Free events in Hanover, PA

On the first Sunday of each month, lend a hand in tending three raised beds and a pollinator garden through planting, weeding, and general care. No experience is needed, and beginners are welcome. Wear clothes that can get dirty and bring a willingness to learn. Gloves and tools are supplied.

This hands-on vegetation maintenance session along the Codorus Creek focuses on manual clearing instead of herbicide spraying in downtown York. For 11 years the effort has helped keep the creek banks green and gives participants a solid workout. Tools and safety equipment are provided. Participants should wear long pants and sturdy, supportive shoes and bring a water bottle. The group meets at the Foundry Plaza Codorus Boat Basin. Work does not take place when conditions are wet or rainy, and any make up dates are shared on social media. Volunteer hours count toward community service requirements, and confirmation letters are available upon request. Friends are welcome.

Small Steps, Big Hopes is a free, 11-session group held in a confidential, supportive, trauma-informed environment. Sessions include psychoeducation about topics related to abuse and/or neglect, reflective activities such as art, guided discussions, and group exercises, along with take-home activities to support participation on your own terms. Dinner is provided at each session. The content builds from session to session, so attending all sessions is highly encouraged.

This welcoming jam session invites musicians of all backgrounds and experience levels to take part in a non-hierarchical, non-judgmental space centered on communication, community building, and liberation. The gathering includes a community discussion and an opportunity to workshop original pieces. Baltimore-based saxophonist and music educator Johanna McGuire brings experience as both a performer and teacher, supporting musicians in finding their own sound.

This outreach event focuses on making state government accessible and transparent by bringing Senate services directly to the community. Visitors can receive answers about active legislation, help with PennDOT concerns, guidance on vital records such as birth and death certificates, support with the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program, and assistance locating unclaimed property, along with other resources. For questions, contact the district office at 717-741-4648 or senatorkristin@pasen.gov.

Those needing help with laundry can receive complimentary assistance at MBella Laundromat in Red Lion, PA. Service is available for up to four 13-gallon bags, and each person is responsible for handling their own laundry. This community offering is hosted by Chapel Church. Questions can be sent to missions@chapelchurch.org.

A community fellowship dinner that welcomes neighbors to connect over a shared meal. Guests are encouraged to bring a dish to share. It offers a relaxed way to meet others in the community.

York Chess Club welcomes chess players of all ages and skill levels. Chess sets are provided.

Gentle Thursday features local supporter Mike Kessler at Ploughman Cider Taproom in Gettysburg for a more personal appearance. Regulars from the Wednesday open mic will recognize him for the good cheer he brings to the neighborhood. The show is free and open to the public. Please note that outside food or beverages are not permitted. Thank you for supporting local.

Enjoy a free game of bingo with prizes, food, and drinks at Scotty Dog’s Lounge & Grill. Players can also earn entries toward a big-prize bingo drawing by showing up and playing. Whether you’re an experienced player or new to bingo, the evening offers a chance to catch up with friends and enjoy some friendly competition.

Unofficial creates an improvised musical from a single audience suggestion, building characters, scenes, a story, and original songs on the spot. Expect big characters, unexpected twists, and a one-of-a-kind performance, with no script and no two shows alike. This is a free show.

Enjoy a free night of unscripted comedy featuring Baltimore’s trained improv teams, who transform audience suggestions into spontaneous scenes. The performers specialize in long-form improv, including the Harold, a structure that connects scenes, themes, and callbacks around a single suggestion. The teams audition, train, and perform weekly at Baltimore Improv Group, a nonprofit venue for live comedy and other local performances.

Spend an evening in WeCo, York’s West of the Codorus arts and small business district, celebrating creativity, food, and community. Stroll through galleries and artist studios, hear live music, take part in free activities and special pop-ups, and browse handmade goods while many businesses keep extended hours. Set your own pace, from grabbing drinks or dinner at local favorites to catching fresh highlights like art openings, hands-on workshops, restaurant specials, and other rotating events each month. The full lineup is shared in advance so there is always something new to explore, whether you are meeting friends or bringing the family. Parking is convenient with nearby street and lot options. This ongoing series is supported by WellSpan Health.

Indian treats and baked specialties crafted with straightforward, wholesome ingredients take center stage. All items are prepared without refined flour or refined sugar, and there are no artificial colors or preservatives. A variety of choices suits different diets, including vegan and vegetarian selections as well as items made without eggs.

Browse a wide selection of new and gently used ski and snowboard equipment, winter apparel, and accessories from retailers and individual consignors across Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C. Items include skis, snowboards, boots, bindings, poles, jackets, snow pants, helmets, goggles, and more, with sizes from toddler 4T through adult 2XL. Buyers receive free admission, and payment is accepted by cash, Visa, MasterCard, and Venmo. A processing fee applies to credit card and Venmo purchases. Shoppers may also find cozy cold-weather clothing and mountain-inspired styles. Those interested in selling clean, working ski and snowboard gear or winter apparel can consign up to 24 items and receive 80% of the selling price. Items must meet current safety requirements. No food, drinks, or personal ski and snowboard equipment are permitted in the shopping area.

Macaroni KID, in partnership with the Friends of Glen Rock Borough and the Glen Rock Rec Board, presents the second annual York County Kids Thanksgiving Balloon Parade, a playful spin on a beloved holiday tradition. Geared toward children ages 1 to 17, the procession highlights kid-made balloon creations, the option to showcase a purchased balloon, favorite inflatable costumes, and creatively decorated strollers, wagons, and mobility devices for a bright and cheerful scene along the route. The parade follows the rail trail by The Hufnagel Public Library of Glen Rock toward Table 1837-Glen Rock Mill Inn, then loops back to the library. The path is fully accessible for mobility aids and families with strollers. Children who complete the route receive a treat bag at the finish. Advance registration is required through the event page. Entries should be appropriate for all ages, and children 4 and under must have an adult walking with them. Volunteer opportunities are available for check in, route support, and treat bag distribution and sponsorship.

Celebrate the growing season by exchanging extra vegetables, fruits, herbs, and eggs. Any surplus will be donated or distributed the following week. Baked goods and prepared foods cannot be accepted.

Enjoy free, open board gaming with a game from the demo wall, an opened game from the used games for sale, or one you bring along. The gathering may overlap with other events, so please be courteous and respectful of other players.

Explore the natural world through fun, informal, nature-themed drop-in activities at the Nature Education Center. These activities are open to all ages, with no fee or registration required.

Try out the Dungeons & Dragons starter kit, Heroes of the Borderlands, in this free demo.

The 26-27 series opens with Rev. Bill Carter and Presbybop’s new ensemble, the Blue Note Jazztet, presenting a wide-ranging jazz program that reaches across the eras in the Sanctuary. Admission is free, the event is open to the public, and on-site parking is available.