1. Pink Martini
Some groups fall immediately into a specific genre, but this cannot be said of Pink Martini, an unbelievable ensemble that's been playing songs in 25 languages for 23 years. After starting out as an attempt to create more interesting music for political fundraisers when the bandleader was interested in a run for mayor, the group has since evolved into its modern sound combining jazz, cabaret, Latin music, and the romantic musicals of Hollywood's 1940s and '50s. Fans and newcomers alike will be tapping their toes to the "little orchestra" of a dozen musicians and a lead vocalist as the group performs a multilingual menu of mesmerizing sounds. The group has performed worldwide, as well as with American-known orchestras and for major events throughout the U.S. Come listen to a musical tour of the world with Pink Martini.
October 14 / Strand Theatre / 50 N. George St., York, PA / 717-846-1111 / appellcenter.org
2. Book Festival
For anyone who really loves books, the Book Festival at the Midtown Scholar Bookstore is the premier event to visit, but even a person who never picks one up could enjoy this lively four-day event meant to stimulate ideas and encourage learning about diverse topics and individuals. Just looking at the lineup of thought-provoking celebrity authors, award-winning writers, journalists, and emerging novelists is enough to make you want to drop by. The 7th annual festival will be celebrated in the bookstore that has earned national accolades, housed in a 1920s movie theatre featuring a cafe and books for everyone. There’s even a wing for the “Little Scholars.” This year’s lineup brings the author of The Perks of Being a Wallflower; Vashti Harrison, author and illustrator of the Little Leaders series; Isha Sesay; Teá Obreht; and more. The festival coincides with the opening of a second location for the bookstore.
October 3-6 / Midtown Scholar Bookstore / 1302 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg, PA / 717-236-1680 / midtownscholar.com
3. Boo at the Zoo
The popular location for open-air cruiser safari tours is inviting all kids under 12 to dress up and visit Lake Tobias for free admission to the park. Visit trick-or-treat stations, decorate a pumpkin, and check out the creepy crawly critters from Ashburn's Animals in the J. R. Tobias Museum. While the safari isn't included for free, it is worth checking out the 150 acres of parkland to see animals from six continents, including audience interaction with baby kangaroos, large bison, and snakes for willing participants. The event takes place during the last weekend of the season, so check out the fun for adults as well as trick-or-treaters.
October 26-27 / Lake Tobias / 760 Tobias Rd., Halifax, PA / 717-362-9126 / laketobias.com
Chris Malmberg
4. A Taste of Science
There may be laws about adults wearing costumes and trick-or-treating, but fortunately there aren't any rules about dressing up and enjoying some dancing and drinks at the Lancaster Science Factory after hours. Since this year's A Taste of Science event is Halloween-themed, there's a costume contest and mask-making in the new Maker's Space. Enjoy an open bar and food samples from local restaurants like the Horse Inn, American Bar & Grill, and the Baker's Table. A DJ will be spinning spooky songs, and in addition there will be a raffle and a 50/50 drawing. As the largest fundraiser of the year, all proceeds from the event will go towards educational STEM programming.
October 26 / Lancaster Science Factory / 454 New Holland Ave., Lancaster, PA / 717-509-6363 / lancastersciencefactory.org
5. Fall Blast 5K
Maybe running a 5k isn’t for everyone, but maybe walking seems more doable, so the Hartz Fall Blast 5k run/walk is for anyone looking to "move it, move it" for a great cause. With 100% of proceeds benefitting local charities, it's even more rewarding than simply finishing the event. This year's chosen non-profit is Off the Streets Lancaster, a volunteer-run organization that removes the hurdles of making a security deposit and buying furniture from those overcoming homelessness. According to the group, they should be able to help between 15-20 families, a significant amount considering a recent increase of those in need. In addition to welcoming ongoing funds, the organization is always accepting appropriate furniture donations. Last year Hartz's Fall Blast 5k raised an impressive $20,000 for A Week Away. (For more on the charity: lancaster.offthestreetsnow.com.)
October 5 / Bonfield Elementary School / 101 N. Oak St., Lititz, PA / 717-723-8084 / hartzpt.com
6. Cornucopia Wine Quest
Anyone attending the Cornucopia Wine Quest will quickly realize that everything is aplenty, from the number of weekends, to the activities, to the wine samples offered. A single ticket offers not one, but three weekends of winery visits, each providing a layer of the "quest" for guests, like wine bottle decorating, hayrides, scavenger hunts, s’mores, and more. Attendees will have the opportunity to check out 12 wineries with a souvenir glass in hand, and when purchasing a favorite item to take home, they will receive ten percent off selections. Tickets are good for all six days, so enjoy the fall weather; while filling an actual cornucopia might not be on the itinerary, filling a wine glass might be the next best thing.
October 12-13; 19-20; 26-27 / Various Locations / 717-616-8228 / hersheyharrisburgwinecountry.com
7. National Apple Harvest Festival
It seems only fitting that Adams County, known as “Apple Capital USA,” would host the National Apple Harvest Festival, since they’re the number-one producer in the state and fourth in the country. Visitors to the festival (serving it up for over 50 years!) will celebrate the fruit with apple art, jellies, pancakes, syrup-making, applesauce, candied apples, and more. And that’s just the food focal point; there are also arts and craft vendors, demonstrations, contests, antique cars, and a petting zoo. Though the only apple native to the United States is the crabapple, nothing is more American than apple pie.
October 5-6 & 12-13 / South Mountain Fairgrounds / 615 Narrows Rd., Biglerville, PA / 717-677-9413 / appleharvest.com
8. Explore Retirement Living
To help answer questions or assuage concerns about the next transition of living for ages 55-65, Explore Retirement Living returns for its 9th annual open house. Explore Retirement Living works in concert with 18 local continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) to help individuals and their families find the right housing option. Some of the CCRCs include Luther Acres, Brethren Village, Moravian Manor/Warwick Woodlands and Willow Valley Communities, to name a few. Experience a tour at each location, as well as food and beverage sampling.
October 19 / Multiple Locations / exploreretirementliving.org
9. Jekyll & Hyde
Based on the gothic novella by Robert Louis Stevenson, a musical rendition of the tale is bringing the story alive at the Lebanon Community Theatre. With a pop-rock score from the 2013 Broadway show by composer Frank Wildhorn, the show promises a creepy, cabaret-style feel with plenty of potential goosebumps. Since 1962, the theatre has been putting on shows as a volunteer non-profit with a commitment to producing quality entertainment for the community. Now in time for Halloween, see The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde performed and find out what happens when Dr. Jekyll's experiment to cure his father's mental illness goes horribly wrong.
October 24-November 3 / Lebanon Community Theatre / 22 Theatre Dr., Lebanon, PA / 717-833-4528 / lebanoncommunitytheatre.org
10. Columbia's Haunted Lantern Tour
For anyone who enjoys a haunted night out, but also enjoys some history along with it, Columbia's Haunted Lantern Tour is the perfect macabre marriage. With this year’s theme, “Urban Spirits,” attendees can enjoy a “theatre in the street” as 25-50 actors portray historical figures along darkened sidewalks and inside buildings. The event is hosted by a non-profit, community-based group of volunteers who use the proceeds to benefit local efforts. For 19 years the hour-long tour has been entertaining and scaring its visitors with lore from Columbia Borough’s history from the early 1800s through the 1930s. Concessions will be available both before and after the tour. Bringing a flashlight is suggested.
October 25-26 / The Loyal Order of the Moose / 223 Locust St., Columbia, PA / 717-517-2442 /
