Casey Fogle, left, of West York and Jason Diehl, of North York dive into some oysters at the Oyster Fest at the Agricultural and Industrial Museum in York (file photo)
Special events
- Explore the wild side with Wildwood’s Magical Trail, from 6-7 p.m. Oct. 17-18 at the Olewine Nature Center, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg. The fun and educational walk offers insight into the lifestyles of the animal inhabitants of the wetlands. Join in animal crafts in the nature center and enjoy s’mores and cider after the excursion. To add to the fun, the program encourages kids to come dressed as their favorite animal. [Admission is $8 per person (ages 2 and up).]
- Support the fight against breast cancer this weekend at the Brides Against Breast Cancer Charity Wedding Gown Sale & Bridal Show, from 6-9:30 p.m. Oct. 17 and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 18 at the Holiday Inn Conference Center of York, 2000 Loucks Road, York. During the event, guests will be able to browse through discounted designer wedding gowns. Brides who purchase gowns will receive a $600 gift certificate for two wedding bands. Attendees will also receive a free acrylic glass impression picture certificate from Symbolize It (valued at $200 per certificate). Revenue generated from the event will benefit programs and services for those with breast cancer. [Visit com for ticket information.]
- This weekend is your opportunity to experience Hersheypark® in the Dark. From Oct. 17-19, enjoy roller coasters, soak in the Halloween-themed attractions, and take the children trick-or-treating. [Admission prices may vary; see the hours of operation for specific times.]
Festivals and food
- Treat yourself to a night of s’mores beside a relaxing campfire at the Hershey’s S’mores Campfire Party from 5-8 p.m. Oct. 17-19 at the Hershey’s Chocolate World attraction, 251 Park Blvd., Hershey. Enjoy signature Hershey’s products, listen to Halloween stories, and join in campfire sing-alongs at this family-friendly weekend event. [Free admission; prices vary]
- Join the Linglestown Annual Fall Festival from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 18 at Linglestown Square, 5967 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg. The festival includes fun events like pumpkin painting, cookie decorating, a dog costume contest and a scavenger hunt. Visitors will also enjoy food and live music throughout the day.
- The student-driven NexGen Youth Arts Festival will take place 11 a.m. Oct. 17 through 7 p.m. Oct. 18 at the Zembo Shrine Event Complex, 2801 N. Third St., Harrisburg. The festival highlights the artistic accomplishments of Central Pennsylvania. [Tickets are $1 (children) and $5 (adults).]
- It’s oysters galore at the 40th Annual Oyster Festival, held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 19 at the Agricultural & Industrial Museum in 217 W. Princess St., York. The family-friendly event will feature baked goods, artisan crafts and other fun treats. [Free]
On stage
- Enjoy the unique sounds of Rockapella at 7 p.m. Oct. 17 in the Capitol Theatre, 159 S. Main St., Chambersburg. The five-man a capella group will delight audiences with a Motown-inspired performance. [Tickets are $30 (adults), $28 (seniors), and $18 (students). $2 service fees apply.]
- The Clarks will be performing 9 p.m. Oct. 17 at the Appalachian Brewing Company, 50 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg. The four-man band adheres to a quintessential, old-fashioned American rock-n-roll musical style. The Clarks have toured throughout the country and have appeared on “The Late Show with David Letterman.”
- Scott Peoples and bandmate Jeff Shoop are scheduled to perform 1 p.m. Oct. 18 at The Vineyard at Hershey, 598 Schoolhouse Road, Middletown. South central Pennsylvania native Scott Peoples embraces an Americana style of music, which emphasizes strong lyrics and equally impressive guitar playing.
- Come out to see Black Violin at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 18 at the Pullo Center, 1031 Edgecomb Ave., York. Wil Baptiste and Kevin “Kev Marcus” Sylvester of Black Violin effortlessly fuse elements of hip-hop, rock, and R&B into their classical arrangements. The duo has performed in numerous high-profile venues, such as for American troops stationed in Iraq and at President Barack Obama’s 2013 inaugural ball. [Tickets are $38 and $25]
- Vocalist and composer, Ruth Naomi Floyd, will accompany jazz ensemble, The Go Particle, at The Go Particle With Ruth Naomi Floyd. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 18 at The Trust Performing Arts Center, 37 N. Market St., Lancaster. After the show, visitors will have a chance to view Floyd’s fine art display at the Square Halo Gallery. [Tickets are $15 (adults) and $7.50 (students who present ID).]
- Celebrate the musical legacy of beloved folk singer, John Denver, at A Tribute to John Denver. Chris Collins and the Boulder Canyon band will pay tribute to the iconic songwriter at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 18 in the Sunoco Performance Theater, 222 Market St., Harrisburg. [Tickets are $26 and $32]
- Spend Sunday night with the King’s Heralds quartet at 7 p.m. on Oct. 19 in the Harrisburg First Seventh-day Adventist Church, 424 N. Progress Ave., Harrisburg. The decorated contemporary Christian group is also heralded as the longest continuously operating gospel quartet in America. [Free]
More events
- See a display of 150 illuminated pumpkins at the Pumpkin Glow, from 6-8 p.m. Oct. 17-18 at Hershey Gardens, 170 Hotel Road, Hershey. In addition to the brilliant display, children will be able to trick-or-treat along the pathway in their Halloween costumes. [Admission is $10.50 (adults), $9.50 (seniors), and $7.50 (ages 3-12). Children under age three and members are free.]
- Welcome Halloween during the Night of the Great Pumpkin celebration from 6-9 p.m. Oct. 17 at the Pennsylvania State Museum, located in 300 North St., Harrisburg. The event features pumpkin carving demonstrations, interactive ghost stories and trick-or-treating activities. [Free]
- Join naturalist Amber Carothers on a gentle saunter through the forest during the Fall Colors Walk, from 2:30-4 p.m. Oct. 19 in Richard M. Nixon County Park, 5922 Nixon Road, York. The informational tour through the fall foliage will offer insight into the science behind their change of colors.
- Take a 45-minute train ride through scenic Amish Country at The Great Train Robbery: Bonnie & Clyde Adventure on Oct. 19 at the Strasburg Rail Road, 301 Gap Road, Strasburg. Set in 1934, the journey follows the exploits of the dynamic duo, Bonnie and Clyde. [Boarding time is 3:45 p.m.; tickets range from $18-$27.]
