Good morning, Lancaster County.

May is here, First Friday is tonight, and the whole city is about to light up with music, art, and dancing in the streets.

Grab your walking shoes and let's get into it.

In today's Lancaster Local:

Cedar Crest High School has been named the winner of the Lancaster-Lebanon League's Richard Balderston Sportsmanship Award for the 2025-2026 winter season. The award is voted on by all member schools in the league and recognizes the athletic program that best demonstrates respect, integrity, and sportsmanship across every sport it fields. Athletic Director Rick Dissinger accepted the honor on behalf of the Falcons. In a county that takes its high school athletics seriously, this is a reminder that how you compete matters every bit as much as the final score. Well earned, Cedar Crest.

First Friday energy plus a stacked run of shows ahead - here's what's happening.

First Friday at Binns Park & Ewell Plaza - 145 N Queen St, Lancaster. Tonight, 5:00-8:30 PM. Downtown Lancaster's monthly block party is back for May. Browse the arts market, take free salsa and bachata dance lessons, and stick around for live DJ sets as the evening rolls on. Free and open to all. More info: https://visitlancastercity.com/event/lancaster-citys-may-first-friday/

Organic Reflections: Celebrating American Composers - First Reformed Church, 40 E Orange St, Lancaster. Tonight, 8:00 PM (doors 7:30). Trumpeter Doug Albert and organist Larry Hershey perform works by Aaron Copland, Joseph Brackett, and Carmen Dragon in one of Lancaster's most beautiful church sanctuaries. A gorgeous way to cap off First Friday - and it's free. More info: https://visitlancastercity.com/events/category/first-friday/

Linden Hall Spring Concert - Snavely Family Theater, 212 E Main St, Lititz. Tonight, 7:00 PM. Linden Hall's student orchestra and choir take the stage for their annual spring concert. The school's 29th Annual Art Show opens in the Lyet Gallery at 6 PM. Free admission, and a livestream is available at LHGirls.org/livestream for those who can't make it in person. More info: https://lititzpa.com/events

Friday Night Improv - 16 S Prince St, Lancaster. Tonight, 7:00-8:00 PM. The Lancaster Improv Players host their First Friday interactive improv night - two bite-sized shows where the audience is encouraged to jump in and try improv games themselves. Free. More info: https://www.lancasterimprovplayers.org/

Love Rocket - Tellus 360, 24 E King St, Lancaster. Saturday, May 2, 8:00 PM. A high-energy cover band playing a little bit of everything. If your weekend needs a soundtrack, this is a solid bet. More info: https://www.tellus360.com/events/love-rocket-2/

Steal Your Sunday: Live Dead w/ WWJD? - Zoetropolis Cinema Stillhouse, 112 N Water St, Lancaster. Sunday, May 3, 2:00-4:30 PM. A monthly Grateful Dead and Jerry Garcia Band tribute residency. Laid-back Sunday afternoon vibes, pay-what-you-want. Returns again May 10. More info: https://zoetropolis.com/special_events/steal-your-sunday-live-dead-w-w-w-j-d/

West Art Welcomes youbet with Super Infinity - West Art, 816 Buchanan Ave, Lancaster. Monday, May 4, 7:30 PM. Brooklyn indie band youbet stops in Lancaster to celebrate their self-titled album on Hardly Art. All-ages show. More info: https://events.humanitix.com/west-art-welcomes-youbet

Powerman 5000 with 12 Stones & Makes My Blood Dance - Phantom Power, 121 W Frederick St, Millersville. Friday, May 8, doors 7 PM / show 8 PM. An industrial and nu-metal triple bill rolls into Millersville. If you grew up on TRL-era rock, this one's for you. More info: https://www.songkick.com/concerts/42922980-powerman-5000-at-phantom-power

Taste the World Walking Sample Tour - Begins at Neighbors Community Center, 450 N Prince St, Lancaster. Friday, May 8, 5:00-8:00 PM (arrive between 4:45-6:15 PM). A passport-style walking food and beverage tour through Lancaster's Asian eateries in honor of AAPI Heritage Month. $30/tour or $165/season - proceeds benefit Neighbors Community Center. Get tickets: https://www.neighborslancaster.org/taste-the-world/

Mo Lowda & The Humble: Tailing the Ghost Tour (WXPN Welcomes) - Tellus 360, 24 E King St, Lancaster. Saturday, May 9, 7:00 PM. Philly-based indie rock outfit Mo Lowda & The Humble bring their Tailing the Ghost tour to Lancaster. 21+. More info: https://www.tellus360.com/events/wxpn-welcomes-mo-lowda-the-humble-tailing-the-ghost-tour/

Weather For Friday, May 1 - Partly sunny with a high near 63. A mild start to May with calm skies - perfect First Friday weather for walking downtown.

That's your Friday. Whether you're heading downtown for First Friday, catching a concert in Lititz, or just easing into the weekend on your own terms - enjoy every bit of it.

Thanks for reading Lancaster Local. If you found something useful, forward it to someone who still gets their news from a Facebook group.