| Gardens / Great Outdoors / Tours / Family Fare |
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Ongoing
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Explore the world’s first refuge for birds of prey. Special events include Autumn Hawk Watch through Dec. 15; International Vulture Awareness Day on Sept. 4, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Monarch Migration Celebration on Sept. 18, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Art Show at Cabela’s, Sept. 25-26, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Raptor ID Workshop on Oct. 3, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. 1700 Hawk Mountain Road, Kempton. Regular trail hours: dawn to dusk daily. Visitor Center open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. 610-756-6961 or hawkmountain.org.
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Ongoing
Hershey Theatre Spotlight Tours This one-hour walking tour explores the historic theater’s three-year renovation that restored its original glory from basement to balcony. 15 East Caracas Avenue, Hershey. Tours offered Fri. at 11 a.m.; additional tours on Sept. 5 at 1 p.m. 533-6299 or hersheytheatre.com.
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Ongoing
Longwood Gardens Autumn’s Colors starts Sept. 6. Making Scents: The Art and Passion of Fragrance continues through Nov. 21. Special events include Guy Davis & the High-Flying Rockets (blues) on Sept. 4 at 7:30 p.m. and the Fireworks & Fountain show on Sept. 5 at 8:15 p.m. 1001 Longwood Road (Route 1), Kennett Square. Regular hours through Sept. 5: Sun.-Thurs., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Thurs.-Sat., 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily starting Sept. 6. 610-388-1000 or longwoodgardens.org.
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Ongoing
North Museum of Natural History & Science Brain Teasers 2 continues through Sept. 12. Our View of the Galapagos, featuring images from the museum’s recent trip, continues through mid-October. Special events include Cosmic Mike’s North Stars Astronomy Club on Sept. 4 & Oct. 2, 9-10:30 a.m. 400 College Avenue. Regular hours: Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., 12-5 p.m. 291-3941 or northmuseum.org.
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Ongoing
Red Rose Segway Tours View historic downtown Lancaster on a Segway! Begin with instruction and practice, followed by a one-hour tour. 305 North Queen Street. Tours offered Wed.-Sun. at 10:30 a.m., 1:30 & 5:30 p.m. Some restrictions apply. 393-4526 or redrosesegtours.com.
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Through September 19
Lancaster Barnstormers The champion team wraps up another homerun season! Special events include Millersville University Night on Sept. 3, U.S. Softball Olympian Jennie Finch on Sept. 4, Ladies’ Night on Sept. 16 and Fan Appreciation Day on Sept. 19. 650 North Prince Street. For game times and more information, call 509-HITS or visit lancasterbarnstormers.com.
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Through September 29
Lancaster County Department of Parks & Recreation Explore nature and learn valuable outdoor skills at Lancaster County Central Park. Sept. 9: Fall Fishing is Fun: SMART Angler Clinic, 5-8 p.m.; Sept. 12: Fire Making, 12-1:30 & 2-3:30 p.m.; Sept. 23: Autumnal Equinox and Full Moon Hike, 1:30-2:30 & 8:30-9:30 p.m.; Sept. 25: Garden Chat, 10-11 a.m., and Garden Swap, 1-2 p.m.; Sept. 29: Outdoors for Adults, 9:30-11 a.m. Registration required. 295-2055 or lancastercountyparks.org.
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Through October 30
Historic Lancaster Walking Tour Get a guided tour of the history, architecture and tales of downtown Lancaster. Tours start at the Heritage Center Museum, 5 West King Street, daily at 1 p.m.; additional tours on Tues., Fri. & Sat. at 10 a.m.; free mini-tours on First Fridays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. 392-1776 or historiclancasterwalkingtour.com.
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Through October 31
Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire Join Queen Elizabeth and her court each weekend for 16th-century food, crafts, performances and revelry at Mount Hope Estate & Winery. Sept. 4-6: Children’s Fantasy; Sept. 11-12: Heroes of the Realm; Sept. 18-19: Scottish Weekend; Sept. 25-26: Oktoberfest; Oct. 2-3: Irish Weekend; Oct. 9-10: Wine Harvest. Special events include Friday Knights at the Improv through Sept. 17. 2775 Lebanon Road (Route 72), five miles north of Manheim. Sat.-Sun. & Labor Day, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. 665-7021 or parenfaire.com.
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Through October
Gardens of the Susquehanna Wheatland Garden Club hosts its third-annual British Garden Scheme-style tour that affords a cross-season glimpse at more than 50 gardens in the area. For a tour book or more information, call 392-4633 or visit lancasterhistory.org.
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Through November 6
Amazing Maize Maze Cherry Crest Adventure Farm presents another “corny” season with its famous maze and other farm entertainment. Special events include Train Week, Sept. 13-17; Armed Forces Day on Sept. 18; Potato Fest on Sept. 25; Succos Holiday with menu by Central PA Kosher Mart on Sept. 28, 12-8 p.m.; and Flashlight Mazes starting Oct. 1. 150 Cherry Hill Road, Ronks. For hours and more information, call 687-6843 or visit cherrycrestadventurefarm.com.
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Through November 21
Wyeth Studio and Kuerner Farm Tours Brandywine River Museum offers tours of the home and workspace of N.C. Wyeth, as well as the farm that inspired many of Andrew Wyeth’s paintings. 1 Hoffman’s Mill Road (off Route 1), Chadds Ford. Wyeth Studio tours held Tues.-Sun.; Kuerner Farm tours held Thurs.-Sun. and are not handicapped-accessible. For more information, call 610-388-2700 or visit brandywinemuseum.org.
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Through November 27
Ghost Tours Discover the long-hidden mysteries of Lancaster and Strasburg. Lancaster tours (advance tickets required) depart from Penn Square, nightly at 8 p.m.; Strasburg tours (first-come, first-served) depart from Merenda Zug Espresso Bar, Sat. in Sept. (additional tour on Sept. 5) and Fri. & Sat. in Oct., 7:30-9 p.m. 687-6687 or ghosttour.com/lancaster.
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Through December 30
Hershey Gardens Stroll through 23 acres of autumn blooms. Special exhibits include the Butterfly House through Sept. 12; the For the Birds exhibit of artistic birdhouses through Sept. 26; and Central Pennsylvania Bonsai Clubs Exhibit starting Oct. 8. Special events include Gardenfest on Sept. 12. 170 Hotel Road, Hershey. Open 9 a.m.-7 p.m. daily through Labor Day; open until 5 p.m. daily starting Sept. 7; Butterfly House open until 5 p.m. daily. 534-3492 or hersheygardens.org.
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September 10 & October 8
Lovin’ Lititz Every Second Downtown Lititz hosts a variety of family-friendly events at shops, restaurants and galleries the second Friday of each month. 5-9 p.m. For more information, call 626-6332 or visit lititzpa.com.
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September 10-12
Art on the Susquehanna Tour Pennsylvania Arts Experience presents this three-day kayak excursion on the river that includes views of Native American petroglyphs, stops at artists’ studios, dining at riverfront restaurants and two nights at a historic B&B. To register, e-mail: carol@paartsexperience.com.
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September 11
Susquehanna Super Hike & Ultra Trail Run Keystone Trails Association presents this 28.4-mile challenge event along the Mason-Dixon and Conestoga trails. Hike begins at PPL’s Otter Creek Campground (transportation provided) at 7 a.m. and ends at Pequea Creek Campground around 7 p.m. Check-in on Sept. 10, 4-8 p.m., and Sept. 11 at 5:30 a.m. For more information, visit kta-hike.org.
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September 11-19
Day Out With Thomas™ Join Thomas the Tank Engine, Sir Topham Hatt and other friends for a day filled with train rides and other exciting activities to celebrate his 65th birthday! Strasburg Rail Road, 301 Gap Road (Route 741), Strasburg. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Advance tickets recommended. 866-468-7630 or strasburgrailroad.com.
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September 13
Lancaster County Garden Club The club presents a session on perennials by Longwood instructor and Hellebore specialist David Culp, plus a show table featuring plants and garden ideas. Salem United Church of Christ, 2312 Marietta Avenue. 7:30 p.m. Free-will offering. 872-5192 or lancastergardenclub.org.
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September 17
3rd Friday’s a Charm Downtown Ephrata’s Friday fun includes extended shop hours and special events starting at 5 p.m. For more information, call 738-5060 or visit downtownephrata.org.
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September 17 – October 31
Field of Screams America’s number-one haunted attraction returns for another ghoulish season with the Den of Darkness, Frightmare Asylum and Haunted Hayride for adults, plus the non-scary Little Screamers Hayride for children. 191 College Avenue, Mountville (1/4 mile off Route 30). Attractions open Fri.-Sun. starting at 6 p.m. 285-7748 or fieldofscreams.com.
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September 18
Puerto Rican Parade Witness the largest Puerto Rican parade in Central PA and enjoy live music, salsa dancing, delicious food and more during this free event in downtown Lancaster. Event starts at Binns Park at 10 a.m.; parade begins at North Broad & East Orange streets at 1 p.m. 397-8597 or prcclancaster.org.
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September 18, 25 & October 2
Beauty and the Beast The new season of Fulton Theatre’s Family Series opens with this original, interactive version of the classic tale. 12 North Prince Street. 11 a.m. 397-7425 or thefulton.org.
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September 18-19
Fall Harvest Fair Celebrate the harvest the Pennsylvania Dutch way with period artisans, crafts, cooking, field and farm demonstrations, music and more. Alexander Schaeffer Farm, Lancaster Avenue & Route 419, Schaefferstown. Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., 12-5 p.m. 949-2244 or hsimuseum.org.
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September 19
CommUnity Fest Lancaster County Human Relations Commission presents an afternoon of free food, music and fun for everyone at Binns Park. 12-4 p.m. 299-7840 or lancastercityevents.com.
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September 21-22
Elmo’s Healthy Heroes Elmo and the Fabulous Five band together to help Super Grover with healthy habits like exercise, nutrition, sleep and good hygiene! Reading Eagle Theater at the Sovereign Center, 700 Penn Street, Reading. Tues., 7 p.m.; Wed., 10:30 a.m. & 7 p.m. 610-898-7200 or sovereigncenter.com.
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September 23-26
North Museum Ramble Join the museum aboard the tall ship Mystic Whaler for a tour of the bay that includes stops at the Maritime Museum, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. To register, call 358-4712 or e-mail: jalton@northmuseum.org.
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September 24
Fourth Friday in Columbia Experience Friday fun at the historic river town’s plethora of galleries, antiques shops, boutiques and eateries. 5-9 p.m. For more information, call 405-0604 or visit parivertowns.com.
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September 24
Fourth Friday in Mount Joy Dine, shop and stroll along Main Street, all while enjoying extended shop hours and this month’s theme of Ladies’ Night in Paris. 5-8 p.m. For more information, call 653-4227 or visit mainstreetmountjoy.com.
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September 25
By the Light of the Moon Tours Have a howlin’ good time at the Wolf Sanctuary of PA during this monthly after-dark event, which includes a walk and campfire (ages 16 and up only). 465 Speedwell Forge Road, Lititz. 7:30-10 p.m. 626-4617or wolfsancpa.org.
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September 26
ABC Keystone Construction Rodeo Kids of all ages will enjoy free entertainment including heavy-equipment demonstrations and competitions, a Lego competition, clowns, games, prizes, safety information and more. Proceeds benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Merit Scholarship Fund. Rapho Business Park, Routes 283 & 772, Manheim. 1-5 p.m. For more information, visit abcrodeo.org.
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September 27
Pig Iron Festival Enjoy barbecue and other tasty treats, a car show, engine displays, music, living-history players and tours of the furnace ruins during this annual event. Chickies Rock County Park, off Route 441 (Furnace Road Day Use area), Marietta. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 426-4736 or mariettarestoration.org.
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September – October
Lancaster County Department of Parks & Recreation Children and their families can take part in a variety of nature-themed activities, held Lancaster County Central Park unless otherwise noted. Sept. 11: It’s Hurricane Season, 10-11 a.m., and Flights of Fairy Fancy, 1-2:30 p.m.; Sept. 18: Last Chance for Leaf Prints, 10-11 a.m. & 1-2 p.m.; Sept. 24: Scavenger Hunt, 6-7:30 p.m.; Sept. 26: Creeks are Cool, 1:30-3 p.m.; Oct. 2: Fall Tree Walk, 10-11 a.m., and Fall in the Wetlands, 1-2 p.m.; Oct. 3: Forest Frolic at Money Rocks, 4-5:30 p.m. Registration required. 295-2055 or lancastercountyparks.org.
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September – October
Lancaster County Fairs Rides, games, food, fun, farm events – it must be fair season! Sept. 14-18: Denver Fair; Sept. 15-17: Southern Lancaster County Fair; Sept. 21-25: Ephrata Fair; Sept. 22-24: West Lampeter Community Fair; Sept. 29-Oct. 2: New Holland Farmers Fair; Oct. 4-8: Manheim Community Farm Show. For more information, visit pafairs.org.
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September – October
Lancaster Roots 300 Field Trips Celebrate the tricentennial of Lancaster County’s diverse peoples by exploring their paths to America. Sept. 25: Native Americans in the Lower Susquehanna Valley, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Oct. 2: The 1710 Immigrant Route from Port to Paradise, 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Oct. 16: Juniata and Snyder County Fall Foliage Trip, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., and Historic West Lampeter Township Self-Driving Tour, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 393-9745 or lancasterroots300.org.
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October 5
Yo Gabba Gabba! Live! DJ Lance Rock, Biz Markie and the rest of the Gabba gang bring their acclaimed live show to the Hershey Theatre. 15 East Caracas Avenue, Hershey. 3 & 6:30 p.m. 534-3405 or hersheytheatre.com.
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October 10
Garden Railways Tour Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania presents its annual self-guided tour of private homes featuring unique model-railway layouts and model-train collections. 1-5 p.m. For more information, call 687-8268 or visit rrmuseumpa.org.
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October 15
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Philadelphia Join the North Museum for the “ugly” at the Mutter Museum, the “bad” at Eastern State Penitentiary and the “good” at Jack’s Firehouse Restaurant. Registration due by Sept. 10. 291-4037 or info@northmuseum.org.
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