Results of survey show support for downtown revitalization; community workshops announced

June 5, 2026 | by Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg. Photo by Michael Yatsko

The results of a recent survey show that community members are ready and excited for a downtown Harrisburg renaissance, officials say.

The Pennsylvania Downtown Center, in partnership with the Capital Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC), announced the results of a survey that garnered thousands of responses and showed support for revitalizing downtown.

“What came back was both encouraging and clear-eyed: strong pride in the city’s architecture, riverfront and cultural assets, alongside real frustrations around parking, everyday retail, safety and business climate,” according to the Revitalize Downtown Harrisburg website.

Building on the interest shown by the survey response, CREDC and the Pennsylvania Downtown Center will host a series of workshops later this month to share further ideas for downtown.

According to survey responses from over 4,000 people, five strong themes emerged, which will be explored in the workshops.

One of the top findings of the survey was that people are interested in making downtown a place for everyday life, with a grocery store, pharmacy, and places to meet basic needs.

Other themes included overcoming the barrier of parking downtown, improving perceptions of safety and cleanliness, supporting business development, and creating energy through more housing, events and activities.

About half of the respondents were city residents, 45% worked downtown and 43% said they support downtown restaurants on a weekly or monthly basis. Additionally, 20% said they wanted to be involved in the downtown revitalization project.

Upcoming June workshops will give people the chance to have their voices heard again. Topics will include quality of life, public spaces and economic vitality.

“These workshops are essential to gaining valuable input from across a broad spectrum of our community, including those who live, work and visit downtown Harrisburg,” said Ryan Unger, president and CEO of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber and CREDC. “With the help of our partners and with the passionate ideas of community members and key stakeholders, we can truly breathe new life into downtown Harrisburg.”

The workshop series will take place on the following dates:

Quality of Life Workshops:
The focus of these sessions will be on how Harrisburg can be a more desirable place to live for everyone – from young professionals to families to retirees.

June 18 – 1 to 3 p.m., Harrisburg High School—John Harris Campus, 2451 Market St.
June 18 – 6 to 8 p.m., Harrisburg High School—John Harris Campus, 2451 Market St.

Public Spaces Workshops:
The focus of these sessions will be on creating more vibrant and welcoming gathering spaces downtown for people of all ages and abilities.

June 23 – 1 to 3 p.m., Camp Curtin Academy, 2900 N. 6^th St.
June 23 – 6 to 8 p.m., Camp Curtin Academy, 2900 N. 6^th St.

Economic Vitality Workshops:
The focus of these sessions will be on how Harrisburg can be a leading economic engine, supporting thriving businesses both today and into the future.

June 25 – 1 to 3 p.m., Harrisburg High School—SciTech Campus, 215 Market St.
June 25 – 6 to 8 p.m., Harrisburg High School—SciTech Campus, 215 Market St.

Workshops are free and open to all.

For more information, visit the “Revitalize Downtown Harrisburg” website.

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

Looking for Affordable Pet Insurance Coverage Options? These Are the 4 Top Providers in Central PA

June 5, 2026 | by Admin

Keeping your pets healthy requires significant investments, from routine checkups to emergency care. Pet insurance provides a safety net by helping alleviate the financial burden of veterinary care, allowing you to make decisions based on health instead of cost.

If you are looking for a high-quality plan that will not break the bank, here is a look at the most affordable pet insurance coverage options in Central PA.

1. AAA Central Penn

AAA Central Penn offers personalized insurance policies designed to provide you with the peace of mind you need when it comes to your pet’s health. With budget-friendly deductibles and co-pays, it eliminates the worry of unexpected vet bills and allows you to focus on your dog or cat’s well-being.

Key Features

Flexible coverage options: Choose from plans that offer reimbursement levels of 70%, 80% and 90%, with deductibles ranging from $100 to $300.
Easy claim process: Get reimbursement within three to five business days through AAA Central Penn’s online portal.
Nationwide acceptance: With this provider, your pet can be covered at any licensed veterinarian across the United States.

2. ASPCA Pet Health Insurance

As a proud partner of the ASPCA^® since 2006, ASPCA Pet Health Insurance understands that your pets are family. Its comprehensive plans include features like a 30-day money-back guarantee and the flexibility to manage your account online 24/7. You can also take your pet to any licensed veterinarian in America or Canada.

Key Features

Customizable coverage options: ASPCA Pet Health Insurance provides various plans, including ones that protect against accidents, illnesses, hereditary conditions and other health concerns.
Multi-pet discounts: If you have more than one pet, you can enjoy a 10% discount for each additional canine or feline companion you insure.
Inclusive benefits for comprehensive care: Coverage includes alternative therapies like acupuncture and chiropractic care.

3. Pets Best

Pets Best has pet insurance plans that protect both dogs and cats. It offers customizable coverage options to fit various health needs and budgets, helping you reduce your vet bills without breaking the bank on insurance.

Key Features

Comprehensive accident and illness coverage: It offers plans designed to cover up to 90% of eligible vet bills, including treatments for accidents, illnesses, emergency care, surgeries and prescriptions.
Easy claims process: Manage your claims anywhere through the Pets Best mobile app.
Routine care coverage available: You can opt for routine care coverage to help manage the costs of regular vet visits, vaccinations and dental cleanings.

4. Lemonade

Designed for dogs and cats of all breeds and ages, Lemonade provides customizable insurance plans that cover everything from routine wellness visits to emergency care. With its commitment to affordability and quick claims processing, you can confidently focus on your pet’s health without the financial worries.

Key Features

Comprehensive base policy: It covers various veterinary expenses, including diagnostics, surgeries and treatments for chronic conditions.
Flexible preventive care options: Add-on preventive coverage allows you to include routine expenses like vaccinations, dental cleanings and wellness exams in your plan.
User-friendly mobile app: The Lemonade app lets you manage your pet’s records and track claim status.

The Most Affordable Pet Insurance Coverage Options in Central PA at a Glance

Here are the key features of the best pet insurance coverage options in Central PA for quick comparisons.

Provider	Coverage Types	Unique Features
AAA Central Penn	Accidents, illnesses, injuries, prescriptions, holistic and alternative care	Personalized service and dedicated agents
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance	Accidents, illnesses, hereditary conditions, chronic conditions, behavioral issues, additional care, prescriptions	10% multi-pet discount
Pets Best	Accidents, illnesses, hereditary conditions, ongoing and chronic conditions, diagnostics, prescriptions	Claims process via mobile app
Lemonade	Accidents, illnesses, preventive care options, diagnostics, prescriptions	Claims processing with an app and 24/7 vet support

Methodology for Assessing the Most Affordable Pet Insurance Providers

These pet insurance companies are among the best in Central PA because they meet the following criteria:

Coverage types: They offer comprehensive policy inclusions and a range of coverage options to meet various pet health needs.
Plan flexibility: They have customization options to fit specific budgetary concerns and pet health needs.
Reimbursement rates: Their rates allow flexibility in varying reimbursement levels, helping pet owners manage out-of-pocket expenses.
Monthly premiums: They provide competitive monthly premiums based on the location, breed and age of the dog or cat.
Customer service and claims experience: They are known for transparent communication and streamlined online claims processing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the answers to common questions about pet insurance.

Q: What does pet insurance generally cover?

A: Most pet insurance plans cover costs associated with accidental injuries and illnesses. They cover various treatments and procedures, such as:

Emergency care: Coverage for hospitalizations and surgeries following accidents
Chronic illnesses: Conditions that require ongoing treatment, such as diabetes or cancer
Diagnostic exams: Blood tests, labwork, x-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans and similar procedures
Routine care: Vaccinations, tick and flea prevention and teeth cleaning

Q: How do you choose the right pet insurance for your needs?

A: Consider your pet’s age, breed and any preexisting conditions, as some plans may exclude specific offerings based on these factors. Then, compare plans and costs. Assess monthly premiums, coverage details, deductibles and reimbursement rates among different providers. Entities that offer customizable plans may be ideal, depending on your canine or feline’s needs.

Q: What if you have more than one pet?

A: Many providers offer family plans that cover multiple pets under one policy with a shared deductible. The group coverage makes it easier to manage costs and can even lead to discounts in some of the most affordable pet insurance coverage options in Central PA.

Invest in Your Pet’s Well-being

Your furry companion’s health relies on the decisions you make today. Enrolling in an affordable pet insurance plan gives you regular access to healthcare facilities and timely treatments for injuries and illnesses.

It will also reduce the potential financial hardships from unforeseen veterinary costs. Ensure your pet is covered to pave the way to a longer and healthier life.

Sponsored Content

Long-time Art Association of Harrisburg leader to retire; board names local gallery owner as new president

June 4, 2026 | by M. Diane McCormick

Carrie Wissler-Thomas

The Art Association of Harrisburg enters its second century with the retirement in September of long-time President Carrie Wissler-Thomas, who has led the group to its pivotal position in central Pennsylvania culture.

Tapping into the synchronicity of the local arts scene, the AAH board selected New Cumberland gallery owner Debbie Smith for the part-time public-facing and administrative role of executive director and president.

The transition will strengthen connections that revitalize the city and region while continuing to educate and cultivate local visual artists, say association leaders.

Wissler-Thomas, originally an AAH board member installed as president in 1986, will retire at the conclusion of AAH’s 38^th annual Gallery Walk on Sept. 13. Her shoes will be filled by a collective of Smith, owner of The Smith Gallery & Fine Custom Framing, plus a full-time exhibitions and education director position expected to be filled this summer, and past board President Travis DiNicola as the senior adviser supporting fundraising.

Wissler-Thomas and the AAH board planned her retirement to coincide with the 2026 centennial celebration of AAH, formed in 1926 to attract high-level exhibits to Harrisburg then evolving into a platform for supporting and educating local visual artists.

In her tenure as president, Wissler-Thomas has created the annual Gallery Walk, community exhibitions in local businesses and institutions, and eclectic invitational and themed exhibitions. She has led growth of AAH art education while preserving the association’s home, the brownstone Findlay Mansion in downtown Harrisburg’s historic Governor’s Row.

“I have great hopes for the future and great confidence in the new team,” Wissler-Thomas told TheBurg.

Debbie Smith

Upholding Wissler-Thomas’ work to forge collaborations with symbiotic organizations, including Historic Harrisburg Association and theater groups, Smith envisions heightened emphasis on arts collaborations. This year, she helped organize the criss-crossing involvement between the AAH and Theatre Harrisburg centennial galas, and she hopes to continue leveraging the synchronous assets of arts groups and businesses.

“There are so many different arts organizations,” Smith said. “I’m going to get everybody together so we can grow the community.”

With support from her own staff, Smith will maintain her gallery, which has grown into a premier showcase for regional artists.

Smith believes her background in theater and her experience in growing a business through recessions and COVID translate into a vision of the Art Association’s continuation as a cultural hub.

“I’ve always wanted to connect people,” she said. “Collaboration is the key. My business and the Art Association—we have the same artists. Art raises us. It lifts us. It connects us, and it bridges any gap that we have.”

And, she added, “I promote living, breathing, creating artists, which is what the Art Association does.”

Smith is “a wonderful person and a dear friend, and I admire her greatly,” said Wissler-Thomas. “She’s a great businesswoman. She’s excited about the job, and excitement and passion are what is needed in a job like this.”

Sustaining and building partnerships “is crucial,” Wissler-Thomas added. “We don’t need another cultural enrichment fund. We don’t need an umbrella organization. What we need is great communication and partnerships with the individual organizations. We have so many wonderful nonprofit cultural organizations in the area, and it’s great when we can work together.”

The shared leadership structure, aligning with a nonprofit trend for marshaling resources, presents “a creative and thoughtful and really interesting solution to how you replace Carrie, which is a big question,” said DiNicola.

“Carrie has built a great foundation,” he said. “She led what was a small, little organization into something quite significant over the past 50 years that she’s been involved. She really grew it and stabilized it. Now we have an opportunity to take it into the next century.”

AAH’s power to convene players in the arts, business and academics makes the association “even more important to the revitalization of downtown Harrisburg,” DiNicola added.

Smith agreed that AAH can help “get all these different organizations together to revitalize, to bring some energy back into the city. It needs it, and energy is my thing. It becomes contagious. Once you have an energy and you have that murmuring, it moves through the community when it becomes that kind of buzz.”

Of course, Wissler-Thomas reminded Smith that “sometimes we get to be the janitor,” a role that Smith knows well, but she is excited about the future.

“It’s moving the Art Association into the next 100 years so we are uplifting the amazing art and artists we have in this area,” Smith said.

In retirement, Wissler-Thomas expects to “be an artist again,” while she and her husband travel to their beloved Scotland and around the globe. The AAH board has “kindly offered” the opportunity to coordinate future Gallery Walks, “a huge, huge collaborative effort.”

“That’ll be my pleasure, since I founded it,” she said.

Wissler-Thomas hopes that AAH keeps recruiting teachers fueled by commitment and passion to sustain its art education program, now serving 600 students.

“People love what we provide,” she said. “We have a small staff, but we provide a lot of services for the community, and we’re proud of it. That’s what I hope will continue well into the future, with additions as opportunities arise. We’re always open to new opportunities.”

Art Association of Harrisburg is located at 21 N. Front St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.artassocofhbg.com. A Wissler-Thomas retrospective, “A Lyrical Journey,” runs July 3 to Aug. 30. Smith will host the first of AAH’s summer soirees, July 11.

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

Harrisburg Arts District adds new map destinations ahead of summer

June 4, 2026 | by Alexandra Jones

Newly updated Harrisburg Arts District map

Visit Hershey & Harrisburg unveiled new materials to spotlight the Harrisburg Arts District Thursday, including an updated print map with new destinations and a fresh audio walking tour.

The Harrisburg Arts District runs from Midtown Harrisburg to South of Market (SoMa), shining light on the city’s museums, theater and live music venues, and murals and monuments.

Newly added stops to the print map include monuments along the Susquehanna Riverfront, recently opened venues like the Capital City Music Hall and Coronet Park.

On the free mobile app “Harrisburg Arts District,” Visit Hershey Harrisburg’s President and CEO Sharon Myers said the organization has added the new audio tour to highlight more monuments and gardens on the riverfront.

“The audio tours help to deliver that experience by offering more background—not just about the monuments and gardens—but about the sculptors and the artists and the monuments and how they helped to build this city,” Myers said.

Sharon Myers, president and CEO of Visit Hershey Harrisburg

The Harrisburg Arts District is made up of more than 50 murals and monuments and more than 20 theaters, performance venues, museums, and art galleries, and a full calendar of events.

The goal of the district, designed to encourage visitors to walk between city arts venues, is to help tourists build itineraries full of arts and culture for their days in Harrisburg. This may spur visits elsewhere as well, helping Harrisburg’s economy as a whole.

“Chances are they will want to enjoy dinner or local shops, and many of the things that they didn’t even know existed,” said Myers.

The Harrisburg Arts District began in 2024 with a mobile app.

The announcement Thursday was supported by representatives from the Art Association Harrisburg, the PA Council on the Arts, Dauphin County, Harrisburg, and the Harrisburg Regional Chamber and CREDC.

Newly updated Harrisburg Arts District map

For more information visit Visit Hershey Harrisburg’s website.

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

Summer concerts return to Market Square, with special focus for America 250

June 4, 2026 | by Maddie Gittens

(From left) Kevin Gabo (Photo by Cicely Procopio of Procopio Photography), Stuart Malina (Photo by Lisa Keegan), Curtis Bannister (Photo by Kevin Hartmann)

As summer heats up, musicians are tuning up for special performances.

Throughout July, Market Square Concerts will present its Summermusic series with a special emphasis on American musical contributions for the country’s 250^th birthday.

First up, on Sunday, July 12 at 4 p.m., Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra’s principal trumpet, Kevin Gebo, with friends, will present a program of chamber music for brass quintet, ranging from Handel to John Williams.

Days later, Arthur Foote’s grand piano quintet will play with Dvořák’s “American” String Quintet, featuring Stuart Malina at the piano, violinists Peter Sirotin and Claudia Chudacoff, violists Elias Goldstein and Hannah Rose Nicholas, as well as cellist Juian Schwarz, on July 15 at 7:30 p.m.

On Sunday, July 19, the festival will present an evening of song, starting at 4 p.m., featuring award-winning tenor Curtis Bannister with pianist Mark Markham in a program exploring the Swedish cultural concept Jantelagen, which symbolizes collective unity and humility over praise of the individual.

All concerts will take place at Market Square Presbyterian Church, 20 S. 2nd St., Harrisburg.

Parking in the garage adjacent to the church is free, validated with a license plate number by a staff member. Tickets are $35, $30 for seniors, $5 for college students and free for school-age students with a $10 ticket available for one accompanying adult.

For tickets and more information, visit marketsquareconcerts.org/summermusic2026.

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

Italian Lake concerts to return to Harrisburg for the summer

June 4, 2026 | by Maddie Gittens

A past Italian Lake concert. Photo courtesy of Harrisburg Young Professionals.

Summer evenings will soon be filled with music.

Harrisburg Young Professionals on Thursday announced the return of their Italian Lake Concert series, which brings live music to the park each month this season.

The free, family-friendly shows will take place on June 7, July 26 and Aug. 9 at the stage at Italian Lake. Each show begins at 6 p.m. and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and snacks.

First up, Natalie Ness will perform in June, bringing her soulful, indie-pop flair. In July, The After Hours will perform a high-energy, pop-rock show. August brings Crossing Abbey Road, a Beatles tribute band.

According to HYP, the concert series is designed to bring the community together and create a fun, welcoming atmosphere.

For more information about the Italian Lake Concert Series or other HYP events, visit their website.

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

Denim Coffee to open third downtown Harrisburg location next week

June 4, 2026 | by Alexandra Jones

Denim Coffee owners Matt Ramsay and Tony Diehl with staff at the new S. 2nd Street location

There’s a new spot downtown to grab coffee, a bite to eat, or even a meeting.

After several “soft open” days training new staff this week, Denim Coffee is slated to open its third Harrisburg location at 17 S. 2nd St. on Monday at 11 a.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“We are thrilled with how the space has come together and cannot wait to share it with our downtown Harrisburg friends and colleagues,” said Matt Ramsay, Denim co-owner and founder.

The shop is located on the first floor of the Menaker Apartment Building beside Coronet Park.

The location marks Chambersburg-based Denim’s eighth coffee shop in central PA.

Within Harrisburg, it already operates a Walnut Street location and a coffee kiosk inside Strawberry Square under the Clock Box.

Denim Coffee’s third Harrisburg location

The new S. 2nd St. space seats more than 50 and has a conference room that will be available for meeting reservations for a fee, designed to offer gathering space for the community.

“Looking around the Harrisburg market, we felt there was a need for a third space that offered more seating for meetings and larger groups,” Ramsay said.

Harristown and Denim built out the space with four 8-foot bar tables with downtown views.

Brad Jones, Harristown’s president and CEO, said the new shop “will be a perfect addition to this growing downtown neighborhood.”

The location will be open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and serve coffee, tea, baked goods, and sandwiches for breakfast and lunch.

Wooden tables with seating and, in the back, Denim’s conference room

For more information, visit Denim’s website.

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

Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

June 4, 2026 | by Sara Bozich

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

In partnership with

What you’ll find below:

For something new: Yappy Hour in Coronet Park TONIGHT! Belmont Bourbon Bash 2026 on Saturday evening.

Worth noting: SoMa PinFest is Saturday — this is going to be huge! Dig My Earth Festival is Friday in Biglerville – a can’t-miss tribute to Bob Dylan! Rock Paper Records celebrates 15 years.

Things on my agenda this weekend: Yappy Hour, Denim VIP preview (it opens next week – follow me on IG for a VIP Preview!), Hersheypark with my kiddo (our last day of school tradition), SoMa PinFest, a screen-free day on City Island with PA Outdoor Recreation Association (more info coming soon), and Eagle Air Aviation $5 Keystone Nationals at BAPS Motor Speedway on Sunday! phew!

Thursday

Yappy Hour at Coronet Park | Free | Harrisburg
Open Mic & Jam | Thursdays | The Abbey Bar | Free | Harrisburg
DJ Taz Live at Harrisburg Beach Club | Free | Harrisburg
The Acacia Strain at Capital City Music Hall | $ | Harrisburg
The Temptations & The Four Tops at American Music Theatre | $ | Lancaster
Always… Patsy Cline at Gretna Theatre | $ | Mount Gretna

Friday

Margarita Fridays at Boneshire Brew Works | Free | Harrisburg
Barre with a Bottle: H2L & Gruver Farms Winery | $ | New Cumberland
Chair Yoga with H2L in the Lavender Fields at Within You Farms | $ | Mechanicsburg
HYP First Friday Social & Captains Meeting at Sawyer’s | Free | Harrisburg
Taste of Lititz in Downtown Lititz | Free | Lititz
Dig My Earth Festival 2026 at South Mountain Fairgrounds | $ | Biglerville
Sunset Music and Movie Series: Stone House Breakdown at Fort Hunter Park | Free | Harrisburg
Summer Concert Series at Tucker&Co. Bakery | Free | Dillsburg
Cusick at The Millworks Rooftop | Free | Harrisburg
Decked Out Live with Crossing Abbey Road at The Vineyard at Hershey | $ | Middletown
Revolutionary Comedy Night at Revolutionary Hot Sauce Eatery & Brewpub | $ | Mechanicsburg
Harrisburg Senators POST-GAME FIREWORKS | VS AA YANKEES | $ | Harrisburg
First Friday Free Family Film: BEAUTY AND THE BEAST 35th Anniversary at The Appell Center | Free | York
Dueling Pianos at ABC Mechanicsburg | Free | Mechanicsburg
Jazz in the City: Percussion Blowout! at The Appell Center | $ | York
Jazz at the Barnyard at Hershey History Center | Free | Hershey
Darius Rucker: Songs Of Summer Tour 2026 at Hollywood Casino | $ | Grantville
Phil Cannizzaro and Mitch Hood- live at Flinchy’s | Free | Camp Hill
Live Music w/ Cool Beans Duo at Harrisburg Beach Club | Free | Harrisburg
The Jellybricks, Very Fine Gentlemen, Seneca at XL Live | $ | Harrisburg
NIGHTS OF MALICE | MY OWN WILL | BEHEAD THE BETRAYER | BRICKTOTHEFACE | EDGE OF DESOLATION | CCMH | $ | Harrisburg
33rd Annual Free Shakespeare in the Park: As You Like It at Reservoir Park | $ | Harrisburg
Always… Patsy Cline at Gretna Theatre | $ | Mount Gretna
Open Stage presents Boys in the Band | $ | Harrisburg
SWEENEY TODD • Opening Night! at Little Theatre of Mechanicsburg | $ | Mechanicsburg
Latin Fuzion Fridayz at Level 2 | Harrisburg

Saturday

Saturday Morning Yoga at Boneshire Brew Works | $ | Harrisburg
SoMa PinFest | Free | Harrisburg
School’s Out Community Day at Whitaker Center | Free | Harrisburg
2026 Midtown Yard Sale | Friends of Midtown | Free | Harrisburg
HBG Flea – June 2026 at Midtown Cinema | Free | Harrisburg
Summer Book Sale at Red Land Community Library | Free | Etters
Penn State Extension Master Gardener Walk & Talk – Park Rx at Wildwood Park | Free | Harrisburg
Lavender Weekend at Gruver Farms | Free | New Cumberland
RPR Fest! at Metropolis Collective | $ | Mechanicsburg
Lancaster VegFest 2026 at Buchanan Park | Free | Lancaster
Birding Floats with Susquehanna Outfitters | $ | Wormleysburg
America250 PA Cumberland County Appalachian Trail Hikes: Micro Thru-Hike | $ | Carlisle
Foundry Day Arts & Crafts Festival at Children’s Lake | Free | Boiling Springs
Discover Newport Food Truck Festival – Eat | Shop | Explore | Free | Newport
Restorative Yin + Immersive sound at Drip105 Hot Yoga | $ | Camp Hill
11th Anniversary Celebration! at CrossWinds Winery of Hershey | Free | Hershey
Harrisburg Senators SOCCER NIGHT | VS SOMERSET PATRIOTS (AA YANKEES) | $ | Harrisburg
Pennsylvania Regional Ballet Summer Concert at The Rose Lehrman Arts Center | $ | Harrisburg
Belmont Bourbon Bash 2026 at Ironstone Ranch | $ | Elizabethtown
Dinner Under the Pavilion with Groovy Gut at Talking Breads | $ | Mechanicsburg
Shinedown at GIANT Center | $ | Hershey
Kyle Smith at The Abbey Bar | $ | Harrisburg
Live Music w/ Mike & Me at Harrisburg Beach Club | Free | Harrisburg
Emily’s ToyBox at The Vineyard at Hershey | $ | Middletown
Smooth Like Clyde at Englewood Hershey! | Free | Hummelstown
Scotty McCreery with guest Shane Profitt at American Music Theatre | $ | Lancaster
Almost Queen – A Tribute to Queen at XL Live | $ | Harrisburg
ALL YOUR FRIENDS – The Indie Sleaze Dance Party at Capital City Music Hall | $ | Harrisburg
Y2K Party with DJ JLuxe and Nite Look at Capital City Music Hall | $ | Harrisburg
33rd Annual Free Shakespeare in the Park: As You Like It at Reservoir Park | $ | Harrisburg
Always… Patsy Cline at Gretna Theatre | $ | Mount Gretna
Open Stage presents Boys in the Band | $ | Harrisburg
SWEENEY TODD at Little Theatre of Mechanicsburg | $ | Mechanicsburg
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 Mansion | $ | Mechanicsburg
Sundays at Stumpy’s! | $ | Hershey
Sunday Night Trivia at McGrath’s Pub | Free | Harrisburg
Sunday Food Truck Night In SoMa at Agape Elixir Bar | Free | Harrisburg
2026 Tour de Belt with Capital Area Greenbelt Association | $ | Harrisburg
Birding Floats with Susquehanna Outfitters | $ | Wormleysburg
2026 Annual Church Picnic at St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox | $ | Harrisburg
Harrisburg Senators BLUEY | VS SOMERSET PATRIOTS (AA YANKEES) | $ | Harrisburg
Eagle Air Aviation $5 Keystone Nationals at BAPS Motor Speedway | $ | York Haven
Dinner Under the Pavilion with Groovy Gut at Talking Breads | $ | Mechanicsburg
Music Bingo at Royal Winery | Free | Harrisburg
Italian Lake Concert Series with HYP | Free | Harrisburg
Lavender Weekend at Gruver Farms | Free | New Cumberland
Best Friend Day Celebration- Cycle + Barre at H2L Studio | $ | Mechanicsburg
Lancaster VegFest 2026 at Buchanan Park | Free | Lancaster
The Righteous Brothers: Lovin’ Feelin’ Farewell Tour at American Music Theatre | $ | Lancaster
Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening at Hershey Theatre | $ | Hershey
Sound Healing Meditation at H2L Studio | $ | Mechanicsburg
Open Stage presents Boys in the Band | $ | Harrisburg
Always… Patsy Cline at Gretna Theatre | $ | Mount Gretna

If you like what we do, please support our work.

Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Two local businesses unite to create a summer camp where sustainability meets science

June 3, 2026 | by Alexandra Jones

A solar-powered Mars rover (Photo by Source The Space)

Two local businesses are teaming up to launch a science and sustainability summer camp this July, offering kids the chance to tackle hands-on, good-for-the-Earth projects.

A creative studio in New Cumberland called Source the Space is combining forces with Thoughtfully Sustainable, an online STEM and sustainability education platform created by Jessica Purcell.

Purcell, who has over a decade of experience as a classroom teacher, will run four Tuesday morning classes this July at Source the Space through the pair’s “Summer STEM Camp Series” for kids in 2nd through 6th grade.

Each summer camp session focuses on a different sustainability project, spanning the realm of composting, experimenting with solar power by making their own ovens and a “Mars rover,” and constructing structurally sound “wildlife” bridges and earthquake-proof towers out of recycled materials.

“The first class is all about composting, so they’ll learn how composting works,” explained Purcell. “They’ll actually make their own soil area. They’ll be able to play with little red wiggler worms and understand the importance of decomposing their own food scraps instead of putting them in the trash.”

Kids will also learn about greenhouse gasses, climate change and how diverting food waste can help the planet and their gardens, she added.

In the second class, on solar power, kids will make solar-powered ovens to bake s’mores and create rovers powered by the sun.

The wildlife bridge and earthquake tower classes will teach scientific design along with lessons, respectively, about wildlife engineering and Richter scales.

A solar-powered s’mores oven (Photo courtesy of Source The Space)

Up to 20 kids will be able to sign up per session and, while they can sign up for all four sessions, they can also sign up for one-offs at $50 per session.

Purcell said the goal of the series is to walk kids through basic STEM concepts, the design process and the scientific method.

“I’ve had the classes structured so that they can design, they can fail, and they can try again,” said Purcell. “The underlying purpose of this is for them to see that there’s growth through designing, failing and retesting until they get something that they really like.”

Stephanie Durborow Fletcher, one of the owners of Source the Space, will assist Purcell in documenting the camp and helping learners, as well as Purcell’s high school-age daughter.

“We’ve got a lot of hands to be able to make sure that all the kids get an equal opportunity to dive in as much as they want to,” said Purcell.

She described it as a great opportunity for any creative kid ready to design things and learn about “how our everyday actions impact our greater world.”

For more information on the “Summer STEM Camp Series,” visit Thoughtfully Sustainable’s website.

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

“River City Stories” brings Harrisburg voices to the big screen next month

June 3, 2026 | by Rosena Campana

River City Stories official poster

Harrisburg locals can see their city on the big screen at an upcoming film premiere.

“River City Stories” is returning to the Harrisburg Fringe Festival from July 16 through 18 with a fresh lineup of original films inspired by life in the city, following two years of sold-out screenings.

In order to portray the experiences, ambiguities, and nature of their community, playwright-screenwriter Paul Hood and journalist-filmmaker Wallace McKelvey collaborated on a film project that combines comedy, drama and slice-of-life narrative.

This screening will feature the third installment of “River City Stories,” a project that started with the first slate of films in 2024 and a second in 2025, both premiering at Midtown Cinema for the Fringe Festival, as well.

“There’s something special about sitting in a theater and hearing people identify a piece of themselves on screen,” McKelvey said. “This project has always been about creating space for those connections and showcasing the incredible creative talent that exists right here in central Pennsylvania.”

McKelvey’s vision aligns with the mission behind many of the films featured at the festival, including local productions that seek to tell authentic community stories. The fourth annual Harrisburg Fringe Festival takes place July 16 to 19 and features theater, art, music and film.

“Harrisburg is full of stories, many of which go unnoticed by outsiders,” Hood said. “’River City Stories’ is our attempt to shine a light on moments involving the human condition and create characters that audiences recognize in themselves, their neighbors, and their communities.”

The newest film installment will be shown at Midtown Cinema during the Harrisburg Fringe Festival on:

Thursday, July 16 at 9:20 p.m.
Friday, July 17 at 6 p.m.
Saturday, July 18 at 4 p.m.

All tickets can be purchased online on the Harrisburg Fringe Festival website. For updates and additional details, you can follow their social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram.

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

You May Also Like

1. AAA Central Penn

Key Features

2. ASPCA Pet Health Insurance

Key Features

3. Pets Best

Key Features

4. Lemonade

Key Features

The Most Affordable Pet Insurance Coverage Options in Central PA at a Glance

Methodology for Assessing the Most Affordable Pet Insurance Providers

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does pet insurance generally cover?

Q: How do you choose the right pet insurance for your needs?

Q: What if you have more than one pet?

Invest in Your Pet’s Well-being

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

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

What you’ll find below:

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like