Good morning, Lancaster County. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
St. Patrick's Day falls on a mostly sunny Tuesday - a fine excuse to raise a glass to local talent, whether that's your favorite craft brew or the community spirit that makes this county worth writing about.
Today we've got a big win for Lancaster's homebrewing community, a Beatles-inspired brewery headed to the city, and a full slate of things to do before the weekend.
In today's Lancaster Local:
Lancaster County Brewers Club dominated the Iron Brewer competition with 20 medals and county bragging rights
A beloved Hummelstown brewpub is bringing its Beatles-themed craft beer to downtown Lancaster
Three events this week including live competitive painting, a presidential history lecture, and a Gatsby swing dance party
Spring is arriving - from Strasburg Creamery's reopening to wildflower walks along the Susquehanna
COMMUNITY UPDATES
Lancaster County Brewers Club wins big at the Iron Brewer
Lancaster's homebrewing community had a banner showing at the Lancaster Iron Brewer competition, with the Lancaster County Brewers Club claiming Heavy Medal Club honors - the top prize for competing clubs.
Out of 191 entries across 28 medal groups spanning beer, mead, and specialty categories, the club earned 20 medals and 39 total points. Club member Josh Turner stood out individually, taking home Heavy Medal Brewer honors with 8 medals and 19 points of his own. The competition was coordinated by @lancaster.homebrew, and the results are a reminder that some of the county's best craft is being made right in people's garages and kitchens.
Rubber Soul Brewing Co. is heading to Lancaster City
Speaking of brewing - we didn’t plan this conincidence on purpose, I promise 🙂
Hummelstown's Rubber Soul Brewing Co. - the Beatles-inspired brewpub that's made a name for itself with creative craft beer and a rock-and-roll atmosphere - has announced plans to expand into Lancaster City.
The brewery is expected to move into the Champion building in downtown Lancaster, adding a new destination to the city's already vibrant food and beverage scene. The expansion was announced February 26, 2026. No opening date has been set yet, but this is one worth watching.
EVENTS
A few good reasons to get out before the weekend.
🎨 Art Battle Lancaster - Live Painting Competition - West Art - 800 Buchanan Ave., Lancaster, PA 17603. Thursday, March 19 - Doors 6:30 PM / Painting starts 7:00 PM.
Local artists get 20 minutes to create a masterpiece from scratch, and the audience votes for the winner - with the top piece auctioned off at the end of the night. Equal parts gallery, game show, and good time. Get tickets →
🎩 The Varied Faces of James Buchanan - Lecture - LancasterHistory Museum & Research Center - 230 N. President Ave., Lancaster, PA 17603. Thursday, March 19 - 5:00–7:00 PM. Following 21 years as Director of President Buchanan's Wheatland, the presenter brings rare depth to a Lancaster-born president whose legacy is more layered than the textbooks let on. Portraits, photographs, and artifacts included. Get tickets →
🎷 Jazz at Lincoln Center: Great American Crooners - Ware Center for the Arts (Millersville University) - 42 N. Prince St., Lancaster, PA 17603. Saturday, March 21 - 7:30 PM. Benny Benack III (Downbeat Magazine's #1 Rising Star), Robbie Lee, and Shenel Johns bring Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and Bobby Darin back to life in a touring production straight from Jazz at Lincoln Center. Tickets run $19–$47. Get tickets →
💃 Sieber's Gatsby Swing Dance Party - ExHaltt Performing Arts Academy (The Mongoose Theater) - 18 N. Market St., Elizabethtown, PA 17022. Saturday, March 21 - 6:00–10:00 PM (Beginner lesson 6:15–6:45 PM; Live music 7–10 PM). Put on your best 1920s attire and step into the Roaring Twenties - a beginner swing lesson gets you warmed up before three hours of live music take over. A portion of proceeds benefits Now I Can Northeast in Lititz. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door; reservations required. More info →
🎭 Play It Forward: A Benefit Show for Lancaster Neighbor Fund - Lancaster Improv Players - 16 S. Prince St., Lancaster, PA 17603. Saturday, March 21 - 7:00–8:00 PM. Lancaster Improv Players is turning laughs into lifelines, raising funds for the Lancaster Neighbor Fund - which provides emergency financial assistance to county residents in need. Come for the comedy, stay for the good feeling. Get tickets →
🚂 Tunnels of Enola Adventure Hike - Uncharted Lancaster - Enola Rail Tunnels Trailhead - Enola, PA. Saturday, March 21 - 9:00 AM. Adam Zurn of Uncharted Lancaster leads a guided history hike through the historic Enola rail tunnels - a fascinating slice of Pennsylvania railroad heritage that most people drive past without knowing exists. Moderate difficulty; limited spots, so register in advance. More info →
🍦 Strasburg Creamery Opening Weekend 2026 - Strasburg Creamery - Strasburg, PA. Friday–Saturday, March 20–21 - 11 AM to 10 PM. One of Lancaster County's most beloved seasonal rituals is back: Strasburg Creamery opens its doors for 2026 with new springtime flavors, and Skip's Chicken food truck will be on-site Saturday.
If this doesn't feel like spring, nothing does. More info →
🌸 Spring Ephemerals of the Susquehanna River Hills - Guided Walk - LancasterHistory Museum & Research Center - 230 N. President Ave., Lancaster, PA 17603. Saturday, March 21 - 10:00–11:00 AM.
Lancaster Conservancy leads a free guided walk through the spring wildflowers blooming along the Susquehanna River Hills - one of the county's quieter seasonal wonders. Free and open to all. More info →
WEATHER
Tuesday, March 17 - A mostly sunny St. Patrick's Day with a high of 38°F. Cold enough to justify a warm Irish stew, but bright enough to enjoy a quick walk before you find your favorite green sweater.
Thanks for reading Lancaster Local.
Lancaster County gave us a lot to work with today - local heroes, new businesses, and a week full of things worth showing up for.
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