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- Your Central PA Weekend Compass: Can't-Miss Fun from June 13th-15th!
Your Central PA Weekend Compass: Can't-Miss Fun from June 13th-15th!
Gettin' You Ready for a Great Weekend, Digizens!
Don Demcsak
June 12, 2025
Well now, Central Pennsylvania is lookin' mighty fine and set to sparkle as this mid-June weekend approaches! Summer is truly kickin' in, and with it comes that undeniable urge for gettin' out and about, exploring all the goodness our region has to offer. For Digizens ready to connect with the community, support local endeavors, perhaps learn somethin' new, or simply soak up some positive energy, the opportunities are lookin' plentiful.
The Digizenburg Dispatch has been busy, trackin' down a selection of happenings across Cumberland, Dauphin, and Lancaster counties. The aim is to make weekend planning a breeze, so folks can head straight for the fun. So, it's time to anticipate a weekend packed with diverse experiences, from vibrant festivals to engaging performances and community gatherings. A whole heap of good times is lined up!
Third Place Events
Cumberland County: Kick Back & Connect by the Creek (and Beyond!)
Over in Cumberland County, the weekend is shaping up to be somethin' special, offering a delightful blend of outdoor charm, lively music, and community arts. It's a place where the scenic beauty of spots like the Yellow Breeches Creek often serves as a backdrop for connection and local celebration. Things are lookin' mighty fine for a weekend of good tunes, discovering local treasures, and maybe even enjoying some toe-tappin' theatre.
Date & Time: Friday, June 13, 2025 (Gates open 4:00 PM, music 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM); Saturday, June 14, 2025 (Gates open 11:00 AM, music 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM); & Sunday, June 15, 2025 (Concert at West Shore Theatre, doors 7:00 PM, show 7:30 PM)
Short Description: Digizens can get ready to groove down by the scenic Yellow Breeches as the Iron Bridge Music Festival returns! This free, all-ages shindig is packed with rock, blues, country, and more from fantastic local and national acts like The Badlees and The Wailers. With food trucks, a craft beer garden, and a real community feel, it’s the perfect spot to unwind and support the local music scene – and the fun continues with a special show at the West Shore Theatre on Sunday.
Digizen Appeal: This multi-day music festival serves as a significant community anchor, drawing diverse crowds and fostering spontaneous social connections. Its free admission removes economic barriers, promoting inclusivity, while the presence of food vendors and a beer garden directly supports local small businesses. The continuation of this festival, now in its fifth year, points to a successful model for community engagement through arts and culture, indicating a sustained local appetite for such vibrant, unique local experiences. It's an event that truly aims to "bring our community together". Tickets are required via Eventbrite for Friday and Saturday due to capacity, and separate free tickets for Sunday's performance. Parking within the park is $5.
Location: New Cumberland Borough Park, 517 Front St, New Cumberland, PA (Friday/Saturday) & The West Shore Theatre (Sunday)
Date & Time: Friday, June 13, 2025, 7:30 PM; Saturday, June 14, 2025, 7:30 PM
Short Description: It's time to cut loose! Folks can head over to the historic Allenberry Playhouse and kick off their Sunday shoes for a performance of 'Footloose.' This is a chance to relive the classic story and energetic tunes that inspire a desire to dance in the aisles. It’s a fantastic way to support local theatre and enjoy a story about challenging the status quo and the power of youthful spirit.
Digizen Appeal: The choice of a well-known, high-energy musical like "Footloose" by a local playhouse aims to draw a broad audience, boosting engagement for the arts organization and helping sustain such vital local cultural institutions. Attending offers an accessible entry point to the arts, fostering cultural literacy and providing a shared community experience that differs from passive media consumption. The story’s themes of youth empowerment and challenging norms also resonate strongly with values of empowerment and making a positive impact. Tickets are $75.60.
Location: Allenberry Playhouse, 1559 Boiling Springs Rd, Boiling Springs, PA
Date & Time: Sunday, June 15, 2025, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Recurring weekly through June 22)
Short Description: A lovely Sunday drive out to Allenberry Resort provides an opportunity to wander through their charming market. Digizens will find local artisans, crafters, and unique art, all set against the beautiful resort grounds along the Yellow Breeches Creek. It’s a perfect, laid-back way to support local makers and perhaps find a new treasure while enjoying that creative energy and creekside ambiance.
Digizen Appeal: The prevalence of artisan markets like this points to a growing desire for unique, handcrafted goods and a wish to connect directly with creators, supporting local economies and fostering a sense of community. These events, held at established venues like Allenberry Resort, can also introduce new audiences to these locations for purposes beyond their primary offerings, potentially increasing overall business and community awareness of the venue's amenities. The market is free to attend.
Location: Allenberry Resort, 1559 Boiling Springs Rd, Boiling Springs, PA
Dauphin County: Capital City Celebrations & Hershey Sweet Surprises!
Dauphin County is buzzin' this weekend, folks! From historic celebrations and important commemorations in Harrisburg to sweet family fun in Hershey, there's a whole lotta energy and community spirit in the air. Highlighting the distinct offerings of different parts of the county caters to a wider range of interests, ensuring there's something for everyone. Get ready to make some memories!
Date & Time: First-Ever Juneteenth Parade: Saturday, June 14, 2025, 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM. (The broader Juneteenth HBG celebration spans June 14-21 ).
Short Description: Digizens are invited to be part of history in Harrisburg! Juneteenth HBG is hosting its first-ever Juneteenth Parade this Saturday, a vibrant celebration of freedom, culture, and Black excellence marching through downtown. Expect dance groups, bands, and a powerful sense of community as the city honors this vital piece of American history and remembers Harrisburg's own Old Eighth Ward. It’s a chance to learn, celebrate resilience, and uplift one another.
Digizen Appeal: The launch of a "first-ever" Juneteenth parade in the state capital signifies a growing mainstream recognition and embrace of Black history and culture, transforming a commemoration into a large-scale public celebration that fosters broader community dialogue and understanding. Organizing such a significant new event, led by the Young Professionals of Color-Greater Harrisburg, empowers the local Black community by providing a platform for expression, celebration, and education, while inviting the wider community to participate and learn. The parade is free to observe; some other Juneteenth HBG events during the week may have costs.
Location: Parade: Downtown Harrisburg, around the State Capitol. Other Juneteenth HBG events at various venues across Harrisburg.
Date & Time: Saturday, June 14, 2025, 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Short Description: Celebrate all things Pennsylvania at Fort Hunter Park! 'Proudly PA!' brings a fantastic lineup of PA-born bands like The Commonheart, Aaron Fink & The Fury, and Audra McLaughlin, plus local food trucks, craft brews, wines, and spirits. Attendees can grab their lawn chairs, enjoy the riverside views, and toast to the Commonwealth's great talent and tastes – it's a real homegrown good time!
Digizen Appeal: This event explicitly celebrates Pennsylvania talent and products, fostering a strong sense of regional identity and pride that champions state-specific contributions. The partnership between Fort Hunter Park, the Central Pennsylvania Music Hall of Fame (whose mission is to support and grow the local music scene ), and The River 97.3 demonstrates a collaborative approach, likely leading to a higher quality and more impactful community event. Tickets are $30 in advance, $40 at the gate, with kids 12 and under free.
Location: Fort Hunter Park, 5300 N. Front Street, Harrisburg, PA
Date & Time: Friday, June 13, 2025, 8:00 PM
Short Description: Get ready to rock! Almost Queen, one of the most amazing Queen tribute bands out there, is hitting the stage at XL Live. For those who love Freddie's vocals and Queen's epic anthems, this is a chance to experience the magic live. It's set to be a high-energy night of pure rock 'n' roll nostalgia.
Digizen Appeal: Tribute bands for iconic groups like Queen tap into powerful generational nostalgia and offer a communal experience rooted in widely beloved music, fostering connection through shared musical taste. Venues like XL Live play a crucial role in the local music ecosystem by hosting touring acts, providing entertainment options that bridge the gap between small club gigs and arena concerts, and supporting the local night-time economy. Tickets start from $30.00.
Location: XL Live, 801 S 10th Street, Harrisburg, PA
Date & Time: Sunday, June 15, 2025, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Short Description: Treat Dad to something special at Hershey Gardens! Besides the thousands of gorgeous blooming roses, they're hosting a display of classic Rolls-Royce and Bentley cars. It's a unique chance to admire these beauties, learn their history, and best of all, Dads get in free for Father's Day! A classy way to spend a Sunday.
Digizen Appeal: While a classic car show might seem niche, tying it to Father's Day and offering free admission for fathers significantly broadens its appeal and provides a unique family outing. Hershey Gardens uses this special display to enhance its existing attraction, providing added value to visitors and potentially drawing people who might not have come just for the flowers or just for the cars. The event is included with regular admission.
Location: Hershey Gardens, 170 Hotel Rd, Hershey, PA
Lancaster County: Arts, Action, & Authentic Local Vibes!
Lancaster County is servin' up a rich mix this weekend, from the thrill of the game to the art of film and the spontaneity of improv! It's all about diving into what makes this place so vibrant and supportive, with a variety of experiences that showcase the county's multifaceted appeal. So, let's see what adventures await!
Date & Time: Friday, June 13, 2025, 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Short Description: Grab some popcorn for a cause! The Paddling Film Festival, part of Lancaster Water Week, is showcasing inspiring films about adventure, conservation, and our amazing waterways at Zoetropolis. It's a chance to see some breathtaking cinematography featuring wild rivers and paddling expeditions, and support efforts to protect local streams and rivers. Plus, Zoetropolis is just a cool spot to hang!
Digizen Appeal: This event uses film—an accessible art form—to promote environmental awareness and action, synergizing with Lancaster Water Week's goals to protect local waterways and promote rewilding. Venues like Zoetropolis, a cinema and stillhouse, often function as community hubs that foster local culture beyond just their primary business, hosting diverse events that reflect local interests and support important causes. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 day of show.
Location: Zoetropolis Cinema Stillhouse, 112 N. Water Street, Lancaster, PA
Date & Time: Saturday, June 14, 2025, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Short Description: Ready for some laughs? Lancaster Improv Players are bringing the funny with 'Pandamonium,' an improv showdown where the audience can vote for their favorite scenes! It's fast, it's fun, and it's all made up on the spot. Folks can grab some friends, BYOB, and support hilarious local talent in this intimate black box theatre.
Digizen Appeal: Improv shows, especially those involving audience voting like Pandamonium, create a highly interactive and communal experience, breaking down the "fourth wall" and fostering a sense of shared fun in an intimate setting. Affordable, BYOB local arts events like this provide accessible cultural outings that don't require significant financial commitment, encouraging broader participation in the arts scene. Tickets are $12 at the door.
Location: Lancaster Improv Players, 16 South Prince Street, Lancaster, PA
Date & Time: Friday, June 13, 2025, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Short Description: Kick off the weekend with some high-energy tunes! The Screamin' Daisys, a local favorite pop/rock/dance cover band, are playing at Marion Court Room. Known for getting the party started with a "Surefire Dance Party," it's the perfect spot to grab a bite, a drink, and hit the dance floor. A real Lancaster good time!
Digizen Appeal: Local cover bands playing at established bars/restaurants like Marion Court Room are a staple of the community's social life, providing regular, accessible entertainment and gathering spots. Familiar cover music offers a low-barrier entry point for a fun night out, appealing to a broad audience looking for a relaxed good time and a chance to socialize. Admission details are typically venue-dependent but often free for such shows.
Location: Marion Court Room, 38 E Marion St, Lancaster, PA
And there it is, Digizens – a whole weekend of possibilities right here in our wonderful slice of Central PA! Whatever adventures are chosen, may they be filled with connection, joy, and that special local spirit. Have a fantastic weekend!
Digizen Open Roles
Well now, it's another fine week here in Central PA, and the tech scene is buzzin' like a cicada in July! The world of technology jobs keeps spinning, offering fresh chances both right here in our beloved Harrisburg, Lancaster, York, and State College areas, and through those remote work doors that open up the whole country to us, right from our own front porches. The Digizenburg Dispatch is always happy to be your friendly guide, doin' some diggin' to connect our talented local folks with some truly promising opportunities.
It's heartening to see the continued growth and activity; there's a real surge in tech-related job openings, and it's clear that companies are actively seeking skilled technology workers. This isn't just a fleeting moment; dedicated organizations right here in our area, like TechConnect and the Technology Council of Central Pennsylvania (TCCP), are working hard to help folks advance their skills, discover new paths, and connect with businesses that are hiring. They're helping to promote technology and fuel our local economic development, which means this buzz has strong roots and a supportive community behind it. So, whether you're lookin' to make a move, start fresh, or just see what's out there, there's likely somethin' here to get you thinkin'.
Company: The Home Depot
Location: Remote (listed as "Remote in Harrisburg, PA" on some job boards, indicating openness to PA candidates)
The Gist: Want to help protect a big name from the comfort of your home office? The Home Depot is on the hunt for a remote Senior Cybersecurity Engineer specializing in SailPoint, posted just a few days ago around June 6, 2025. You'll be tacklin' identity governance and access management, a super important part of keepin' their digital house in order. It’s a great chance to use your cyber smarts for a major retailer, and the fact that large national companies are specifically noting Central PA locations for their remote roles suggests our region is definitely on their radar as a source for skilled talent.
Company: Donegal Insurance Group
Location: Marietta, PA
The Gist: Got a knack for numbers and a mind for business? Donegal Insurance Group over in Marietta is seekin' a Data Business Analyst to help bridge the gap between their business and IT folks, focusing on data needs in finance. You'll be diving deep into how data can drive their financial strategies, serving as a conduit to define and translate data needs. This highlights how established local industries are increasingly relying on data analytics, creating solid opportunities for tech-savvy individuals to make a difference right here in our community.
Company: Teleosoft, Inc.
Location: York, PA (Hybrid)
The Gist: If you're a software engineer who enjoys buildin' and improvin' things, Teleosoft in York has a spot for you! They're looking for folks to be stewards of the codebase for their CountySuite family of products, partnerin' with product and customer advocates to implement new features and enhance existing functionality. It's a hybrid role, offering a mix of in-office teamwork and work-from-home flexibility. The presence of local software product companies like Teleosoft means there's a steady need for developers for ongoing innovation, not just one-off projects, which helps build a strong local tech community.
Company: HB Mechanical (part of HB Global)
Location: Harrisburg, PA
The Gist: Are you the go-to person for tech troubles? HB Mechanical in Harrisburg needs an IT Support Technician Level II to be the main point of contact for all things tech support for their organization. This role requires a strong customer service mindset and the skills to keep their operations runnin' smoothly. The consistent demand for these kinds of IT support roles across various local businesses, from construction to media to government, shows just how vital this work is to keeping our local economy humming and offers a great entry point into the broader tech field.
Keep Exploring, Folks!
That's the round-up for this week, folks! Get those resumes polished up, and don't forget to tell 'em the Digizenburg Dispatch sent ya. Good luck out there! And remember, there are some great local groups like the Technology Council of Central Pennsylvania that offer networking and resources too, so it's always worth seein' what they're up to. Keep exploring, and here's to finding your next great opportunity!
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