Student financial literacy competition returns for 13th year, offers cash awards, scholarships

January 21, 2026 | by Lawrance Binda

Harrisburg University is a sponsor of the Student Financial Literacy Scholarship Competition (file photo).

An annual competition to promote financial literacy has kicked off for the year.

On Wednesday, Harrisburg University, Members 1st Federal Credit Union and PA Auditor General Timothy DeFoor announced the start of the 13th annual Student Financial Literacy Scholarship Competition.

“For the past 13 years, Pennsylvania students have brought us inspiring and heartfelt stories,” said David Schankweiler, interim president of HU. “Money management can be a hard-won lesson, and it is genuinely moving to see how these students turn curiosity, or even adversity, into new skills.”

For 2026, the competition’s theme is “What Does Financial Literacy Mean to Me?”

Pennsylvania students in grades 9 to 12 are encouraged to submit a short essay, poem or video about financial literacy. The competition coincides with Financial Literacy Month, which occurs every year in April. The student winners will be announced and publicly honored during the closing ceremony at the Capitol Rotunda on April 22.

At the closing ceremony, the following winners will be announced:

One First Place ($1,500) award for each grade level (9–12)
One Honorable Mention ($500) award for each grade level (9–12)
One Grand Prize ($2,500) for the best overall entry

Additionally, Harrisburg University will award a one-time, $1,000 scholarship to each student who submits a competition entry and then applies to and is accepted as a full-time student at HU.

The deadline for competition submissions is March 20.

In 2025, more than 100 Pennsylvania students participated in the competition, submitting essays, poems and videos describing what financial literacy meant to them.

“At Members 1st, we believe financial literacy is foundational,” said Ryan Riley, vice president of marketing and communications at Members 1st. “It’s built on confidence, it creates opportunities, and it helps individuals make informed decisions and shape their future.”

For more information and to submit entries online, visit HarrisburgU.edu/HUFinancialLiteracy.

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Find the Top 4 Contractors for Home Additions in PA This Year

January 21, 2026 | by Admin

Source: Unsplash

Expanding your home adds space without moving, and choosing the right contractor ensures safety, efficiency and quality. Central Pennsylvania offers skilled design-build firms specializing in home additions, second-story expansions and custom renovations. Each brings experience, craftsmanship and design expertise to help homeowners realize their vision.

How to Find the Best Value Contractor

Selecting the right contractor involves more than checking availability or costs. Look for transparent pricing, proven results and a focus on delivering quality that lasts. Consider these key factors to find a contractor who provides lasting quality without overspending:

Experience and expertise: Look for a proven track record in home additions and remodeling. Experienced teams handle challenges smoothly and efficiently.
Materials and construction quality: Durable, high-quality materials and reliable building techniques ensure safety and a polished finish.
Pricing and value: Clear estimates that balance cost with long-term home value help avoid surprises and protect your investment.
Reviews and reputation: Strong local reviews, awards and client testimonials signal reliability and professionalism.
Safety and structural expertise: Ability to manage structural, electrical, plumbing and HVAC work safely ensures compliance with building codes and reduces risk.
Fit for your vision and lifestyle: Prioritize contractors who understand your goals and create functional, beautiful spaces that align with your vision.
Communication and responsiveness: Consider contractors who keep you informed at every step, respond promptly to questions and provide clear updates. Strong communication reduces misunderstandings and ensures a smoother project.

General Cost Insights for Home Additions in PA

In Pennsylvania, the cost of home additions varies depending on project size and materials. Home additions could cost between $80 and $200 per square foot. Rather than adding a new foundation, you can often save by building upward since this approach typically requires less labor and fewer materials.

Certain additions, such as sunrooms, bump-outs or garage expansions, can enhance functionality and potentially add long-term value to your property. Choosing the right contractor may help you balance cost and quality, as experienced professionals can provide guidance, accurate estimates and design options that suit your needs. By planning carefully and exploring options, your home addition can enhance both your lifestyle and your property’s worth without unnecessary overspending.

Benefits of Adding a Home Addition in PA

A home addition in Pennsylvania can provide extra living space, whether you need a new bedroom, home office or entertainment area. These projects can enhance functionality and overall property value without the need to move. A well-planned addition can accommodate a growing family, create dedicated workspaces for remote work, or offer spaces for hobbies and leisure.

Choosing the right contractor can make the process smoother, as experienced professionals guide you through design, permits and construction with less stress. With thoughtful planning, a home addition can also allow you to incorporate modern features, like smart home technology. Ultimately, a home addition can create a more comfortable, versatile and valuable living environment while meeting your family’s evolving needs.

In addition, these projects can improve your home’s overall energy efficiency and reduce long-term maintenance costs. They might also provide opportunities to customize your space, reflecting your personal style and lifestyle preferences.

Top Contractors for PA Home Additions in 2026

Explore these top contractors in Pennsylvania that combine experience, quality craftsmanship and personalized service.

1. Creative Building Concepts — Best in Mechanicsburg

Creative Building Concepts is the best value contractor for home additions in Mechanicsburg, PA. It is a design-build firm serving Mechanicsburg and the greater Harrisburg area and has been delivering custom home additions since its founding in 2010. It creates seamless additions, including kitchen extensions, entertainment areas and primary suites designed for comfort and functionality.

Creative Building Concepts also offers a free initial consultation and builds extra stories or rooms to expand living space as families grow, using 3D renderings and close collaboration to ensure every detail meets client expectations.

Key Features

Manages every stage of your project, including permits and adherence to local building codes
Has a history of winning awards, such as the 2024 and 2023 Best Commercial and Residential Contractor from Susquehanna Style Magazine
Real-time updates via JobTrend for progress tracking from anywhere

2. KBE Design Build — Best in Brownstown

Based in Brownstown, PA, KBE Design Build serves Lancaster and surrounding counties with full-service home additions. It specializes in bedrooms, living areas, sunrooms, in-law suites and second-story additions.

KBE Design Build also remodels kitchens and bathrooms, combining expert design, skilled craftsmanship and personalized guidance. The team manages every stage — from consultation and design to permits, materials, construction and final walk through — for a smooth, stress-free process.

Key Features

Detailed floor plans and 3D renderings to visualize the finished space
Skilled craftsmanship with precision, attention to detail and quality materials
Enhances comfort and usability while seamlessly blending additions with your home’s existing architecture

3. BiiLT Contracting Group — Best in Linglestown

BiiLT Contracting Group is a veteran-founded design-build firm that specializes in home additions across Central Pennsylvania. It handles living rooms, dining areas, multipurpose spaces, bedrooms, in-law suites, offices and second-story additions.

The team oversees every aspect, from the initial consultation and design phase — complete with 3D renderings — to the construction process. It focuses on delivering skilled craftsmanship and ensuring a seamless fit with your home’s aesthetic.

Key Features

Handles permits, materials and scheduling for a stress-free process
Concierge-level guidance with a dedicated field manager as your single point of contact
Efficient project completion without compromising quality

4. Red Oak Remodeling — Best in York

Red Oak Remodeling is a York-based design-build firm specializing in home additions and second-story expansions. It creates master suites, in-law suites, bedrooms, living and dining areas, and recreational spaces that integrate seamlessly with existing structures.

The team designs 3D renderings to support structural engineering, subcontractor coordination and final inspection. This ensures all systems are properly upgraded for the expanded space.

Key Features

High-quality home renovations, custom woodworking and second-story additions that boost functionality and value
Combines efficiency with traditional craftsmanship
Personalized guidance with a single point of contact throughout the project

Methodology for Choosing the Best Contractors

The selection process for identifying the top contractors for home additions in Pennsylvania focused on established design-build firms that specialize in custom home additions across Central PA. Key criteria included a strong local reputation, consistently positive client reviews and a portfolio demonstrating high-quality craftsmanship. Additionally, firms that offer personalized services, such as 3D design renderings and comprehensive project management from permits to completion, were given priority.

Comparing the Top Contractors for Home Additions in PA

Evaluate the top contractors in Pennsylvania side-by-side to pick the best fit for your home and project.

Company	Specialization	Key Services
Creative Building Concepts	Award-winning home addition expertise and custom designs	Kitchen extensions, primary suites, second-story additions, custom rooms and permit management
KBE Design Build	Seamless home expansions and comprehensive project management	Bedrooms, living areas, sunrooms, in-law suites and second-story additions
BiiLT Contracting Group	Efficient and seamless home additions	Living and dining areas, bedrooms, offices, second-story additions and permit management
Red Oak Remodeling	Residential renovations and custom woodworking	Second-story additions, bedrooms, primary and in-law suites, and living and dining spaces

Finding the Best Value Contractors for Home Additions in Pennsylvania

Home additions can enhance living space and increase property value. Pennsylvania has many trusted contractors specializing in renovations, from second-story expansions to custom rooms. Selecting a contractor with a proven track record ensures safe, efficient and high-quality results. Review their services, ask questions and understand their process before hiring. The right team will create a home addition that meets your needs, reflects your style and provides lasting comfort.

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School fair to offer a space for parents, students to explore Harrisburg-area options

January 20, 2026 | by Alexandra Jones

The “Find Your Fit” school fair will take place in downtown Harrisburg at Strawberry Square.

Curious about K-12 schooling options in the Harrisburg area?

Next month, Logos Academy will host a tabling event at Strawberry Square with representatives from public, private, charter and online schools across the region, according to school administrators. The private Christian school’s “Find Your Fit” schools fair will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 21.

The hope is to create a one-stop shop that allows parents and children to explore their options when it comes to education.

“Instead of feeling like the other schools are competition, we want collaboration—because everyone wants the same thing. We all want the right student to be at the right school,” said Angelina Bartorelli, the event’s lead organizer.

Bartorelli said she’s seen many students and families bounce between schools, searching for the right fit for their child’s unique educational needs. Students with learning disabilities, like ADHD or autism, sometimes thrive in smaller private, charter or even online schools, she said. Other schools might focus on providing special education for students with disabilities.

“Students are all very unique,” she said.

St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, the Mount Calvary Christian School and the Circle School will be at the event.

The “Find Your Fit” school fair will take place in February.

To learn more about the Find Your Fit school fair, visit this website.

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Harrisburg volunteers celebrate King’s legacy by lending a hand on MLK Day of Service

January 19, 2026 | by Alexandra Jones

Volunteers made no-sew blankets at Goodwin Memorial Baptist Church.

Hundreds of volunteers assembled for MLK365’s annual Central Pennsylvania MLK Day of Service Monday, eager to lend a hand to those in need in the community.

“What began as a small, local effort in and around Harrisburg has grown into a powerful regional movement,” said Shelly Lipscomb-Echeverria, MLK Day chairperson, at the group’s opening ceremony at Goodwin Memorial Baptist Church. “Today, we serve together, illuminating courage, spreading hope and strengthening our beloved community.”

The group’s annual Central Pennsylvania MLK Day of Service volunteer campaign asks Harrisburg residents to serve their communities on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Wrestlers from both the girls’ and boys’ teams at Harrisburg High School gathered at Beahive Affordable Housing Outreach’s new property on 2007 N. 3rd Street on Monday. They removed old carpeting, pulled nails and completed other tasks needed to transform the space into Beahive’s headquarters for its housing stability and community programs.

Domineak Commodore, head wrestling coach at Harrisburg High School, said he was proud of his 15 to 20 students completing the work.

“You never know when you’re going to be in need, and it’s always important to understand the power and importance of giving back,” he said. “Because someday you might be in a situation where someone’s going to have to give back to you.”

Domineak Commodore

Trishawnda Cabbagestalk, chapter president for the Harrisburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, joined other volunteers in Goodwin’s conference room to piece together no-sew blankets for those in need.

“It’s two pieces of fabric that, essentially, you cut and you tie them together. They don’t require sewing, but it is a warm blanket that someone that is in need could utilize,” she explained.

The Harrisburg resident said she loves volunteering on MLK Day, she thinks it’s important to give back to the community.

“It’s a day on, not a day off,” she said. “It’s an opportunity for us to give back.”

Trishawnda Cabbagestalk

At St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Patricia Tilman was one of a few dozen volunteers who gathered in the church’s basement Monday to make homemade cards that will be given to community members.

“To help to uplift their day, make them feel good and shine,” Tilman explained. “It makes me feel good to help others to feel good.”

Patricia Tilman

MLK365 had more than 15 service projects listed on its website with signup lists for volunteers.

This marks MLK365’s 17th year championing volunteer efforts on MLK Day to help those in need.

Volunteers helped remove carpet at Beahive Affordable Housing Outreach’s new property.

For more information, visit MLK365’s website.

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Portion of exterior wall of the Broad Street Market to be demo’d this week, city says

January 18, 2026 | by Lawrance Binda

The highlighted section of the Broad Street Market’s brick building is slated for demolition. (photo: city of Harrisburg)

A demolition crew this week plans to raze a portion of the wall of the brick building of the Broad Street Market.

Late Sunday, the city stated that it would remove a 30-foot section of the building’s wall near the southwest corner of Verbeke and Capital streets, close to the courtyard.

In a press release, the city called the work a “planned and previously anticipated demolition” that is being done “as part of ongoing safety and stabilization efforts.”

According to the city, the demolition is being done because “this specific section of wall has been identified by engineers as bowing and sagging.”

This presents a structural concern that must be addressed during the construction process, the city stated.

“This demolition has always been part of the broader stabilization and redevelopment plan for the Broad Street Market,” stated the release. “It is targeted, intentional and limited in scope. It does not represent a change in direction, nor does it impact the city’s continued commitment to preserving and restoring this historic community asset.”

The brick building was heavily damaged in a July 2023 electrical fire, and building reconstruction began in late 2025. In December, a large section of an exterior wall collapsed on the opposite side of the market building.

“The safety of residents, visitors, and workers is our top priority,” the city stated. “Addressing structural issues early and responsibly is essential to protecting the future of the Broad Street Market.”

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

January 16, 2026 | by TheBurg Staff

Shelly Lipscomb-Echeverria, MLK Day chairperson with MLK365, issued a call for volunteers with the group Monday.

A lot happened in Harrisburg this week, from reviews of financials and facility upgrades at city meetings to a local volunteer organization’s call for hundreds of volunteers this MLK Day. Check out our coverage of it all below:

Broad Street Market Alliance’s recently passed 2026 budget showed a yearly deficit. At a meeting this week, members discussed ways to stabilize the nonprofit’s finances. Click here for more.

Dauphin County approved contracts this week that give a sneak peek at its upcoming summer and fall festivals, our online story reported.

East Shore YMCA launched a new strategic plan, according to our January magazine story.

Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors reported that the median sales price dipped in December for homes in the three-county region, according to our online story.

Harrisburg City Council’s public comment period brought forward several community members concerned that ICE was in the area, who implored council to take action to protect residents. Read more here.

Harrisburg School Board members reviewed a plan to tackle school infrastructure upgrades. Our online story noted officials would like to create a new soccer field for the varsity girls’ soccer team on a portion of the 27-acre campus linked to William Penn.

Local parks officials say layering is a great way to keep kids safe from the cold while they play outside, as seen in our January magazine article.

MLK365 called for volunteers for various service projects happening around Harrisburg. Read our story here.

Sara Bozich has consolidated the best events happening around town this weekend, including closing day of the PA Farm Show and a fitness open house at the Jewish Community Center. For a full list, click here.

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Broad Street Market budget reflects slim margins, new fundraising hopes; board discusses future

January 16, 2026 | by Maddie Gittens

Broad Street Market Alliance board met on Wednesday at the Historic Harrisburg Association Resource Center.

The Broad Street Market Alliance is trying to find new ways to stabilize the nonprofit’s finances.

With a recently passed 2026 budget showing a yearly deficit, the board brought forward plans for fundraising at its Wednesday meeting.

The $921,999 budget, which was published on the market’s website this week, showed expenses exceeding revenue by $87,231, even as the board attempted to tighten its belt with spending cuts to areas like advertising and personnel.

“There’s a challenge to the overall business model that we need to address,” said board Secretary Paul Gellerman. “We really need to focus on the financial foundation of the market.”

While the budget on paper shows a deficit, Treasurer Merrick Green said that one state grant carried over from the previous year and a Dauphin County grant that the board has not yet received are not factored in. With this in mind, he believes that the market will have enough revenue to cover expenses.

Regardless, market board members agreed that a long-term plan is needed.

Even when the fire-ravaged brick building is rebuilt and reopens, Gellerman doesn’t think that vendor rent payments will be enough to cover operating expenses.

New TV screen in the market’s stone building to be used for advertising, announcements and sponsorships.

Much of Wednesday’s board discussion was around the market’s new revenue stream, an 85-inch TV hung near Zeroday’s Outpost in the stone building. Green explained that people can now purchase advertising space, which will appear on a slideshow of ads on the screen. So far, he said, four organizations have committed to buying ads, which cost $1,500 for six months. The budget projects $20,000 in ad revenue for the year.

In addition to ad purchases, the screen will serve as a way for the market to thank sponsors for donations, as he seeks new partners and donors, Green said.

In the budget, the Friends of the Market donation program, which allows community members to support the market, is estimated to raise only $1,000 this year. Currently, Gellerman said that the yearly income from the program is less than that.

Green has also worked to get the market its sales tax exemption, since it is a nonprofit, something that he said was not done in the past.

As part of the 2026 budget, the board will begin to spend its $500,000 state Fresh Food Financing grant that it received in May. The money will allow them to replace the stone building’s roof and update HVAC.

Board members said that they are working to submit additional grant applications.

Green said the board also is still waiting on a grant agreement with Dauphin County to receive its $75,000 in gaming grant money, which was dependent on a new lease agreement with the city. Harrisburg City Council recently approved a one-year extension of the current lease.

Gellerman said that he hopes to foster a better partnership with the city and potentially work to get annual financial support for operations from the city.

While this year’s budget does not include a rent increase for vendors, Green and Gellerman said that the market will likely have to build in annual increases in future years, something that they said is normal for comparable markets.

“The goal is to make the market a place of commerce for the community,” Green said.

Ultimately, board members are hopeful about the trajectory of the market, especially with a slate of new directors on the board.

At its Wednesday meeting, the board welcomed five new members, three of whom were in attendance.

However, board Chair Tashia James was not present on Wednesday and other board members noted that she had missed several meetings.

“We need leadership,” said market vendor Tito Tep, a board member. “We need to move on.”

Tep nominated Gellerman to step in as the new chair, after the board discussed a reorganization. Gellerman accepted the nomination, but asked that the board wait to vote until the next meeting.

The board did, however, unanimously vote for new director Doug Rickards to take the seat as vice chair.

“I feel very hopeful about the board,” Gellerman said after the meeting. “I appreciate everybody who has contributed to the board in the past and now.”

In other Broad Street Market news:

The board decided to continue Wednesday market hours, something that Market Manager Cherri Parks-Taylor had implemented during the holidays. The market will now be open on Wednesdays, in addition to typical Thursday to Saturday hours, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
New vendor Damion’s Fried Chicken is slated to open in the stone building by the end of January. The business is a locally owned startup.
Parks-Taylor said that holiday events at the market, including a Christmas tree lighting and private events, were successful.
Doggie Delights, a vendor in the market’s tent, announced that it will close at the end of January, citing a struggle maintaining business in the tent. Doggie Delights sold its gourmet dog treats in the brick building before the devastating July 2023 fire shuttered that building.

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Local officials, service providers weigh in on increased concerns about ICE, immigrants’ safety

January 15, 2026 | by Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg City Council (file photo).

As reports of ICE sightings on social media and through word-of-mouth ramp up in the region, local officials have weighed in.

In the past several days, online posts and public comments during city meetings have highlighted a growing concern over federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents potentially in the Harrisburg region.

During public comment at Harrisburg City Council’s Tuesday night meeting, several community members said they’d heard that ICE was in the area and implored council to take action to protect residents.

When reached by TheBurg, Gloria Vazquez Merrick, director of the city’s Latino Hispanic American Community Center (LHACC), said that she has heard the same concerns from the center’s neighbors.

“This is not a new thing for us to have ICE around,” Vazquez Merrick said.

However, she added that she does believe there has been an increase in ICE agents in the neighborhood around the center recently.

Harrisburg Police Bureau Deputy Chief Kenny Young said that he does not know if there has been an increase in the federal agents’ activity in the city. The bureau, he said, does not partner with ICE and is not alerted by the federal government when they’re in Harrisburg. No patrol officers have brought any information about ICE presence to his attention, he said.

“They’re not looking to us for information, and we are not helping them in that way,” he said.

At Tuesday’s meeting, council member Jocelyn Rawls asked about the relationship between Harrisburg and ICE. According to City Solicitor Neil Grover, there was a written agreement between the police bureau and customs enforcement in the past, related to people selling “knock-off” products, but that has expired and there has been no formal agreement since.

Young said that the bureau will only interact with ICE agents if officers are called to a scene to assist with safety issues and help to “keep the peace and keep everybody safe.”

Rawls also asked Grover if there was anything that council could do to show support for city residents. Grover replied that council has the ability to draft a resolution showing support for people despite immigration status, but advised that there may be pushback.

“I cannot tell you, under the current federal atmosphere, whether that would have a repercussion or not,” Grover said.

When reached by phone Thursday, Rawls said that she wants to draft a policy that would create clear parameters against city police assisting ICE. Rawls cited Lancaster’s 2024 legislation, which limited police from working with ICE and sharing information, as a model.

“We need this now,” she said. “It’s scary right now.”

Rawls said that she hopes to make progress on legislation over the next few weeks.

Vazquez Merrick said that LHACC is trying to inform people about their rights and is encouraging immigrants to carry documentation on them in case they need to present it.

She has also seen an increase in the number of people, who are here on visas or other legal avenues, requesting help with obtaining citizenship. On the other hand, she’s seen others, disillusioned by the challenges they’re facing and by the national discourse, deciding to return to their home countries.

Vazquez Merrick noted that LHACC’s main focus is assisting people with basic needs, such as with groceries and job placements. She said that they serve anyone and do not ask about their citizenship status.

“We are trying to do what we can,” she said.

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Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

January 15, 2026 | by Sara Bozich

Plan your weekend with my weekly list of things to do around Harrisburg and central PA!

What you’ll find below:

For something new: There are two Mahjong events in this week’s Roundup — that is definitely a first!

Worth noting: I wouldn’t miss a chance to see EFF Live! at Open Stage, part of this month’s 3rd in the Burg. Other highlights include free admission to Susquehanna Art Museum and an opening reception at the Art Association of Harrisburg — all Friday for 3rd in the Burg

Things on my agenda this weekend: Pinewood Derby, Alice Feeney at Midtown Scholar

Thursday

Pennsylvania Farm Show
Farm Show Milkshake Run (4 miles-ish roundtrip) with Harrisburg Beer Runners | Free | Harrisburg
Mah Jongg Tile Time at Nour | Free | Camp Hill
New Sheetz Store Grand Opening – Camp Hill, PA | Free | Camp Hill
Megan and Dave at The Sturges Speakeasy | Free | Harrisburg
Kayleigh Clark at Capital City Music Hall | $ | Harrisburg
Open Mic & Jam at The Abbey Bar | Free | Harrisburg

Friday

3rd in the Burg
3rd in the Burg at Susquehanna Art Museum | Free | Harrisburg
EFF Live! at Open Stage | $ | Harrisburg
Opening Reception for “Figuratively Speaking” at Art Association of Harrisburg | Free | Harrisburg
Pennsylvania Farm Show | Free | Harrisburg
TGIF: Cycle Express Theme Ride-Grateful Dead Tribute Ride at H2L Studio | $ | Mechanicsburg
TGIF: Cycle Express Theme Ride-Green Day vs Blink 182 at H2L Studio | $ | Mechanicsburg
Sculpt: But Make it Spic🅴 at H2L Studio | $ | Mechanicsburg
Opening Reception – Reflections – A Mixed Media Exhibition at Ned Smith Center for Nature & Art | Free | Millersburg
Re-potting workshops at The Plant Witch | Free | Harrisburg
Social Hours at The Willows at Ashcombe | Free | Mechanicsburg
Spirits of the Past: Party Like It’s 1776 at York County History Center | $ | York
Whitaker Presents Best of The Eagles | $ | Harrisburg
Izakaya After Dark ft. DJ Kynz at Freshido Bar & Kitchen | $ | Harrisburg
The Roomates Trio @ Mad Moose Tavern | Free | Harrisburg
Megan, Dave, and Ed at Liquid Noise | Free | Marysville
Dance Lab: Ballroom Dancing at The Appell Center | $ | York
Friday Night Jazz: Dave Leoni & Friends at Victor’s Italian Restaurant | Free | York
Defiant (FREE SHOW) + Anthrophobia, Lyndhurst and Dinosaurs in Paris! at XL Live | Free (!) | Harrisburg
Who They Fear at Capital City Music Hall w/ KVRMA, Elsewhere and Within Me | $ | Harrisburg
Agatha Christie’s Rule of Thumb at Oyster Mill Playhouse | $ | Camp Hill
The Reign of King Edward III at Gamut Theatre Group | $ | Harrisburg
Latin Fuzion Fridayz at Level 2 | Harrisburg

Saturday

Saturday Morning Yoga at Boneshire Brew Works | $ | Harrisburg
Pennsylvania Farm Show | Free | Harrisburg
Beginner Kettlebell Workshop at H2L Studio | $ | Mechanicsburg
Winter Bird Watch at Hershey Gardens | $ | Hershey
Whisker Wonderland Adoption Event at Ashcombe Farm and Greenhouse | Free | Mechanicsburg
Generations In Bloom Grand Opening | Free | New Cumberland
Winter Wine-derland Weekend at Gruver Farms | Free | New Cumberland
Sip, Learn & Play: Mahjong at The Winery at Hunters Valley | $ | Liverpool
Winter Moons & Appalachian Spring at The Appell Center | $ | York
Appetite for Destruction with Steel at XL Live | $ | Harrisburg
Tantric “Celebrating 25 Years of The Debut Album” At Capital City Music Hall | $ | Harrisburg
Rift Phish Tribute Live at The Abbey Bar w/ Sons of Pitches | $ | Harrisburg
Agatha Christie’s Rule of Thumb at Oyster Mill Playhouse | $ | Camp Hill
The Reign of King Edward III at Gamut Theatre Group | $ | Harrisburg
Popcorn Hat Players presents The Snow Queen at Gamut Theatre | $ | Harrisburg
Ciroc Saturdays at Level 2 | Harrisburg
Brewery Tours: York City Walking Tour | $ | York
Brewery Tours: Cruise York County | $ | York
Brewery Tours: Lancaster City Walking Tour | $ | Lancaster
Brewery Tours: Lancaster City Walk-a-Bout! | $ | Lancaster

Sunday

Sunday Tea at The Willows at Ashcombe | $ | Mechanicsburg
Kundalini Yoga with Keane Living at Consciousness Coffee | $ | Lemoyne
Sundays at Stumpy’s! | $ | Hershey
Sunday Night Trivia at McGrath’s Pub | Free | Harrisburg
Harrisburg JCC Fitness Open House at the Grass Campus | Free | Harrisburg
Pilates & Prosecco (Mat Pilates & A Drink!) at H2L Studio | $ | Mechanicsburg
An Afternoon with Alice Feeney: My Husband’s Wife at Midtown Scholar Bookstore | $ | Harrisburg
Reiki Around Our World! ~ “Grounding and Self-Care” ~ A ZOOM AND Live Event! | $ | Harrisburg and Online
Sound Healing Meditation at H2L Studio | $ | Mechanicsburg
Winter Wine-derland Weekend at Gruver Farms | Free | New Cumberland
Peter Sirotin and Friends “Fruitful Friendship” at Messiah University | $ | Mechanicsburg
The Reign of King Edward III at Gamut Theatre Group | $ | Harrisburg

Extras

Free admission to Susquehanna Art Museum on Monday for MLK Jr. Day
Early Bird tickets are available for this year’s Plants + Pints — just $15 through Jan. 31! Get yours now.
Want to share an ‘extra’? Email Sara with interest!

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Dauphin County approves contracts for summer and fall festivals

January 14, 2026 | by Alexandra Jones

The Dauphin County Commissioners met Wednesday.

Offering a glimpse of events and entertainers coming to Dauphin County parks this year, the county board of commissioners unanimously approved a dozen entertainment contracts Wednesday.

For the 2026 Jazz & Wine Festival, slated for Fort Hunter Park on Sept. 12 and 13, the county approved contracts for musical acts.

Slated entertainers include a jazz trio made up of keyboardist Brian Simpson and saxophonists Marion Meadows and Jessy J ($12,500); Chelsey Green & The Green Project, led by violinist and vocalist Chelsey Green, ($7,500); pianist Kofi Boakye ($6,500); Phaze II, a six-piece jazz ensemble from Washington D.C., ($3,500), and Best Kept Soul, a Delaware band that plays jazz ($3,250).

For the 2026 BrewFest, a beer and music festival put on by the county, musician Mark DeRose is slated to perform ($600). The event is planned for July 18 in front of Fort Hunter Mansion.

The county also secured a contractor to provide movie and screen audio for its family friendly, 12-week Sunset Music and Movie Series that will run June through August at Fort Hunter Park ($7,350).

The county also approved a professional race timing contract with a vendor ($1,100) for its annual Run Wild for Wildwood 5K/10K and a contract with Ryan “The Bug Man” Bridge to give insect presentations at a nature-themed kids day camp ($770).

The 5K/10K race is held at and that raises money for Wildwood Park. Nature Explorers Day Camp, also held at Wildwood Park, for kids aged 6 to 8 begins in July.

County commissioners Justin Douglas, Mike Pries and George Hartwick approved the entertainment contracts alongside many other line items Wednesday.

The money for these contracts, which were all budgeted for, comes from the Dauphin County Community Fund.

To learn more about the Dauphin County Commissioners visit this website.

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