Free Community Events

From live music to crafts & culture and from food trucks to fireworks, a diverse lineup of community festivals and events showcases talented local artists as well as acclaimed national acts and entertainment.

Here are some of the free community events you’ll find in 2024.

*This list may be updated as new events or additional details are confirmed.

Dauphin County Events

Celebrating nature and history is core to many Dauphin County Parks & Recreation events. Free events are scheduled throughout the year at Fort Hunter, Wildwood Park, and other locations.

Highlights include Wildwood Park Wetlands Festival (April 27), Garden Faire (May 5), and Fort Hunter Day (September 15).

May & June Events

Hershey ArtsFest | May 11

A great way to spend time with mom or celebrate the spring season with friends, family, and ART!  Hershey Artfest at The Englewood Barn features a selection of artists, food, and music. The fine art and artisan show will host over 100 juried and non-juried exhibitors.

Harrisburg ArtsFest | May 25–27

Spend Memorial Day weekend in Harrisburg! With more than 200 juried vendors, live music, food trucks and family entertainment all set along the beautiful Susquehanna River, ArtsFest is one of the best ways to celebrate the unofficial start to summer.

JuneteenthHBG | May & June

#JuneteenthHBG celebrations in and around the Capital City will be held throughout May and June to commemorate the emancipation of slaves. Events will highlight Black history, arts & entertainment, health and wellness, and community development.

July Events

Harrisburg July 4th Food Truck Festival | July 4

The City of Harrisburg hosts its July 4th Food Truck Festival with fireworks on Tuesday, July 4 from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. More than 45 food trucks will be in Riverfront Park along with live music, family-friendly activities, and fireworks to celebrate the holiday.

Harrisburg Fringe Festival | July 18-21

The Harrisburg Fringe Festival features is an arts festival featuring dance, spoken word, theatre, comedy, drag, music, painting, and more. Events are hosted at a variety of locations throughout the city. The event is inclusive, unjuried, and uncensored. (There will be categories for kids and families, plus content warning where applicable.)

Pride Festival of Central PA | July 27

The event at Soldiers’s Grove behind the PA State Capitol Complex celebrates love, inclusion, and respect. The event supports the LGBTQ+ community and people of all interests and backgrounds with a day full of live entertainment, educational opportunities, and food offerings.

Kipona | August 31 – September 2

Celebrate Labor Day Weekend in Harrisburg with the 108th annual Kipona Festival! This 3-day event features a Native American Pow-Wow, fireworks, live music stage, Family Fun Zone, Artist Market, food trucks and more.

Recurring Events

Harrisburg 3rd in the Burg
On the 3rd Friday of every month, dozens of businesses celebrate the arts & culture throughout Harrisburg’s Downtown and Midtown neighborhoods.

Market on Chocolate
Every Saturday, June 1 thru August 31 from 9:30am-1:30pm (21 W. Caracas Ave)

Browse arts and unique gifts from a variety of makers and vendors.

Music on Chocolate
2nd Saturday of June, July, August from 7pm-10pm in ChocolateTown Park.

Bring a lawn chair and a blanket to enjoy music from talented musicians.

Fall & Holiday

Choctoberfest
Saturday, October 19 from 11am-6pm in ChocolateTown Park.
A celebration of bands, beers, bites, and chocolate!

Light Up Downtown Hershey - Holiday Celebration
December 7 from 2pm-6pm
A celebration of the Holidays and the Lighting of the Holiday Tree.

Harrisburg Events
Hershey Events