“So Beautiful:” A look behind the curtain of Harrisburg High’s revived theater program, helping students find their voice and a place to fit in

February 26, 2026 | by Maddie Gittens

Jorday Johnson Strawbridge

Vocal warmups began promptly at 3:30 p.m. with the typical do-re-mis mixed with humming and buzzing exercises.

All 16 or so pairs of eyes were on director Jacob Trimble-Waddell as he led the group, students occasionally turning to whisper to a friend.

The teacher began a more complicated string of notes. A pair of girls near the front giggled, breaking the coolness on stage, when the group struggled to find the right high note.

By the time warmups were over and the group transitioned into practicing songs, the teens loosened up, shook off the weariness of the school day.

“Today I’m a lot more goofy than I usually am,” said Jorday Johnson Strawbridge.

Jorday, a 10th grader, decided to go out for Harrisburg High School’s musical this year, at first, not knowing anyone else in the group.

In high school world, frankly, adult world too, that takes guts—nerve that it took her a little time to work up to.

“I was too scared last year,” she admitted. But said that, “I still don’t know what I want to do with the rest of my life, so I wanted to see what it’s like being on stage.”

This year’s musical, coming up at the end of March, is only the second one for the high school in about 25 years. New to Harrisburg’s school board at the time, Autumn Anderson said she was shocked to learn that there was no theater program for students before now.

“I was totally on board to support it,” Anderson said of the plan to bring the program back. “Our district kids really deserve a lot of opportunities and options for them to build their creativity.”

While some students joined the club last year to try something new, then-freshman Ariana White might as well have been waiting her whole life for this moment.

“This club popping off was like, ‘Oh, finally I can do an extracurricular,’” she said. “I’ve been interested in musical theater since elementary school.”

Ariana White

Ninth grader Ariana secured the lead role in the 2025 musical “Mean Girls Jr.” “It was like my debut,” she said.

In this year’s “Once on This Island,” Ariana is playing “the goddess of life,” a role that she described as “written for me.” The spunky student knows she’s a life-of-the-party type. This year, she was chosen as theater president and talked about the ninth graders, just a year below her, like a mother talking about her children.

“I love seeing me in them,” she said, calling them “my babies.” “I’m like, ‘I did that last year.’”

New Chapter

The theater club owns the John Harris High School auditorium for Tuesday and Thursday night rehearsals during musical prep weeks. And while the actors and singers practice on stage, the tech team runs things at the back of the large room, sometimes popping up front to joke with a friend on stage.

“It’s fun being back there because I can threaten to turn off their mics,” senior Elisha Garrett, head of audio and visual, said with a smirk.

While Elisha said he was “dragged here tooth and nail” by a friend to join the musical last year, he admitted he’s come to enjoy it and has even made friends.

“At first, it was just because I wanted something to do after school, but then it became interesting,” he said, calling the atmosphere, in typical teen fashion, an “overall great vibe.”

Program director Trimble-Waddell, like the musical club, is new to the school district—a recent college grad hired to teach music for the district. As part of the hiring process, the district expressed its desire that he revive theater in the high school.

Jacob Trimble-Waddell

“I wanted to go to a school district that had a need post-COVID to have some part of their program, music-wise, be rebuilt,” he said.

Since then, Trimble-Waddell has been working to do that, while intentionally making it a safe and welcoming space for everyone.

“There have been so many kids that have joined that there is no other outlet for them,” he said. “Having a space where they can be accepted and welcomed, just having that space does a lot to earn their trust.”

Of course, there’s drama—it’s high school, and it’s drama club. But Trimble-Waddell and the students take it in stride, working on healthy emotional expression and using acting to explore feelings.

This year’s musical, “Once on This Island,” gives them plenty of opportunities to practice that, as it deals with pretty heavy themes of grief, heartbreak, classism and racism.

The musical is a coming-of-age story, set in the Caribbean, of a peasant girl who falls in love with a wealthy boy. Think “The Little Mermaid,” with different twists.

Trimble-Waddell works through the themes with the students, helping them process and relate them to their lives.

Day’nija Andrews

Day’nija Andrews, a senior, is the lead in this year’s show, playing Ti Moune. She’s new to the musical club, but has quickly fallen in love with the music, especially the song “Mama Will Provide.”

The song starts with:

“But on this island the Earth sings
As soon as the storm ends
And as Ti Moune set out
She realized she was walking with old friends
The birds
The trees
The frogs
And the breezes

Ti Moune lost all her fears
She knew Asaka was near her

You’ve never been away from the sea, child
You’re gonna need a helping hand
A fish has got to learn to swim on land”

“It’s about waiting for life to begin. I relate to that,” Day’nija said, referencing her impending high school graduation this year. “It’s a whole new chapter of life. So, I’m scared, but happy to see what happens.”

Theater Kid

Theater President Ariana is always recruiting for the musical.

“Let me count,” she said, turning toward the stage, when asked how many students she got to join this year.

The count came to four, one of whom is a boy, who are often harder to recruit and only make up a small part of the full group.

Trimble-Waddell is often trying to entice kids to join as well.

“Anytime we heard a kid singing in the hallway, we’ll say, ‘Hey, join the musical,’” he said.

One girl was always showing up to school in style. Now, she’s the costume designer for the club. Elisha was another recruit based on his experience helping with sound at his church.

Elisha Garrett

Ariana talks about the musical “literally everywhere,” as the self-proclaimed spokesperson for the program.

“This has shown us her dedication,” said Ariana’s dad, Tim White, who “cried like a baby” during Ariana’s performance last year. “I don’t think she has missed a practice. It’s been very good to see her put her heart and soul into something and be so passionate about it.”

Ariana is proud to be a theater kid.

“This is my second home,” she said.

She knows that theater isn’t always as popular as, say, sports, but said that she doesn’t think her peers see musical kids as “nerdy,” but more of a “cool-weird.”

Jorday embraces it too.

“It’s fun being a theater kid,” Jorday said. “I’ve never [been able to say] that before, so it’s fun.”

Even Elisha, who said that the only musical he had ever heard of before joining the club was “Hamilton,” said that he’s been getting into the music.

He said he has grown in other ways too, like in his leadership skills. Elisha is currently training some younger students on tech to fill his shoes when he graduates this year.

“He’s getting not only the skills of the trade, but also the leadership skills,” Trimble-Waddell said.

Through the program, Trimble-Waddell also sees students being exposed to potential career paths that they may not have known about, especially arts-focused ones.

In the future, he’s hoping to add a pit orchestra to the musicals and further connections with local, city-based theaters as well.

“A big goal for this year and next year is to take these skills that these students learn, that most of them have never done up until now, and say, ‘Hey, these are all the real-life connections. This is actually a job you can go and do,’” Trimble-Waddell said.

District Superintendent Benjamin Henry has been impressed with the program and said that they’ve started introducing theater to the middle schools as well, hoping to “give the kids more opportunities to be exposed to the arts.”

School board member Anderson said that she was blown away by last year’s musical and can’t wait to see this year’s.

Ball-of-energy Ariana, unsurprisingly, is also excited, saying that the group of students has built even deeper bonds this year.

“It’s so beautiful,” she said. “I’m getting to live my dream.”

Harrisburg High School will perform “Once on This Island” on March 27, 28 and 29 at the John Harris campus at 2451 Market St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.hbgsd.us.

“Once on This Island” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com.

Photos by Dani Fresh.

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Leaning In: A local commission hands women the microphone

February 26, 2026 | by Jolie Kramer

CCCW at the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC’s Catalyst Awards

When the Cumberland County Commission for Women (CCCW) accepted a major regional award, Chair Brianda Freistat stepped up to the mic to share a powerful observation.

“When women hold the microphone, the room leans in,” Freistat said in her acceptance speech. “When women lead policy conversations, the agenda changes.”

That shift is already underway in Cumberland County, thanks to this group of 25 women bringing long-overlooked issues affecting women into the light.

The commission’s mission is simple: to make the county a better place for women and girls. The group works in partnership with County Commissioner Kelly Neiderer and includes professionals from across the county, from New Cumberland to Boiling Springs to Newville, representing a wide variety of ages, backgrounds and life experiences.

The organization was established in 1999 but only recently transformed into an active force for change. Lately, the commission has focused on recruiting community members and setting strategic, attainable goals.

“We used to have less than 15 spots,” said Freistat, a lobbyist and consultant from New Cumberland who has chaired the group for the past 1½ years. “Now, we’re up to 25, and we have a waitlist to get in.”

That waitlist is a testament to CCCW’s growing visibility, which reached new heights when the group was honored as “Government Leader of the Year” at the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC’s annual Catalyst Awards in December.

“We were honored and humbled, to be quite honest,” said Freistat. “We are all volunteers. We do this in our evenings and when we can throughout our workdays. For an organization like CREDC to realize community happens when people step up outside of their day to day, that’s humbling.”

The recognition came as the commission was wrapping up a major initiative addressing the county’s childcare crisis.

Cumberland County is the fastest-growing county in Pennsylvania, but, while it has added necessities like grocery stores and hospitals, it hasn’t added nearly enough childcare providers to serve the increasing number of working families. The shortage affects the whole family unit, but the burden often falls disproportionately on women.

“They’re the ones who leave the workforce,” said Vice Chair Becca Zelner. “They’re the ones who have to find different childcare when daycare is closed, when the child is sick. At the doctor’s appointment, who takes them? Mom.”

The group hosted two town halls on childcare—the first to identify the crisis and the second to explore how the business community can help address it. Recently, they released a comprehensive report proposing a private-public partnership model to increase childcare capacity across the county. Working with CREDC, the local chamber and York County’s ECHO (Every Child Has Opportunities), the report lays out how businesses can begin working with the community to address the gap.

Showing Up

While the childcare crisis brought CCCW into the spotlight, it’s far from their only issue. The commission addresses a variety of challenges women face in different circumstances and stages of their lives.

“The goal is really to advocate on issues that are important to us and are therefore important to other women in Cumberland County,” Freistat said.

Throughout the year, the commission hosts events that address these various issues. Recent initiatives have included healthcare and wellness fairs focusing on women-specific health needs. At their latest fair, vendors specializing in women’s health sparked conversations about topics often overlooked in traditional healthcare settings, including perimenopause, which is “wildly understudied and undertreated,” according to Freistat.

“Women have different health needs and require different health specialties,” she said.

The commission is also exploring programs around financial literacy for women, recognizing that money management is another topic that often isn’t discussed as openly as it should be.

Beyond healthcare, the commission has tackled housing issues, connecting women with resources on affordable housing and shelter programs. They’ve addressed navigating complex county systems, such as filing for divorce and understanding available support services.

The commission also shows up intentionally at community events, from domestic violence vigils to breast cancer walks to a “Healing through the Arts” event. Women approach CCCW’s table to share their stories and gratitude, and some join the group.

“It’s our simple presence [at events] and them knowing what we do that had an impact on them,” said Tiesha Laryea, CCCW’s communications chair. “That’s why I think this work is important.”

Looking Ahead

The commission has a range of events and initiatives in the works.

For International Women’s Day on March 8, CCCW will collect menstrual products from locations across the county and create care packages.

“If you can imagine for a second, your family is on hard times, maybe you’re 12 or 13 in school, and you’re too embarrassed to go to the nurse or afraid to ask for support,” Freistat said. “We don’t even want her to have to make that choice.”

This summer, the commission will host a roundtable discussion on running for local office, designed to demystify the process and encourage more women to pursue local government positions. The event will feature women currently serving in positions such as state representative, mayor, township supervisor and school board member.

“Women are typically asked to run. Men just say, ‘I am running,’” Freistat said. “It’s one of those outdated patterns. We want to flip that script.”

The conversation will address concerns women often have to consider that men may not, such as childcare logistics and balancing family responsibilities with campaign commitments.

“We want to do the basics of ‘how do I get into government,’ from the moment of filing a petition to what type of staff you need,” Laryea said. “A lot of people who want to run don’t understand the process.”

The goal is to show women that many local positions are more attainable than they realize. And, as Freistat reminded the room at the Catalyst Awards, when women hold the microphone, people lean in. The conversation shifts, the agenda changes. In Cumberland County, that change is becoming a reality.

“Representation reinforces possibility,” said Laryea. “When women lift other women up, it signals, ‘there’s room for you here, too.’”

And judging by that waitlist, more women are ready to pull up a chair.

For more information on the Cumberland County Commission for Women, visit www.cumberlandcountypa.gov/57/Commission-for-Women. Also, follow CCCW on Facebook and LinkedIn for updates on upcoming initiatives.

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A Family Affair: Hornung’s True Value hammers home the meaning of community

February 26, 2026 | by Colin McGuire

Pat Hornung Davis holds photo of Harrisburg’s first hardware store.

Power tools. Pet supplies. Lawn and garden items. Furniture. These are merely a handful of items that one can find at Hornung’s True Value Hardware Store in the heart of downtown Harrisburg.

And while those things certainly hold value for the cadre of customers that frequent the popular business, owner Pat Hornung Davis finds an entirely different definition of value each time she steps into her shop.

“I’m in love with this,” she said. “When I walk in, in the morning, I always catch myself saying, ‘I’m home.’”

She laughed.

“I have so many stories from all these years that people get sick of hearing them,” she added. “People look at me and go, ‘Oh, no. Here she goes again.’”

Davis earned those stories to tell through the years. After her brother and mother began the business some 40 years ago, she stepped in as one of the owners five years later. From there, she wasn’t just smitten with the hardware store business, but she grew an affection for Harrisburg’s downtown community.

In fact, she fell so in love with the community that it wasn’t long until some of them became family of her own.

“I met my husband down there,” she said, referring to the 2nd Street shop. “I even met my kids down there—one little kid came into the store one day. He was 3 years old with a smile, and it melted my heart. His 4-year-old brother came in, too, and I ended up raising them from 3 and 4.”

“I was a single parent at the time,” she continued. “But I prayed for it. I prayed for two little boys to come into my life and there they were. Now, they occasionally work here.”

These days, downtown Harrisburg looks a lot different than it did 35 years ago, when Davis first found herself at the True Value helm. In her mind, the increasing desertion of the area can be attributed to two things—the COVID-19 pandemic and a perceived rise in crime.

“Every time there is a killing or a shooting, it hurts the whole community,” she said. “COVID hurt so much because thousands of people stopped working downtown and stopped having to come downtown, and that needs to stop. More people need to be down here.”

An influx of people shopping downtown would make Davis happy for reasons beyond an increase of sales—her affinity for people shines through each time she speaks. By her own admission, she loves being around them, learning from them, and most importantly, helping them.

Part of that giving nature has forced her store to spill out onto the sidewalk—literally. One of the hallmarks of her business is the plethora of items offered for sale outside the shop. The idea to expand her footprint came as a means of versatility, which is something she believes every business needs to be successful.

Still, those miscellaneous products have had their effects on the business, both for better and for (somewhat) worse.

“I hear about it every day,” she noted with a grin. “‘I’m not walking down this side of the street anymore because I can’t leave without buying something.’ I also hear, ‘Is there anything you don’t have?’ I just love it.”

At the age of 72, Davis has no plans to slow down anytime soon. She has no interest in retirement, and she insisted that the business will stay in the family for at least as long as she and her siblings are alive.

“It’s called Family True Value because we’re a family inside and outside,” she explained.

Her outside family extends far beyond the store’s downtown location. Davis was eager to explain how her business has donated $7,000 worth of paint to city schools, and during Halloween season, she provided toys for more than 1,500 kids at Reservoir Park.

It’s all a testament to the fact that she feels that her time at True Value amounts to much more than a job.

“This is a vocation so I can help people,” she asserted. “We provide essential services to downtown Harrisburg, and even if I didn’t work there tomorrow, I would find a way to help people because I enjoy people too much.”

“We have a saying here,” she added. “If we don’t have it, I’ll get it for you. And if I can’t get it for you, I’ll teach you how to live without it.”

Hornung’s True Value Hardware is located at 223 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg. For more information, call 717-234-3178.

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Spreading Wings: Local parents share tips on guiding your teen into adulthood, while letting them learn for themselves

February 26, 2026 | by Gina Napoli

Illustration by Aron Rook

Have you ever heard of the comparison between raising teenagers and butterflies?

When a butterfly emerges from its cocoon, it wriggles, like trying to escape a sleeping bag. Ripping through tender membranes from the inside takes struggle. That struggle allows their wings to grow strong, filling their intricate veins with fortifying blood. Fluid pressure builds, allowing the wings to reach their fullest size, taking shape and solidifying.

Shedding the cocoon is a process that butterflies must do independently. If someone cuts the cocoon to let the butterfly out, blood won’t flow to its wings, and it won’t grow strong enough to fly on its own.

A nun delivered this parenting allegory to an assembly of parents of rising sixth graders. In case the symbology didn’t deliver, Sister spelled it out: “If your child forgets their lunch, don’t leave work to drive fast food to the school office. Don’t do their math homework. Don’t stay up late to paint their solar system planets. Don’t email the teacher and ask for deadline extensions on book reports.” Each example made me shrink more in my seat.

“Your kids will figure things out for themselves. They might succeed, or they might fail,” Sister said. “The best thing you can do is let them handle things either way.”

Nuns are seasoned and wise, but they are not parents. When I researched to find the original author of the butterfly allegory, I found scads of licensed parenting experts and child psychologists using this same comparison. So… origins unknown. Stellar parenting advice, nonetheless.

For solid advice on bridging teenagers into young adults, I interviewed four veteran parents with grown children. All agree that letting kids fail and experience consequences is a necessary rite of passage, both for parents and teens. And most agree with parenting experts that parental oversight should become increasingly less as children grow. (My mother was my first interview volunteer. I delighted in saying, “No,” followed by, “because I said so.” Take that, Boomer.)

Wherever your parenting style lies on the sliding scale between helicopter and laissez-faire, “Most of us raise our kids the way we were raised,” said Harrisburg resident Alan Foster, father of two sons, 31 and 33. Although Foster’s own childhood was not bad, he intentionally made better parenting choices, with a lifelong dedication to “never stop learning.” Like many parents, he balanced between being involved and respecting when his sons needed space, like during failures, dating and heartbreaks.

“Giving space sometimes means being there after they make mistakes, and not gloating by saying, ‘I told you so,’” said Bill Albert, of Camp Hill, who raised a son (44) and a daughter (50). While teaching or helping young adults to find their own balance, you can offer support without enabling. For example, when Albert’s daughter moved into her first apartment and then asked him for rent money, he told her, “You’re welcome to join me for dinner at my house if you’re hungry, but now you need to pay your own bills.”

Time to Fly

There’s no magic age to remove the figurative scaffolding bolstering your children. While the average butterfly cocoons for one to two weeks, some take months or years.

“I believe I gave my daughter too much freedom, expecting her to be responsible for her actions,” Albert said, “Different story with my son. He told me he saw his sister’s mistakes. Our efforts to guide her helped him to take responsibility in his life,” developing a solid work ethic and becoming a safe driver.

If you think about any sibling set, they all grew in the same garden, but turned into different flowers. There’s no guarantee that the seeds you plant will grow the best fruit, but starting your garden on the right foot helps.

As a mother of seven children aged 23 to 33, Michelle Lingle instilled early parenting structures. A real-life Leslie Knope, Lingle presented a united parental front with her husband, formerly my pastor in Harrisburg. They installed time management systems, enforced consistent standards and healthy routines, and used chore charts to teach basic housekeeping. They chaperoned field trips, coached teams, attended holiday concerts, and served as a hub for friends and exchange students.

Depending on the child and the situation, sometimes they helicopter-parented, and sometimes they let off the gas, encouraging kids to advocate for themselves.

“I think there’s a fine line between helping and enabling your children,” Lingle said. “It’s important to meet them where they are, physically, mentally, spiritually. Some of our children had major success with minor helicoptering as they matured. Others not so much . . . they continued to make the same mistakes.”

A technique Lingle used to help her kids solve their own problems was “sounding off.” If they needed to talk about frustrations, parents made themselves available.

“We tried not to fix things for them,” Lingle said. “If they were struggling, we made suggestions. But through the process of listening to them, they often resolved their issues.”

Just before graduating high school, my daughter asked me for a comprehensive list of everything an adult should know. Specifically, what were her knowledge gaps? (In the midst of gathering advice from other parents, I started to wonder, “Where’s MY list, Mom and Dad?”) Resentment aside, I received great advice I hadn’t considered before. Handy tips surfaced, like answering a work phone, inflating a tire, and social media cleanliness (employers do look, Albert reminded). Many commonalities surfaced beyond basic survival skills, like honoring commitments, empathetically respecting others, volunteering/being globally and community-minded, and stepping outside your comfort zone.

A Harrisburg bartender with children 33 and 38 offered these basic parenting reminders, “Let them be kids. Let them be the age they are, but don’t be friends with them,” she said. “And give them unconditional love, no matter what choices they make.”

Parents, I wish you success in your own teenaged butterfly gardens.

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TFEC + TheBurg: Partners in Purpose: Amiracle Community offers space, services for the unhoused

February 26, 2026 | by Lawrance Binda

Marsha Curry and Timothy White

Last August, on a hot summer day, Amiracle Community opened in South Harrisburg, offering space to those displaced by the closure of the nearby “tent city.” The nonprofit Amiracle4Sure acquired the land to offer a place for tents, along with much better access to amenities and services. Recently, we sat down with the executive director, Marsha Curry, who runs the community with her son, Timothy, to find out how it’s going and what comes next.

TheBurg:

Please give us some background about Amiracle Community.

Marsha Curry:

Its intention is to provide housing options for a group of individuals, 100-plus individuals, who have been relocated from the encampment. So, we purchased this space with the intention of providing a space for them to call home.

TheBurg:

What motivated you to start Amiracle Community?

Marsha Curry:

I have experienced homelessness in my past. Prior to coming to Harrisburg, I was in Philadelphia, where I struggled with maintaining and sustaining housing due to a variety of reasons. With that being said, I have a heart, and for the last five years, maybe more, I have been engaged in this countywide community through the Capital Area Coalition on Homelessness. It’s a group of individuals who care for the unhoused community, provide resources and support, and so I’ve been a voice in that space as a person with lived experience. Through my interaction there, for years, we had been talking about finding an alternative to housing for those that were about to be displaced.

TheBurg:

What do you regard as the mission of Amiracle Community?

Marsha Curry:

It is to respect and value the needs of the unhoused community, to provide support and stability with dignity and respect. That’s about the gist of it.

TheBurg:

Can you offer some examples of the impact you’ve had?

Marsha Curry:

I believe the last time we did a count, over 145 individuals have come through this space, have lived in this space. We welcome them and help give them the opportunity to transition. Through direct support, we’re able to provide case management services and help individuals acquire the necessities that they need. If moving into housing is an alternative, we assist with getting that paperwork completed. I think that is something that wasn’t at the previous location, having direct contact with supportive services. They can apply for benefits, put in housing applications and do other things. When people are hungry in our space, the community has responded and provided food. So, I think it’s a good thing that they have a community of support. We collaborate with mental health, substance abuse and several faith-based organizations that do street outreach. Those individuals that had been serving them at the previous location are now serving them at the Amiracle Community location.

TheBurg:

What kinds of challenges have you experienced?

Marsha Curry:

When we first started, it was the heat—burning hot in August. So, we got funding to build pavilions so that they could go and sit under to prevent from being impacted by the heat. Then we weren’t sure how we were going to handle the winter. With the snow, we’ve had tents collapse, but, again, funding allowed for us to be able to replace those tents, rehab those tents, and make sure that that individual has housing. With donations that we get, we get to restore those things.

TheBurg:

What’s next for Amiracle Community?

Marsha Curry:

We are looking to work with an engineer to help us put vision to this piece of property, and how we can bring the resources that are necessary. One of the things we talk about is helping people move into more permanent, structured housing. We’d like to guide them and direct them in that process. We want to make sure they have the things that we have when we go home, such as a kitchen, a bathroom, and making sure that they have someone to teach them the skills to cook and take care of themselves or help them get access to services that they need. So, we’ve started to dream and plan around that right now, and that’s going to take a lot of money. Our very next step, our next immediate need, would be to cover the tent area with the temporary structure. My prayers, if I were to ask for one right now, is to have the funding to be able to build that structure so that we won’t have to be concerned about difficult weather. That, to me, is the most immediate need right now.

TheBurg:

What’s the best way for people to help you?

Marsha Curry:

Of course, everything comes down to finances, right? We have an Amazon wish list that’s on our website. People have been so amazing—the hand warmers, the hot chocolate, the coffee, the food, the clothing. So, the community has been responsive, but right now, I think we could most use monetary donations.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

For more information on Amiracle Community and to find out how to help, visit

www.amiracle4sure.com

TFEC + TheBurg: Partners in Purpose

is a quarterly collaboration spotlighting the vital work of local nonprofits serving Dauphin and Cumberland counties. Through this community-centered initiative, four selected 501(c)(3) organizations will receive an in-depth feature in TheBurg’s print and digital publications in 2026—at no cost to them—thanks to the support of TFEC. Together, we’re elevating the stories of those strengthening our region and making a meaningful impact across central Pennsylvania.

Passion & Intensity: This month, Open Stage brings “Jesus Christ Superstar” to the (very) big stage

February 26, 2026 | by McCaffrey Martone

Carly Lafferty, Brad Leer, and Isaac Austin

Open Stage is heading to The Forum Auditorium, a historic venue in downtown Harrisburg, to present a large-scale production of “Jesus Christ Superstar.” For just three performances, audiences can bear witness to this epic rock retelling of Jesus’ crucifixion.

“Jesus Christ Superstar” is a completely sung-through rock opera that chronicles the final days of Jesus of Nazareth, uniquely told through the perspective of Judas Iscariot. The show takes audiences directly into the stories of the Bible—one of the most widely recognized texts in the world—asking us to see these religious figures not as distant idols, but as deeply human.

Brad Leer, discussing his role as Jesus, said, “You’re going to be betrayed, you’re going to be crucified, and it’s going to be this ugly end to your life. It’s being done for a bigger reason, but how would you feel? It would be very difficult to believe somebody would not feel scared in that situation.”

Powerful emotions demand a medium that can do them justice: rock music. Originally released as a concept album by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice in 1970—prior to its Broadway debut in 1971—the score has always been essential in capturing the passion and intensity of these characters. Ranging from electrifying hard rock to soaring operatic ballads, a distinct musical identity defines each character, reinforced through recurring melodic themes. The result is a bold, dynamic sound that resonates with audiences of all kinds.

“Having the punk rock aspect is an interesting way to try to encourage audiences to be open to it,” said Carly Lafferty, who plays Mary Magdalene. “If someone is interested in theatre and they’re hesitant to watch this show because they’re not religious, I personally think they should just come watch it as a show. It’s just another story.”

In this story, characters grapple with faith, fame, adoration, betrayal and the influence of public opinion—themes that strongly resonate in today’s world.

“Words can be very strong, whether they’re coming from those with a lot of power or those with no power,” said Isaac Austin, who plays Judas in the production.

“Jesus Christ Superstar” will be one of Open Stage’s most ambitious projects in its 40-season history, featuring a cast of more than 60 performers, including a large ensemble, youth ensemble and a full onstage band. In addition to Leer as Jesus, Austin as Judas, and Lafferty as Mary, the principal cast includes David Ramon Zayas (Caiaphas), Joshua Dorsheimer (Annas), Charissa Moye (Pilate), TJ Creedon (Herod), Tyler Shadle (Peter) and Drew Patti (Simon).

Open Stage Producing Artistic Director Stuart Landon directs the production. Stacy Reck serves as production stage manager, with Karen Ruch as production manager and Kalina Barrett as technical director. Choreography is by Zsuzsanna Smith, costumes are designed by Jacob Schlenker, and lighting by Tristan Stasiulis. Musical leadership includes Anthony Pieruccini as band director, Nick Werner as vocal director, and Delaney Reed as youth vocal director.

Whether you’re a theatre fan, a lover of rock music, a devoted Christian, or simply someone who enjoys a powerful story, “Jesus Christ Superstar” is thunderous, entertaining, and created with care by the artists at Open Stage.

“Jesus Christ Superstar” runs March 20 to 22 at The Forum Auditorium, 500 Walnut St., Harrisburg. ASL Interpretation is available for the March 21 performance. For more information and tickets, visit openstagehbg.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS

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

“Stoney Brook”
Closes March 7
A hilarious, heartfelt parody of childhood friends all grown up

EFF Live!
Thursday, March 5 at 7:30 p.m.
Court Street Cabaret
Smut, laughs and live storytelling

BaRPG
Saturday, March 14 at 7:30 p.m.
Court Street Cabaret
Improv, drinks and dice-rolling fun

“Jesus Christ Superstar”
March 20 to 22, the Forum Auditorium
The rock opera classic, fully staged

The Good at Heart Festival
March 25 to April 2, multiple venues
Plays, panels and performances celebrating social justice

“Anne Frank: Stories from the Annex”
March 26, Studio Theater
Companion pieces exploring history and memory

“Shirley Chisholm: Unbossed & Unbowed”
March 27 to 29, Main Stage
Celebrating a political trailblazer

Court Street Cabaret
Sunday, March 29 at 6 p.m.
An open mic night of music and community

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

Adventure Together: This month, find out what Dillsburg’s Moon Tree is all about, and help make a world of difference to local kids

February 26, 2026 | by Natalie diSanto

Child’s Moon Tree inspired art

In 1971, NASA sent the Apollo 14 mission to the moon, a mission manned by three astronauts with 500 tree seeds.

Astronauts, like ordinary people, are multifaceted, and aeronautical engineer Stuart Roosa was not only obsessed with space, but also a lover of trees. Working with the U.S. Forest Service, he conducted an experiment that changed our national landscape. After orbiting the moon, the tree seeds were germinated and planted across the country.

Pennsylvania is home to eight of the Apollo 14 “Moon Trees,” and there’s one right here in central Pa. With just over 700 people having traveled to outer space, a 30-minute drive seemed worth it to visit an organism that has been outside of Earth’s atmosphere.

Located at Dillsburg Elementary School, the Moon Tree was planted through the joint efforts of then PA Department of Forest and Waters Forester Jack Winieski and then-Principal Larry Rhone. Winieski was known for his work engaging younger generations of foresters and had children in the Dillsburg school system during the time that Rhone was making strides to beautify the school campus. The two men met through community work and, together, they secured a Moon Tree sapling and planted it on Arbor Day 1983.

Since the Dillsburg Elementary Moon Tree grows on school grounds, the best time to visit is when school is not in session. The bonus to being considerate is that your family can use the playground post Moon Tree observance. The sycamore looks like any other tree, except the plaque that proclaims its history. It is surreal to see a 5-foot-wide tree and know that, 55 years ago, it was a quarter-inch seed hurtling through space at hundreds of miles an hour. Once you’re ready to play, there are slides, monkey bars and climbing apparatuses to enjoy. There’s also a grassy area, walking path and two baseball fields. The campus makes for a wonderful afternoon.

Paint the Sky

In the RadioLab podcast that introduced me to Moon Trees, the hosts polled kids on what they thought a Moon Tree would look like. Let imagination skyrocket by creating your own Moon Tree, starting with a stick. The stick will become your tree, so find one with twigs branching off the sides like boughs, then paint a galaxy scene on a piece of paper and be sure to include a moon in your sky. Once the paint is dry, glue the stick to the moon, then decorate your Moon Tree. Our Moon Tree hosts a treehouse for aliens with a UFO coming in for landing. Add sparkle to your art by gluing sequins for stars. This project is a fun mixed-media endeavor that engages kids’ imaginations in a big way and opens up discussions on the Earth and its solar system.

Star Students

Children can best reach for the stars when they are happy and well fed. Join an effort to ensure every child has access to food with Cocoa Packs. The Cocoa Packs organization was founded by Christine Drexler with the intent to provide supplemental food and support to local children to enhance their overall wellness. They pursue their vision of a world where all children have what they need to succeed in six counties here in central Pa., including Dauphin, Lebanon, Lancaster, Cumberland and York.

Cocoa Packs uses a method called food rescue or the practice of collecting fresh, edible food that would otherwise go to waste from restaurants and other food establishments. Food rescue is both effective and good for the environment as it gets food to those who need it while reducing waste. Cocoa Packs also offers clothing services where folks can donate or receive items. Additionally, the organization has lending libraries, computers, desks, creative stations and homework assistance.

People of all ages and abilities are encouraged to donate their time and talents. Students, scouts, churches, local businesses and other organizations can volunteer and assemble packs. Because of its accessible options, Cocoa Packs is a wonderful way to volunteer with your whole family. If your child could benefit from Cocoa Packs, check out their website to learn about enrollment.

Similar to the journey of a seed sprouting into a tree, each of our actions has an opportunity to become something greater. We see this reflected in the efforts of astronaut Stuart Roosa and Forester Jack Winieski, two people with an adoration for science who made an impact on forestry, each in their own way. We also see it in Christine Drexler, who noticed an issue and took action to help address it. We may see it most in how our children grow into their own individuals. Some live like shooting stars while others resemble meandering constellations. Together, we are building a future to share with those we love to the moon and back.

The Dillsburg Elementary Moon Tree is located at 202 S. Chestnut St., Dillsburg, to the right of the building.

To learn more about Cocoa Packs, go to www.CocoaPacks.org.

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

Back to the Bard: Gamut casts an Iron Age spell with the legendary “King Lear”

February 26, 2026 | by Hope Mackenzie

Gabriella DeCarli, Weimy Montero Candelario, Alex Winnick

“Who is it that can tell me who I am?”

Gamut Theatre Group in downtown Harrisburg has long been considered the city’s “go-to” Shakespeare Theatre.

Every year, Gamut produces an educational Shakespeare production and a “Free Shakespeare in the Park” production. However, it’s been eight years since the theatre has produced a Shakespeare play on their Select Medical Mainstage. Finally, they are back to the bard with “King Lear.”

This month, Clark Nicholson, artistic director and co-founder of Gamut Theatre, takes on this beast of a role as the tortured king.

“Let’s be honest, people have wondered for a long time when Clark would get around to playing this role,” said Thomas Weaver, the director. “It’s a heavy load for any actor. Lear pretty much feels everything a human can feel at some point.”

But he assures us, “Clark is in his prime for Lear, and I think we’re all excited to see what he does.”

Nicholson isn’t the only Harrisburg Shakespeare Company all-star you’ll see in “King Lear.” The cast and crew are beautifully constructed of local veteran actors as well as new talent. Jeff Wasileski (Gloucester), Rachel Landon (Goneril), Robert Campbell (Cornwall), Karen Ruch (props designer), and Andrew Nyberg (set designer) are just a few of the many names you’ll see listed in your program.

Weaver didn’t stop at a brilliant cast. His concept for “King Lear” makes this production unique from anything you’ve seen before. Gamut’s version is set in a Celtic, Iron-Age Britannia with “ancient Druidic practices and beliefs” serving as a “backbone to this story.”

The director specifically mentioned the character of the Fool as a key competent to his storytelling. Whereas most productions follow the classic “court jester” model for this character, Weaver leaned into the Druidic notes and has the Fool serving as a priest and seer, accompanying Lear on his journey.

“A great deal of my inspiration came from one of my favorite genres of film—folk horror.” Weaver said. “Films like ‘Midsommar’ and ‘The Wicker Man’ have greatly informed this production. It’s made for some creepy and beautiful moments!”

Speaking of “creepy and beautiful,” another important facet of this show is the fight choreography. Elizabeth Hood, also playing Edmund in the production, took months to craft fight scenes that will leave you flinching, shrieking and, ultimately, leaning in for more. Here’s your warning—there will be blood and guts. “Yay!” Or “Ew!” (depending on your personality).

Blood and guts aside, audiences will not only see a stunningly cool spectacle, but they will also leave asking questions. Or, feeling permission to ask the questions that plague us all.

“Who is it that can tell me who I am?” Lear asks. The whole play begs us to consider—who are we when everything we’ve known is stripped away from us? What is nothingness, and how does that haunt the soul?

I know—we’re giving you some great conversation topics for the way home. Regardless of their discomfort, the questions are there. Because humans are there. And humans have been trying to figure out how to be human since we started.

So, if you like sick combat, quick dialogue, spiritual connectivity or existential questioning—you’ll love Gamut Theatre’s production of “King Lear.”

See you at the theatre, where your questions aren’t answered, but expanded.

“King Lear” runs March 7 through March 29 at Gamut Theatre, 15 N. 4th St., Harrisburg. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.gamuttheatre.org/lear or call 717-238-4111.

UPCOMING EVENTS

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

“King Lear”
March 7 to 29
Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.
Sundays at 2:30 p.m.

“Pinocchio”
Popcorn Hat Players
March 7 to 21
Saturdays at 1 p.m.

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

Community Corner: Notable March Events

February 26, 2026 | by Missy Smith

Community Corner

Maple Sugar Fest
March 1: Explore the annual Maple Sugar Festival at Fort Hunter Park, 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg, 12 to 4 p.m. Visitors can try tapping a tree, see maple syrup and candy making, and learn about the types of syrup. Products available for purchase. www.forthunter.org

Spring Concert
March 1: Harrisburg Choral Society presents “A Season of Reflection—Psalms in Song” at 3 p.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 25 W. Springettsbury Ave., York. Tickets available online, from Choral Society members or at the door. www.harrisburgchoralsociety.org

Scavenger Hunt
March 1-31: Kids ages 0-12 are invited to celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday at New Cumberland Public Library, 1 Benjamin Plaza, for a month-long scavenger hunt to find characters from his popular storybooks. Find all items around the children’s room and win a prize. cumberlandcountylibraries.org

Brain Health
March 3: Penn State Extension hosts “Building Brain-Healthy Habits,” a webinar for learning how to age well to protect memory and thinking, 12 to 1 p.m. Webinar offers research-backed strategies to support cognitive well-being and brain health. www.extension.psu.edu

Wellness Walk
March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Take a moderate walk on paved, gravel and dirt surfaces led by a volunteer at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, to see the park’s trees and animals, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Pre-registration required. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Networking Mixer
March 4: Socialize with local business professionals at an afternoon mixer at Everstand, 5120 Simpson Ferry Rd., Mechanicsburg, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The event is free and open to Chamber members. wschamber.org

Music Awards
March 4: Save the date for the 7th annual Central Pennsylvania Music Awards and its Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the American Music Theatre, 2425 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, 7 to 9:30 p.m. Celebrate the best of local music. www.cpmhof.com

Zen Meditation
March 4, 18: Sit in silence to practice awareness and letting go of your thoughts at Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, 2 to 3 p.m. Participants ages 18 and older will practice letting their minds “sit and stay” with gentle consistency and acceptance. All spiritual paths welcome. fredricksenlibrary.org

Kids Discover
March 5: Kids ages 5 to 10 are invited to explore the world of geese and their adaptations at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Program will include a short walk, craft and activities to take home. explorewildwoodpark.org

Home + Garden Show
March 5-8: Experience gardens and outdoor living displays, designer rooms, expert and celebrity presentations, special events, plant and specialty markets and more at the 2026 PA Home + Garden Show at PA Farm Show Complex & Expo Center, 2300 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg. www.pahomeshow.com

Calm the Mind
March 5, 12, 19, 26: Learn short, easy 15-minute meditations to calm anxiety, worry and depression on Thursdays, 12 to 12:30 p.m., at Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill. Meditations suitable for people of any background. www.fredricksenlibrary.org

Ice & Fire
March 7: View ice-carvers, watch fire dancers and enjoy family-friendly activities at Harrisburg’s annual Ice & Fire Festival, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Festival includes a downtown street festival, vendors, entertainment and more. Ice sculptures will be placed throughout the city. www.harrisburgpa.gov

Bird Safety
March 7: Join Appalachian Audubon Society at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, 1 to 2 p.m., to learn about the Bird Safe Harrisburg initiative, including a bird collision monitoring program. Hear how to make your home or business bird-safe and how to volunteer. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Book Sales
March 7, 21: Friends of New Cumberland Public Library, 1 Benjamin Plaza, hosts pre-owned book sales on the first and third Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., in Foundation House. Find books, vintage items, jewelry, music, puzzles, kids’ books, vinyl records and more. cumberlandcountylibraries.org

Tech Support
March 7, 21: Penn State Harrisburg students and computer science majors will set up an IT help desk at Hershey Public Library, 701 Cocoa Ave., 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. They will help troubleshoot issues with cell phones, laptops or other devices. hersheylibrary.org

Charter Day
March 8: Celebrate the commonwealth’s 345th birthday on the 26th Annual Charter Day with free admission to the State Museum of Pennsylvania, 300 North St., Harrisburg, 12 to 5 p.m. View the original 1681 charter that granted the land of Pennsylvania to William Penn and explore hands-on museum stations. www.statemuseumpa.org

Tea Party
March 8: Enjoy an afternoon tea and visit with Molly Pitcher, American Revolutionary War heroine and central Pennsylvanian, at John Harris-Simon Cameron Mansion, 219 S. Front St., Harrisburg, 2 to 4 p.m. Tea service will be served from the Cameron family silver. www.dauphincountyhistory.org

Legislators’ Forum II
March 12: Join Harrisburg Regional Chamber and West Shore Chamber of Commerce for the 2026 Legislators’ Forum II—Senate, a formal breakfast for chamber and CREDC members to hear from local elected officials. Event will be held at Hilton Harrisburg, 1 N. 2nd St., 8 to 10 a.m. www.harrisburgregionalchamber.org

Food Rally
March 12: 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 special promotions. www.newcumberlandpa.org

Contra Dance
March 13: Harrisburg Area Contra Dance Association hosts a 2nd Friday Contra Dance with live music, 8 to 10:30 p.m., at Silver Spring Presbyterian Church, 444 Silver Spring Rd., Mechanicsburg. There will be a free beginner lesson at 7:30 p.m. www.harrisburgcontra.org

GardenWise
March 14: Explore the annual GardenWise event at Central York Middle School, 1950 N. Hills Rd., to explore environmental stewardship and sustainable gardening, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Experts will share practical tips, innovative techniques and latest findings for cultivating a thriving, eco-friendly landscape. www.extension.psu.edu

Train Show
March 14: Harrisburg Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society hosts its Railroad and Model Trains Show at Scottish Rite Cathedral, 2701 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Explore model railroad items of all gauges, books, videos, hardware, clothing and more. www.harrisburgnrhs.org

Birds & Coffee
March 14: Enjoy a cozy winter morning in the Nature Center at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, to enjoy birdwatching with a cup of coffee, tea or hot cocoa, 10 to 11 a.m. Join a naturalist and Appalachian Audubon to observe and count common feeder birds as part of Project FeederWatch. explorewildwoodpark.org

Volunteer Day
March 14: Enjoy the outdoors and help with park and habitat enhancement projects at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tools and work gloves provided. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

NEST Expo
March 14: Parents are invited to the free NEST Expo, 12 to 4 p.m., 1430 N. Mountain Rd., Linglestown, to explore community and professional support for parenting. Event includes resources, raffle, food trucks and discounted maternity photoshoot. www.nest-hbg.com

Dance Night
March 15: Dance enthusiasts are invited to join Harrisburg USA Dance Chapter #3009 for a Cha-Cha lesson at 2 p.m., followed by three hours of social dancing at PA DanceSport, 585 E. Main St., Hummelstown. All levels welcome. Admission is $15, $10 for members and $5 for students. Facebook: USA Dance Chapter #3009 – Harrisburg Area PA

Shamrock Shuffle
March 17: Susquehanna Township Parks and Recreation hosts a Shamrock Shuffle Kids Trail Fun Run at Boyd Park, Continental Dr., Harrisburg, 5:30 p.m. Admission is $15 or $10 for township residents. www.susqparks.com

Bird Walk
March 18: Start off your morning at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, with an early migration bird walk led by Wildwood volunteers, 8 to 10 a.m. Look for waterfowl, early songbird migrants and lingering winter bird species. www.wildwoodlake.org

Media Talk
March 19: American Association of University Women (Harrisburg) will host Joyce Davis, opinion editor for PennLive and the Patriot-News, in a talk about “Challenges to the American Media—A Veteran Journalist’s Perspective,” at Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, 6:30 p.m. www.fredricksenlibrary.org

3rd in The Burg
March 20: 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

St. Patty’s Parade
March 21: Harrisburg Downtown Improvement District hosts the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade starting at 2 p.m. The Lucky Charm 4-Miler race through downtown Harrisburg precedes the parade, beginning at noon. www.harrisburgstpatricksdayparade.com

Flower Walk
March 22: Take a walk at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, 1:30 to 3 p.m., to look for skunk cabbage and other cold tolerant plants and observe how plants overwinter. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Game Day
March 22: Frederickson Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, invites the community to a board game day for adults 19 years of age and older, 1 to 5 p.m. Library will have games available to play, but feel free to bring your own. fredricksenlibrary.org

Free Concert
March 22: Trindle Spring Lutheran Church, 14 State Rd., Mechanicsburg, hosts Filament, Philadelphia-based Baroque chamber ensemble, in a free public performance with works by J.S. Bach, 3 to 4:30 p.m. Guests can enjoy standards originally written for Broadway and Hollywood. trindlespringlutheran.org

Empty Bowls
March 23: Join Carlisle Arts Learning Center and Project SHARE for their annual community Empty Bowls fundraiser to help food insecurity in the Carlisle area, 5 N. Orange Street, Suite #4, Carlisle, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Enjoy a selection of local soups and take home a handmade ceramic bowl by a local potter. www.carlislearts.org

Women of Excellence
March 24: YWCA Greater Harrisburg hosts the 37th annual “Tribute to Women of Excellence” awards dinner at the Hershey Lodge, 325 University Dr., Hershey, 5:30 to 8 p.m. The tribute will honor 28 outstanding women in the capital region who make a difference in their communities. www.ywcahbg.org

Listening Tour
March 25: Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women hosts a capital region listening session to inform the first State of the Woman Report in more than 20 years. Whitaker Center, 222 Market St., Harrisburg. Begins 4 p.m. Register in advance: https://linktr.ee/pawomen.

Peaceful Poses
March 27: Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, hosts two Peaceful Poses yoga sessions—a yoga story time for kids ages 2 to 5 at 10 a.m. Kids will explore mindful movement, focus on deep breaths and find ways to learn about their feelings. fredricksenlibrary.org

Art Auction
March 27: Harrisburg Habitat for Humanity’s 21st annual “Art Builds Homes” art auction will be held at Penn Harris Hotel and Convention Center, 1150 Camp Hill Bypass, 6 to 10 p.m. Event includes an artist reception with hors d’oeuvres, music, live and silent auctions and live art auction. www.harrisburghabitat.org/art-builds-homes

Wild Art
March 29: Meet the artists behind “Art in the Wild,” as they put finishing touches on installations for the outdoor art exhibit at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, Take a self-guided, 3-mile trail walk to chat with the artists and observe their creation processes, 1 to 3 p.m. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

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

Happenings: Our March Calendar of Events

February 26, 2026 | by Missy Smith

Art Association of Harrisburg

Museums & Art Spaces

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

“Mustang Then and Now,” through April 19

“Old School Rods and Customs, through April 19

SAAB Showroom, through April 19

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

“A Contemplative Dream,” works by Surina Slack that depict surreal fantasy landscapes that reference lucid dreams, witchcraft, psychedelic experiences and emotional memories, through March 22; reception: March 6, 5-8 p.m.

“Women of the Permanent Collection,” featuring a variety of female artists from the 20th century with their own distinctive style and unique perspective, through March 27

“A Day in the Life,” featuring the work of Sarah Mendez, Mark Dennis, Rebekah Campbell and Lisa Moore, through April 2; reception: March 20, 5-8 p.m.

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

Works from The Art Center collection, Tuesdays and Thursdays, March 3-26, 12-7 p.m.

Arts on the Square
20 S. 2nd St., Harrisburg
717-257-1270; marketsquarechurch.org

“Faces & Places,” works by Mindy Deardorff and Sherryl Heberlig Sunday, through April 19 (select dates)

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

“Dandelion—CALC’s 2026 Members’ Show,” exploring the many shades of yellow and/or visual puns, through March 14

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

March artist of the month

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

Artwork by Erin Margerum, March 4-28

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyart.org

HAAA Member Artwork at Hershey Public Library, hallway gallery, through April 11

HAAA Member Artwork at Hershey Public Library, community room, through May 30

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

Gallery’s Choice—A selection of paintings by local artists, through March 29

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

New works by Tami Bitner, Ann Yeager, Paul Gallo, Cindi Hardwicke, Rachael Bowense, Tara Chickey, through March 15

New works by Tina Berrier, Caren Shelley, The Huckle Buckle Boys, Jeff Scorza, Eve Tiday, Marjorie Taylor, Annika Koser, Justin Pettingell, March 16-April 12

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

Works by Ali Wunder and Emily Fussner, through March 3

Capstone artwork by seniors in the B.A. studio art program, March 21-April 12; reception: March 21, 4:30 p.m.

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

“Ned Smith—Unseen,” through March 21

Artwork by Marjorie Taylor, March 28-July 18

“Reflections,” mixed media artwork by Kristen Wierman, through April 4

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

Art in the Stacks—Elisha Esenu, March 1-31

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

Exhibits dedicated to Pennsylvania firefighting history

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

Art Faculty Exhibition, through March 20; reception: March 12, 5:30-7 p.m.

Student Honors Show, March 30-April 10; reception: April 9, 5:30-7 p.m.

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

“Nightfall,” juried exhibition exploring the concept of oncoming night, whether metaphorically or through medium and technique, through April 5

Suzanne H. Arnold Art Gallery
Lebanon Valley College
101 College Ave., Annville
717-233-8668; lvc.edu/gallery

“The Secret Paris of the 1930s—Vintage Photographs by Brassaï,” through April 4

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

“A Measure of Value,” works by Faith Ringgold, Sue Coe, Andy Warhol, the Guerilla Girls and others that consider how art and artifacts intersect with economic principles of markets, through April 4

“Dissecting Locomotion,” examining Eadweard Muybridge’s groundbreaking scientific and photographic project, “Animal Locomotion,” through April 4

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

“Souls Shot Portrait Project: Portraits of Victims of Gun Violence,” March 6-27

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

“Reduce, Reuse, Recycle…Art,” group show, through April 11; reception: April 11, 2-4 p.m.

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

“Art in the Wild,” an outdoor environmental art exhibit with works by local artists created with mostly natural materials, March 29-Sept. 30

Read, Make, Learn

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

March 2, 4, 9, 16, 25: Swing dance classes, 6-9:30 p.m.

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

March 3: Make Your Own Glass Marbles (12+ w/legal guardian), 6-8 p.m.
March 4 & 18: Watercolor Painting Step-by-Step (adults), 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
March 5: Make Your Own Glass Marbles (12+ w/legal guardian), 6-8 p.m.
March 5: Torn Paper Workshop (adults), 1-4 p.m.
March 19-April 2: Still Life (ages 9-14), Thursdays, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
March 17-April 21: Functional Pottery (12+ w/legal guardian), Tuesdays, 6-9 p.m.
March 18-April 22: The Ceramic Studio (adults), Wednesdays, 6-9 p.m.
March 19-April 23: Pottery for All (adults), Thursdays, 6-9 p.m.
March 20: Surface Decoration Workshop (adults), 6-8:30 p.m.
March 24-April 21: Watercolor for the Very Beginner (adults), 6-8 p.m.
March 24-April 14: Next Steps for the Very Beginner in Watercolor 3-5:30pm
March 27: Mug Mania (adults), 6-8 p.m.

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

March 2: Monday Night Book Group, 6:30-7:45 p.m.
March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Tabletop Gaming, 4:30 p.m.
March 6, 13, 20, 27: Mah Jongg Club, 9:30 a.m.- 1 p.m.
March 11: Wicked Wednesday Book Group, 1-2 p.m.
March 11: Adult Coloring Night, 4:30-7:30 p.m.
March 23: Graphic Novel Discussion Group, 6-7:30 p.m.
March 27: Just Mysteries, 1-2 p.m.

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

March 2, 9 16, 23: Virtual Nature & Wellness Series, 12 p.m.
March 2, 9 16, 23, 30: Virtual Pilates, 5 p.m.
March 3, 10, 17, 24: Mindful Yoga & Meditation, 10 a.m.
March 4: Nutrition Workshop—Eat Better as a Family, 11 a.m.
March 4, 11, 18, 25: Virtual INSPIRE, 9 a.m.
March 5, 12, 19, 26: Ready, Steady, Action in person and virtual, 4:15 p.m.
March 6, 13, 20, 27: Strong and Fit in person and virtual, 10 a.m.
March 11: Cooking Connections—Culinary Workshop, 6 p.m.
March 31: Blood Drive, 11 a.m.

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

March 4-April 15: Intermediate/Advanced Wheel 103 (ages 16-adult), Wednesdays, 6-8 p.m. (no class: April 1)
March 7: Pen/Ink Watercolor Card, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
March 7-28: The Right Fit (ages 10-15), Saturdays, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
March 9: Third Space Craft Night, 6-8 p.m.
March 18-April 8: Drawing Basics, Wednesdays, 6-8 p.m.
March 20-May 4: Wheel 102, Mondays, 6-8 p.m.
March 20: Craft Beer & Clay, 7-9 p.m.
March 21: Creativity Exercises for Fun and Inspiration, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
March 21: Bird in a Next pottery (ages 6-12), 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
March 28: Put Your Color Pedal to the Metal (ages 13-adult), 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
March 28: Eucalyptus Magic, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Dauphin County Library System
dcls.org

March 10: Books on Tap at Rubber Soul Brewery, Hummelstown, 6-7 p.m.
March 14: Reading the Rainbow at LGBT Center of Central PA, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

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

March 3: Read to Dogs, 6-7 p.m.
March 4: Family Game Night, 4:30-7:30 p.m.
March 7: Dr. Seuss Day, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
March 11: Bean Mosaic Cow Craft, 6:30 p.m.
March 12, 26: Story Time and Craft, 6:30 p.m.
March 17: Drive-In Movie Night—“Balto,” 5:30-7:30 p.m.
March 19: Drop-In STEM Play, 4:30-7:30 p.m.
March 24: BINGO for Books, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
March 25: Human Trafficking Presentation, 6:30 pm.

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

March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: The Stitch Sitch, 2-3:30 p.m.
March 4: I Am 59 1/2 What Now? (Taking Care of Your Financial Future with Rose Financial Associates), 1-2 p.m.
March 7: Figment Forge, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
March 11: Assets Under Management and What It Means for Your Retirement and Financial Future (Taking Care of Your Financial Future with Rose Financial Associates), 1-2 p.m.
March 19: Sip and Speak, 3-4:30 p.m.
March 25: East Shore Cinema, 2-4 p.m.
March 29: Pigment of Your Imagination, 2-4 p.m.

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

March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Card Making Group, 5-7 p.m.
March 4, 11, 18, 25: Homeschool Happening, 2-4 p.m.
March 5, 12, 19, 26: Fiber Artists, 3-6 p.m.
March 6: Taste of Western Lancaster County!, 4:30-9 p.m.
March 7: Knitter’s Group, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
March 14: Fiber Artists, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
March 21: Book Discussion Group, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
March 28: Board Game Meetup, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

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

March 19: Spring Homeschool Day, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

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

March 1: Pokémon Club for Tweens and Teens, 3-4:30 p.m.
March 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25: Preschool Story Time (ages 3-5), 11-11:30 a.m. and 6-6:30 p.m.
March 2, 9, 23: Book Explorers (ages 3-6), 5:30-6:30 p.m.
March 2, 16: Fredricksen Writes, 7-8:30 p.m.
March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Food and Farm Discovery Zone, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
March 3, 10, 17, 24: iPhone Basics Series, 3-4:30 p.m.
March 4, 18: Zen Meditation, 2-3 p.m.
March 5: Special Themed Storytime (ages 3-5), 10-10:30 a.m.
March 5: Elementary LEGO Lab, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
March 5, 12, 19, 26: Meditation to Calm the Mind, 12-12:30 p.m.
March 6: Chess Club, 6:30 p.m.
March 10, 24: Read to Dogs, 6-7:30 p.m.
March 13, 27: Device Advice, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
March 14-15: Oscar Shorts, 1-4:30 p.m.
March 16: World Explorers, 6-7 p.m.
March 20: Family Paint & Pix!, 6-8 p.m.
March 21: Neurodivergent Adult Support Group, 3-4:30 p.m.
March 22: Games, Cards and Puzzles, 1-5 p.m.
March 27: Book Dragons Club—Book Keepers, 6-8:30 p.m.
March 27: Peaceful Poses Yoga Storytime for Preschoolers, 10-10:45 a.m.

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

March 6: St. Patrick’s Day Painting (ages 12 and older), 6-8 p.m.
March 7: Kids Crochet Workshop (ages 5 and older), 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
March 7: Beginner Crochet Workshop, 1-3 p.m.
March 21: Easter Basket, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
March 22: Easter/Spring Watercolor (ages 12 and older), 2-4 p.m.
March 28: Easter Basket #2, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

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

March 7: Otherworldly Book Club, 12-1 p.m.
March 14: Knit One, Crochet Too!, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
March 20: Intro to Zines, 3:30-5 p.m.
March 21: Silent Book Club, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
March 28: Write On!, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyart.org

March 10-April 28: Oil and Acrylics, Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
March 12-April 9: Water Media, Thursdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

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

March 7, 14, 21, 28: Guided Garden Walk, 10-11 a.m.
March 8, 15: Early Spring Nature Walk, 2-3 p.m.

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

March 2: Books and Babies, 10:15-10:45 a.m.
March 2: Storytime for Everyone, 11-11:30 a.m.
March 3: Hershey Area Pokémon Club, 5:30-7 p.m.
March 3: Whee!, 10:15-10:45 a.m.
March 3: “Mysteries, She Wrote” Mystery Book Group,1 6:30-8 p.m.
March 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26: Penn State Hershey Mothers & Babies, 10:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
March 4: LEGO Club, 1-2 p.m.
March 4, 11, 18, 25: Community Crochet Night, 6-7 p.m.
March 5: Storytime for Everyone, 10:15-10:45 a.m.
March 5, 12, 19, 26: Teen Time, 2:30-4:15 p.m.
March 5, 19: Hershey Quilters, 12:30 p.m.
March 7: Painting with Kayla, 2-4 p.m.
March 7, 21: Cyber Lions PSU Tech Support, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
March 9: Hershey Area Neighbors and Newcomers, 10:15 a.m.-1 p.m.
March 10: Philosopher’s Round Table Discussion Group, 2-3:30 p.m.
March 14, 28: Chess Club, 1-3 p.m.
March 17: Splash of Serenity—Watercolors for Relaxation, 2-3:30 p.m.
March 17: Tween Tuesday, 4-5 p.m.
March 17, 31: Silent Book Group, 10-11:30 a.m.
March 21: Cocoa Area Fiber Enthusiasts, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
March 28: Fused Glass Owl, 1-4 p.m.

Historic Harrisburg Resource Center
1230 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
historicharrisburg.org

March 23: Fourth Monday Program—On the Road at Historic Grace Church, 6-7 p.m.

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.

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

March 1: Emerging Abundance—Late Winter Foraging Walk 1:30-3:30 p.m.
March 10: Stick It and It Will Grow—Planting Habitat with Live States, 6-7:30 p.m.
March 15: Grow a Forest with Sticks—The Secret of Live Stakes, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
March 15: Grow Your own Garden Fence—Introduction to Living Willow Structures, 1:30-4 p.m.
March 24: Building a Regenerative Economy for Local Tree Nuts, 6-7:30 p.m.
March 28: Intro to Power Tools—Build a Picnic Bench, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
March 28: Critter Crawl—Salamanders, 6-7:30 p.m.
March 29: Grow Your Own Microgreens, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
March 31: Soil Ecology and Self-Renewing Fertility, 6-8 p.m.

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

March 5: DriveHer Knowledge, 6-7 p.m.
March 16: Bring Your Own Book Club, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
March 18: Weekday Getaway, 4-5:30 p.m.

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

March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Story Time, 10:15-11 a.m.
March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Toddler Time, 11:15-11:35 a.m.
March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Storybook STEAM, 6-7 p.m.
March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Tea and Stitches, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
March 4, 11, 18, 25: Story Time, 1:30-2:15 p.m.
March 6, 13, 20, 27: LEGO Time, 10:15-11:15 a.m.
March 10: Creative Movement Story Time, 10:15-11:15 a.m.
March 14, 28: Block Party, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
March 14, 28: Puzzle Party, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
March 19, 26: Play Scrabble!, 1:15-3:15 p.m.
March 21: Craft-A-Palooza, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
March 24: Tea & Stitches Extended Edition, 12-2 p.m.

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

March 1, 8, 15, 22: Young Adult Group, 4 p.m.
March 4, 11, 18, 25: Common Roads (ages 12-17), 6-8 p.m.
March 7, 14, 21, 28: Passageways, 2 p.m.
March 14: QTPOC Advisory Group, 6-8 p.m.

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

March 4, 11, 18: Zine for Teens, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
March 10: Information Basics, 3-4:30 p.m.
March 17: Snapology, 5-6:30 p.m.
March 31: Coloring for Teens, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

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

March 16: Ace That Job App, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

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

March 2, 9 16, 23, 30: STEAM Club, 6 p.m.
March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Tiny Tots Storytime, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Wee Readers Storytime, 1-2 p.m.
March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Tales with T.A.I.L.S., 6-7 p.m.
March 5, 12, 19, 26: Teen Time, 4-5 p.m.
March 5, 12, 19, 26: LEGO Club, 6-7 p.m.
March 14: Community Table Top Game Time, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

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

March 15: Glass Eggs Workshop, 1-2:30 p.m.
March 22: Fluid Art Workshop, 1-4 p.m.

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

March 4: Pre-K Story Time, 10:30 a.m.
March 15: Waterfowl Survey, 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
March 21: PA Hunter-Trapper Education Course, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

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

March 1-31: Dr. Seuss Scavenger Hunt (ages 0-12)
March 1-31: Read Across America Reading Challenge (ages 0-18)
March 2, 16: Great Books Discussion Group, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
March 3: Pout-Pout Party (ages 3 and older), 5-6 p.m.
March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Book Babies (ages 0-2), 11:15 a.m.-12 p.m.
March 4: Piece Seekers, 6-7:30 p.m.
March 5: Ruth’s Mystery Discussion Group, 10:15 a.m.-12 p.m.
March 5: Musical Mornings (ages 2-5), 10:30-11 a.m.
March 5: Kids Paint Party (ages 5 and older), 5-6 p.m.
March 6: Tumble Tots (ages 0-3), 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
March 7, 14, 21: Take and Makes (ages 0-12)
March 7, 21: Book Sales, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
March 9-April 13: Preschool Storytime (ages 3-5), 10:30-11:15 a.m.
March 10: Shelf Love, 6-7 p.m.
March 10: Tales for Tails (ages 6-12), 6:30-7:30 p.m.
March 12: Toddler Time (ages 2-3), 10:30-11 a.m.
March 12: Pi Day Art & Architecture Workshop (ages 6-12), 5-6 p.m.
March 13, 20, 27: 1,2,3 Paly With Me (ages 1-3), 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
March 14: Teen Craft Kits (ages 13-17)
March 17: Brush Hour Art Club (ages 12 and older), 4:30-5:30 p.m.
March 19: Movers and Groovers (ages 2-5), 10:30-11 a.m.
March 20: Mini Gold at the Library (ages 8-12), 6-7 p.m.
March 22: 40 Years at the NCPL with Judy Dillen, 3-4:30 p.m.
March 26: STEM Sort & Match with Spring Sensory Bins (ages 2-5), 10:30-11:30 a.m.
March 28: Crafty Crafters, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
March 31: Junior Scientists (ages 5 and older), 5-6 p.m.

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

March 2: Crystal Bowl Sound Immersion, 6-7 p.m.
March 6, 20: Hero’s Journey (Role Playing Game-Based Personal Growth for Teens/Young Adult), 6-8 p.m.
March 7: From Stuck to Unstoppable—Simple NLP and Self-Hypnosis Tools for Real Change, 2:30-4 p.m.
March 10, 17, 24: Intro to Breathwork, 6-7:30 p.m.
March 16: Central Pennsylvania Psychedelic Society meeting, 6:30-8 p.m.
March 17: Sonic Neural Experience (advanced breathwork), 6-8 p.m.
March 30: Gentle Yoga & Sound Immersion Savasana, 6:30-8 p.m.

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

March 9, 16: The World of Ancient Rome, 1:30 p.m.
March 10, 17, 24, April 7, May 12: The American Film Institute’s Top 50 Films (5-session series), 1 p.m.
March 11: Scams All Around Us—Don’t Take the Bait, 10:30 a.m.
March 11: President Putin—25 Years and Counting, 1:30 p.m.
March 12: The Mantrailing Bloodhound Locating the Missing, 10 a.m.
March 13, 20, 27: Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes (3-session series), 10 a.m.
March 16: Exploring Bob Dylan’s Musical Legacy, 10 a.m.
March 19, 26, April 9: Exploring AI—Practical Tools for Everyday Life (3-session series), 10 a.m.
March 19: Behind the Beat—The Surprising True Stories of the Beatles, 1 p.m.
March 23: The Beauty of the Natural World, 1 p.m.

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

March 3: Clovers, Peeps & Easter Eggs Mosaic Workshop, 6-8 p.m.
March 4-April 8: Homeschool & Cyber School Art Class (grades 4-9), Wednesdays, 1-2:30 p.m.
March 4-April 8: Public After School Art Class (grades 4-9), Wednesdays, 4:30-6 p.m.

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

March 6, 21: Storytime—Sadie Sprocket Builds a Rocket, 10:30 a.m.
March 7: Memory & Logic, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., 1-3 p.m.
March 13: Curiosity Kids—Gardens, 11:30 a.m.
March 18: Candles, 11:30 a.m.
March 20: Virtual Program—Remembrance and Reflection, 12:15-12:45 p.m.
March 22: Memory & Logic, 1-3 p.m.
March 25: Signs of Spring—Leaves!, 11:30 a.m.
March 27: Curiosity Kids—It’s Alive or Not?, 11:30 a.m.

Susquehanna Art Museum
1401 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-233-8668; susquehannaartmuseum.org

March 25: Open Figure Drawing

Susquehanna Township
1900 Linglestown Rd., Harrisburg
717-909-9228; susqparks.com

March 14: Mind Techniques Seminar, 10 a.m.
March 17: Shamrock Shuffle Kids Trail Fun Run at Susquehanna Township Boyd Park

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

March 7: Sourdough Basics, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
March 7: Clay Smoker Faerie House Workshop, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
March 9: Susquehanna Clay Club Meeting, 6 p.m.
March 10: Mosaic Clover/Easter Egg/Peep Bunny Class, 6-8 p.m.
March 11: Insect on Flower Watercolor Class with Summer of Key
March 14: Soup & a Bowl Fundraiser Chili Competition, 12-3 p.m.
March 27: Pennsylvania Birds Watercolor Class, 6-8 p.m.
March 27: Dirty Date Night on Wheel, 7-9 p.m.
March 28: Hand Built Flower Pot Workshop, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
March 28: Beginner Resin Workshop, 1-3 p.m.

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

March 3, 10, 17, 24: Weekly Wellness Walks, 1-2:30 p.m.
March 4, 11, 18: Cat In The Hat Learning Series, 10-10:45 a.m.
March 5: Kids Discover—Gregarious Geese (ages 5-10), 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
March 8: Bonsai Workshop, 12 a.m.-3 p.m.
March 11: Penn State Extension Master Gardener’s Veggie Series—Growing Great Tomatoes, 6-7:30 p.m.
March 14: Spring Wreath Workshop, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
March 14: Birds & Coffee with Appalachian Audubon Society, 10-11 a.m.
March 14: Volunteer Work Day Litter Clean-up, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
March 17: Growing Up Wild—Educator Workshop, 1-3 p.m.
March 18: Bird walk—Waterfowl and Early Spring Migrants, 8-10 a.m.
March 21: Kids Discover—Mammals and Their Pelts (ages 5-10), 1:30-3 p.m.
March 22: Flower Walk—Earliest Bloomers, 1:30-3 p.m.
March 25: Penn State Extension Master Gardener’s Veggie Series—Vegetable Gardening Through the Seasons, 6-7:30 p.m.
March 29: Art in the Wild—Meet the Artists, 1-3 p.m.

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

March 28: Sourdough for Beginners, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Live Music

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

March 5: The Phil Collins Story
March 6: Vienna Boys Choir
March 8: The Drifters, The Platters & Cornell Gunter’s Coasters
March 12: Air Supply
March 13: Celtic Woman
March 15: Mark Lowry, Endless Highway
March 27: Mitchell Tenpenny
March 28: The Oak Ridge Boys

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

March 5, 12, 19, 26: Open Mic Night
March 6: Flux Capacitor, Joe Kenney Band
March 8: Dale and the ZDubs, Sons of Paradise, Rock Creek Kings
March 11: Sunsquabi, Manic Focus
March 14: St Patrick’s Day Kick Off Party with Big Mike
March 21: Hellbender Hootenanny
March 27: DUUNES, Mdnght Dsco, Observe the 93^rd

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

March 6: Jazz in the City
March 7: York Symphony’s “Carmen Meets Beethoven”
March 13: Tartan Terrors
March 14: Stanley Jordan
March 21: Turn to Stone—A Tribute to ELO
March 22: John Moreland & Patterson Hood
March 24: The Infamous Stringdusters
March 28: The Machine Performs Pink Floyd

Arts on the Square
20 S. 2nd St., Harrisburg
717-257-1270; marketsquarechurch.org

March 20: Amoroso Da Capo

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

March 1: Rumours ATL
March 5: Candlebox
March 6: Glif CD Release Show
March 6: The Emo Night Tour
March 7: The Pietasters
March 13: Hold Fast
March 14: Internal Bleeding
March 14: I Love R&B
March 15: The Browning
March 20: Super 70s Rock Show
March 20: All Your Friends Indie Party
March 21: Battle of the Bands 2026
March 21: Gimme Gimme Disco
March 25: Sebastian Bach
March 27: Noun
March 28: Nailbite

Carley’s Ristorante and Piano Bar
204 Locust St., Harrisburg
717-909-9191; carleysristorante.com

March 4, 25: Christine Purcell
March 5, 26: Dr. Nyce
March 6, 20: Roy Lefever
March 7, 21: Chris Emkey
March 11, 18: Tristin Lynee
March 12, 19: Andrea Britton
March 13, 27: Ted Ansel
March 14, 28: Anthony Haubert

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

March 21: Start Making Sense—Talking Heads Tribute
March 22: Cherish The Ladies Irish Music, Song & Dance
March 27: Dirty Deeds—The AC/DC Experience
March 28: Beginnings—Music of Chicago

Elizabethtown College
1 Alpha Dr., Elizabethtown
717-361-1212; etown.edu

March 16: Jocelyn Swigger
March 23: Virginia State University Concert Choir

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

March 6: The Badlees, Jellybricks
March 7: The Badlees, Hot Wing Jones
March 10: Tannahill Weavers
March 20: Music for Good w/Meghan Cary, Peter Quinn Farell, Cate Monaco
March 28: Sugar Mountain—A Tribute to Neil Young

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

March 1: “The Golden Age of the Silver Screen”
March 14-15: “Masquerade”

Hershey Theatre
15 E. Caracas Ave., Hershey
717-534-3405; hersheytheatre.com

March 21: Hershey Symphony—Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “Carousel” in Concerts

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

March 7: Draw the Line
March 13: Little Rock Band
March 14: Luv Gods
March 20: Hunkajunk
March 21: Until Sunrise
March 27: New Normal Band

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

March 1: The Texas Tenors
March 5: Taiko Project
March 10, 11: Blue Man Group

Market Square Concerts
marketsquareconcerts.org

March 17: Doric String Quartet

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

March 5: Vienna Boys Choir
March 21: Messiah University Concert Choir
March 24: Messiah University Jazz Combo

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

March 14: Big Sky Quartet

Pine Street Presbyterian Church
310 N. Third St., Harrisburg
717-238-9304; pinestreet.org

March 22: Juliette Tacchino and Grant Loehnig

Stock’s on 2nd
211 N. 2nd Street, Harrisburg
717-233-6699; stocksonsecond.com

March 13: Saint Eldred

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

March 9: Dervish
March 10: Tannahill Weavers

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

March 6: Haus of Monsters—Tribute to Lady Gaga
March 7: Best Shot—A Tribute to Pat Benatar & Women Who Rock
March 8: Cumberland Honey, Aroostine Lively, Grace Mahar, Gena Lanette
March 9: Dervish
March 13: St. Patrick’s Kickoff Concert with Seasons
March 20: Blitz Dynette
March 21: Philadelphia Freedom—A Tribute to Elton John
March 27: Erica Lyn Everest
March 28: Jeffrey Gaines, Meaghan Farrell
March 29: The Unforgettable Big Band

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

March 7: Ballyhoo! Artikal Sound
March 13: Nashville Nights—The Ultimate 90s Country Band
March 14: Kilmaine Saints, The Super Hi-Tech Jet Fighters
March 25: Burning Witches
March 26: The Soul Rebels
March 28: Nirvani, Alice In Sane, Age Against the Machine

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

March 7: Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy and the Celtic All Stars
March 21: Great American Crooners

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

March 7: Tupelo Honey

The Stage Door

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

March 19: “Menopause The Musical 2—Cruising Through ‘The Change’”
March 20: “Riverdance”
March 26: “Dr. Seuss The Cat in the Hat—Live on Stage!”

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

March 7: “Couples Therapy—The Theatrical Show”
March 12: “Kinky Boots”
March 14: Havana Night with Luis Santiago
March 19: The Outlet—Music & Poetry Open Mic
March 21: “Stone Soup…And Other Stories”
March 26: Kristin Key

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

March 1-8: “The Time of Your Life”

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

March 1-21: “Little of Shop Horrors”
March 27-May 10: “Oklahoma!”

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

March 4-21: Popcorn Hat Players present “Pinocchio”
March 7-29: “King Lear”

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

March 6, 7: Rich Vos
March 13, 14: Dan Frigolette and Josh Ryan
March 20, 21: Coleman Green, Ryan Cox
March 27, 28: Chris Wiles, Shane McConnaghy
March 29, 30: Steve-O

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

March 6: Free Improv, Lil’ Stinkers, Neighborhood Gossip, Am I the Assshow?, Who’s There?, On the Record—An Improv Talk
March 7: Free Improv Mixer
March 13, 15: Level 1—Intro to Improv Class Graduation Show
March 14: Formerly Barn Bitches
March 28: Get to the Point!, Grandy

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

March 6-8: “Sally Sells Seashells (And You Can, To!)”

Hershey Theatre
15 E. Caracas Ave., Hershey
717-534-3405; hersheytheatre.com

March 5: Neil deGrasse Tyson
March 13: Jim Jefferies
March 14: Steve Martin & Martin Short
March 24-29: “Tina—The Tina Turner Musical”

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

March 1: “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”

Little Theatre of Mechanicsburg
915 S. York St., Mechanicsburg
717-766-0535; ltmpa.com

March 1-15: “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare”

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

March 14: “The Magic School Bus”

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

March 1: Spring Senior Series
March 26-29: “Hansel and Gretel” opera

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

March 5: EFF Live
Through March 7: “Stoney Brook”
March 14: BaRPG
March 20-22: “Jesus Christ Superstar”
March 25-April 2: The Good at Heart Festival
March 26: “Anne Frank: Stories from the Annex”
March 27-29: “Shirley Chisholm: Unbossed & Unbowed”

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

March 6-22: “Love, Loss and What I Wore”

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

March 6: We the People First Friday—“Unbound: Poetry, Presence and the Art of Becoming”

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

March 19: Dancing with the Celts
March 20: Gary Gulman
March 24: Ladysmith Black Mambazo

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