Photo courtesy Carlisle Chamber
1. Taste of Carlisle
We’ve all had that feeling at a restaurant where we just want to try a few bites of everything. Enter the Taste of Carlisle, an event that plans to create that experience on a grand scale, offering more than 60 restaurants, pubs, caterers, bakeries, and chocolatiers showcasing their flavors in Cumberland County’s premier tasting event. Attendees can explore new flavors, be inspired to try new eateries, and explore new recipes. VIP tickets are available, offering early entrance and a free champagne toast.
March 10 / Carlisle Expo Center / 100 K St., Carlisle, PA / 717-243-4515 / tasteofcarlisle.net
2. Quilt Week
Purchase, peruse, or pick up a new hobby at Lancaster Quilt Week, an immersive experience for anyone interested in the fabric art of quilting. Everything from workshops and lectures to special events awaits the beginner or experienced attendee. Classes are available in both full-day and half-day to teach getting started up to making the most intricate designs. Special events include films, talks, and on-hand vendors.
March 27-30 / Lancaster County Convention Center / 25 S. Queen St., Lancaster, PA / 270-898-7903 / quiltweek.com
3. Parkside Harmony
Come enjoy a unique experience where the voice is the only instrument in an a cappella performance by Parkside Harmony, a 50-member ensemble of men singing tunes from The Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel, The Beach Boys, and more. Parkside Harmony is comprised of South Central PA locals. In addition, special guests Main Street, international quartet champions, will be performing.
March 30 / Hershey Theatre / 15 E. Caracas Ave., Hershey, PA / 717-534-3405 / hersheyentertainment.com
4. Art Auction
It’s always a great feeling taking home a new piece of art, but what if that art actually helped build someone else a home? Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Harrisburg Area wants to do just that with its 14th annual Art Builds Homes Art Auction, which in past years has raised over $260,000 total. The funds help build safe and secure homes for people in the community, as well as provide materials to help fix existing homes in need of repair. Many opportunities to give (and receive!) are available including a live art auction featuring various mediums; a silent auction with jewelry, gift cards, and baskets by local businesses; and a raffle.
March 15 / Hershey Country Club / 1000 E. Derry Road, Hershey, PA / 717-545-7299 / harrisburghabitat.org
Photo courtesy Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
5. PA Charter Day
There might not be any balloons or presents, but free admission to 25 state historical sites to celebrate Pennsylvania’s birthday definitely takes the cake. The Pennsylvania Historical + Museum Commission (PHMC) celebrates the day in 1681 when William Penn received the charter for PA by offering free admission to anyone interested in stepping back into our state’s history. Under Pennsylvania’s Trail of History are sections pertaining to farming, industrial, military, and community roots. All locations under those highlights are free for the day. Some sample locations are the Ephrata Cloister and Landis Valley Museum.
March 10 / Statewide / phmc.pa.gov/museums
6. YorVoice
Set the night to music as the 6th annual YorVoice competition celebrates the talents of local musicians in a friendly competition to choose one winner and one contestant to be honored with the People’s Choice award. The event seeks to inspire York pride while celebrating local talent through the arts. Founded in 1999, the Cultural Alliance of York County has sought to improve the quality of life in York through various initiatives, and this event will help raise awareness of its 2019 campaign.
March 30 / Appell Center / 50 N. George St., York, PA / 717-812-9255 / yorvoice.org
Photo courtesy Harrisburg University
7. Concert Series
Harrisburg University has partnered with area venues to offer national talent on local stages. The spring concert series begins with the Marcus King Band, headed by a 4th generation musician and son of Marvin King. Marcus has been playing and fronting bands for nearly a decade. Following the musical act is Tig Notaro, stand-up comic, writer, actress, and radio contributor. Notaro has been nominated for a Grammy several times in the category of Best Comedy Album. Enjoy the shows and stay tuned for new acts ahead. (harrisburgu.edu/huconcertseries)
March 9 / Club XL / 801 S. 10th St., Harrisburg, PA / 717-409-8975 / xlhbg.com
March 16 / Whitaker Center / 222 Market St., Harrisburg / 717-214-2787 / whitakercenter.org
8. Black Tie Gala
This out-of-state event is so popular, attendees happily make the trek to enjoy Penn-Mar’s premier Black Tie Gala, now in its 27th year. Enjoy a passport to the world, a perfect pairing of fine wine and cuisine with a multi-course gourmet meal accompanied by a pairing of wines from regions around the world. Crafted cocktails, live music by Spectrum, along with both live and silent auctions. Proceeds go, towards helping Penn-Mar Human Services mission of helping adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities live their best lives.
March 2 / Delta Hotels Baltimore Hunt Valley / 245 Shawan Road, Hunt Valley, MD /410-343-1069 x257 / penn-mar.org
9. Songs of Ireland
Mixing familiar tunes from the American songbook, Broadway tunes, and more with a traditional Irish folk music sound makes for one unique performance with eight Irish vocalists and an ensemble composed of piano, uillean pipe, accordian, and an Irish fiddle approaching songs like “Last Rose of Summer” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” Concert-goers can expect to sing along but enjoy a new sound. Perfect for rounding out the Irish beverages and food for St. Patrick’s Day.
March 14 / Majestic Theatre / 25 Carlisle St., Gettysburg, PA / 717-337-8200 / gettysburgmajestic.org
10. Run 4 Luck
Anyone from a seasoned 5K runner to an energetic child can take part in the Junior League of Lancaster’s healthy annual event themed around Saint Paddy’s Day. The 14th race/walk returns with several options, including a 4-mile run, a 2-mile walk, and a kids’ fun run. The race will benefit the League’s mission to help develop leadership potential through volunteerism by local women and the community at large. Race registrants will receive CHIP technology, a long-sleeved race shirt, a bag (while supplies last), and access to a post-run refuel station. Register early for discounted pricing and to ensure race accessories.
March 16 / Lancaster Country Day School / 725 Hamilton Road, Lancaster, PA / 717-392-2415 / jllancaster.org
