop, 6-7:30 p.m.
May 17: Mrs. Reily’s Tea, 1-3:30 p.m.
May 17: Hearthside Series 2026—Herb Drying for Home Use, 1-3 p.m.

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

May 1: Chess Club, 6:30 p.m.
May 2: The Puzzlers, 1-4:30 p.m.
May 2: Understanding Contemporary Debates over Sex and Gender, 2-4 p.m.
May 2, 16, 30: Read & Relax Quiet Hour, 2-3 p.m.
May 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27: Preschool Story Time (ages 3-5), 11-11:30 a.m., 6-6:30 p.m.
May 4, 18: Fredricksen Writes, 7-8:30 p.m.
May 5: Curl Up with the Classics, 10-11 a.m.
May 5, 12: iPhone Basics Series, 3-4:30 p.m.
May 5, 12, 26: Food and Farm Discovery Zone, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
May 6, 20: Zen Meditation, 2-3 p.m.
May 7: Special Themed Storytime (ages 3-5), 10-10:30 a.m.
May 7: Elementary LEGO Lab, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
May 7, 14, 21, 28: Meditation to Calm the Mind, 12-12:30 p.m.
May 7, 14, 21, 28: Fredricksen Knits, 1-4 p.m.
May 7, 14, 21, 28: Teens Teaching Tech, 4-5 p.m.
May 8: Indie and Foreign Film, 2-4 p.m.
May 8: One Seed Grows Garden Club, 4-5 p.m.
May 11: Book Explorers (ages 3-6), 5:30-6:30 p.m.
May 12, 26: Read to Dogs, 6-7:30 p.m.
May 16: Neurodivergent Adult Support Group, 3-4:30 p.m.
May 17: Pokémon Club for Tweens and Teens, 3-4:30 p.m.
May 18: World Explorers, 6-7 p.m.
May 24: Paint With Us, 1-3 p.m.
May 24: Games, Cards and Puzzles, 1-5 p.m.
May 25: Mysteries and Mayhem, 7-8 p.m.
May 26: Tween LEGO Club, 6-7:30 p.m.
May 29: Peaceful Poses Yoga Storytime for Preschoolers, 10-10:45 a.m.
May 29: Peaceful Poses Yoga for Adults, 10:45-11:30 a.m.

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

May 3: Decoupage Tray, 2-4 p.m.
May 15: Abstract Watercolor, 6-8 p.m.
May 17: Beginner Gouache—Painting a Chickadee, 2-4 p.m.
May 23: Resin Jewelry
May 30: Hand Knitting, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

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

May 2: Otherworldly Book Club, 12-1 p.m.
May 9: Knit One, Crochet Too!, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
May 15: Intro to Zines!, 3:30-5 p.m.
May 19: Pennsylvania’s Cryptids, 5:15-6:45 p.m.
May 30: Write On!, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

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

May 27-July 15: Level 2 Game of the Scene, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyart.org

May 5-June 9: Oil and Acrylics, Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
May 6-20: Portrait Painting, Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
May 16: Watercolor Pencil Art, 9-11 a.m.

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

May 1: World Labyrinth Day, 10 a.m-2 p.m.
May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Guided Garden Walk, 10-11 a.m.
May 8: National Public Gardens Day, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
May 16: Forest Bathing, 9:15-11:15 a.m.

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

May 2, 16, 23: Chess Club, 1-3 p.m.
May 4, 11, 18: Books and Babies, 10:15-10:45 a.m.
May 4, 11, 18: Storytime for Everyone, 11-11:30 a.m.
May 5: “Mysteries, She Wrote” Mystery Book Group, 6:30-8 p.m.
May 5, 7, 12, 14, 21, 26, 28: Penn State Hershey Mothers & Babies, 10:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
May 5, 12, 19: Whee!, 10:15-10:45 a.m.
May 5, 26: Silent Book Group, 10-11:30 a.m.
May 6: Exploring Poetry, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
May 6: LEGO Club, 1-2 p.m.
May 6: Spontaneous Sparks Improv Class with Gamut Theatre, 2-3:30 p.m.
May 6, 13, 20, 27: Community Crochet Night, 6-7 p.m.
May 7, 14, 21: Storytime for Everyone, 10:15-10:45 a.m.
May 7, 14, 21, 28: Teen Time, 2:30-4:15 p.m.
May 7, 21: Hershey Quilters, 12:30 p.m.
May 9: SPLAT! Studio (ages 2-6), 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
May 9: SPLAT! Studio (ages 6+), 12:30-1:30 p.m.
May 12: Philosophers’ Round Table Discussion Group, 2-3:30 p.m.
May 16: Cocoa Area Fiber Enthusiasts, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

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

May 9: Forgotten Patriot—The Story of Ned Hector, Black Revolutionary War Hero, as told by Noah Lewis, 2-3:30 p.m.

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

May 3: Greens Galore—Mid-Spring Foraging Walk, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
May 3: Mycology Meanderings—Spring Mushroom Walk, 1-3 p.m.
May 9-23: Elements of Survival—Wilderness Skills Series, 1-4 p.m.
May 16: Women’s Foraging and Herbal Self Care Mini Retreat, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
May 31: The Art of Pressing Flowers, 1-3:30 p.m.

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

May 5: Upcycled Crafting, 6-7 p.m.
May 11: Who Sank the Boat?, 4-5 p.m.
May 19: Weekday Getaway, 4:30-6 p.m.

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

May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: LEGO Time, 10:15-11:15 a.m.
May 4, 11, 18: Story Time, 10:15-11 a.m.
May 4, 11, 18: Toddler Time, 11:15-11:35 a.m.
May 5, 12, 19, 26: Tea and Stitches, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
May 5, 12, 19, 26: Storybook STEAM, 6-7 p.m.
May 6: Breastfeeding Support Group, 10:45-11:45 a.m.
May 6, 13, 20, 27: Story Time, 1:30-2:15 p.m.
May 8, 22: Dungeons and Dragons, 6-8 p.m.
May 9, 23: Block Party, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
May 9, 23: Puzzle Party, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
May 13: Tea & Stitches Extended Edition, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
May 13: Mad About Mysteries Book Club, 7-8 p.m.
May 16: Craft-A-Palooza, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
May 18: Tales for TAILS, 6-7 p.m.
May 20: Watch the Skies Book Club, 7-8 p.m.
May 21, 28: Play Scrabble!, 1:15-3:15 p.m.
May 22: Apple Users Group, 1-2 p.m.
May 23: Trivia at Home—Pokémon Turns 30!, 6-8 p.m.
May 26: Tea & Stitches Extended Edition, 12-2 p.m.

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

May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Passageways, 2 p.m.
May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Young Adult Group, 4 p.m.
May 6, 13, 20, 27: Common Roads (ages 12-17), 6-8 p.m.
May 9: QTPOC Advisory Group, 6-8 p.m.

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

May 2, 16, 30: Chess Club, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
May 5: Springtime Family Game Night, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
May 13: DIY Incense, 5:15-6:45 p.m.
May 16: Spring Clothing Swap, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
May 26: Coloring for Adults!, 3-4 p.m.

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

May 11: Ace That Job App!, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

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

May 4, 11, 18, 25: STEAM Club, 6-7 p.m.
May 5, 12, 19, 26: Tiny Tots Storytime, 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
May 5, 12, 19, 26: Wee Readers Storytime, 1-2 p.m.
May 7, 14, 21, 28: LEGO Club, 6-7 p.m.
May 12, 26: Read to Pets—Tales with T.A.I.L.S., 6-7 p.m.
May 19: Sensory Story Time, 5:30-6 p.m.

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

May 2: First Saturday, 2-5 p.m.
May 8: Radiant Heart Water Doodling, 6-8 p.m.
May 9: Painting Large Abstracts, 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
May 9: Fused Glass Summer Sunflowers Suncatcher, 12:30-3:30 p.m.

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

May 16: Lessons in History—A Campaign of Giants–The Battle for Petersburg, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

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

May 2: Spring Bird Walk, 7:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
May 6: Pre-K Story Time, 10:30 a.m.

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

May 1-5: Bird House LEGO Contest (ages 5 and older)
May 1-31: Endangered Animals Scavenger Hunt (ages 0-12)
May 1-31: America 250 Reading Challenge (ages 0-18)
May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Take and Makes (ages 0-12)
May 2, 16: Book Sales, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
May 4, 11, 18, 25: Preschool Storytime (ages 3-5), 10:30-11:15 a.m.
May 4, 18: Great Books Discussion Group, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
May 5: STEAM Scene (ages 6-12), 4:30-5:30 p.m.
May 5, 12, 19, 26: Spring Book Babies (ages 0-2), 11:15 a.m.-12 p.m.
May 6: Piece Seekers, 6-7:30 p.m.
May 7: Ruth’s Mystery Discussion Group, 10:15 a.m.-12 p.m.
May 7: Musical Mornings (ages 2-5), 10:30-11 a.m.
May 7: Mother’s Day Tea Party (ages 3 and older), 4:30-5:30 p.m.
May 8: Tumble Tots (ages 0-3), 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
May 9: Teen Craft Kits (ages 13-17)
May 9: Community Puzzle Swap, 12-1:30 p.m.
May 12: Shelf Love, 6-7 p.m.
May 12: Tales for Tails (ages 6-12), 6:30-7:30 p.m.
May 13: Brush Hour Art Club (ages 12 and older), 4:30-5:30 p.m.
May 14: Toddler Time (ages 2-3), 10:30-11 a.m.
May 14: Spring-O!, 5-6 p.m.
May 15, 29: Block Party (ages 0-3), 10:30-11:30 a.m.
May 17: Cultural Series—Traveling Through Time, 3-4:30 p.m.
May 19: Toy Story Party (ages 3 and older), 5-6 p.m.
May 21: Movers and Groovers (ages 2-5), 10:30-11 a.m.
May 21: Kid Builders (ages 3 and older), 4:30-5:30 p.m.
May 22: Teddy Bear Picnic, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
May 26: Junior Scientists (ages 5 and older), 5-6 p.m.
May 28: STEM Sort & Match with Spring Sensory Bins (ages 2-5), 10:30-11:30 a.m.
May 30: Crafty Crafters, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Palmyra Public Library
50 Landings Dr., Annville
717-838-1347; palmyra.lclibs.org

May 4: Genealogy Group, 10-11 a.m.
May 6, 13, 20: Smart Start Storytime, 12:15-1:15 p.m.
May 6, 13, 20, 27: Strength & Stretching 50+, 10-11 a.m.
May 11: Book Club, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
May 21: Debut Author Book Club at Book Bar, Palmyra, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
May 25: BYO Craft Nights (adults 18 and older), 4:30-6:45 p.m.

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

May 1, 15: Hero’s Journey (RPG-Based Personal Growth), 6-8 p.m.
May 4: Crystal Bowl Sound Immersion, 6-7 p.m.
May 9: I Feel Fabulous Self Care Retreat, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
May 18: Central Pennsylvania Psychedelic Society Integration Circle, 6:30-8 p.m.
May 28: Manage Pain with EFT, 7-8:30 p.m.

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

May 1: How the Hubble Telescope Changed Our View of the Universe, 10 a.m.
May 5: American Troubadour: The Life and Music of Stephen Foster, 10 a.m.
May 7: PA State Archives Tour, 9:20 a.m.
May 8: Sex Trafficking in Our Community, 10 a.m.
May 11: What You Don’t Know About Elephants, 1 p.m.
May 13: Buddhist Philosophy and Practice in Everyday Life, 1 p.m.
May 15: Building a Community of Conscience During Challenging Times, 10 a.m.
May 18: Genealogy Resources: Family Search Research Wiki, 1 p.m.

Perry County Council of the Arts
Landis House, 67 N. 4th St., Newport
717-567-7023; perrycountyarts.org

May 13: Gnomes or Sea Turtles Mosaic Workshop, 6-8 p.m.

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

May 1: Storytime, 10:30-11 a.m..
May 8: Curiosity Kids—Build It!, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
May 8: Virtual Program—Geohazards Demystified, 12:15-12:45 p.m.
May 16: Storytime, 11-11:30 a.m.
May 16, 24: Mammals of PA, 1-3 p.m.
May 17: Moving Pictures—Preserving Silk from the Revolutionary War and Beyond, 2-3 p.m.
May 22: Curiosity Kids—Wild Canines of PA, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 a.m.

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

May 8: Glass Jewelry with Demetra, 6-8 p.m.
May 9: Mommy & Me Kids on the Wheel, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
May 15: Hand Built Mugs, 6-7:30 p.m.
May 22: Dirty Date Night on the Wheel, 7-9 p.m.
May 23: Hand Built Clay Butterfly Puddlers, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
May 23: Resin Beginner Basics with Lorraine, 1-3 p.m.
May 30: Sourdough Basics with Smoker Sourdough, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

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

May 5: Wild Recipes—Spring Foraging in Your Backyard, 6-7:30 p.m.
May 5, 12, 19, 26: Weekly Wellness Walks, 1-2:30 p.m.
May 9: Wild About Dogs!, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
May 14: Shiitake Mushroom Log Workshop, 6-8 p.m.
May 16: Into to Wildlife Photography for Adults, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
May 16: Into to Wildlife Photography for Youth (ages 10-15), 1-2:30 p.m.
May 17: Kids Discover—Insects (ages 5-10), 1-3 p.m.
May 18: Walk with a Doc, 6-7 p.m.
May 21: Seasonal Garden Walks, 9:30-11 a.m.
May 24: Flower Walk—Jack in the Pulpits and Other Showy Spring Flowers, 10-11:30 a.m.
May 30: String Art Workshop, 10-11:30 a.m.
May 31: Junior Girl Scouts—Flowers, 1-3:30 p.m.

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

May 8: Blood Drive, 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
May 9: Dinosaur Expedition Adventure: Unearth a Story, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
May 14: Try-it Yoga, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Live Music

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

May 8: Leonid & Friends
May 9: Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone w/Chris Ruggiero
May 10: Take Me Home—The Music of John Denver starring Jim Curry
May 14: Gary Allan, Mark Mackay
May 17: Dick Fox’s Golden Boys starring Frankie Avalon and Fabian w/Tommy Cono Tributing Bobby Rydell
May 20: Brothers of the Heart
May 29: Lee Brice
May 30: Lou Gramm—The Voice of Foreigner

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

May 1: Pressing Strings, Widely Grown
May 7, 14, 21, 28: Open Mic
May 8: Sicard Hollow, West Branch 3
May 9: Kendall Street Company, Screamin’ Egrets
May 10 Emerson Woolf & the Wishbones w/ The Wild Hymns
May 29: DJ Brownie and Friends, Funkbot
May 30: Roux, Spotus

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

May 1: Jazz in the City
May 14: Asleep at the Wheel
May 15: The Lone Bellow
May 16: York Symphony’s Carmina Burana
May 31: Darlingside

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

May 3: French Choral Masterworks

Blues Society of Central PA
bscpblues.com

May 7, 14, 21, 28: Blues Society Jams at Champions Sports Bar, Highspire

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

May 22: SLG Jazz Trio
May 27: Open Mic Night

Cadence (formerly Central Pennsylvania Womyn’s Chorus)
cadencechorus.org

May 16: “Music Makes Us Soar” free concert at Colonial Park United Church of Christ (CPUCC)
May 17: “Music Makes Us Soar” free concert at West Shore Theatre

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

May 1: Wretched Tongues
May 2: Babes Against The Machine
May 3: Unwithered
May 5: Demon Hunter
May 7: Mal Blum
May 8: Arankai
May 9: Dropout Kings
May 13: Fozzy
May 14: Saintseneca
May 19: Distant
May 20: To Violently Vomit
May 21: All That Remains
May 23: Waka Flocka Flame
May 24: A Bloodbath In Boston
May 25: Unmerciful
May 26: Local H
May 30: Fit For a King
May 31: Anberlin

The Englewood
1219 West End Ave., Hummelstown
717-256-9480; englewoodhershey.com

May 1: Damn the Torpedoes
May 15: Hockersville Station
May 23: Shea Quinn w/special guests

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

May 4: Harrisburg Symphony Youth Orchestra, Junior Youth String Orchestra, Elementary String Orchestra
May 7: Young Persons’ Concert
May 9-10: Orion Weiss plays Tchaikovsky

Hershey Theatre
15 E. Caracas Ave., Hershey
717-534-3405; hersheyentertainment.com/hershey-theatre

May 5: Hershey Symphony presents “Czech, Please!”
May 8: Melissa Etheridge
May 9: America
May 27: Jason Mraz

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

May 16: Halestorm
May 23: Brad Paisley

Keystone Concert Band
145 E. Main St., First Floor, Mechanicsburg
717-329-7541; keystoneconcertband.com

May 2: Concert at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

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

May 20: Foghat & Nazareth
May 30: Yacht Rock Gold Experience

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

May 2: Messiah University Guitar Ensemble
May 2: Messiah University United Voices of Praise
May 2: Messiah University Percussion Ensemble

Susquehanna Chorale
One College Ave., Mechanicsburg
717-533-7859; susquehannachorale.org

May 15: My Favorite Things concert at Derry Presbyterian Church, Hershey
May 16: My Favorite Things concert at St. James Episcopal Church, Lancaster
May 17: My Favorite Things concert at Market Square Presbyterian Church, Harrisburg

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

May 8: The Kennedys
May 11: Mama’s Broke

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

May 1: Gillian Smith
May 2: Real Diamond Tribute to Neil Diamond
May 3: Voices of the Valley presents “Of Thee I Sing”
May 8: The Uptown Band
May 9: A Night of Bruce Springsteen
May 10: Jeff Krick Jr. presents Mother’s Day with Elvis
May 14: The Furious Bongos—Frank Zappa Tribute
May 15: Tony Sands and Whitney Grace perform Frank Sintra and Liza Minelli
May 16: Crossfire Hurricane—Rolling Stones Tribute

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

May 1: Pigeons Playing PingPong, Space Bacon
May 2: Pigeons Playing PingPong, Big Blitz
May 3: Nonpoint, Soil & Sumo Cyco
May 5: Silversun Pickups
May 8: Go Go Gadjet
May 9: Jimmie’s Chicken Shack
May 12: Sevendust, Atreyu, Fire From the Gods, American Adrenalin
May 15: The Legwarmers—The Ultimate 80s Tribute Band
May 20: Violent Vira, Scarlet House
May 21: Christone Kingfish Ingram
May 23: Buckethead
May 24: Highly Suspect, Dead Poet Society
May 29: Splintered Sunlight
May 30: The 502s

The Stage Door

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

May 1: “STOMP”
May 27: Blippi—Be Like Blippi Tour

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

May 2: Billy Gardell
May 14: The Outlet—Music & Poetry Open Mic
May 30: “Girls Gone Bible”

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

May 1-2: “The Bar Stools—The Game of Groans”

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

May 14: “The Taming of the Shrew”

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

May 1-10: “Oklahoma!”
May 22-June 22: “All Shook Up”

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

May 9: Mount Gretna International Film Festival: Short & Sweet Film Screening

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

May 6-23: Popcorn Hat Players present “Aesop’s Fables”
May 22: TMI Improv

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

May 1-3: “Alice in Wonderland”
May 22-24: “The Mad Tea Party”

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

May 8, 9: Jody Kerns and Glen Jensen
May 15, 16: Raymond the Amish Comic
May 29, 30: Jim Florentine May 31: Jamie Lissow

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

May 1: Free Improv Mixer, Lil’ Stinkers, Neighborhood Gossip, Am I the Assshow?, Who’s There?, On the Record—An Improv Talk Show
May 2: Free Improv Mixer, Solo Sleepover, The Next Leaver, Big Business LLC, Homie-Sexual
May 8: Level 1 Class Graduation Show, LoS CoMpLiCaDoS, We’re Here Tho, Offbeats, Unger & Williford, Neighborhood Stinkers
May 9: Level 1 Class Graduation Show, 8-Bit Players, Mystique, Rockstar Improv
May 15: Free Improv Mixer, Girl’s Trip, Four of Hearts, Lizzy McChoir, Awkward Timing
May 16: Free Improv Mixer, Ham Juice, US—Unshushed Sisters, Barbra, Introduce a Self
May 22: Free Improv Mixer, Team Z, Spice Crones, We’re Here Tho, Bad Date, Bad Therapy
May 23: Free Improv Mixer, All Over the Place, Elderprov, Opening Night, Get to the Point!, Grandy
May 29: Teenprov Class Show

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

May 28-June 7: “Seussical”

Hershey Theatre
15 E. Caracas Ave., Hershey
717-534-3405; hersheyentertainment.com/hershey-theatre

May 7: “Bat Out of Hell The Musical”
May 17: 2026 Hershey Theatre Apollo Awards

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

May 1-10: “RENT”

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

May 1-3: “Josie and Grace—A Mostly Historical Cabaret Dream Play”

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

May 23: Pennsylvania Regional Ballet Encore Spring Gala Performance

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

May 9: EFF Live!
May 23-June 13: “The Boys in the Band”

Oyster Mill Playhouse
1001 Oyster Mill Road, Camp Hill
717-737-6768; oystermill.com

May 8-24: “Sabrina Fair”

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

May 1-10: “Godspell”
May 30, 31: “Follies” in concert w/Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra

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

May 5: Luis Elizondo

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Five Ways to Save on Prescription Drugs

April 29, 2026 | by Gary Petruzzelli

Gary Petruzzelli

For many people, the pharmacy counter can feel like a guessing game.

With prices varying widely depending on the drug, pharmacy and whether you use insurance or a discount program, finding the best deal isn’t always straightforward.

But there are practical ways to bring those costs down. Here are five strategies that can help you save throughout the year—and how to navigate the sometimes‑confusing choice between coupons, discount cards and your health insurance.

1. Discount cards vs. insurance

Prescription discount cards and manufacturer coupons can sometimes beat your insurance price at the register. These programs access negotiated cash‑pay rates that may be lower than the copay with your health insurance plan.

But here’s the tradeoff: When you use a coupon or discount card, the pharmacy typically processes your prescription outside your insurance. That means the money you spend usually does not count toward your deductible or out‑of‑pocket maximum.

That can be fine if you don’t expect to meet your deductible—or if you simply need the lowest price that day. But if you’re actively working toward meeting your deductible by the end of the year, using your insurance may be the better long‑term value even if the upfront cost is higher.

In most cases, once you meet your deductible, your insurance plan will start paying for more on your medical and prescription drug costs

It’s also worth noting that prescriptions filled using discount cards usually aren’t shared with your health insurer. When all your prescriptions are tracked in one place, it’s easier for pharmacists and care teams to spot medications that might not be safe to take together or could cause side effects.

2. Tools that automatically help you find savings

Some health insurers have tools that automatically compare your insurance price with available discount prices at the pharmacy counter. When you fill a prescription using your insurance information, the system may check multiple pricing options behind the scenes and apply the lowest available price.

If the medication is processed through your health insurance plan, the amount you pay may still apply to your deductible and out-of-pocket maximum (depending on your coverage and the pharmacy’s billing).

This removes much of the guesswork and can help you avoid juggling multiple discount programs.

It also gives pharmacists at your health insurer a complete picture of your medications, which helps them ensure you’re receiving coverage for safe and appropriate care.

3. Ask about generic alternatives

Regardless of how you pay for it, one of the easiest ways to lower your prescription costs is to ask your doctor or pharmacist whether a generic version is available.

Generics contain the same active ingredients and offer the same clinical benefits as brand‑name medications but are often a fraction of the price. When a generic exists, switching can immediately reduce what you pay.

4. Explore reputable low‑cost online pharmacies

Online pharmacies may be an option for people looking to save. One reputable example is the Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company, which sells many generics at transparent pricing based on manufacturing cost plus a small markup.

Depending on the medication and your coverage, it may be worth checking whether an online pharmacy offers a lower cash price than your local pharmacy. This can be especially helpful for long-term maintenance medications or drugs that aren’t fully covered by insurance.

5. Compare prices across pharmacies

It may come as a surprise, but retail pharmacy prices for the exact same medication can vary significantly. This is especially true for generics, where pricing isn’t as tightly standardized.

Checking prices at different pharmacies—either online or by calling ahead—can reveal meaningful savings. Even within the same town, cash prices may differ by tens of dollars or more.

The Bottom Line

Coupons, discount cards, insurance benefits and online pharmacies can all help lower prescription costs—but each works differently, and the final price can vary from one medication to the next. Understanding how these work can help you save.

Gary Petruzzelli is vice president of Pharmacy Strategy & Services at Capital Blue Cross. Learn more at www.capitalbluecross.com. This is sponsored content.

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Community Corner: Notable May Events

April 29, 2026 | by Missy Smith

Spring Concerts
May 1, 3: Hershey Community Chorus presents its spring concert, “Songs of the American Revolution,” May 1 at 7 p.m. at Hershey Story Museum, 62 W. Chocolate Ave., and May 3 at 3 p.m. at Hershey Free Church, 330 Hilltop Rd., Hummelstown. www.hersheycommunitychorus.org

Bike Month
May 1-31: Celebrate National Bike Month with cycling events around the Harrisburg area. Activities include the International Ride of Silence, social and mountain bike rides, free repair sessions and the Tour de Belt. www.bicyclesouthcentralpa.org

Full Moon Floats
May 1, 31: Susquehanna Outfitters, 333 S. Front St., Wormleysburg, will guide full-moon adventures on the Susquehanna River, 7 to 10 p.m. Event includes a shuttle, snacks and gear. www.susquehannaoutfitters.com

Jewelry Showcase
May 2: Gallery-boutique Meeka Fine Jewelry, 2135 Market St., Camp Hill, will host a Mother’s Day open house with an exhibition of handcrafted pieces by artisans from all over the country, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Refreshments and unique gemstones. www.meekajewelry.com

Derby Day
May 2: Watch the Run for the Roses and enjoy Kentucky Derby cuisine, cocktails and camaraderie at Greystone Public House, 2120 Colonial Rd., Harrisburg, 2:30 p.m. Proceeds benefit veterans overcoming homelessness. greystonederby.com

Run for Restoration
May 2: Participate in the annual Run for Restoration 5K at the Carousel Pavilion on City Island, Harrisburg. Check-in begins at 8 a.m. and the race starts at 9 a.m. to support survivors of human trafficking. www.greenlightoperation.org

Floral Workshop
May 2: Youth ages 5-14 can create a container of flowers and herbs, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., at Penn State Extension office, 310 Allen Rd., Carlisle. Learn about plant care and create decorations and cards. www.extension.psu.edu

Spring Fest
May 2: Celebrate the season at Spring Fest, overlooking the Susquehanna Valley at The Winery at Hunters Valley, Liverpool, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Event includes a local vendor market, live music and food truck. www.huntersvalleywines.com

Derby Party
May 2: Join the Kentucky Derby Watch Party, 4 to 8 p.m., at Scottish Rite Cathedral, 2701 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg. Guests are encouraged to wear derby attire for a chance to win prizes. Enjoy mint juleps and view the race on a giant screen. www.valleyofharrisburg.org

Centennial Concert
May 2: Enjoy a free concert with recording artists Anita and Brent Stapleton at Mechanicsburg Church of the Brethren, 301 Gale St., Mechanicsburg, 7 p.m. Performance kicks off centennial weekend for the church. www.mcob.org

Pottery Sale
May 2, 9: Visit the Menkis Works Pottery, 2401 Arcona Rd., Mechanicsburg, for a sale and open studio, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Explore hundreds of pots, visit with artisans, have fun at a kids’ clay table and more. www.menkisworks.com

March for Babies
May 3: Join the 5th Annual Central PA March for Babies on City Island, Harrisburg. Registration begins at 9 a.m., and the walk starts at 10:30 a.m. Event supports the health of moms and babies. www.marchforbabies.org

Garden Faire
May 3: Fort Hunter Mansion and Park, Harrisburg, kicks off festival season with its Garden Faire, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free event includes garden chats, live music, mansion tours and a Maypole dance. www.forthunter.org

Peace Gathering
May 3, 10, 17, 31: Intertwined hosts Peace Out(doors) on City Island, Harrisburg, 5 to 6 p.m. Participants meet in the tree grove across from the train depot to share sacred readings and silence. www.intertwinedfc.org

Church Tours
May 6, 9: Explore the historic Bindnagle Lutheran Church, 801 Gravel Hill Rd., Palmyra, and its grounds during public tours, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 6 and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 9. www.palmyra.lclibs.org

Toast to Mothers
May 7: Tri County Community Action hosts the second annual Mothers & Families Brunch and Silent Auction, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., West Shore Country Club, Camp Hill. Event includes brunch, a silent auction, services or one-of-a-kind items. www.cactricounty.org

Mothers’ Tea
May 7: Celebrate mothers and caregivers during a special tea party, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., at New Cumberland Library, 1 Benjamin Plaza. Open to children ages 3 and older, attendees can enjoy iced tea, juice and snacks while participating in a story time and a craft activity. www.newcumberlandlibrary.org

Golf Outing
May 8: Support Wildheart at the Swing for The Hill golf outing at Dauphin Highlands Golf Course, Harrisburg, to support rebuilding efforts in Allison Hill. Registration opens at 7:30 a.m. with an 8:30 a.m. tee time. Entry fee includes golf, snacks, drinks and lunch. www.wildheart.org

Contra Dance
May 8: 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 at 7:30 p.m. www.harrisburgcontra.org

Plant Sale
May 9: Gettysburg Garden Club holds its spring plant sale at Gettysburg Fire Dept., 35 N. Stratton St., 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Shop a selection of perennials, herbs and Mother’s Day arrangements. Proceeds support the club’s beautification and horticultural projects. www.gettysburggardenclub.com

Hunger Run
May 9: Join the 11th Annual Hummelstown Hunger Run at Schaffner Park, Hummelstown, 10 a.m. Registration opens at 8:30 a.m. Proceeds benefit Hummelstown Food Pantry. www.hummelstownfoodpantry.org/run

Native Plant Sale
May 9: Wild Ones South Central PA hosts a native plant sale, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Diakon Wilderness Greenhouse, 571 Mountain Rd., Boiling Springs. Members will help shoppers select native plants for gardens and patios. www.wildones.org

Hershey Artfest
May 9: Hershey History Center hosts the 21st annual Hershey Artfest, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at The Englewood, 1219 W. End Ave., Hummelstown. Americana-themed festival features regional artists, live music and children’s activities. www.hersheyhistory.org

Self-Care
May 9: Panacea Healing Arts, 6 Tristan Ct., Dillsburg, offers a self-care workshop, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Learn how to create essential oil blends and practice mindfulness. Retreat includes lunch and concludes with a sound immersion session. www.panaceahealingarts.com

Free for Moms
May 9-10: To celebrate Mother’s Day, moms can enjoy Hershey Gardens, 170 Hotel Rd., for free, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Sunday, see a variety of rhododendrons and azaleas from the Mason Dixon Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society. www.hersheystory.org

Independence Talk
May 11: Historian Robert P. Watson discusses his book, “Declaration: The Story of America’s Independence,” at Hershey History Center, 40 Northeast Dr., 6 to 7:30 p.m. Author will sign book copies. www.hersheyhistory.org

Preservation Celebration
May 14: Join Historic Harrisburg Association for the 2026 Preservation Awards and reception at Whitaker Center, Harrisburg, 6 to 9 p.m. Event honors the local architectural contributions of the Alexander family and includes hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction. www.historicharrisburg.org

Civics Bee
May 15: Harrisburg Regional Chamber and CREDC hosts a civics competition for middle school students at Whitaker Center, Harrisburg, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Students will exhibit knowledge of community involvement for a chance to win cash prizes. Finalists advance to the state competition. www.harrisburgchamber.org

3rd in The Burg
May 15: 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

Tattoo Punks
May 15-17: Tattoo culture and punk music collide at Capital City Music Hall, 234 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg. Event features 30 international tattoo artists and three nights of live punk and rock performances. www.tattoopunks.com

Plant Fest
May 16: Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Cumberland County will hold an annual Plant Fest and Sale, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Cumberland County Service Center, 310 Allen Rd., Carlisle. www.extension.psu.edu/cumberland-county

Shipoke Flea
May 16: The Shipoke Neighborhood Association hosts its annual Shipoke Flea, a traditional community flea market. Event takes place on 500- to 800-blocks of S. Front Street, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. www.shipoke.org.

Cleanup Event
May 16: Wildheart Ministries will host a Love the Hill cleanup event, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Volunteers will pick up trash, do basic landscaping, help with dumpsite removal or plant flowers. www.lovethehillpa.com

Canal Day
May 16: Celebrate the oldest existing U.S. transportation tunnel at Union Canal Tunnel Park, 25th St. and Union Canal Dr., Lebanon, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Event features food trucks, vendors, entertainment, kids’ activities and more. www.unioncanaltunnelpark.org

Service Dogs
May 16: Susquehanna Service Dogs hosts an open house at 1078 Gravel Hill Rd., Grantville, 1 to 4 p.m., to explore the training center, watch trainers work with dogs and learn about volunteering. Event includes food trucks, kids’ activities and information sessions. www.susquehannaservicedogs.org

Dance Night
May 17: Dance enthusiasts are invited to join Harrisburg USA Dance Chapter #3009 for a Country 2-Step lesson at 2 p.m., followed by social dancing at PA DanceSport, 585 E. Main St., Hummelstown. Facebook: USA Dance Chapter #3009 – Harrisburg Area PA

Red Luncheon
May 21: Join a community effort to fight heart disease at the South Central Pennsylvania Go Red for Women Luncheon, 12 to 3 p.m. at The Hotel Hershey, 100 Hotel Rd. Event focuses on empowering women regarding heart health. www.heart.org

Art Battle
May 21: Watch a live painting competition at Belmont Theatre, 27 Schulze Dr., York. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. as artists create original works in timed rounds while the audience watches. Attendees vote for their favorite painters and participate in an artist auction. www.thebelmont.org

Memorial Observance
May 23: Join the Pennsylvania Reserve Volunteer Corps Historical Society at Filey’s Cemetery, 19 S. Fileys Rd., Dillsburg, to dedicate a military headstone for Civil War veteran Jackson Martin at 11 a.m. Event includes remarks and music. www.jacksonmartin.prvchs.org

Celebrate America
May 23: Gettysburg Choral Society presents a free concert commemorating America’s 250th anniversary at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 127 York St., Hanover, 3 p.m. Performance features sacred selections and a musical salute to veterans. www.gettysburgchoralsociety.org

Artsfest
May 23-25: The 58th annual Artsfest features 170-plus juried artists and artisans gathered along Riverfront Park, Harrisburg. The holiday weekend festival also features HBGFest, Kidsfest, entertainment, food trucks and more. www.harrisburgpa.gov

Blues Picnic
May 24: Blues Society will hold its annual picnic at the Mechanicsburg Club Picnic Grounds, 199 Glendale Dr., Mechanicsburg. Event features live music and community festivities, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. www.bscpblues.com

Folk Artists
May 30: Susquehanna Folk Music Society’s community gathering for traditional arts will be held at Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Artists can network and share resources during the first session, followed by a public showcase. www.sfmsfolk.org

Centennial Celebration
May 30-31: Celebrate Theatre Harrisburg’s 100th anniversary with special productions of “Follies” at the Forum in Harrisburg, in conjunction with the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra. Performances are May 30 at 7:30 p.m. and May 31 at 2 p.m. On May 31, the celebration continues with an anniversary gala at the Willows at Ashcombe Mansion at 4:30 p.m. www.theatreharrisburg.com

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1. Discount cards vs. insurance

2. Tools that automatically help you find savings

3. Ask about generic alternatives

4. Explore reputable low‑cost online pharmacies

5. Compare prices across pharmacies

The Bottom Line

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