Hop Off the Couch! Your Easter Weekend of Local Fun is Hatching! Weekend of April 18, 2025

Hey Digizens! Get ready for a weekend buzzing with spring energy and community connection! As April unfolds, bringing warmer breezes and blooming landscapes, the weekend of April 18th through April 20th, 2025, offers a special opportunity to get out and explore. Coinciding with the Easter holiday, it's a time often associated with renewal, gathering, and finding joy – whether that means participating in traditional festivities or simply soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of our local communities.

This guide is curated specifically for the readers of the Digizenburg Dispatch, focusing on happenings across Cumberland, Dauphin, and Lancaster counties that resonate with the values cherished by Digizens: community spirit, creativity, supporting local endeavors, embracing the outdoors, and fostering learning or social awareness. The sheer variety of events available across these three counties speaks volumes about the dynamic local culture, offering a rich tapestry of experiences. From lively festivals and unique local traditions to family-friendly fun, artistic expression, and opportunities for reflection, there's something for everyone to explore and enjoy this weekend. Let's dive into what each county has in store!

Central PA Open Source Conference

Alright there, fellow Digizens! If you're like us and believe in the power of sharing, collaboration, and building things together, then you gotta have the Central PA Open Source Conference (CPOSC) marked on your digital and real-world calendars. It is next Saturday, April 26,2025. This ain't your stuffy corporate shindig; CPOSC is a grassroots gathering right here in our neck of the woods, bringing together folks from all walks of life who are passionate about open source software, hardware, and the whole open-source ethos. For us Digizens, who thrive on knowledge sharing and community contribution, CPOSC is like finding your tribe – a place where you can connect with others who speak the language of code, innovation, and building a better digital world, one shared line at a time.

Now, what can you expect when you head on over to CPOSC? Well, it's a packed day (or sometimes even a weekend!) full of insightful talks, hands-on workshops, and plenty of opportunities to network with other open-source enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned coder, a curious student, or just someone interested in learning more about the tech that powers so much of our digital lives, there's bound to be something that sparks your interest. You'll hear from folks working on everything from Linux to robotics, from web development to data science, all sharing their expertise and passion for open source. It's a fantastic chance to level up your skills, discover new projects, and see what cool things are being built right here in Central Pennsylvania.

So, if you're looking to connect with a vibrant community of like-minded individuals, learn about cutting-edge technologies, and maybe even contribute to the open-source movement yourself, then CPOSC is the place to be. It's a chance to get out from behind your screen and engage with the real faces behind the code, fostering those in-person connections that are so important in our digital age. Register on their website (https://cposc.org/), and you’ll run into me, emceeing a bunch of the sessions. You'll find it's a valuable and inspiring experience for any true Digizen in Central PA!

Third Place Restaurants

The Millworks - A vibrant space in Harrisburg with a focus on local, sustainable food and craft beverages. Features a bustling bar area, perfect for casual meetups and lively discussions.

Molly Pitcher Brewing Company - A popular spot in Carlisle with a spacious taproom, outdoor seating, and a diverse food menu. Ideal for relaxed gatherings, brainstorming sessions, or simply enjoying a craft brew with fellow Digizens.

The Fridge - A community-supported restaurant in Lancaster City, The Fridge focuses on locally sourced ingredients and provides a platform for local chefs. It's a great place to connect with other food enthusiasts and learn about the local food scene.

Third Place Events

Cumberland County

Friday, April 18th, 2025

The Piano Men: Tribute to Billy Joel & Elton John - Carlisle Theatre - Relive classic hits in a historic local theatre! A fun, nostalgic night out supporting local performing arts venues. Great for music lovers.

Saturday, April 19th, 2025

Mechanicsburg Earth Day Festival - Celebrate our planet & connect with eco-conscious community members! A positive, educational, fun day focused on sustainability & local action.

Blues on the Loose - Back Porch Brewing Inc., Carlisle - Enjoy local brews and live blues! Support a local brewery and musicians while soaking in some soulful sounds. Relaxed community vibe.

Dauphin County

Friday, April 18th, 2025

Buckethead Concert - XL Live, Harrisburg - Experience unique musical artistry! For the adventurous music lover, see a renowned guitarist known for his distinctive style. Supports live music venue

Lancaster County

Friday, April 4th, 2025

Easter Bunny Train - Strasburg Rail Road - Ronks - A magical Easter tradition for all ages! Friday through Sunday. Enjoy scenic views, meet the Easter Bunny, & create memories on a historic steam train. Supports local heritage.

Launch Music Conference & Festival - Lancaster County Convention Center & various downtown venues - All Weekend - Immerse yourself in the vibrant local/regional music scene! Discover emerging artists, support live music, & experience downtown Lancaster's energy.

Whether drawn to the unique craft traditions of Cumberland, the blend of urban arts and accessible nature in Dauphin, or the rich tapestry of heritage and contemporary culture in Lancaster, there are countless ways to engage. This weekend offers chances to support local artists and musicians, celebrate unique traditions, connect with nature, enjoy family time, and maybe even learn something new or contribute to a cause. Reinforcing the values of community, local support, and positivity is central to the Digizenburg Dispatch, and this weekend's events provide ample opportunity to live those values.

Remember to click those links for the latest details before heading out, as event information can sometimes change. Have a fantastic weekend exploring, connecting, and celebrating. Let us know what gems you discover!

Your Friends at the Digizenburg Dispatch

Digizenburg Dispatch Community Spaces

Facebook - Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, York PA Central PA's Tech/Digital Community

LinkedIn - Business Professionals of Harrisburg & Central PA

Reddit - Central PA

Digizen Open Roles

Remote

Local

Our exclusive Google Calendar is the ultimate roadmap for all the can’t-miss events in Central PA! Tailored specifically for the technology and digital professionals among our subscribers, this curated calendar is your gateway to staying connected, informed, and inspired. From dynamic tech meetups and industry conferences to cutting-edge webinars and innovation workshops, our calendar ensures you never miss out on opportunities to network, learn, and grow. Join the Dispatch community and unlock your all-access pass to the digital pulse of Central PA.