Dauphin County Commissioners announce 2019 special events, including live music, free movie nights and cultural festival featuring world famous drummer Sheila E.
HARRISBURG, PA (May 22, 2019) – Dauphin County Commissioners Jeff Haste, Mike Pries and George P. Hartwick, III today announced the biggest special event series in county history, #DestinationDauphinCounty.
This annual series features four major festivals and seven free Sunset Music and Movie shows at different venues throughout the county. The major music festivals will feature multiple stages, wineries from the Hershey Harrisburg Wine Country, national recording artists and elite performing artists. The genres of music will range from country, pop, rock, funk, folk, blues, to R&B and smooth jazz.
Dauphin County’s two-day Music and Wine Festival will kick off the summer series from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on June 8 and 9 at historic Fort Hunter Park. On Saturday, June 8, former American Idol Contestant and country artist Josh Gracin will headline. Also performing are Ward Hayden and the Outliers, Chapel Hill and The Flat Wheels. Up and coming country artist Jay Allen will be featured on Sunday, June 9 along with Dion Pride, the son of legendary country artist Charlie Pride, The Jess Zimmerman Band and Make Mine Country Band.
“Dauphin County is the place to be,” said Haste, who oversees the county’s Parks and Recreation Department. “With nationally recognized recording artists, free family movie nights in the park, and wine tasting, we have something for everyone.”
The 2019 Performing Arts Series includes the following music festivals:
- 12th Annual Music and Wine Festival presented by M&T Bank, at Fort Hunter Park. The two-day music festival, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on June 8 and 9 will feature a variety of national and local country artists. Sample wines from the Hershey Harrisburg Wine Country and regional wineries. Weekend passes are $35 in advance and $45 at the gate. Children age 12 and under are free. Tickets can be purchased online at www.DauphinCounty.org.
- 8th Annual BrewFest presented by Visit Hershey Harrisburg, at Fort Hunter Park. On Saturday, July 20 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., come enjoy live music featuring Shrimp Ryan’s Jig Band, Corinna Joy, and Cold Spring Union as well as over 50 craft beers and food from some of the best local food trucks. Weekend passes are $35 in advance and $50 at the gate. Tickets sold for the event will be limited to 1000 and usually sell out in advance. Tickets can be purchased online at www.DauphinCounty.org.
- 12th Annual Cultural Fest presented by Highmark Blue Shield. On Friday, August 2, this free annual festival will be held in downtown Harrisburg, on the 100 Block of Market Street, in front of the county’s courthouse, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. The popular street festival will feature world famous drummer and national recording artist Sheila E., The Singer’s Lounger, Teen Town, Cultural Performances, and a Children’s Corner sponsored by UPMC Pinnacle. Ethnic foods and crafts will also be available.
- 12th Annual Jazz & Wine Festival presented by Pennsylvania Housing Finance and PNC Bank. This three-day festival will begin on Friday, September 6 at 6 p.m., thanks to a special collaboration with the Central Pennsylvania Friends of Jazz. On Saturday, September 7, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Fort Hunter Park will host artists Daniel D., Lindsey Webster and Najee. On Sunday, September 8, the festival will feature JJ Sansaverino, Paula Atherton, Jeff Bradshaw with Algebra and Kevin Jackson, as well as Pieces of a Dream. Enjoy the Hershey Harrisburg Wine Country and other top regional wineries, along with food and craft vendors. Three-day passes are $50 in advance and $60 at the gate. Children age 12 and under are free. Tickets can be purchased online at www.DauphinCounty.org.
“This board has focused on making Dauphin County a destination for entertainment and the arts,” said Pries. “We have made every effort to bring big acts to the region as well as to offer fun activities for families.”
Dauphin County’s free Sunset Movie and Music Series sponsored by Capital BlueCross
- Friday, June 7 at 8:30 p.m. at Fort Hunter Park
Outdoor Movie Night – “Mary Poppins Returns”
*Children’s activities will be provided at 7:30 p.m. by Dauphin County Human Services.
- Friday, June 14 at 8:30 p.m. at Fort Hunter Park
Outdoor Movie Night – “Trolls”
*Children’s activities will be provided at 7:30 p.m. by Dauphin County Human Services.
- Friday, June 21 at 8:30 p.m. at Fort Hunter Park
Outdoor Movie Night – “Christopher Robin”
*Children’s activities will be provided at 7:30 p.m. by Dauphin County Human Services.
- Saturday, June 22 at 8:30 p.m. at Shope Gardens Park in Middletown
Outdoor Movie Night – “Moana”
*Children’s activities will be provided at 7:30 p.m. by Dauphin County Human Services.
- Friday, June 28 at 8:30 p.m. at Fort Hunter Park
Outdoor Movie Night – “A Dog’s Way Home”
*Children’s activities will be provided at 7:30 p.m. by Dauphin County Human Services.
- Wednesday, July 17 at 7 p.m. at Lykens Borough Park
Concert – Sapphire (The Band)
- Sunday, September 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Fort Hunter Park
Concert – Jam session featuring Susquehanna Folk Music as well as Troy Engle and Southern Skies.
“Bringing in top talent like Sheila E. and local favorite the Singer’s Lounge for this year’s Dauphin County Cultural Fest on August 2nd puts us on the map as the place to be,” said Hartwick. “From family-friendly events and free movie nights at Fort Hunter Park to walks through scenic Wildwood Park, we have you covered.”
Food and craft vendors will be present at all music festivals, which will be held rain or shine.
Dauphin County Commissioners appreciate its many sponsors and community partners: Highmark Blue Shield, M&T Bank, Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, PNC Bank, Renewal by Andersen of Central PA, DKP Law, The Hershey Company, UPMC Pinnacle, Capital BlueCross, Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority, Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, Visit Hershey Harrisburg, Planet Fitness, Bob 94.9, Fun 101, 98.9 WQLV, CBS21, The CW Central PA, My TV Central PA, D & S Tree Service, Crawdaddy’s of Harrisburg, Showcase Now, Urban Connection, Lamar, WXPN, WITF, The Burg, Latino Connection, Kegerreis, Best Western Premier – The Central Hotel and Conference Center, Hotel Indigo, Harrisburg Hilton, Days Inn Harrisburg North, Hampton Inn Suites, Springhill Suites, Crowne Plaza, Hershey Harrisburg Wine Country, Susquehanna Folk Music Society, Central Pennsylvania Friends of Jazz, Filson Water, Giant and the Dauphin County Cultural Diversity Task Force Committee.
For more information about Dauphin County’s “Destination Dauphin County” Performing Arts Series, please visit www.DauphinCounty.org or call 717-599-5188. Connect with Dauphin County Parks and Recreation at Facebook.com/DauphinCountyParksRecreation and Twitter.com/DauphinParksRec.