1. Best of the Best Bash
Celebrate the 2018 reader-voted Best of Harrisburg, Lancaster, and York businesses, 80s style. You’re invited to party with the best of the best in the area July 26 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. along the Susquehanna River, connecting the region for a fun summer night inspired by the decade that brought us some of the best music and iconic looks in history. Don’t miss your chance to dress the part—awards will be given for the best 80s looks! Grab a group of friends and get ready to blast to the past! Enjoy signature cocktails, beer, and wine from the best local producers, plus tastes from the best local restaurants. Tickets are online now at susquehannastyle.com, and space is limited.
July 26 / Susquehanna Style’s Best of the Best Bash / John Wright Restaurant / 234 N. Front St., Wrightsville, PA / susquehannastyle.com
2. Susquehanna Folk Festival
With a musical festival of this magnitude, the show must go on—rain or shine—so be sure to put this one on the calendar. With talent spanning from known local artists to a four-time Grammy winner (with some international acts included), there’s something to hear on every stage. The music has as much variety, with swing, blues, Celtic, bluegrass, and even kids’ concerts. The festival will have those attending dancing, making family-oriented crafts, participating in workshops, eating, and enjoying craft beers. And if that’s not enough, there’s a craft show and storytelling. Get your groove on during this two-day annual event.
July 28-29 / Roundtop Mountain Resort / 925 Roundtop Road, Lewisberry, PA / 800-838-3006 / susquehannafolkfestival.org
3. Hansel and Gretel at Gamut Theatre
Combine the companies of both the Popcorn Hat Players Children’s Theatre and the Harrisburg Shakespeare Company to get the creative result known as Gamut Theatre, on a mission to “tell classic stories in new and exciting ways” for both adults and children. This time the collaboration brings Hansel and Gretel into a more modern setting: the 1950s, with classic dancing and “the Hand Jive.” Enjoy a summer play with the kids, or sneak out and enjoy a childhood favorite in a new way. Check out the website for other exciting offerings like workshops and summer camps.
July 12-August 18 / Gamut Theatre / 15 N. 4th St., Harrisburg, PA / 717-238-4111 / gamuttheatre.org
4. Mela Indian Community Festival
The flavorful taste of Indian food can be enjoyed at home or at a local restaurant—mild or hot—but adding entertainment and shopping really adds some spice, making for a full cultural experience. The Indian American Fusion Group of Lancaster invites the community to explore the tastes, sounds, and accessories of India, right in Lititz. Shop the jewelry, textiles, and vendors while enjoying performances on the stage. Enjoy some food (and ice cream) while sampling a full taste of India. Check the website for event and vendor information.
July 7 / Lititz Springs Park / 24 N. Broad St., Lititz, PA / 717-742-0080 / iafgl.org
5. Blueberry Festival
‘Tis the season for fresh berries, and what better way to enjoy them than at a festival celebrating blueberries? Arrive hungry for the all-you-can-eat breakfast featuring pancakes and other traditional fare. Burn off some of the calories by strolling around more than 30 arts and crafts booths, jamming to Jazz Me Band, and letting the kids run around the Playland. Tractor-pulled wagon rides, a visitor favorite, will also be available. And after all that, hunger might strike, so why not head to their pick-your-own berry patches and get some more...blueberries! Portions of all event ticket sales will benefit CURE International.
July 14 / Paulus Orchards / 522 E. Mt. Airy Road, Dillsburg, PA / 717-432-2544 / paulusorchards.com
6. Camp Hill Summer Soiree
“Sip, sample and shop” as downtown Camp Hill brings the shops to the streets for an all day experience of various business activities. Attendees can engage in a variety of demonstrations and specials, enjoying refreshments from a long list of shops. The event is free and kid-friendly, seeking to acquaint those already familiar with downtown with those from surrounding areas, so all may experience the town’s unique offerings.
July 29 / Camp Hill, PA / 717-737-3456 / camphillborough.com
183709372
7. Terre Hill Days Festival
It’s that time of year when kids are out of school, the days are warm, and outdoor events offer lots of activities for the whole family. Terre Hill Days Festival plans just that with live entertainment, carnival rides, food, games, and even an airplane candy scramble for the kids. On Saturday, there’s a craft fair and fireworks after dark to wrap up the multi-day event. An online schedule lists local bands and details for the craft fair.
July 19-22 / Terre Hill Park / 210 Lancaster Ave., Terre Hill, PA / 717-445-4581 / terrehilldays.com
8. Lititz Outdoor Fine Art Show
So popular that the Lititz Borough Police Department writes tongue-in-cheek posts about the pending traffic on Facebook, this long-standing event draws both locals and nonlocals. Enjoy the park while engaging with artists happy to talk about their craft. Find new conversation starters for the home by choosing a unique new piece from more than 100 artists, featuring categories like mixed media, ceramics, and sculpture, to name a few. Follow the event on Facebook or visit the website for up-to-date information on parking, weather, and food offerings.
July 28 / Lititz Springs Park / 24 N. Broad St., Lititz, PA / 717-471-6946 / lititzartassociation.com
9. Best Wedding Showcase
Experience live inspiration in the form of runway shows, leading experts and vendors–even sample cakes at the premier Best Wedding Showcase. Meet wedding professionals from all areas necessary to make the details personalized and extra special. See flower displays, check out the latest trends, and maybe even fall in love with a new dress during the show. Those attending will have chances to win great prizes, plus an opportunity to decorate a pair of flip flops at the Flip Flop Bar, perfect to wear while getting ready for the big day or after a night of dancing. Bring friends and family and be ready to enjoy all things wedding related.
July 22 / York Expo Center / 334 Carlisle Ave., York, PA / 717-733-5683 / bestweddingshowcase.com
Photo courtesy Gretna Theatre
10. She Loves Me at Gretna Theatre
Bringing together a professional theater company that produces Broadway shows and an arboraceous environment creates the one-of-a-kind opportunity to come and enjoy a summer production of She Loves Me at Gretna Theatre, the “theatre under the trees.” Broadway’s classical musical comedy, just nominated in 2016 for the Best Revival of a Musical Tony Award, shows two seemingly incompatible co-workers, also unknown pen pals, secretly falling for each other. One of the oldest summer theatres in America—operating since 1927—Gretna Theatre offers a unique seasonal venue to enjoy during the months of June, July, and August. Make time to stop by the Jigger Shop, the popular ice cream shop offering lunch and dinner.
July 12-21 / Gretna Theatre / 200 Pennsylvania Ave., Mt. Gretna, PA / 717-964-3627 / gretnatheatre.org