Weekly roundup
Here’s what’s happening around the 717
It’s midweek in central Pennsylvania, and the whole region is gearing up for Halloween while a few new local updates hit the news.
Harrisburg’s Trick-or-Treat Night is officially set for Friday, October 31 from 5:30–7:30 p.m. according to the city’s latest update. (wgal.com)
Carlisle Borough will also hold trick-or-treat on Friday, October 31 from 5:30–7:30 p.m. (cumberlink.com)
The Lancaster Central Market continues its fall hours through the weekend with fresh cider and seasonal produce, perfect for any last-minute Halloween prep. (centralmarketlancaster.com)
Upcoming Events
Mid-week through weekend – get ready
Here are two things worth adding to your calendar:
Fri Oct 31 – Trick-or-Treat Night (Multiple 717 Towns) | 5:30–7:30 p.m. | Happening in Harrisburg, Carlisle, Mechanicsburg, Lebanon, and surrounding boroughs. Costumes encouraged, porch lights on. (wgal.com)
Sat Nov 1 – Halloween at Hersheypark In The Dark | Hersheypark Drive, Hershey | Enjoy the final weekend of spooky rides, Trick-or-Treat trail, and lights-out coasters. (hersheypark.com)
🩵 Neighbor Spotlight
The 717 is glowing: from porches to pumpkins…
Hey neighbor, let’s catch up.
This week, our region’s vibe is pure hometown magic. Porch lights are getting checked, kids are debating costumes, and every borough from Harrisburg to Lebanon is prepping for Friday night.
If you’re a family, this is your weekend to make memories. Map your route early, mix in a few blocks you haven’t explored before, and don’t forget to wave to the folks handing out cider or cocoa.
If you’re a small-business owner, Friday is a golden opportunity. A little pumpkin display, candy station, or themed window can pull new faces into your shop. People love seeing businesses join the fun — it’s what gives towns like Carlisle and Mechanicsburg their small-town magic.
And if you’re a young professional or student living in Lancaster or Harrisburg, Friday is your excuse to disconnect from work early. Enjoy the street energy, check out Central Market or a local brewery, and soak in that sense of “this is home.”
Halloween comes once a year, community pride lasts all year. Let’s make this weekend count in the 717.
🟩 Weekend Preview
Candy, costumes, and one sweet finale
Halloween lands on Friday, but Hersheypark In The Dark runs through Sunday — giving families and couples one more shot at spooky fun before the lights turn back to Christmas mode. (hersheypark.com)
📸 Send us your best costume photo or decorated-porch shot, and we’ll feature a few in next week’s “Community Gallery.”
🟧 Good to know
Local tip: Friday night traffic watch
With most boroughs holding trick-or-treat at the same time (5:30–7:30 p.m.), expect heavier traffic through Harrisburg, Mechanicsburg, and Carlisle. If you’re driving, take it slow through neighborhoods and plan errands before 5 p.m.
Get involved
Your Turn: Community Question of the Week
If you had to pick one way to spend Halloween night in the 717, what would you choose?
🎃 A. Family trick-or-treating through your neighborhood
🍺 B. Checking out Hersheypark In The Dark or a local brewery event
Hit “reply” and tell us which one, and why. We’ll share the most popular pick soon!
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.
