Spring in Harrisburg

As the days get warmer, it's time to spring into Harrisburg! From colorful murals and creative spaces to scenic trails and riverfront views, the city is buzzing with fresh energy all season long. 

 

Hiking + Biking Trails

biking-riverfront-park-harrisburg-greenbelt

Spring into adventure and hit the trails around Harrisbrug. Cruise along the river at Riverfront Park, spot wildlife and spring blooms at Wildwood Park, take a peaceful stroll around Italian Lake, enjoy laid-back outdoor fun on City Island, or mix fresh air with local history at Fort Hunter Park and Mansion. Whether you're out for a quick walk or planning a full day outside, there's a trail for every kind of explorer.

Looking for a bigger ride? Spring into the Capital Area Greenbelt, a scenic 20-mile loop around the city that's perfect for biking and connecting your favorite parks and neighborhoods. 

 

Bonus things to do while at the trails:

  1. Art in the Wild exhibit from April through September as you bike or walk the trails at Wildwood Park.

  2. Fort Hunter Mansion Tours

  3. City Island: Water Golf with the kids and sunset views of the city

  4. Senators Baseball season kicks off in April

  

 

 

 

Murals

Spring into culture and explore Harrisburg's colorful outdoor art scene. With more than 40 large-scale murals across the city, it's easy to turn a casual stroll into your own self-guided art walk. The Mural Trail by Sprocket Mural Works brings together bold portraits, playful designs, and striking abstract pieces that reflect the creativity and stories of our community. Follow the trail map and discover how public art transforms Harrisburg, one wall at a time. 


Bonus: Download Harrisburg's Arts District App for Murals & More: A Walk of Art, an audio-led walking tour of public art in Harrisburg.

 
Sprocket Mural
Mural Artist: Juuri Robertson
 
 

Events

Spring into festivities and fill your calendar with some of Harrisburg's favorite seasonal celebrations. Families can head to The Bunny Blast at Sunshine Park for egg hunts, games, and springtime fun, or lace up their skates at the roller rink inside the Carousel Pavilion on City Island. Food lovers can sample local flavors at PA Flavor, featuring dozens of breweries, distilleries, restaurants, and live cooking demos. Join Plants + Pints at Strawberry Square on April 6 for locally-made, plant-forward dishes, craft brews, and specialty vendors. Browse plants and handmade goods at the Garden Faire at Fort Hunter Park, explore hundreds of artists along the riverfront at Harrisburg Artsfest, and wrap up the season celebrating Juneteenth with YPOC Harrisburg.


For a full list of events, visit our calendar of events.

 

Juneteenth Parade 2026
 

 

Rainy Day Activities

Rain in the forecast? You can still keep the fun going in Harrisburg. Spend the day exploring hands-on exhibits and regional stories at the Pennsylvania State Museum, or stop by the Art Association to browse beautiful artwork (free to visit!) and even sign up for a class to get creative yourself.

Looking for something new and family-friendly? Head to the Whitaker Center's Survival of the Slowest (on view until May 24). This live animal exhibit explores how creatures like sloths, snakes, hedgehogs and horned frogs survive and thrive by slowing down, offering a fun surprising look at evolution through hands-on learning. 

 

Theatre Harrisburg

If you're a film enthusiast, escape the rain at Midtown Cinema, a cozy independent theater showcasing a diverse selection of films, from classics to contemporary gems. And for a dose of live entertainment for both kids and adults, catch a performance at Harrisburg's many theatres like Theatre Harrisburg, where talented actors bring classic plays and innovative productions to life on stage.

Rainy days are also a great time to shop local! Stroll through Harrisburg’s many small businesses and boutiques, where you can find everything from handmade ceramics and vintage treasures to unique art pieces and specialty foods.

 
 

Share Your Spring Photos

We love seeing how you Explore Harrisburg! Tag us or use #ExploreHBG when sharing your spring adventures around the city.


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Parking in Harrisburg

Download the ParkMobile App to make it easy to pay for parking in Downtown and Midtown.

Free After 5 pm

In downtown onlyparking is free after 5 pm, Monday through Saturday.

Four Hour $5 Parking at River Street Garage

 $5 parking for four hours in the River Street Garage on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Location: 218 N River St,

Parking meters are not enforced on Sundays. 

Contact Park Harrisburg for any issues with parking.