Good morning, Lancaster County. The temps are dropping and rain is in the forecast today, but there's plenty happening around the county worth stepping out for this weekend. From trails to arts to murder mysteries, here's what you need to know.
In today's Lancaster Local:
Lancaster County is getting its first parks and trails master plan in over 30 years - and you can weigh in
The business community is investing in a countywide arts study and a new Lancaster Arts Alliance
Route 222 through Manheim Township is heading toward a major reconstruction - here's what's planned
Weekend picks: Fourth Friday in Mount Joy, a Prohibition-era murder mystery, and a pirate feast underground
Community News
Lancaster County's Parks and Trails Are Getting a 30-Year Overdue Makeover
For the first time since 1992, Lancaster County is developing a comprehensive parks and trails master plan - and it's a big one.
The county hired Philadelphia-based Olin Studio for $199,000 (funded by 2021 ARPA federal dollars) to assess and enhance its parks. Public comment is open through April 10, with plans expected to go before the Planning Commission and then the County Commissioners for final enactment around the end of May. Share your input →
A New Era for the Arts in Lancaster County
Lancaster County's arts community just got a major vote of confidence. The Foundation of the Lancaster Chamber, alongside the Ware Center for the Arts and regional arts organizations, officially launched the Lancaster County Strategic Arts Initiative at a public event on March 25. The initiative has engaged Fourth Economy - a nationally recognized consulting firm - to conduct the first countywide arts Economic & Community Impact Study since 2010. Plans are also in motion to form a Lancaster County Arts Alliance and explore a dedicated arts advocacy entity. If you care about keeping Lancaster's creative sector thriving, this is the initiative to watch. Learn more →
Route 222 in Manheim Township Is Getting a Major Overhaul
PennDOT is planning a full-depth reconstruction and widening of Route 222 from north of Eden Road at Stoner Park to south of Bushong Road - expanding it to a 6-lane highway. If you live, work, or commute through Manheim Township, this is your chance to get informed and make your voice heard.
PennDOT is hosting an open house tonight at Calvary Church (1051 Landis Valley Road) from 5-8 PM, and public comments are accepted through May 1, 2026. Project details →
EVENTS
A solid mix this weekend - whether you're keeping it community casual or going all-in on a themed dinner experience.
🎉 AOA/SilverSneakers Potluck Brunch - City Center YMCA - 265 Harrisburg Avenue, Lancaster. Today, 10:00-11:30 AM. Free. The YMCA's quarterly potluck brunch is a beloved tradition for active older adults and SilverSneakers members. Bring a dish if you'd like, or just show up - plateware and drinks are provided, and the fellowship is always the main course. More info →
🛍️ Fourth Friday in Downtown Mount Joy - Main Street, Mount Joy, PA 17552. Today, 4:00-8:00 PM. Free. Downtown Mount Joy's monthly Fourth Friday is one of the best free nights out in the county - local businesses stay open late with special events, live music, and seasonal activities all along Main Street. Rain or shine, it's a great excuse to explore a charming downtown. More info →
🔍 Murder Mystery: Bootleggers - Bube's Brewery (Alois Restaurant) - 102 N. Market Street, Mount Joy, PA 17552. Saturday, March 28 at 6:00 PM. Step into Prohibition-era Lancaster County for an interactive murder mystery dinner at the historic Bube's Brewery. Suspense, intrigue, great food, and (probably) someone at your table who's a little too good at lying. Reservations required. Get tickets →
🏴☠️ Theatrical Feast: Pirate - Bube's Brewery (Catacombs) - 102 N. Market Street, Mount Joy, PA 17552. Sunday, March 29 at 5:00 PM. Bube's legendary underground Catacombs are the setting for a swashbuckling pirate-themed theatrical feast - costumed entertainment, a multi-course meal, and an atmosphere you won't find anywhere else in Lancaster County. Reservations required. Get tickets →
🏐 April Fools Fallout Volleyball Tournament - Spooky Nook Sports - 75 Champ Boulevard, Manheim, PA 17545. Saturday-Sunday, March 28-29. All day. The world's largest indoor sports complex is hosting 350+ teams across 42 courts this weekend for one of the region's biggest youth volleyball events. USAV, AAU, and JVA divisions for girls ages 11-18. Even if you're not competing, the sheer scale of this thing is worth a look. More info →
🥚 Spring Tiny Town EggStravaganza - Tiny Town - 533 Janet Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17601. Sunday, March 29, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM. Easter came early at Tiny Town. Lancaster's beloved indoor play space is hosting egg hunts, crafts, and all kinds of springtime fun for toddlers and young kids this Sunday. Check the website for age group sessions and timing. More info →
🥃 Distillery Tour at Thistle Finch - Thistle Finch Distillery - 417 W. Grant Street, Lancaster, PA 17603. Saturday, March 28 at 1:00 PM & 2:30 PM. Get a behind-the-scenes look at how Thistle Finch crafts their award-winning small-batch spirits right in Lancaster City. Tours run about 60 minutes and include a tasting - limited to 20 people per session, so don't wait. More info →
Friday, March 27 - A rainy one today with a high of 52°F, so it's a great excuse to linger over coffee before heading out to Fourth Friday in Mount Joy tonight. The weekend dries out quickly - Saturday looks crisp and clear, and Sunday is shaping up nicely for the EggStravaganza crowd.
Thanks for reading Lancaster Local. Whether you're heading out to Main Street tonight or spending Sunday underground at Bube's, we hope this weekend delivers something worth talking about. If you found something useful, forward it to someone who still gets their news from a Facebook group.