Weekly roundup
Hey neighbors! Here’s what’s happening around the 717 this week
We’ve got Halloween plans, local business wins, and a few reasons to feel proud of where we live.
Trick-or-Treat Night in Harrisburg: Friday, Oct 31 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | All city neighborhoods. The city officially moved the event to Halloween night. wgal.com
Halloween Party @ Urban Air Harrisburg: Friday, Oct 31 | 6–8 p.m. | Family friendly costumes, jumping fun on Derry Street. urbanair.com
Local Business Growth: Denim Coffee Company & others secure expansion-loans. The region’s small business engine is still humming. Source
Upcoming events
Halloween week in full swing 🎃
Markets, meet-ups, and community fun to keep you busy.
Tue Oct 28 – Men’s Mindfulness Group Therapy — 5:30 p.m. | Harrisburg. A quiet, relaxed session for any local guy juggling stress and work.
Fri Oct 31 – Trick-or-Treat Night in Harrisburg — 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Costumes encouraged, porch lights on, candy at the ready. Source
Fri Oct 31 – Family Halloween Party @ Urban Air Harrisburg — 6-8 p.m. | Jump, dress up, prizes. Source
Fri Oct 31 – Costume Event for 21+ — 7 p.m. | Downtown Harrisburg. Dress up, enjoy an evening out.
🩵 Neighbor Spotlight
Big stores arriving, small shops expanding — and our region’s heartbeat stays local.
Hey neighbor, pull up a chair and let’s talk.
This week is one of those moments where you see the 717 at its best. Families out in costumes, candy sacks swinging, neighbourhood walks, cafés handing out treats, and small businesses decorating windows with pumpkins and cobwebs.
While major retail grabs headlines, it’s the locally-owned cafés, boutiques, and community spaces that keep our area buzzing. For instance, Denim Coffee in downtown Harrisburg just secured a major loan to expand its space and add a bakery. Source
If you own a small business: think of this Friday evening as a chance to shine—lights on, fall window display, maybe cider for trick-or-treaters. For families: plan ahead, make Friday fun, maybe take a little detour downtown. And for professionals working from home: block out the evening so you can enjoy the moment or step out.
The bottom line: this week isn’t just “business as usual.” It’s community, it’s seasonal energy, and it’s local living in full view. Whether you’re a family, a business owner, or just someone looking to connect, there’s a “win” in this week. Let’s lean in and keep our 717 vibe strong.
🟩 Good to Know
Local tip: Need last-minute candy
If you’re running short before Friday’s trick-or-treating or hosting a get-together, skip the big-box rush and swing by local stores like those in downtown Harrisburg or neighbourhoods in the 717. They’re prepping for Halloween and often stock seasonal lines with shorter lines and local charm.
🕐 Pro tip: Go Thursday evening (before the crowd) and pick up a few extras—then you’re ready.
🟧 Weekend Preview
Weekend fun & photo moments
From door-to-door candy hunts to costume parades and porch displays. This Friday could make your camera roll.
📸 Feel free to send us your best costume snaps or neighborhood decorating stories, and we’ll feature a few in next Monday’s edition!
Get involved
Your Turn: Community Question of the Week
If you had to pick one Halloween plan this Friday, which would you choose?
🎃 A. Family fun at Urban Air Harrisburg – costumes, games, treats
🕺 B. Dress up and head downtown for the costume event (21+) – lights, music, good company
👉 Hit “reply” and tell us which one you’d pick, and why. We’ll share the most popular choice next week.
That’s it for today’s issue.
Keep showing up for each other, and for your local favorites.
We’ll see you around the neighborhood!
The Our Local 717 Team
P.S.
New here? Check out our Welcome Guide for the best local cafés and spots to explore this fall.
