Photo courtesy Ware Center
1. Flamenco Vivo—Ware Center
The “cradle of flamenco,” known as Andalucía in the Southern region of Spain, has been inhabited by a variety of cultures over the centuries. This melting pot of Spanish, Arabic, Gypsy, Sephardic Jewish, and Latin American influences contains the unique languages and traditions of each culture. During Flamenco Vivo, dancers and musicians from one of the country’s most prominent, culturally specific dance companies will entertain the audience. Come travel without a passport and enjoy the “voces del Sur” or voices of the South.
January 24-25 / The Ware Center / 42 N. Prince St., Lancaster, PA / 717-925-3502 / artsmu.com
2. Souper Bowl
No need to BYOB (bring your own bowl) because at this annual event, getting a bowl is part of the fun. Ever since 1984, Opportunity House has been providing for the homeless population of Reading with a shelter, meals, childcare and a learning center, as well as assistance for veterans. One of the ways they raise money for these services is through the Souper Bowl fundraiser. For the ticket price, attendees will receive a handmade ceramic bowl created and donated by local artists, school students, and community members. Local restaurants provide the soup, bread, and other goodies. An early preview party offers wine, beer, hors d’oeuvres, and first choice of bowl and soup.
January 28 / Crowne Plaza / 1741 Paper Mill Road, Wyomissing, PA / 610-374-4696 / opphouse.org
3. Lettuce
Spanning a two-decade career, Lettuce, the notable funk jazz-fusion band with a legion of followers, comes to the Burg to play their latest song compilation, Witches Stew. The album name and the accompanying music pay homage to the late, great Miles Davis, a huge inspiration for the band. The band unites to reimagine the most impactful period of Miles’ career, the Bitches Brew era (note the band’s play on words). So come see what all the noise is about and get down to Lettuce’s newest jams.
January 22 / Whitaker Center / 222 Market St., Harrisburg, PA / 717-214-2787 / whitakercenter.org
4. Polar Bear 5K
Known for being the annual harbinger of healthier lifestyles after December’s decadence, January offers a chance for a reset. Try putting the “out” in “workout” and “outside” for the Lancaster Group of The Sierra Club’s 9th Annual Polar Bear Trail Run/Hike. Enjoy a trek through Lancaster County Central Park on well-maintained trails and hills. Even dogs are welcome to join (on a leash) to burn off some extra holiday table scraps. All money raised goes towards supporting the group’s Green Project grant program, which has awarded 29 local organizations with up to $500 each. Some funds from the 5K also go towards supporting outdoor activities hosted by the group.
January 19 / Lancaster County Central Park, Lancaster, PA / 717-475-0586 / lancastersierraclub.org
5. Best Wedding Showcase
As every couple knows, planning a wedding remains an exciting time but can also be overwhelming with so many details to consider. Enter the Best Wedding Showcase, an amazing resource presenting wedding pros that specialize in everything from invitations to honeymoons and everything in between. Say “I do” to crossing items off the “to-do” list while enjoying a signature cocktail and customizing a fun pair of footwear at the Flip Flop Bar. With four shows in the region, there’s one (or more!) for any nuptial novice to visit—and sample cake!
January 6 / Central Hotel Harrisburg / January 13 / Lancaster Marriott & Convention Center / January 27 / Wyndham Garden York / February 10 / Reading Santander Arena / bestweddingshowcase.com
Photo courtesy PA Farm Show
6. Farm Show
Nothing says family friendly like the PA Farm Show, the largest indoor agricultural event in the country. Whether stopping by to see over 6,000 animals, to watch the exhibits, or simply to nosh the day away on milkshakes and local favorites, you will find it all on display at the 103rd annual show. New for 2019, to the delight of the over-21 crowd, is the inaugural craft beer competition. Keep the kiddos learning while petting piggies and alpacas, a scavenger hunt, and the Ag Explorers designated stations. This event is free, with a charge for parking.
January 5-12 / PA Farm Show Complex / 2300 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg, PA / 717-787-2905 / farmshow.pa.gov
7. FestivICE
Turns out, at FestivIce, a 40-foot ice slide is just the tip of the iceberg regarding winter weather fun. This family-friendly event hosted by York Traditions Bank embraces all things wintry with shopping, s’mores roasting over fire pits, live ice carving, a family movie, music, and even a dancing yeti. The event falls on the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend and to honor him will have a hero theme. So come chill at this downtown ice extravaganza that also benefits the Children’s Aid Society.
January 17-19 / Cherry Lane Park / 5 Cherry Lane, York, PA / 717-801-4474 / festivice.com
8. Stories in the Barn
With so much technology surrounding kids today, why not take them on a double learning session predating all of their modern accouterments? First, start in the barn on the property of the historic Rock Ford Plantation. A neat fact is that George Washington actually made a stop at the building that’s on the National Register of Historic Places, the former home of Edward Hand. Featuring a winter theme, this “by donation” event will get the family involved in an activity and story relating to Early America. The apropos theme this month is winter.
January 12 / Rock Ford Plantation / 881 Rockford Road, Lancaster, PA / 717-392-7223 / rockfordplantation.org
9. Hamiltunes: An American Sing-Along
Ever caught someone belting out “The Room Where It All Happens” at a red light? Ever been the one singing? Well, thanks to Prima Theatre’s Hamiltunes: An American Sing-Along, the whole family can come and bust out their best renditions from the record-setting Broadway musical in the company of fellow fans. The musical, based on Founding Father Alexander Hamilton and the biographical book by Ron Chernow, features a wide variety of styles from hip-hop to soul, pop to traditional show tunes. Anyone feeling extra confident can apply to lead a solo. So whether a novice, an expert, or just curious what the fuss is about, come channel that inner Lin-Manuel Miranda for a fun evening of song.
January 11 / Prima Theatre / 941 Wheatland Ave., Lancaster, PA / 717-327-5124 / primalancaster.org
Photo courtesy American Music Theatre
10. The Simon &Garfunkel Story
A worldwide hit concert-style show seen by over a quarter-million people about the most successful musical duo in history takes a stage of its own with The Simon & Garfunkel Story. With not just a hit soundtrack, boasting popular songs like “Homeward Bound” and “Sounds of Silence,” the performance also presents an art video production, impressive lighting, and a full live band. Meant to create an experience and not necessarily impersonate the duo, the show is enjoyable for people of all ages.
January 31 / American Music Theatre / 2425 Lincoln Hwy. East, Lancaster, PA / 800-648-4102 / amtshows.com
