Summer is in full swing and with temperatures rising, we've got you covered. Check out these cool ideas to fill those scorching summer days:
Visit the Pennsylvania State Museum
In addition to the PA State Museum's 11 permanent exhibits, including their always popular mammal hall and dinosaur exhibit, they also offer a series of summer events and temporary exhibits. New this year, Seeing Fallingwater – Celebrating Pennsylvania’s Architectural Masterpiece exhibit celebrates Fallingwater, the world-famous house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1935 for Pittsburgh department store magnate Edgar J. Kaufmann.
Visit Mecum Auto Auctions
Inside the massive PA Farm Show Complex, over 1,200 vehicles will be auctioned at the end of July. From collector cars and motorcycles, to trucks, SUV's and even a vintage go-cart, Mecum has something for everyone. The four-day event kicks off on Wednesday, July 24th at 8am and runs through Saturday, July 27th. Tickets can be purchased here.
Catch a Show
Cool off at a theatrical performance by one of Harrisburg's fabulous theatre groups. The Popcorn Hat Players are performing their children's show, Snow Wight and the Two Dwarfs throughout the summer and tickets are only $10! Open Stage of Harrisburg will be hosting their Musical Theatre Workshop 2024 Showcase on July 24th & 25th.
Grab a Sweet Treat From Urban Churn
Who doesn't love ice cream on a hot summer day? Stop by Urban Churn for "Unique Flavors. Natural Ingredients. Nothing Fake." Located at 1004 N 3rd St., Urban Churn is known for their seasonally rotating flavors like Dark Side of the Mousse, Banana Pudding, Strawberry Shortcake and more!
Photo: Urban Churn
Explore Local Art
If you haven't gotten the chance to explore the Millworks local artist studios, the heat of the summer is the perfect time! Grab a drink from the Millworks Brewery or a bite from their fabulous restaurant before exploring the creations of 36 regional artists who all have studios inside the Millworks. Every first Saturday of the month, seize the opportunity to watch these artists create their one-of-a-kind pieces and demonstrate their techniques at an open house, and take home a unique piece at the shop located on the first floor, which offers a selection of pieces from all of the studio artists.
In addition to the galleries at the Millworks, you can also stop by the Art Association of Harrisburg (AAH) for their current International Juried Exhibition. AAH also hosts several events throughout the summer which can all be viewed here. The gallery is open Monday through Thursday from 9:30am to 9pm, Friday from 9:30am to 4pm, Saturday from 10am to 4pm and Sunday from 2pm to 5pm.
Feed Your Inner Bookworm
In the afternoon heat, pop over to the Midtown Scholar, Harrisburg's award-winning independent bookstore, stocked with over 200,000 new, used and rare books! While exploring five levels of towering bookshelves in this renovated 1920's movie theater, you can grab a refreshing snack or beverage from their cafe and find a quite nook or cranny to curl up in and sort through your finds. The Scholar also hosts dozens of summer events including book signings, author talks, poetry readings, community events and more. On August 27th, local author K’wan to Harrisburg for a reading, conversation, and signing on his new book, PASSION FOR THE HEIST. This event is free and open to the public. Book signing to follow discussion.
Cool Down at a FIRE Museum
Yes, you read that correctly! Harrisburg is home to the PA National Fire Museum, a beautifully restored 1899 Victorian Firehouse filled with exhibits showcasing the history of the fire service. Explore antique fire engines, wagons and models. Admission is only $7.
