Artsfest returns to Riverfront Park on Front Street in Harrisburg this year, with hours from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. on May 28 and 29, and from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on May 30. The event will feature the work of over 150 juried artisans for sale, with the majority located along Front Street between Locust and South streets. The remaining artisans will be found between Liberty and Forster streets, which will also include the HBG Fest, a selection of 40 artists, craftspeople and musicians under one tent, hosted by the HBG Flea.
Among the highlights of Artsfest are the Kidsfest area, found between Market and Walnut streets, live music at the Jazzfest stage near Walnut Street and the Main Stage near Liberty Street, a juried art exhibition and live performances from the Wednesday Club Concert Series at the Art Association of Harrisburg.
The event also features numerous food trucks, with options ranging from cheesesteaks and soft pretzels to soba noodles, mahi-mahi tacos and ice cream mochi. And new this year is a community glass mural projects, where attendees can decorate a single glass tile that will become part of a mural planned for John Harris High School.
Parking for Artsfest is $5 on City Island, and the Market Square Garage will have a special $10 rate for the weekend. Parking is free on Memorial Day, as well as on Sunday, and free downtown after 5 p.m. on Saturday. Details on artisans, vendors, entertainment schedules and other attractions can be found online at the Harrisburg Artsfest website.
The Harrisburg Senators baseball team have home games at their City Island stadium, starting at 7 p.m. on May 27 and 28, and 1 p.m. May 29. Friday’s game will be followed by fireworks. Parking on City Island may be harder to find with Artsfest happening the same weekend, so give yourself extra time to find a place if you go. Ticket information can be found here.
FlavorFest will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 28 and 29 at Mount Hope Estate and Winery, 2775 Lebanon Road, Manheim. Twenty-six wineries will provide samples and sales of many of their varieties, and eight distilleries offer samples of their craft spirits. In addition there will be artisans selling crafts and food booths. Admission is $19.95 and includes a tasting glass. Tickets for ages 12-20 are $5.95. Children under age 11 can enter free of charge.
Hersheypark will be open for their summer season, which will include two new rides. The first is Jolly Rancher Remix, a re-designed Sidewinder rollercoaster. The other is a brand-new spinning ride, Mix’d Flavored By Jolly Rancher. Hersheypark will be open daily through the summer, starting at 11 a.m. each day and closing at 7 p.m. weekdays and 8 p.m. on certain weekends. One-day tickets remain $54.95 for all ages 4 and up until May 31. Make sure to note that parking is cheaper if purchased in advance, and that the park is now operating cashless.
More information on Hersheypark and other regional amusement parks can be found here:
READ MORE: Summer 2022 amusement park guide: What’s new at Hersheypark, Knoebels and more
Knoebels amusement park in Elysburg will be offering free ride passes to past and present members of the military on May 21. In addition, several agencies and programs, including Veterans Affairs and Fort Indiantown Gap, will be on hand to provide information. There will also be a program at 1 p.m. at the Hawaiian Bandshell with guest speaker Brigadier General Maureen Weigl, Deputy Adjutant General for Pennsylvania’s Veterans Affairs Department. Visitors must present a valid driver’s license with veterans designation or a valid driver’s license and a military ID to obtain the pass.
A Memorial Day Bock Party will be held from noon to 3 p.m. May 28 at Tanger Outlets Hershey, 46 Outlet Square, Hershey. Bob Hauser of Bob 94.9 FM will be playing music. There will be sidewalk sales and members of the Derry Township Police Department & Hershey Volunteer Fire Company will have their cars and apparatus on display.
The rock band The Struts will perform at 8 p.m. May 28 at XL Live, 801 S. 10th St., Harrisburg. Tickets are $47. The show is presented by Harrisburg University.
The musical “Crowns” opens at Open Stage in Harrisburg on May 28 at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee at 3 p.m. on May 29. And the musical “Rent” is being presented by the Bare Bone Theatre Ensemble at Harrisburg’s Federal Taphouse at 6 p.m. on May 29. More information can be found at Open Stage’s website or Bare Bone’s website.
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