Tag Archives: Food Trucks

Frozen Festivities: Harrisburg’s Ice & Fire Festival to return to the city this weekend

February 29, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg Communications Director Matt Maisel, joined by other local officials, announced the Ice & Fire Festival at a press conference on Thursday.

This weekend, Harrisburg will get a little cooler.

The city’s Ice & Fire Festival will bring entertainment, food and, of course, ice to Harrisburg on Saturday, March 2.

“What makes this festival so special is that it really is the only special event that we have during the course of the year that incorporates the entire city,” said Matt Maisel, communications director for the city, at a press conference on Thursday. “We call it the hottest festival on ice.”

There will be nearly 70 ice sculptures located throughout the city during the festival, including shapes like a car, a throne, the state Capitol dome and a sloth, among others. Additionally, the festival will incorporate live ice carving demonstrations, and sculptures will be illuminated in the evening.

A majority of the sculptures will be located downtown, on N. 2^nd Street, where most of the festival happenings will take place. However, ice sculptures will be found near Italian Lake, Reservoir Park, City Island and throughout Midtown, as well.

Downtown, children and families can enjoy free activities like an ice slide, ice skating rink and build-you-own s’mores at fire pits. There will also be balloon animals, face painting and, for a fee, horse-drawn carriage rides around the city. The city is also providing a heated seating tent.

Visitors will be able to shop at an artist market located inside city hall and at the HBG Flea inside Strawberry Square.

Live music, entertainment and dance will take place on a stage on N. 2^nd Street. Fire dancers will perform at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Food trucks will also be onsite, along Market Street, during the day, offering a wide range of menu options.

Attendees are also invited to participate in an ice sculpture scavenger hunt. Participants will have to scan the QR codes on at least 10 ice sculptures and fill out an online form. Two winners will be selected randomly to win gift cards to city businesses.

Free parking will be available downtown after 5 p.m. Visitors can also get four free hours of parking during the day by using the code LUVHBG in the Parkmobile app. A discounted $10 rate is available at the Market Square Garage courtesy of Park Harrisburg.

N. 2nd Street will be closed, between Market and Walnut streets, starting at 9 a.m. on Friday. The closure will then extend to Pine Street beginning at 7 a.m. on March 2. Market Street will also be closed between 2nd and Front streets at 7 a.m. on March 2. All roads will reopen as normal after 10 p.m.

The Ice & Fire Festival will take place on March 2, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, visit the city’s website.

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Dauphin County Cultural Fest to return to Harrisburg with music, dance, food

August 16, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

Festival attendees watch a performance at a past year’s Cultural Fest.

Music, food and dance from around the world will return to Harrisburg this weekend.

On Saturday, Aug. 19, Dauphin County will host its annual Cultural Fest in Harrisburg’s Riverfront Park to celebrate and showcase diversity.

The free event will offer a lineup of local and national musical and dance performers, from 3 to 10:15 p.m. Stokley, a GRAMMY-nominated former lead vocalist for Mint Condition, will perform, as well as DJ Kool and Adrian Anthony Groupo Hipnosis, among others.

Additionally, small business and craft vendors, as well as human resources and professional development providers, will be on site. There will also be a Children’s Corner with activities for families, from 3 to 7 p.m.

Visitors can try flavors from around the globe at a variety of food trucks that will offer a range of ethnic cuisines.

The riverfront location is new for the festival this year, as it has been held on City Island in recent years and, before that, on a downtown street. This is the 15^th year that the county has hosted the Cultural Fest.

Large bags and umbrellas are prohibited at the event, including backpacks, large purses, clear bags, fanny packs, camera bags, drawstring bags, totes and suitcases.

Attendees can use the ParkMobile app to pay for parking and use the code “LUVHBG” at checkout for four hours of free parking on Saturday. Free parking is also available on City Island on Saturday.

For more information about Cultural Fest, visit their website.

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Harrisburg’s Fourth of July festival to return, city announces new July Music Series

June 28, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams announced the Fourth of July Food Truck and Fireworks Festival on Wednesday, along with event sponsors.

As July rounds the corner, Harrisburg plans to kick off the month with food, music and spectacle.

The city announced, at a press conference on Wednesday, its annual Fourth of July Food Truck and Fireworks Festival, which will return to N. Front Street on Tuesday, along with an upcoming summer music series.

“The 4^th of July is when Harrisburg shines,” said Mayor Wanda Williams. “We urge everyone to come happy and definitely hungry and ready to have a good time.”

The festival, from 1 to 9 p.m., will include nearly 50 food trucks, featuring everything from dumplings to shaved ice to specialty waffles to PA Farm Show milkshakes. There will also be a wine and beer garden with selections from several local brewers and vineyards.

For families, the festival will have free kids’ activities with balloon animals, face painting, yard games, a magician and more.

Live music can be heard all day at the main stage, located between Liberty and State streets.

New this year, the city will host a “shop local” vendor area near the Civic Club of Harrisburg, where people can shop wares from local artisans and small businesses.

To close out the day, a fireworks display will shoot off from City Island beginning at 9:15 p.m. and will be visible from the riverfront. The display, which officials called “one of the best fireworks shows in central Pennsylvania,” will last about 15 minutes and include some 2,000 fireworks shells.

After an incident at last year’s Fourth of July festival in Harrisburg that caused attendees to flee from the riverfront just before the fireworks show, city officials assured the public that this year’s event will be safe.

“There will be a large complement of officers detailed just to the riverfront for the festivities and will be there all day,” explained Lt. Kyle Gautsch of the Harrisburg Police Bureau. “We are taking every step we can to ensure that last year’s events don’t take place again this year and everyone has a safe and happy 4^th of July.”

Police vehicles and officers will be located along N. Front Street throughout the day, as well, he added.

Free street parking will be available in the city on July 4. Parking is also available on City Island for $5 and $10 parking, from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m., can be found at the Square Garage.

N. Front Street will be closed to vehicle traffic from Forster to Walnut streets, from 9 a.m. to 12 a.m., on July 4. The Market Street Bridge will close westbound from 6:30 p.m. to 12 a.m.

In addition to the holiday festivities, Harrisburg announced its new July Music Series, which will take place at the Reservoir Park bandshell, from July 2 through 30.

The series, hosted by the city and Harrisburg-based nonprofit Pop’s House, will offer the community six free nights of music in the park.

The program will include the following events:

July 2—Mayor Williams’ Rising Stars Youth Showcase, 6-8:30 p.m.
July 4—Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
July 9—Gospel Night with R.E.I.G.N., 6-8:30 p.m.
July 15—Jazz under the Stars with Mike Philips-5-10 p.m.
July 23—Reggae Night with Jah Works, 6-8:30 p.m.
July 30—Latin Night with Mako Swing, 6-8:30 p.m.

“There is something for everyone in July at the bandshell,” Williams said.

For more information, visit Harrisburg’s website.

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Artsfest returns to Harrisburg’s riverfront with vendors, food, music

April 19, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

A previous Harrisburg Artsfest

Harrisburg has drawn up an artsy event to kickstart the summer.

Artsfest, the city’s annual event, will return to Riverfront Park, from May 27 to 29, with artisan vendors, live music and food.

The festival will feature over 150 artisans and craftsmen from across the country, selling handmade items in categories including ceramics, drawing, furniture, glass, jewelry, painting, photography, printmaking and sculpture, among others.

The HBG Flea will also be on site with a lineup of local artists and small businesses.

In conjunction with the festival, Jazzfest will bring local musicians to one of the live music stages. Another stage will showcase bands, dance groups and other community groups, and the Art Association of Harrisburg will host a concert series presented by The Wednesday Club.

Attendees can grab a bite to eat at one of the 25 food trucks that will line N. Front Street, offering cheesesteaks, dumplings, stuffed waffles, funnel cakes and more. Farm Show milkshakes will also be on site. Additionally, the festival will include beer and wine gardens.

For the younger crowd, Kidsfest will provide free activities such as face painting, balloon animals, tightwire walking and juggling, as well as other entertainment.

All attendees can also participate in a community mosaic project.

Artsfest will take place from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on May 27 and 28 and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 29.

City street parking is free on Sunday and Monday and the code LUVHBG can be used in the Parkmobile app to receive four hours of free downtown street parking on Saturday. Parking downtown is free after 5 p.m. City Island parking is $5. Parking at the Market Square Garage is $10 from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. each event day, courtesy of Park Harrisburg. Free bike parking is available courtesy of Recycle Bicycle.

For more information on Harrisburg’s Artsfest, visit their website.

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Harrisburg SoMa Sips festival to feature craft beverage vendors, live music, food

March 29, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

A past SoMa Block Party. Photo by Michael Yatsko Photography.

An event is brewing in Harrisburg to bring the community together for some spirited company.

The SoMa Sips Beer, Wine & Spirits Festival will take place on Saturday, April 22 in downtown Harrisburg, featuring Pennsylvania craft producers, food trucks and live music.

The festival, from 1 to 5 p.m., will be held on S. 3rd Street, between Market and Chestnut streets, in the city’s SoMa neighborhood.

Vendors will include breweries, wineries, distilleries and cideries, along with non-alcoholic options. There will also be several food trucks and live music from bands Midnite Riot and Shine Delphi. Additionally, attendees can enjoy a pinball lounge, yard games and a photo booth.

“We’re excited to host this street festival in SoMa Harrisburg,” said Brad Jones, president and CEO of Harristown Enterprises, who is presenting the event in partnership with Sara Bozich Events. “If you haven’t made it to one of our SoMa Block Parties – or even if you have – you’re in for a treat. Sara has put together a great lineup of vendors and entertainment, and we really hope people will enjoy exploring the SoMa Harrisburg neighborhood for the afternoon.”

Throughout the summer months, Sara Bozich Events holds monthly SoMa Block Parties in the area, which also feature vendors, music and more.

Tickets for the SoMa Sips are required and can be purchased for $25 for adult general admission or $10 for designated drivers.

General admission ticket holders will receive 10 tasting tickets good for samples from any vendors.

For more information or to purchase tickets for the SoMa Sips Beer, Wine & Spirits Festival, visit Sara Bozich Events’ website.

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Harrisburg’s Kipona Festival to return with food, music, laser light show over Labor Day weekend

August 29, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

A wirewalker performs at the 2021 Kipona Festival

Continuing a longstanding Labor Day weekend tradition, Harrisburg will celebrate the end of summer with one of its largest annual events.

This year’s Kipona Festival will feature food trucks, live music and a laser light show during the event, which runs from Sept. 3 to 5 on City Island and Riverfront Park.

“Kipona offers something for everyone,” said Cortney Ranck-Cameron, manager of special events for the city, during a meeting with the press. “It’s a good opportunity for people to come to the downtown area.”

The three-day event has historically featured Native American cultural experiences. This year on City Island, attendees can enjoy a Native American Pow-Wow, ax throwing, Aztec fire dancing and cultural foods.

Over in Riverfront Park, musical acts will perform on two stages, 28 food trucks will line N. Front Street, artists will sell handmade wares, and beverages will be available in a beer and wine garden.

Several popular experiences will return, as well. Wirewalkers will make the journey across the Susquehanna on a wire suspended from the Walnut Street Bridge to the lower river walk during all three days. There will be a special illuminated walk on Sept. 3 at 8:15 p.m. The Dick Reese canoe and kayak races are also back this year, continuing an over 80-year-old Kipona tradition, according to Ranck-Cameron.

On Sept. 4, at 8:15 p.m., a laser light show, sponsored by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, will display laser effects choreographed to music.

For families attending the festival, there will be a UPMC Family Fun Zone with crafts, face painting, magicians, balloon animals and live theater performances. The Bubble Festival will also return, on Sept. 5, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., with entertainer Grandpop Bubbles creating up to 70-foot long bubbles.

Ranck-Cameron said that she expects around 70,000 attendees from across the region at Kipona over course of the multi-day event. According to Lt. Kyle Gautsch, the Harrisburg Police Bureau will have a “significant police presence” at the festival.

Street parking in the city is free on Sunday and Monday. On Saturday, downtown street parking is free after 5 p.m. and the code LUVHBG can be used before then to receive four hours of free street parking. The Market Square Garage is discounted to $10, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., courtesy of Park Harrisburg. Recycle Bicycle will provide free bike parking along N. Front Street, near Market and Forster streets.

For more information about Kipona Festival, visit the city’s website.

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Music for the Market: The Millworks to host music festival benefiting the Broad Street Market

June 22, 2022 | by Ellen Frantz

The Millworks

The Millworks soon will turn up the music during a festival to benefit the Broad Street Market.

The Millworks Music Festival will take place on July 9 from 1 to 7 p.m. on the grass lot on 3rd and Verbeke streets in Harrisburg. There will be six musical acts, some of which are local, four food trucks and 12 art vendors, along with a beer tent.

This is the first time The Millworks has hosted the music festival. Tara Chickey, artistic director for The Millworks, said the idea was inspired by the various outdoor events that the restaurant hosted during the pandemic. They decided the event would be a great way to raise funds for their Midtown neighbor, the Broad Street Market, a nonprofit organization.

According to Chickey, The Millworks team “thought a music festival was a lovely idea,” and a great opportunity to use their large outdoor space for a community event.

Performers at the festival will include Big Happy, Lumberob, Weird Year, Jen Starsinic, Slughead and The Great Northeast. Entry to the festival is free.

Chickey encouraged community members to come to the festival to support the market. All vendors will donate 10% of their profits to the Broad Street Market.

“It’s for a good cause,” Chickey said. “Broad Street is so wonderful.”

Attendees are encouraged to bring their own blanket or chairs to sit on. As for what they can expect of the festival, Chickey said that it will be a fun time.

“They can count on hanging out for the day,” Chickey said. “Relax and enjoy. It will be a fun day filled with music, art, beer and good times.”

For more information on the Millworks Music Festival, visit their website.

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Black history, culture to be honored at Harrisburg’s Juneteenth Celebration

June 15, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

Mayor Wanda Williams, along with other local officials, announces the Juneteenth Celebration.

Harrisburg will honor freedom and Black culture at a festival this weekend.

The city will hold its first Juneteenth Celebration, in collaboration with Dauphin County, on June 18, featuring music, food trucks, vendors and performers.

“Juneteenth is not only a chance to say it loud—we are Black and we are proud—but we are educating everyone about Black culture and heritage in the city of Harrisburg,” Mayor Wanda Williams said at a press conference on Wednesday.

The holiday, on June 19, commemorates the official end of slavery in the United States.

The celebration will take place in front of the MLK City Government Center downtown from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Food trucks will be on site, along with local vendors and craft artisans. Members of the PA Living History Interpreters Past Players will attend dressed in period clothing. Other entertainment will be provided by youth band FAME Jazz Ensemble and local artist collective The Singer’s Lounge. Harrisburg rapper Loe Badgett will perform his new song, “Break the Cycle,” about stopping gun violence in the city, as well.

To kick off the event, UPMC will get people moving with a 5K walk at 8 a.m., followed by dance and exercise activities. The programming is part of its Healthy Harrisburg initiative aimed at removing barriers to health care. UPMC will also offer blood pressure checks, COVID tests and COVID booster shots.

N. 2^nd Street, from Market to Walnut streets, will be closed to vehicle traffic from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In addition to the city’s festival, Young Professionals of Color-Greater Harrisburg is holding Juneteenth HBG, with events taking place all week.

“Not only is this going to be packed with historical references and the idea of bringing people together around a critically important issue and holiday, and breaking down walls and barriers, but it’s also about having a little fun,” said Dauphin County Commissioner George Hartwick.

For more information about the Juneteenth Celebration, visit the city’s website.

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Artsfest to return to Harrisburg’s Riverfront Park with handcrafted items, food, music

May 4, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

Artsfest 2021 on City Island

The arts are returning to Harrisburg’s Riverfront Park this month.

For the 54^th year, the city will host Artsfest on May 28 through 30, featuring handcrafted works from across the country.

“We look forward to the festival returning to full swing along the riverfront this year and welcoming thousands of regional visitors to spend the day or entire weekend in the city in celebration of the arts,” said Cortney Ranck-Cameron, the city’s manager of special events.

The event will showcase works such as pottery, paintings, jewelry, apparel, photography, woodworking and more, from over 150 juried artisans and craftsmen. The HBG Flea will set up shop as well, featuring locally made and curated items.

While visitors peruse the handmade wares, they can hear from live music performers at three different stages, including the UPMC stage, Jazzfest stage and Art Association of Harrisburg stage. There will also be 25 food trucks parked along the riverfront offering snacks such as stuffed waffles, dumplings and crab cakes. Local breweries and vineyards will be on-site at the Civic Club of Harrisburg.

During the event, attendees have the opportunity to participate in a community glass mural project. Local artist Linda Billet will assist people in contributing to the mosaic. Later, local students will work with Billet during a two-week art program at Harrisburg High School-John Harris Campus to construct the final mural to be displayed at the school.

For younger attendees, the city will hold a Kidsfest, including activities like face painting, balloon animals, crafts and a kids’ entertainment stage. A circus activity station will feature demonstrations of tightwire walking and trapeze aerial gymnastics, along with interactive juggling, mini tightwire walking, plate spinning and close-up magic.

Last year, Artsfest took place on City Island to allow for social distancing during the pandemic. However, this year, the festival will return to its original location.

Parking is $5 on City Island and $10 at the Market Square Garage from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. courtesy of Park Harrisburg. Street parking is free on May 29 and 30. Use the code LUVHBG on the ParkMobile app for four free hours of downtown street parking on May 28. Downtown street parking is free after 5 p.m. Handicapped parking spaces will be available on State Street, near Front Street.

“Harrisburg has such a vibrant arts scene including art galleries, live theatre, murals, a plethora of talented artisans and musicians, and more,” Ranck-Cameron said. “This festival serves as a fantastic way to celebrate and showcase them to thousands of regional visitors.”

For more information on Harrisburg’s Artsfest, visit their website.

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Frozen on Front Street: Harrisburg’s Ice & Fire Festival will feature ice sculptures, entertainment

March 3, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg held a press conference on Thursday in the MLK City Government Center.

This weekend, Harrisburg is set to get a lot cooler.

At a press conference on Thursday, the city announced details for the Ice & Fire Festival, which will bring ice sculptures and entertainment to the city.

“This is our fifth annual edition of this beloved winter festival,” said city Business Administrator Dan Hartman. “So get your mittens and scarves and prepare for a great time.”

On Saturday, March 5, Front Street will transform into a winter festival with food trucks and entertainment. Over 50 ice sculptures also will be spread around the city at locations in downtown, Midtown, Reservoir Park, Italian Lake, Shipoke and on City Island.

The festival will take place on Front Street, from Walnut to State streets, and include activities like an ice slide, fire pits with free s’mores kits, fire dancers and performances by local school and community groups. The festival will begin at 11 a.m. and run through 8 p.m.

That portion of Front Street will be closed to vehicle traffic from 8 p.m. on Friday, March 4, to midnight on March 5.

Community members can view ice sculptures around the city from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. They will be illuminated at 7 p.m. Sculptures will include a polar bear, throne, ballet dancer, carousel horse, peace sign and beer mug, among other shapes.

When visiting the ice sculptures, people can participate in a scavenger hunt for a chance to win gift cards from Harrisburg businesses. Each sculpture will have a QR code and participants must scan at least 10 different sculptures to enter the drawing.

“We love having this event,” said Nora Habig, regional president for M&T Bank, the main sponsor of the festival. “It brings everybody out during a time of year when it’s sometimes hard to find something to do outside.”

Additionally, local businesses will offer special fire and ice-themed cocktails and coffee drink specials.

At the festival, Harrisburg’s Urban Churn will host a “Frozen Inferno Challenge,” where participants will attempt to eat spicy ice cream to win a prize.

Organizations around the city, will offer children’s activities and crafts, as well.

Street parking is free after 5 p.m. on Saturday in the downtown area and free all day on Sunday. Get four hours of free downtown street parking using the code LUVHBG on the Parkmobile app. A discounted $10 daily rate is available at the Market Square Garage courtesy of Park Harrisburg on March 5. Parking on City Island is free. Check the city’s website for parking options in other areas of the city.

For a full schedule and map of the Ice & Fire Festival, visit their website.

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