Hanover’s Top Weekend Events (October 3-5)

October is here, and Hanover is brimming with art, apples, and even a little Elton John. Whether you’re strolling downtown for First Friday, singing along to Rocket Man, or cozying up for an overnight in a bookstore, this weekend is packed with the kind of memories that make fall in Hanover unforgettable.

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Here are the best of the best. Full event details are listed below.

💜 Stuff The Van @ Sam’s Club (YWCA Hanover Safe Home)
🎨 First Friday Art Walk
🎭 Church of Satire Presents: BMORE Funny and Lancaster Improv Players
🎶 Yellow Brick Road – A Tribute to Elton John
🍎 61st Annual National Apple Harvest Festival
📚 21+ Slumber Party at Little Fox Coffee & Books

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📆 Thursday, October 3 | 🕛 12 PM – 6 PM
📍 Sam’s Club, 261 Wilson Ave, Hanover

YWCA Hanover Safe Home is hosting a donation drive to fill their pantry and support survivors of domestic violence. Drop off canned goods, boxed items, or household supplies and help make a tangible difference for neighbors in need.

📆 Friday, October 3 | 🕔 5 PM – 8 PM
📍 Downtown Hanover (multiple venues)

Meet the artists, browse fresh exhibits, and wander from stop to stop in this monthly celebration of Hanover’s creative scene. Highlights this month include Timothy Gasper at Little Fox, Plein Air Painters at the Arts Guild, Ryder Stephens at Serpent’s Key, Kevin Smith at Fat Bat Brewing, and many more. Free, family-friendly, and the perfect way to start your weekend.

📆 Friday, October 3 | 🕖 7 PM
📍 Eichelberger Performing Arts Center, 195 Stock St, Hanover
🎫 Buy Tickets (Orchestra/Balcony $45, Preferred $49, optional $12 drink package)

Step into the glitz and glam of Elton John’s legendary performances. From “Tiny Dancer” to “Bennie and the Jets,” this tribute show delivers all the hits and the sparkle.

📆 Friday, October 3 | 🕗 8 PM – 9:30 PM
📍 Church of Satire, 106 Broadway, Hanover
🎫 Buy Tickets ($15)

Get ready to laugh until it hurts with a night of completely unscripted comedy. Two powerhouse improv troupes, RIFF (Royal Improv Fun Foundry) and Lancaster Improv Players, take the stage for an evening where anything can happen.

But this event is extra special, in my opinion. Why, you might ask? One of the performers is our very own neighbor, Brian Shea.

Brian is a longtime community advocate, and he is a 🌱 Founding Supporter of Heart of Hanover. Brian’s email lit up my inbox this week, and I couldn’t resist including it here. (I’ve always wanted to try improv myself, but usually make excuses about not knowing where to start. Clearly, I just haven’t been looking hard enough!)

This is event is BYOB, and you must be 18+ to attend.

📆 Saturday, October 4 | 🕗 8 AM – 6 PM
📆 Sunday, October 5 | 🕗 8 AM – 5 PM
📍 South Mountain Fairgrounds, 615 Narrows Rd, Biglerville
🎫 Buy Tickets ($10.77 one-day, $19.01 two-day tickets)

The orchard awaits! With over 300 craft vendors, live music, chainsaw carving, antique engines, Native American dancers, and every apple treat imaginable, this iconic fall festival is worth the short drive.

📆 Saturday, October 4 – Sunday, October 5 | 🕘 9 PM – 9 AM
📍 Little Fox Coffee & Books, 125 Broadway, Hanover

Ever dreamed of spending the night in a bookstore? This adults-only sleepover gives you 12 hours of exclusive bookstore access. $25 per person includes two drinks, and it’s BYO everything—snacks, sleeping bags, even a bottle of wine if you like. Limited spots available.

🎟 Reserve Your Spot

These are just a few of the happenings around town. The Heart of Hanover events calendar is packed full of fun things to do.

👉 View the Full Calendar

I’m now booking sponsors for Heart of Hanover. If you’d like to partner with me and reach 681 engaged locals each week, email me at [email protected] to learn more.

That’s the roundup! Go forth, sip cider, laugh loud, and collect little moments that make you glad to call Hanover home. I’ll be back soon with more ways to fill your calendar (and your heart).

XoXo-Megan

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