Free events in Franklin County, PA

Enjoy a complimentary outdoor yoga session at Renfrew with certified instructor Laurie Hovermale of WBO Health & Fitness. Classes take place on the lawn behind the Museum House and emphasize calm, flexibility, and strength through fundamental poses that link breath with movement. All ages and fitness levels are welcome, no reservation is needed, and participants should bring a personal yoga mat. A participation waiver must be signed with the instructor during your first visit of the season. If the weather changes, the group meets in the Wagon Shed Room inside the Visitors Center unless that space is already in use. Children may attend when accompanied and supervised by a responsible adult. Parking is available in the Visitors Center Lot or the Lower Lot, and restrooms are located at the Visitors Center a short walk from the Museum House backyard.

This storytime features one or two brief picture-book stories and concludes with fun, hands-on activities. It is structured for parents and caregivers to participate alongside their children throughout the activities.

Rivals hosts dedicated days for the Riftbound card game, based on the PC game League of Legends. This is a casual open play gathering with no entry fee. Bring a friend and enjoy laid-back games with other players.

Enjoy a family-friendly evening with food trucks and free live music. Savor barbecue from Uncle Eddie's BBQ, sandwiches and sweets from The Baker's Bowl, and gourmet hot dogs and more from Redneck Dogs. Drinks include beers from Pennsylvania breweries, cider from Screaming Bambino Cellars, and wine from Castlerigg Wine Shop. A live performance by Nick Andrew Staver adds to the celebration. The Shippensburg Art Market is part of the festivities, showcasing a variety of locally made and handcrafted goods. Vendor spaces are available for $20 per month, with season passes offered. This community gathering is a collaboration of local nonprofit groups that encourages people to get out and have fun. A local organization provides sponsorship, and sponsorship donations for the month are accepted. Proceeds from First Fridays at Ship Station support the Cumberland Valley Railroad Museum.

Make a splash at Chambersburg Aquatic Center with a free movie and swim night featuring SpongeBob The Search for SquarePants. Swim while the film plays, enjoy complimentary snacks, and every attendee can take home a SpongeBob themed book. Guests also receive a special bookmark that can be redeemed for a second free book at any Franklin County Library location after the event. Admission is free with no membership required. Entry is available until the venue reaches its limit of 500 people. Children below fifth grade must be accompanied by an adult. Presented by Novel Reels, a community partnership of the Franklin County Library System, Ghost Writer LLC, and Mission Solved.

Heathen Farms appears at the North Square Farmers Market in Fort Chambers Park, bringing the work of a family-run market farm and homestead from Newburg, Pennsylvania. Look for a rotating mix of seasonal produce, handmade goods, books, and other items that change as new harvests and creations come ready. Since everything is grown and made on a small scale, offerings can vary from one week to the next. Weekly attendance updates, harvest previews, featured products, and any schedule changes are shared on the event listing and the Heathen Farms Facebook page. Visitors can meet the family behind the farm, browse other local vendors, and support growers, makers, and small businesses in the community.

North Square Farmers Market is back at Chambers Fort Park, bringing together the freshest local produce, homemade goods, and a true Saturday-morning market vibe. Meet the farmers and makers behind your food, and come prepared to browse, stock up for the week, and enjoy what the season has to offer. Kids and dogs are welcome, and bringing a bag (or a few) is encouraged.

Join the SOAR (Studying Ornithology Around the Region) bird walks led by Sharon and Larry Williams. The walks take place along hiking trails at rotating locations throughout the region, with Antietam Meadow Park in Waynesboro serving as the “home base.” This outing runs from morning to late morning, and it’s free and open to the public. Wear comfortable walking shoes, and feel free to bring identification books and binoculars.

A free, public gathering for fiber enthusiasts welcomes every craft, including spinning, weaving, knitting, and crochet. Bring whatever you use to spin or to weave, whether antique or modern, and enjoy working alongside others. The group meets in the History Room on the lower level.

A free market at The Red Rocker brings shoppers and sellers together for a relaxed day of finds and friendly connections. It is free to set up and free to browse, and it runs rain or shine. Outdoor vendors can simply choose a spot, display their goods, and take part with no registration fees and no long term commitment. The event welcomes thrifters and yard sale sellers, antiques and collectibles, crafters and artisans, baked goods and sweets, fresh produce, honey, sauces and other specialty foods, lemonade stands, and efforts from fundraisers or community groups. It offers an easy way to clear out inventory, test a new idea, raise funds, or enjoy time outdoors while supporting local. The market aligns with indoor store hours at the venue.

Back to School Family Fun Day brings families together at Shippensburg Fair Ground for a free community event featuring hands-on exhibits, complimentary school supplies, pizza, haircuts, and entertainment. Attendees can discover resources and gather information about programs designed for children and youth of all ages, creating an easy way to get ready for the new school year while enjoying activities together.

Trainers gather at Level Up Games inside The Red Rocker for a friendly meetup focused on card trading, casual matches, and helping newcomers learn the game. Attendees may bring binders and decks, or simply arrive without gear and get guidance on the basics. Admission is free, no prior experience is required, and players of all ages and skill levels are welcome.

Presented by the Boys & Girls Club and the Franklin County Housing Authority, the inaugural Meadow Creek Fun Fest: Back to School Edition offers family-friendly activities. Families can explore activity stations, connect with local organizations, receive complimentary back-to-school supplies, and enjoy free food.

Penn State Extension in Franklin County is hosting a free session where you can get your pressure canner dial gauge tested. You do not need to bring the full canner, just the lid. Sign-up is not required. If you cannot make the date, you can drop off your canner lid and pick it up later. The event also includes free information on safe home food preservation methods.