Tag Archives: Sara Bozich

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

May 2, 2025 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

SoMa Block Party. Photo by Michael Yatsko Photography.

Our May issue of the magazine was distributed this week, and we can’t wait for you to read it! Grab a copy and check out some of the restaurants and venues featured in our special section. But first, find our local news coverage from this week, below.

Bike Harrisburg has lots of May events planned to celebrate National Bike Month. Read our story for the details.

TheBurg’s advertising is winning awards, and our publisher thanks our sales team and advertising customers, here.

Community Corner features special events taking place this May, while our Happenings section includes events from your favorite cultural and community organizations across the region.

Concerts in May will feature rap, rock, indie and plenty of other genres. Find our columnist’s list of upcoming shows, here.

Dauphin County Live Concert Series announced that Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley and Stephen Marley will perform in Riverfront Park on Aug. 3, our online story reported. The two reggae artists are family members of the legendary Bob Marley.

The Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority submitted its annual report on Harrisburg’s finances. To find out what they had to say, click here.

Jewish Family Service will host its annual fundraiser in June featuring a string quartet from Me2/, an orchestra for musicians with mental illness, our online story reported.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg’s community theater program will perform “Once Upon a Mattress” on April 8, 10 and 11, our online story reported. The show is the community center’s first all-ages production in years.

Penn State Extension’s Master Watershed Steward program spans 42 counties, with volunteers running educational events and stream cleanups, our magazine story reported.

Sara Bozich is your connection for all things local entertainment this weekend. Find her list of events, here.

SoMa Bock Parties will return this summer in downtown Harrisburg, our online story reported. The first event will take place on Thursday, May 29.

Sycamore Homes officials cut the ribbon on the new affordable housing development in Harrisburg, our online story reported. The apartment building will offer quality housing for lower-income tenants.

Theatre Harrisburg is showing the classic whodunnit, “Murder on the Orient Express,” through May 11. Read our review to find out more about the stage adaptation of the Agatha Christie book.

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Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

May 1, 2025 | by Sara Bozich

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

What you’ll find ⤵️

For something new: The Millworks rooftop deck is open for the season; Harrisburg Beach Club is back at it Worth noting: Saturday is Derby Day! Things on my agenda this weekend: Dinner out Thursday, impromptu deck hang with the girls Fri, youth baseball Saturday, influencer dinner Sunday, and idk, should we clean out the garage this weekend, too?

For your weekend planning

Enter to WIN a $100 Millworks gc from HomeRite
How ’bout a road trip down to Mason Dixon Distillery?
See what else you missed on the blog

Below are more options for your weekend.

A Look Ahead

May 16: WXPN Welcomes Tanjo & Crow with special guest Virginia Masland LIVE in Strawberry Square
May 17: Plein Air Art Walk in downtown Camp Hill
May 26: SoMa Block Party | May 2025 – season kick-off!
Full SoMa Block Party calendar!
Are you on my email list?
Submit your events for the Weekend Roundup

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

SoMa Block Parties set to return for the summer in May

April 29, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

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

Starting next month, a favorite Harrisburg neighborhood get-together returns for the season.

SoMa Block Parties will kick off for the summer on Thursday, May 29, bringing back music, food and community to the downtown block, announced Sara Bozich and Harristown Enterprises on Tuesday.

Each month, the block of S. 3^rd Street between Market and Chestnut streets will close to vehicle traffic, businesses will stay open late, and food and drink vendors will set up shop. Craft breweries and wineries, non-alcoholic drink vendors and food trucks will participate.

Additionally, each block party will feature live music and yard games.

This season’s musical lineup includes Mark DeRose & the Dreadnaughts (May), Cass and The Bailout Crew (June), Vivid Vinyl (July), Smokehouse 4 (August), and Oversoon with special guest Comb Over Here (September).

Block Parties run from 6 to 10 p.m. Parking is free for most of downtown after 5 p.m.

SoMa Block Party dates are as follows:

6-10 p.m. Thursday, May 29
5-9 p.m. Friday, June 20 – Juneteenth SoMa Block Party with YPOC and HYP
6-10 p.m. Thursday, June 26
6-10 p.m. Thursday, July 31
6-10 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28
6-10 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25

For more information, visit Sara Bozich’s website.

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

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

April 25, 2025 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg mayoral candidates at a debate hosted by ABC27.

It’s your last chance to grab our April issue of the magazine before our May issue hits the stands. Don’t miss out on reading our special home and garden section for spring and then prepare for a mouth-watering May dining issue. In the meantime, catch up on this week’s news, below.

Autism Acceptance Month is in April and our story shines light on the topic locally. Several Harrisburg area organizations are working to raise awareness and improve support for neurodiverse families.

Country artist Russell Dickerson will take the stage in Harrisburg’s Riverfront Park this July as part of the Dauphin County Live Concert Series, our online story reported.

Dauphin County shared that its elections office has begun sending out mail-in ballots ahead of the May 20 municipal primary election, our online story reported. They have also deployed ballot drop boxes around the city.

Disability Pride Harrisburg festival celebrated community members with disabilities, as well as the grand opening of the Thrive CIL office, our online story reported. Thrive was formerly called the Center for Independent Living, however, the center has moved locations and rebranded.

Families this month should take time to explore the area’s rivers and bodies of water and get their hands in the mud. Our columnist has several fun ideas for how to teach kids about soil, wildlife and gardening.

Harrisburg couple Bruce and Eva Burchfield’s home renovation process was featured on a national television show. In our magazine story, read about the huge undertaking and historic transformation.

Mayoral candidates in Harrisburg participated in a televised debate this week, our online story reported. The five Democrats shared their stances on pressing issues and, while making jabs at each other.

Park Harrisburg announced that it would terminate use of its “LUVHBG” code on the Park Mobile app, which gave users four free hours of parking on Saturdays, our reporting found. The organization also noted that it is removing many of its pay stations as it transitions to an online platform.

Refugee resettlement has been significantly affected as the federal government has made changes. In our magazine story, we delve into the local impacts on resettlement agencies and how churches and volunteers are stepping up to help. To hear from several refugees themselves, read our online article.

Sara Bozich’s list of weekend happenings channels all things spring, with a flower bouquet bar, outdoor dining and neighborhood trash cleanups.

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Support quality local journalism. Join Friends of TheBurg today!

Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

April 24, 2025 | by Sara Bozich

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

What you’ll find ⤵️

For something new: Flower Bouquet Bar Weekend at Maggie Adams; Arcade Night at City Island; CPFJ Spring Concert Series: Melissa Aldana Quartet Worth noting: Independent Book Store Day is Saturday. There are just loads of wonderful events happening this weekend — blues, jazz, bluegrass, classical, rock music — plus, 3 (3??!!) beer festivals on Saturday (what year is it?), several big Earth Day-related events, a few fundraising galas. Things on my agenda this weekend: Lots of cultural events! Seeing friends’ kids perform in The Hobbit at Open Stage, Red Land Youth Baseball opening day, a house concert, and a Grammy-nominated jazz saxophonist on Sunday!

For your weekend planning

Have you checked out Mason Dixon Distillery yet? You should.
Oh, and you may as well enter to win a gift card and some of their canned cocktails, too.
See what else you missed on the blog

Below are more options for your weekend.

A Look Ahead

May 16: WXPN Welcomes Tanjo & Crow with special guest Virginia Masland LIVE in Strawberry Square
May 26: SoMa Block Party | May 2025 – season kick-off!
Are you on my email list?
Submit your events for the Weekend Roundup

Thursday

Dauphin County CASA Fundraiser: Once Upon A Time
GRASS JAM! Bluegrass open mic and jam night at The Abbey Bar
The Hobbit – a magical journey with OSHKids at Open Stage
Harrisburg’s Gayest Happy Hour at The Brownstone Lounge
Flower Bouquet Bar Weekend at Maggie Adams
WATER IS THE SUN // MOTH BUCKET // THE ATTACHÉ at LITTLE AMPS
Harrisburg Spring WeeUsables Event
Spring Carlisle
Fredricksen Library Book & Media Sale
CapLive: Jethro Tull’s Martin Barre at the Appell Center for the Performing Arts

Friday

- Harrisburg Spring WeeUsables Event
- Fredricksen Library Book & Media Sale
- Flower Bouquet Bar Weekend at Maggie Adams
- Spring Carlisle
- The Jersey Tenors Return to the West Shore Theatre
- Central PA Animal Alliance Denim Diamonds & Dogs Gala
- The Bob Lauver Comedy Hypnosis Show SPECIAL EVENT! at Harrisburg Comedy Zone
- Spring Deck Opening Celebration at The Vineyard at Grandview
- Live Music with Shea Quinn at Harrisburg Beach Club
- CapFilm: One to One: John & Yoko at Appell Center for the Performing Arts
- Lyle Lovett and his Acoustic Group at Appell Center for the Performing Arts
- The Funeral Portrait at Mickey’s Black Box
- ROSEMARY’S BABY | Late Night Frights/Happy Mother’s Day! at Midtown Cinema
- Down in Front! presents MONSTROSITY! at Midtown Cinema
- 17th annual Murder Mystery Dinner Theater at Mount Hope
- The Hobbit – a magical journey with OSHKids at Open Stage
- The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA at American Music Theatre
- Latin Fuzion Fridayz at Level 2

Saturday

- Zumba at Burn30
- Saturday Morning YOGA at Boneshire Brew Works
- HYP Forster Street Cleanup
- Great Harrisburg Litter Clean Up – Midtown
- Wetlands Festival at Wildwood Park
- Earth Day Celebration at ZooAmerica
- 8th Annual H.U.G. Plant and Seed Giveaway + Plant Swap
- Friends of NCPL Annual Plant Sale
- Meet the authors of “Threads Method: Styled for Life” at Plum Bottom and Little Black Dress
- Independent Bookstore Day! at Midtown Scholar
- Fredricksen Library Book & Media Sale
- Flower Bouquet Bar Weekend at Maggie Adams
- Spring Carlisle
- Hemauer Brewing 5-Year Anniversary
- Stay Apparel’s Makers Market
- Death By Distro Pop-Up Show at Little Amps
- 2nd Annual Spring Blossom Event at Hollabaugh Bros.
- Penn State Extension Master Gardener Walk & Talk – Park Rx
- The Fresh Brews of Mount Joy
- Volksfest at Mount Hope Estate
- The Art Association of Harrisburg’s Silver Screen Gala
- Spring Deck Opening Celebration at The Vineyard at Grandview
- Friends of Midtown Maker Series: Spring Tea Party with Raising the Bar
- Harrisburg Spring WeeUsables Event
- Arcade Night at City Island
- PA Flavor 2025
- Beer and Wine Festival at Rotary Club of Mechanicsburg-North
- An Evening with Clive Carroll at The Manor on Front
- The Bob Lauver Comedy Hypnosis Show SPECIAL EVENT! at Harrisburg Comedy Zone
- TAKAAT (of Mdou Moctar) Live at The Abbey Bar | Harrisburg PA
- Sunsquabi with Motifv at XL Live
- Timmy’s Creepshow/Harlan County Kings/Framed Innocent/Surface Noise at Metropolis Collective
- 17th annual Murder Mystery Dinner Theater at Mount Hope
- The Hobbit – a magical journey with OSHKids at Open Stage
- The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA at American Music Theatre
- Ciroc Saturdays at Level 2
- Brewery Tours: Lancaster City Walk-a-Bout!
- Brewery Tours: York City Walking Tour
- Brewery Tours: Cruise York County
- Brewery Tours: Lancaster City Walking Tour

Sunday

- CPFJ Spring Concert Series: Melissa Aldana Quartet
- New Cumberland Earth & Arts Festival 2025
- Sunday Markets at Allenberry Resort
- Fredricksen Library Book & Media Sale
- Spring Carlisle
- Novel Nurture – Immersive Wellness Retreat – Park Rx
- Gamut Gala
- The 2025 Central Pa Soup Cook-Off at The Abbey Bar
- Friends of Midtown Maker Series: Woodburning Class with Megan Hogeman at Elementary Coffee
- The Hobbit – a magical journey with OSHKids at Open Stage
- National Theatre Live: DR. STRANGELOVE | at Midtown Cinema
- SODA | HBG Jewish Film Festival Monthly Event at Midtown Cinema
- A LIFE LIKE THIS – A Documentary Program About Outsider Art – In Person Filmmaker Event at Midtown Cinema
- Sviraj – Balkan Jam at Boneshire Brew Works
- Market Square Concerts presents Jasper String Quartet at Temple Ohev Sholom
- Sunday Tea at the Willows
- Fresh Takes on Jazz: Mervin Toussaint Quintet & So What! at Mickey’s Black Box
- 7th annual Taste of Jazz at Susquehanna Art Museum
- The Blues Society of Central PA Spring Concert: Joanna Connor Band at Champions
- The Lovin’ Spoonful & The Grass Roots at American Music Theatre

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

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

April 18, 2025 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg Fire Chief Brian Enterline spoke to reporters following an arson attack at the Governor’s Mansion.

Happy Easter! We hope you have a nice holiday and maybe even take some time to “hop” around the city this weekend while the weather is good. Before you begin stuffing baskets and eggs, catch up on the news from the week, below.

Bob’s Art Blog previewed Friday’s 3^rd in the Burg events, including art, music and markets.

The Broad Street Market’s former executive director, Tanis Monroy, pled guilty to stealing from the market, our online story reported. Monroy was sentenced to one year of probation, 10 hours of community service, and he has already paid over $21,000 in restitution to the market.

Fort Indiantown Gap played a significant role in resettling Vietnamese refugees 50 years ago. Find out more about the history, in our magazine story.

The Governor’s Residence was the target of an arson fire that significantly damaged the historic mansion, but left no one injured, our online story reported. Police arrested Cody Balmer, 38, in connection with the arson.

Harrisburg Fire Chief Brian Enterline addressed the fire at the Governor’s Mansion at a press conference, our online story reported. He described it as a “surreal scene,” but said that it was close to being an even worse fire.

Home sales and prices in the Harrisburg area mostly remained the same in March compared to the previous year, our online story reported.

The LGBT Center of Central PA announced its spring slate of events, our online story reported. The center hopes that the festivities will bring the community together.

Local conservancies and nurseries hold native plant sales each year, our says our magazine feature. Our writer rounded up several of the sales that aim to promote the return of native habitats.

Midtown Cinema is showing “A Nice Indian Boy,” a modern rom-com. The film centers on a gay and intercultural relationship and touches on familial relationships. Find out more, here.

Penbrook man, Cody Balmer, was charged by the Dauphin County District Attorney’s office for the attack and arson at the Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence, our online story reported. According to court documents, Balmer harbored animosity toward Gov. Josh Shapiro.

Restoration of the fire-damaged Broad Street Market has been slow to begin and still has a lengthy construction process ahead. Our writer reviews what has happened since the 2023 fire and how the community has stepped up to help and make their voices heard.

Sara Bozich has found plenty of fun events, including Easter-related festivities and listed them, here.

Tec Centro Capital Region ceremonially cut the ribbon on its job training office in Midtown Harrisburg, which opened several months ago, our online story reported. The organization offers employment services, adult basic education, English as a Second Language (ESL), and more.

Do you receive TheBurg Daily, our daily digest of news and events delivered right to your email inbox? If not, sign up here!

Support quality local journalism. Join Friends of TheBurg today!

Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

April 17, 2025 | by Sara Bozich

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

What you’ll find ⤵️

For something new: 1933 Restaurant & Tavern opens TODAY at The Hotel Hershey; 3rd in the Burg CPFJ Jam Jazz Session at Pursuit Coworking! Worth noting: 3rd in the Burg! Easter events — plenty to choose from, including where to eat day-of. Things on my agenda this weekend: Jazz for 3rd in the Burg! Easter, youth baseball, who knows

For your weekend planning

Have you checked out Mason Dixon Distillery yet? You should.
See what else you missed on the blog

Below are more options for your weekend.