What’s Happening | Fourth of July Weekend
Here’s a list of opportunities to get out and about this weekend in & beyond Shippensburg!
PA Fish for FREE day is Monday, July 4! Fish for Free Days allows residents and non-residents to legally fish on Pennsylvania waterways on the designated days with no fishing license required (Trout/Salmon and Lake Erie permits are also NOT required).
Shippensburg
Join your friends and neighbors on Friday, July 1, from 4:30 PM to 8 PM for live music, food trucks, and drinks outside at the Shippensburg Station, the corner of Fort & Earl, during Ship First Fridays. Drinks from Appalachian Brewing Company and Castlerigg Wine Shop, food from Uncle Eddie’s BBQ, Italian Job, Mama’s Dine N’ Dash, and Brooke’s Cakes & Sweets, and listen to the sweet sounds of Evan Crider.
The East Coast Series Pulls at the Shippensburg Fairgrounds (10131 Possum Hollow Road) are July 1 and July 2 at 7 PM. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs. Admission: $15; Children $8 (ages 5-11). 
Friday, July 1 – 7 PM: Pro Stock Diesel FWD Trucks, Limited Pro Stock Tractors, Modified Tractors, Super Stock/Pro Stock Tractors
Saturday, July 2– 7 PM: Pro Stock Diesel FWD Trucks, Light Pro Stock Tractors, Limited Pro Stock Semis, Super Stock/Pro Stock Tractors
Beyond Shippensburg
The Sound of Music is now playing at the Totem Pole Playhouse in Caledonia State Park. The story follows a young, free-spirited Maria as she finds her place, purpose, and love within the home of the Von Trapp family in 1938 Austria. But as the forces of Nazism take hold of the country, Maria and the entire Von Trapp family must make a life-changing decision. Directed by Shippensburg resident Luke Reed and starring fantastic talent, this musical theater production is outstanding in every way, from the cast to the set and the music. To reach the box office, call 717-352-2164 or visit the website at www.totempoleplayhouse.org. Just five performances remain Thur, June 30 – 2 PM, Thur, June 30 – 8 PM, Sat, July 2 – 2 PM, Sat, July 2 – 8 PM, and Sun, July 3 – 2 PM.
Pine Grove Furnace State Park will host weekend events at Laurel Lake, Fuller Lake, and the Furnace Stack. In addition, the beaches at Fuller and Laurel are free to the public for swimming from 8 AM to sunset through September 30, 2022. Pine Grove Furnace State Park is located at 1100 Pine Grove Road, Gardners. Please refer to the schedule pictured for more details.
Colonel Denning State Park has unique programming for the Fourth of July holiday weekend. Colonel Denning State Park is located at 1599 Doubling Gap Rd., Newville. Please refer to the schedule pictured for details.
Downtown Chambersburg celebrates history on the 1st Friday in July from 5 to 8 PM. There will be a free concert (Alison and Dave’s Old Time Good Time Classical Kitchen String Band) on the Courthouse Plaza, an apple pie contest, and more. Scroll through the Facebook event here for the details!
The Cumberland Valley Chapter of the National Railroad Historical Society will host summer train rides at Guilford Township Norlo Park on Saturday, July 2. The miniature train, complete with a cattle car and caboose, will be operating from 1 – 4 PM. The last train boards at 3:50 PM. It is open to riders of all ages. Donations are accepted.
Mountainside Market, a homemade/produce market, takes place at the Roxbury Lions Club grounds every Saturday from 8 AM to 1 PM throughout the summer.
Head to the North Square Farmers Market at Chambers Fort Park in downtown Chambersburg between 8 AM and Noon on Saturdays. Fresh veggies, baked goods, meats, cheeses, flowers, pizza, breakfast sandwiches, chicken meals, live music, etc.
Join the Friends of Kings Gap for the series of summer concerts on the first Sunday of each month through September. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. Food trucks (Kings Gap Store, Creekview Food Company, Jack and Joan’s Kettle Corn) will also be on site. Free admission. Rain or shine.
July 3, 2 PM – 6:30 PM: Blues & Classic Rock
- Erica Lyn Everest
- Second Time Thru
Enjoy half-price admission on Friday evenings at the National Aquarium. Thanks to M&T Bank, visitors can enjoy half-price admission to the Aquarium Friday nights after 5 PM. Tickets are available online or Friday evenings onsite. Guests may tour up to 90 minutes after the last entry. The National Aquarium has more than 20,000 fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and marine mammals living in award-winning habitats.
For over 40 years, Carlisle Summerfair has provided a community celebration featuring various free family-friendly events. Swim free on Sunday, July 3, 5-7 PM during open pool night at Carlisle Community Pool, 1236 Franklin St., Carlisle. You can also enjoy a free kids fishing derby, miniature golf, etc. Find the schedule here.
Fireworks Locations
Fayetteville – July 1. Michaux Manor, a personal care community, is hosting a 4th of July celebration on Friday, July 1, 5 PM to 10:30 PM at 11302 S. Mountain Road, Fayetteville. Join their residents and families for food trucks, live music (Tom Shultz “Tom Patterson Project”, and Carmine Gontz), raffle baskets, and fireworks. Bring a chair/blankets.
Carlisle – July 2. Stars Burst Over Carlisle fireworks show will be held on Saturday, July 2, at the Carlisle Fairgrounds at 1000 Bryn Mawr Road. Gates for the show will open at 7 PM, and the fireworks will begin at approximately 9:30 PM. The event is free to attend and includes concessions and a DJ. Launched from the highest spot at the Carlisle Fairgrounds, the fireworks can be seen from nearby streets, parks, and backyards.
Shippensburg – July 4. Shippensburg’s 4th of July Fireworks will be at Veteran’s Stadium at Memorial Park, Park Place. The stadium will open at 7 PM. The Town Band will play from 8 – 8:45 PM. MBT Pyrotechnics will be setting off the fireworks at approximately 9:30 PM.
Chambersburg – July 4. On July 4, the Chambersburg Recreation Department will host an Independence Day Celebration at Memorial Park. The celebration will begin at 4 PM and include food, refreshments, and fun, including inflatables, bands, food trucks, games, and a beer tent.
- Food trucks will be set up from 4 – 9 PM and include Antietam Dairy, The Sloppy Hog, Edward’s Kettle Korn, Bernard’s Jerk Chicken, The Pretzel Spot Cafe, Hot Dogs Plus, and Sweet Rollers.
- Inflatables and other activities from 4 – 8:30 PM.
- The Chambersburg Aquatic Center will open at 1 PM and offer water games throughout the day.
- Flag retreat from 7 – 7:30 PM.
- D!NG from 5 – 6:30 PM.
- Mercersburg Community Band from 8 – 9:15 PM.
- Fireworks at approximately 9:30 PM.
Chambersburg Memorial Park is located at 1 Washabaugh Way.
Waynesboro – July 4. The Waynesboro Summer Jubilee will be returning to the full event this year, including the Firecracker 5K Race with 1 Mile Kid’s Fun Run, Live Music, Food/craft vendors, and Fireworks on July 4. The Summer Jubilee takes place across from Waynesboro hospital in the large field at 500 East Main St. A parade will be held on July 4 at 9:30 AM and sponsored by “The Brothers of the Brush Inc.“ Fireworks will be at dusk.
Gettysburg – July 4. A Gettysburg Fourth will be hosted by Gettysburg Area Recreation Authority, Rotary Club of Gettysburg, and Destination Gettysburg at the Gettysburg Recreation Park, 545 Long Lane, on Monday, July 4. The event begins at 3 PM, with Food Trucks and Live Bands. Bingo begins at 3:30 PM in Charlie Sterner Building. The fireworks show is at 9:20 PM. Please bring a lawn chair or blanket. Onsite parking will be available for $5 per car (viewing fireworks is free).
Harrisburg – July 4. Fireworks after the Harrisburg Senators game on July 4. Join the Harrisburg Senators at 6:30 PM (gates open at 5:30 PM) at FNB Field on City Island for a July 4th home game against the Erie Sea Wolves. The game will end at approximately 9 PM with postgame fireworks courtesy of the PA lottery.
The City of Harrisburg – July 4. On Monday, July 4, the City of Harrisburg will host the July 4 Food Trucks & Fireworks at Riverfront Park from 1-9 PM. The event will feature 40+ food trucks, live music, a wine/beer garden, kids’ activities, and “the largest fireworks display in Central PA.” The fireworks display will start at approximately 9:15 PM (following the Harrisburg Senators fireworks). Enjoy watching the display illuminate the Susquehanna River waterfront. The show can be viewed from miles of space along Riverfront Park, City Island, and other locations in the City of Harrisburg. Free street parking will be available in the city for the holiday. Parking on City Island is $5.
Ship Saves spotlights deals, events, and opportunities in South Central PA. Find us on Facebook HERE. Also, join our Facebook Group HERE. #Shippensburg is an extension of our website & FB Page and is a friendly forum regarding “All Things Shippensburg.” Find more events on our Calendar HERE.
