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16 things to do in Harrisburg in 2016


The year brings music, comedy, art, LEGOs, a comic-con, craft beer and more to our state capital.

Pennsylvania Modern photo exhibit, now through April 24

A Juried Photography Exhibition of Midcentury Modern Architecture looks at architecture often “hidden in plain sight” throughout the Commonwealth. Photos focus on both details and overall views of residences, schools, commercial properties, religious buildings and more. In addition, structures designed by world-famous architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright, Richard Neutra and Louis Kahn are among the entries.

Where: State Museum of Pennsylvania, 300 North St., Harrisburg.

Cost: Museum admission is $5 to $7.

Info: statemuseumpa.org.

Justin Moore, Feb. 13

The country star will be joined by the duo LOCASH and Camp Hill native Ben Gallaher at the NRA Country concert. The music is part of the 2016 Great American Outdoor Show, a nine-day event for hunting, fishing and outdoor enthusiasts from Feb. 6-14.

Where: The Large Arena at the Farm Show Complex, 2300 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg.

Cost: Concert tickets are $25 to $85.

Info: www.greatamericanoutdoorshow.org.

Community Free Day at the National Civil War Museum, Feb. 13

Celebrate Black History Month with Abraham Lincoln and more living history, presentations and children’s activities. The museum tells the story of the Civil War with its collection of artifacts, high-resolution digital video, sound and light shows and life size dioramas.

Where: 1 Lincoln Circle, in Reservoir Park, Harrisburg.

Cost: Free on Feb. 13. Regular admission is $9 to $11.

Info: www.nationalcivilwarmuseum.org.

One Hit Wonders, Feb. 20

The songs you love by people you can’t remember will be covered by regional musicians including The Jellybricks, Amy Simpson and Adam Taylor. The concert and silent auction is a fundraiser for the Mechanicsburg-based Susan Giblin Foundation for Animal Wellness & Welfare.

Where: Stage on Herr, 268 Herr St., Harrisburg.

Cost: Tickets are $15 at the door.

Info: www.harrisburgarts.com.

“Hooking Up with The Second City,” March 23

The improv troupe that started the careers of comics from John Belushi to Amy Poehler will make a stop at HACC’s Rose Lehrman Arts Center. The show will mix modern romance, rancor and everything in between, in a revue that makes mirth out of missed connections, girls’ night out and the crazy things we do for love.

Where: Rose Lehrman Arts Center, 1 HACC Drive, Harrisburg.

Cost: Tickets are $38.

Info: www.hacc.edu/RoseLehrmanArtsCenter.

LEGO KidsFest, April 8-10

This interactive LEGO extravaganza is making its first tour stop in Pennsylvania with hands-on family fun for all ages and builders of all skills and interests. Get creative in the construction zone, learn from master LEGO builders, participate in group builds, see life-size models made entirely from LEGOs and more.

Where: Farm Show Complex, 2300 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg.

Cost: Tickets are $19 to $22.

Infolegokidsfest.com.

Jewel, April 9

The singer’s Picking Up the Pieces Tour is named for her 2015 release, her twelfth studio album. Over the past two decades, the musician, actress and poet has penned hundreds of songs, many of which performs in concert, but has chosen not to record.

Where: The Forum, 5th and Walnut streets, Harrisburg

Cost: Tickets are $39.50 to $69.50.

Info: www.whitakercenter.org.

Tammy Pescatelli, April 15-16

One of the hardest working women in comedy, Pescatelli brings brassy sexiness and witty sarcasm to the topics of sports, television, dating and family life. The comedian was part of Jenny McCarthy’s Dirty Sexy Funny tour and her recent one-hour special, “Finding The Funny,” is available on Netflix.

Where: Harrisburg Comedy Zone, 110 Limekiln Road, New Cumberland.

Cost: Tickets are $17.50.

Info: www.harrisburgcomedyzone.com.

Downton’s Last Stand, May 1 through Dec. 23

This exhibit, a Reprise of the Fort Hunter Fashions of the Downton Abbey Era, will celebrate the final season of the hit PBS drama with a display from the museum’s collection of couture from 1912 through 1925. Once the site of a French and Indian War fort and later a private estate, Fort Hunter has been restored and preserved and welcomes visitors for tours and events as part of the Dauphin County Parks and Recreation Department.

Where: Fort Hunter Mansion and Park, 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg.

Cost: Admission for mansion tours is $3 to $5.

Info: forthunter.org.

ArtsFest, May 28-30

Now in its 49th year, the Memorial Day weekend festival features hundreds of fine artists who will show and sell paintings, photography, jewelry, glass, sculpture, fiber art and more. Enjoy live music, children’s entertainment and festival food.

Where: Riverfront Park, Harrisburg.

Cost: Free.

Info: www.jumpstreet.org.

“The Merry Wives of Windsor,” June 3-18

Watch the Bard’s farce under the stars at the Harrisburg Shakespeare Company’s 23rd annual Shakespeare in the Park production. Everyone is a groundling, so bring your lawn chairs and blankets.

Where: Reservoir Park, 100 Concert Drive, Harrisburg.

Cost: Free.

Info: www.gamuttheatre.org.

Harrisburg Comic-Con, June 11-12

The inaugural convention will feature panel discussions, celebrity photos and autographs, video game tournaments, tabletop tournaments, cosplay competition and an artists alley. The guest lineup will include Steve Coulter of “The Walking Dead,” “Power Ranger” actor Steve Cardenas, the Ashen Phoenix cosplay group, Sharon Rose of Cosplay 10.6, podcast host Michael Zapcic, View Askew webmaster Ming Chen, cosplayer Knightmage, and author Troy Vevasis.

Where: Farm Show Complex, 2300 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg.

Cost: Advance tickets are $25 or $35; $50 for a two-day pass; $10 more at the door.

Info: www.hbgcomiccon.com.

Harrisburg BrewersFest, June 18

The outdoor beer and music festival will host more than 50 local and regional breweries offering craft samples. Food trucks and vendors will be on hand for the event, which benefits the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Central Pennsylvania.

Where: Second and Locust streets in downtown Harrisburg.

Cost: Tickets are $50, $10 for designated drivers, and go on sale April 1.

Info: www.harrisburgbrewersfest.com.

Revisit Steppenwolf, July 23

The Born to Be Wild Tour of former members of Steppenwolf will feature Danny Ironstone. All of Steppenwolf’s greatest hits will be performed including "Born To Be Wild," "Magic Carpet Ride," "Rock Me," "Hey Lawdy Mama," "Ride With Me," "Pusher" and more.
Where: Whitaker Center, 222 Market St., Harrisburg.

Cost: Tickets are $27.50 and $37.50.

Info: www.whitakercenter.org.

Kipona, Sept. 3-5

Named for the Native American word for “sparkling waters,” the annual Labor Day weekend festival along the Susquehanna River includes music, art and craft vendors, food, children’s activities, a Native American pow wow, canoe races, fireworks, the Senators in action and more.

Where: Riverfront Park and City Island in Harrisburg.

Cost: Free.

Info: harrisburgpa.gov.

Dauphin County Jazz and Wine Festival, Sept. 9-11

Enjoy music from local, regional and national recording artists, samples from Pennsylvania wineries and food vendors. Bring your lawn chairs and picnic baskets for this outdoor event.

Where: Fort Hunter Park, 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg.

Cost: Weekend passes are $30 in advance, $40 at the gate.

Info: www.daupincounty.org  or www.friendsofjazz.org.