Top 10 To-Dos for April 2023

Compiled by Kaylee Rex

April 2023

1 Rails & Ales | April 1

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania

Enjoy an evening of craft beer samples among a collection of historic trains inside the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania. Rails & Ales will feature over 20 craft breweries, both local and regional. Food vendors will also be on-site, including Blazin’ J’s, Homage Cuisines of the West African Diaspora, Walk-O Taco and more. General admission begins at 6:30 p.m. and last pour is at 9 p.m. Tickets for VIP hour (5:30-6:30 p.m.) are also available. Tickets must be purchased in advance and can be found on Eventbrite. Proceeds benefit the nonprofit, Friends of the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania. Information: railsandales.org or 717-687-8628.

 

2 Nature Series: Growing Community through Urban Agriculture | April 8

LancasterHistory Tanger Arboretum

Get inspired to grow something new this year at The Friends of the Tanger Arboretum’s Nature Series kickoff event. The Nature Series is a collection of nature- and outdoor-focused education programs. The 2023 Nature Series will start with “Growing Community through Urban Agriculture” on April 8 at 10 a.m. Madison Walter, who is an urban agriculture coordinator for the New Castle Conservation District, will explain how urban agriculture projects transform spaces and empower individuals to reclaim ownership of their environment. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children and can be purchased online. Information: lancasterhistory.org/event-categories/tanger-aboretum or 717-392-4633.

 

3 Invincible Book Launch | April 12

Our Town Brewery

Anne Schober, Mollie Ayers and 26 other chronic illness patients have created a book called Invincible: Finding the Light Beyond the Darkness of Chronic Illness. The book is a compilation of these individuals’ stories as they experienced the anger, denial, grief, acceptance, triumphs and joys that can encompass the journey of chronic illness. When the creators began writing this book, they thought of themselves as 28 invisible warriors because many of them do not “look” sick. Through the writing process, all the authors came to understand that “they are not invisible; they are invincible.” The book will be released on April 12 during their book launch at Our Town Brewery from 6-8 p.m. Information: Facebook or 717-203-1610.

 

4 River Towns Plein Air | April 12-23

Marietta, Columbia and Wrightsville

Explore the river towns as 60 talented artists paint en plein air, which is French for “in the open air.” The event spotlights original artwork completed on location over an eight-day period in the historic Susquehanna River communities of Marietta, Columbia and Wrightsville. The event culminates in a juried exhibition and sale held at the Marietta Community House/Studio 264. The exhibition and sale will be open April 21-23.

On April 15, anyone can participate during the Quick Draw held in Columbia from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Participants of all ages have two hours to paint or draw from observation in a designated area of the town. From 12-2 p.m., finished works of art will be on display, juried for cash awards and available for sale. Registration for the Quick Draw is $10. Information: mariettaartalive.com or 717-314-9551.

 

5 PA Family Travel Fair | April 15

Calvary Church

How much of Pennsylvania have you explored? Our home state is filled with unique destinations and experiences, such as museums and historical sites, amusement parks, outdoor adventures and unique lodging. The PA Family Travel Fair is designed to showcase fun and affordable vacation opportunities in the state. At this free, family-friendly show, discover exhibitors from across Pennsylvania and learn how much the state truly has to offer. No sales are involved, just lots of free information, fun children’s activities, mascots, raffle drawings and giveaways. Kids can enjoy performances from magician Papa Tater and Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland. A variety of food trucks will be onsite as well. Information: pafamilytravel.com or 717-492-2544.

 

6 Spring Fling | April 15

Conestoga Area Historical Society

The Conestoga Area Historical Society will celebrate the opening of their 2023 season with the second-annual Spring Fling on April 15 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. This family-friendly event will feature face-painting, egg-painting, an Easter egg hunt, a balloon artist, building tours, vendors of historical merchandise and food trucks. There will also be demonstrations, such as broom-making, tin-smithing, blacksmithing, cloth-weaving and pottery-making. Be sure to check out the society’s authentic Conestoga Wagon on display! Information: Facebook or 717-872-1699.

 

7 Art at Brunch: Art Bag Challenge | April 16

Zoetropolis Cinema Stillhouse

Explore your creative side at the Art Bag Challenge hosted by PCA&D – Center for Creative Exploration. The event is similar to Chopped, but attendees create art instead of food. Participants of all ages will be given a mysterious bag of materials to use in a work of art. Every material must be incorporated. Once finished, participants will title their work and place it in the judging area. Then everyone gets a chance to vote for their favorite art and favorite title. Winners will be awarded crafty trophies. No registration is required but a $5 donation is suggested. If you plan to have brunch at Zoetropolis, reservations are strongly recommended. The event will take place from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Information: PCAD or 717-396-7833.

 

8 Lancaster City Restaurant Week | April 17-23

Downtown Restaurants

From delicious burgers to authentic cuisine from around the world, Lancaster City offers a dining option for any mood. Explore Lancaster City’s diverse dining scene during Restaurant Week as many restaurants offer special menus or discounts. Support local restaurants by dining in, ordering take-out or purchasing a gift card. Information: lancastercityrestaurantweek.com.

 

9 Race Against Racism | April 29

Musser Park

Participate in the 25th-annual Race Against Racism hosted by YWCA Lancaster! Lancaster’s Race Against Racism is the biggest and longest consecutively run in the nation. Run the 5K as an individual or create a team. Children 12 and under can participate in the Kids’ Fun Run. The Race Against Racism raises money for YWCA Lancaster’s Center for Racial and Gender Equity, which aims to root out injustice, transform institutions and help the world see women, girls and people of color as equal, powerful and unstoppable. Information: ywcalancaster.org/raceagainstracism or 717-393-1735.

 

10 Bark for Life | April 29

New Life Fellowship Church

Bring the family and your furry friends to this fundraiser hosted by Relay for Life. The event will feature a “Strut Your Mutt” parade, dog games, contests, giveaways, food, vendors, demonstrations from a local search and rescue team and a visit from the East Hempfield Police canine unit. There will also be a live auction starting at 1 p.m., featuring themed gift baskets, gift cards from local stores and restaurants, tickets to local attractions and merchandise from local businesses. Attendees are encouraged to bring donations for rescues, including blankets, treats, toys, food and cleaning supplies. The event will also raise money for the American Cancer Society to help fund groundbreaking cancer research. The free event will run from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Information: relayforlife.org/barklancasterpa or 717-817-6799.

 

 

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