Across the river: Harrisburg connects college life and local culture
By Bret Saveleski
Knightly News Reporter
bret.saveleski@mymail.centralpenn.edu
HARRISBURG – 3rd in the Burg, a monthly event here, celebrates the city’s arts and cultural scene through events hosted by dozens of venues.
The celebration showcases several forms of art throughout the city. Included are art exhibits, live music, theater, films and more.
The festivities occur on the third Friday of every month and generally run from 6-9 p.m.
As of March, there were 38 participating venues, according to event coordinator Skye Lepo.
The event is not limited to one part of Harrisburg. Activities occur in Downtown, Midtown and Uptown, and, conveniently, many of them are within walking distance from one another, so attendees can partake in several events in different areas.
“A lot of people have this misconception that it’s just in Midtown, and that’s because for years the biggest hub of activity really has been the (Broad Street) market,” Lepo said. “So, obviously people gravitate toward that thinking that it’s just there. We are really trying to change that perception and make it more of a very cohesive walkable thing where people can experience the whole city during 3rd in the Burg.”
In addition to dozens of events, many businesses keep their doors open for attendees. Notably, the Broad Street Market extends hours to 8 p.m. to provide food and beverages.
3rd in the Burg happens regardless of the weather. Poor conditions can even be an advantage to businesses open during the event.
“Sometimes miserable weather can draw people in, and this is going to sound weird, but last year before I started in this role, one of my friends who owns a bar said that 3rd in the Burg in January of last year was insanely popular at her bar,” Lepo said. “It was raining, it was cold, and it was miserable, but people were like, ‘Oh it’s so cold and miserable. I just want to be out doing something with other people,’ and it worked out really well.”
For more information about 3rd in the Burg and the businesses that participate, visit the website and follow on Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).
Comment or story idea? Contact KnightlyEditors@CentralPenn.Edu.
Edited by media-club co-adviser and blog editor Professor Michael Lear-Olimpi.
