It was a weird and wild summer, wasn’t it?
It’s barely fall but PSLs (pumpkin spice lattes, natch), Halloween decorations and fall fashion have already overtaken our feeds and quite possibly, our hearts. We’re usually oh-so-ready for that change of season, but this year’s mild summer complicates things. Soon enough, however, crisp air will return and we’ll be pairing scarves and boots, snacking on apple cider donuts (my fave), sipping Oktoberfest brews and enjoying the falling leaves.
In the meantime, September’s weather typically sets the stage for perfection, thus the onslaught of outdoor festivals and events. As is tradition, we’ve compiled some of the best for you — so bookmark this, dig out your calendar and grab your friends for a fun-filled 30 days.
- Central Pa. Superchef benefiting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society — I’m a judge this year! — is Sept. 4.
- Carlisle Events hosts its annual Sports & Outdoors Nationals Sept. 5-7.
- The York Fair runs Sept. 5-14.
- Dauphin County Jazz & Wine Festival expanded its weekend of wine and live music to start Sept. 5 and run through Sept. 7.
- Dodge City’s 35th anniversary is Sept. 6. $10 cover, prices from 1979!
- The SaraBozich.com After Dark #BoozeCruise also is this Saturday, Sept. 6. Get tickets NOW while they last!
- The 10th annual Gettysburg Wine & Music Festival is Sept. 6-7.
- No fewer than *3* beer festivals going on Sept. 6, including Lancaster Craft Beer Fest, Liquid Hero Homebrew Fest and Balderdash Brewfest 2014 at Dill’s Tavern & Plantation.
- Whitaker Center celebrates 15 years this month! Check out the Homecoming Week Kick-off Celebration.
- Harrisburg’s 2014 Restaurant Week is actually two! Taste your way around the city from Sept. 8-12 and 15-19.
- America’s Largest RV Show lands in Hershey Sept. 10-14.
- It’s also The Hotel Hershey Wine & Food Festival, running Sept. 12-14, so beware for that snarling Hershey traffic.
- Discover Whitaker Day is Sept. 13.
- On Sept. 13, Appalachian Brewing Co. hosts its annual 17th Capital City Invitational Beer Fest – in two sessions, which also kicks off Oktoberfest at the brewpub.
- Sept. 13 also is the 32nd annual Hummelstown Arts Festival, on Main Street near the Square.
- Troegs Rugged Trail 5K Run for conservation is Sept. 13 at Ned Smith Center.
- The World-Famous Merlot and Flash Gourd’n Release Party 2014, the signature event for The Vineyard & Brewery at Hershey, is Sept. 13.
- Sept. 13 is also the date for the next Hummingbird Ridge Winery/Newberrytown Peddlers Market collab featuring Tom Petty tribute band.
- Art Association of Harrisburg’s 26th annual Gallery Walk is Sept. 14.
- On Sunday, Sept. 14, The Vineyard at Grandview hosts the Grandview Bluegrass Festival.
- FREE HAPPY HOUR! The next #sbhh (SaraBozich.com Happy Hour) is Sept. 17 at MoMo’s BBQ & Grill. Sign-up here for details — or follow us on Facebook.
- The 5th ANNUAL ROOTENANNY is Sept. 20 at Tellus360.
- Hauser Estate Winery hosts its Fall Frolic — complete with pig roast — on Sept. 20.
- Sept. 21 marks Fort Hunter Day.
- 2014 Capitol All-Stars Charity Softball Game is Sept. 23 at Metro Bank Park.
- It’s not too early for this fall favorite: The 29th annual New Cumberland Apple Festival is Sept. 27.
- The Inaugural Lititz Craft Beer Fest will be held Sept. 28.
- On Sept. 28, take in nature with the Celebrate Wildwood! festival.
- Woofstock, the celebration of all things dogs — and benefiting the Central PA Animal Alliance — also is Sept. 28 in Riverfront Park.
- Stoudt’s annual Oktoberfest celebration kick-off weekend is Sept. 27-28.
