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1. PA Flavor
Meander the 45,000-square-foot Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex while sampling beer and food during an event billed as “the ultimate beer and food pairing.” With 40 breweries and 40 PA Preferred food products, it is a great flavor sampling experience of PA. Ticketing options include general admission with an option to add an hour-long VIP experience that includes butlered hors d’oeuvres and additional craft beer selections.
April 21 / Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex / 2300 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg, PA / 717-232-4433 / paflavor.com
2. Race Against Racism
A fun run to combat a serious problem, the 20th annual Race Against Racism starts and ends this year at Musser Park. With collected funds benefitting the YWCA Lancaster’s Social Justice and Advocacy Programs, the race is an impactful event that raised over $100,000 last year. The certified 5K walk/run race will hold a ceremony for winners at the park following the event. Children under 12 may also participate in the free Kids’ Fun Run. In addition, Humanity Fest, a multicultural festival hosting foods trucks and stands, will also occur at the park from 7-11:30 a.m. Check the website for registration information and deadlines.
April 28 / Musser Park / East Chestnut and North Lime Streets, Lancaster, PA / 717-393-1735 / ywcalancaster.org/raceagainstracism
3. Launch Music Conference
Now in its 10th year, Launch brings bands and performances spanning all genres of music—from funk to punk, folk to rock, and everything in between—back to the Lancaster stages. Grammy-nominated Lancaster natives August Burns Red will be performing in honor of their 15th anniversary alongside up-and-coming acts spread over a three-block radius from downtown. Jam out for just one day or go all-out with a three-day VIP pass. Check out the website to see the complete schedule and multiple ticketing options.
April 12-15 / Downtown Lancaster, PA / various locations / 717-391-7865 / launchmusicconference.com
4. Earth Day Festival
Kermit the Frog may have said, “it’s not easy being green,” but at the 10th annual Mechanicsburg Earth Day Festival, being green couldn’t be easier. At this event, attendees can recycle items not thought to be recyclable, like eyeglasses, corks, greeting cards, and calendars. Operation Wildcat will be on hand collecting old bikes for Recycle Bicycle, which helps fix and return bikes to the community. Become a rain recycler by bidding in a silent auction for a chance to win a rain barrel painted by students and businesses. Don’t forget to recycle some old dance moves, as musical performances play throughout the event. Check the website for parking details, recycling information, and performance schedules.
April 21 / Downtown Mechanicsburg, PA / 717-697-5111 / mechanicsburgearthdayfest.com
5. PA Herb and Garden Festival
Events like the PA Herb and Garden Festival are paramount to teaching novices as well as established green thumbs how to cultivate, maintain, and flourish outdoors. At this year’s 20th annual festival there will be speakers, workshops, vendors, plant sales, crafts, and more. Exploring important topics like planting herb gardens, using food as medicine, and appreciating the many aspects of tea will be taught by those experienced in the fields. Cooks, gardeners, and crafters will all enjoy the day while listening to musical entertainment by the group Seasons. Check the lineup to see topics of interest and register for workshops.
April 13-14 / York Expo Center / 334 Carlisle Ave., York, PA / paherbfest.com
6. Off the Streets Lancaster
Providing a helping hand in the form of security deposits to landlords, basic furnishings, and living needs, Off the Streets Lancaster is a non-profit completely run by volunteers. This month a luncheon, Our Thing in Spring, will take place at the Lancaster Country Club. In addition, there will be a fashion show by Clemintines from Lititz, raffle baskets, and a live auction. Since 2013, Off the Streets Lancaster has provided homes for over 1,000 people—80 percent of whom were women and children. Last summer, 112 children found homes in time for the school year. Learn more and contribute through the website.
April 6 / Lancaster Country Club / 1466 New Holland Pike, Lancaster, PA / 717-569-8531 / facebook.com/offthestreetslancaster / squareup.com/store/Our-Thing-in-Spring
Photo courtesy Manheim Township Public Library
7. Lancaster Native Plant and Wildlife Festival
Mark your calendar in green for an informative and fun day along the bike path across from the Manheim Township Library. This year’s speakers include Zoo America presenting wetland animals; Wendy Brister, a consultant on green industry marketing and gardening; and local bird of prey rehabilitator Mark Kocher presenting live birds. A family scavenger hunt adds to the fun with a free plant for completion. Learn about and purchase native plants to create a successful garden friendly to birds and bugs. Arts, crafts, and food will also be available for purchase.
April 28 / Manheim Township Overlook Park / 2040 Lititz Pike, Lancaster, PA / habitatmt.com
8. Wetlands Festival
The hidden oasis known as Wildwood Park, complete with a nature center, lake, and trails, offers a reprieve from hectic schedules anytime. The annual Wetlands Festival gives another opportunity to move people outdoors. The event is free, with educational seminars, music, and storytelling. Kids can make a craft and see Jack Hubley and his critters. Participate in guided walks and shop for nature-themed books. A book release for Wildflowers of Wildwood Park complete with an author signing, food, and vendors will also be available.
April 28 / Wildwood Park / 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, PA / 717-221-0292 / wildwoodlake.org
9. Harrisburg Beer Week
It’s actually a bit of a misnomer, but the 2018 Harrisburg Beer Week event actually spans 10 days in April and celebrates all things craft beer-related. Anyone from the curious to the expert will delight in daily events that include music, restaurants, demonstrations, and special beer releases. Enjoy the Battle of the Homebrewers and Little Big Beer Fest, to name just a few events from the long lineup. With over 200 events ranging from free to ticketed to VIP, make sure to check the schedule by signing up for emails, checking the website, or following on social media. This event is produced by locals who love craft beer and who want to fundraise for Harrisburg River Rescue & Emergency Services.
April 20-29 / Various locations throughout the Greater Harrisburg Area / harrisburgbeerweek.com
10. 2018 Spring Author Luncheon
Elizabeth Strout, Pulitzer Prize winner for her novel Olive Kitteridge, comes to Lancaster for the annual Spring Author Luncheon to talk about her new book, Anything is Possible. Tickets include lunch, a presentation, and a paperback copy of the book. The luncheon funds the public libraries of Lancaster County.
April 19 / Calvary Church / 1051 LandisValley Road, Lancaster, PA / 717-627-3772 / lancasterlibraries.org
