Erin Zakin
Web Manager
For those who need a break from Messiah’s campus might not have to look as far as they think. Harrisburg and surrounding areas have plenty of fun events that thankfully even college students can afford.
Harrisburg-Hershey Film Festival | Sept. 11-13
The Harrisburg-Hershey Film Festival was founded in 2014 by filmmakers who wanted to showcase independently created films. The festival includes a variety of documentary, short, and feature length films created by filmmakers from local to international levels. The films are screened at Midtown Cinema in Harrisburg. Tickets range from $8-9. Visit the website for more information or to purchase tickets.
Harrisburg University Block Party | Sept. 12
To commemorate its 10th anniversary, the Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is celebrating in the best possible way: A block party and food truck rally. “Nightlights” will take place on Market Street between 3rd and 4th Streets in Harrisburg from 4pm to 9pm. Attendees can purchase food at one of the many local vendors or food trucks and listen to the live bands.
Annual Harrisburg Gallery Walk | Sept. 13
For those who enjoy the finer things in life, consider attending the 26th Annual Harrisburg Gallery Walk. From 11am-6pm, 29 galleries and artists’ studios will open their doors to the public free of charge. You can see a full map of the venues throughout downtown Harrisburg here. Participating businesses include coffee shops, bookstores, churches, and more.
Harrisburg Restaurant Week | Sept. 14-18, 21-25
If you enjoy food and fancy dining, you’ll love Harrisburg’s Restaurant Week. Special discounts include 3 courses for $30 (per person) and 2 dine for $40 (a shared appetizer, two entrees, and shared dessert). Grab a date and check out one of the many fine restaurants in Harrisburg.
Third in the Burg | Sept. 18
Third in the Burg is a repeating event in Harrisburg, occurring on the third Friday of every month, to celebrate the growing arts and cultural scene of downtown Harrisburg. Each month, venues host special events, including exhibits, shows, and discounted meals. Venues include restaurants, galleries, coffee houses, churches, and museums. Go here for more information.
Beyond Harrisburg:
Paulus Orchard
From early to late fall, Paulus Orchard features tons of fall activities like apple and pumpkin picking, wagon rides, a corn maze, and orchard tours.
Uprise Festival | Sept. 18-19
If you’re a music-loving, festival kind of person, Uprise Festival might be worth the trip. Located in Shippensburg, PA, this two-day festival has a long lineup of well-known Christian artists like Skillet, Casting Crowns, For King and Country, Jeremy Camp, and more. Tickets are $45 for the full event and $40 for one day. Go to the website for ticket information, the schedule, and more artists.