Good morning, Lancaster County. The upper 70s are rolling in, the Stormers are already playing spring ball, and this weekend might be the most packed calendar we've seen all spring. Let's get into it.

In today's Lancaster Local:

Baseball is back - and the Stormers are bringing new tricks to Penn Medicine Park

The Lancaster Stormers open their 2026 season on Tuesday, April 21, with a three-game War of the Roses series at York beginning at 6:30 PM. The home opener follows Friday, April 24, at 6:45 PM against the Long Island Ducks. This year's 126-game schedule introduces a new six-game series format running Tuesday through Sunday. And the Stormers aren't just changing the schedule - they're changing their name. Twice. The club will take the field as the Lancaster Red Roses on April 25 for opening weekend, paying homage to the city's Red Rose heritage, and as the Lancaster Road Apples on May 2, adding what the team calls "a healthy sense of humor." Both identities will feature specialty uniforms and themed game nights all season long.

Free Fan Fest tomorrow at Penn Medicine Park - gates open at noon

Before the regular season begins, the Stormers are throwing open the gates for their annual Fan Fest this Saturday, April 18, at Penn Medicine Park. Admission is completely free. Gates open at noon with player autographs from 12:00 to 12:20 PM, a Red Rose Rumble Expo, and a Solvit Academy Children's Business Fair on the concourse. A free spring training game against the Black Sox starts at 1 PM. The first 1,000 fans through the gates will snag a 2026 magnet schedule courtesy of OAL, and kids can run the bases after the game. Dogs are welcome - the team asks owners to complete the event waiver. See here for more.

This weekend is stacked, Lancaster. Here's what's happening.

🎹 Adam Weiner (Low Cut Connie) - "Livin' in the USA" Solo Tour - West Art - 816 Buchanan Ave., Lancaster. Tonight, doors at 6:30 PM, show at 7:30 PM. The frontman NPR once called the leader of "the best live rock n roll band in America" is back at West Art with just his piano and a new collection of songs and stories. Brittany Ann Tranbaugh opens. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door. All ages. Get tickets →

⚾ Lancaster Stormers Fan Fest - Penn Medicine Park - 650 N. Prince St., Lancaster. Saturday, gates at noon, game at 1 PM. Free admission, player autographs, kids' activities, a spring training game, and magnet schedule giveaway for the first 1,000 fans. The best free family outing of the weekend. More info →

🎻 Ben Sollee at West Art - 816 Buchanan Ave., Lancaster. Sunday, 3 PM. Kentucky cellist and songwriter Ben Sollee returns for an intimate solo matinee in The Sanctuary. His blend of folk, R&B, and cello is equal parts thoughtful and transportive - one of those shows where the room goes quiet and nobody wants it to end. More info →

🎭 Into the Woods at EPAC - Ephrata Performing Arts Center - 320 Cocalico St., Ephrata. Running through April 25. Sondheim's fairy-tale musical gets a fresh staging with set designs that bring an enchanting, painterly quality to the production. Reserved seating is $35, $44, or $54 before fees, with $15 student rush tickets available. More info →

🎨 Lancaster County Young Artists & Scholastic Art Awards - Lancaster Museum of Art - 135 N. Lime St., Lancaster. Final days - closes this Sunday, April 19. Featuring work from students in grades 7–12 across Lancaster County in media ranging from painting and sculpture to photography and computer art. Admission by donation. A quiet, inspiring way to close out the weekend. More info →

🎠 Neighbor Days at Dutch Wonderland — 2249 Lincoln Hwy East, Lancaster. Saturdays and Sundays, April 18 through May 17, 10 AM – 5 PM. Dutch Wonderland's spring celebration honoring Fred Rogers kicks off tomorrow with PBS KIDS character meet-and-greets — including Daniel Tiger on April 18 and 19 — plus themed scavenger hunts, story times, and dance parties throughout the park. Regular admission applies. More info →

🌸 Spring Ephemeral Wildflowers Hike at Shenks Ferry Wildflower Preserve — Green Hill Road South, Conestoga. Saturday, 9–11 AM and 1–3 PM. The Lancaster Conservancy leads guided hikes through one of the mid-Atlantic's most spectacular spring wildflower sites — 70-plus species carpeting the forest floor during peak bloom. It's a 2-mile out-and-back on an easy dirt trail. These hikes tend to sell out, so grab a spot soon. More info →

Friday, April 17 - Upper 70s and mostly dry, with clouds around midday and brighter skies later. A perfect evening to be out and about - grab a light layer for after dark, but leave the umbrella at home.

Thanks for reading Lancaster Local. The weekend calendar is deep this week - from mud sales to musicals to the first crack of a bat at Penn Medicine Park. Pick one thing, bring someone along, and enjoy the best of what this county does so well. If you found something useful, forward it to someone who still gets their news from a Facebook group.