In Greencastle, where the spirit of the season sneaks up faster than a Black Friday line, local businesses are rolling out the red carpet—or at least the festive garland—for the Downtown & Around Town Holiday Open House on Saturday, Nov. 1. Shoppers can dive into a treasure trove of decorating essentials, stylish clothing, cozy shoes and thoughtful gifts tailored for Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations, all while supporting the community’s vibrant retail heartbeat. Hours will vary by store, so savvy visitors should check ahead to maximize their merry-making.
Spotlight thieves need not apply—unless they’re women composers or the divas who made their tunes timeless—at the Cumberland Valley School of Music’s 36th annual Gala Showcase Concert, “Ladies in the Limelight,” set for 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2, in the Thomson Alumnae Chapel at Wilson College in Chambersburg. The event celebrates female trailblazers in music with performances highlighting their works, drawing music lovers for an afternoon of inspiration and melody. Tickets cost $30 for patrons (who score program shoutouts, prime seats and treat-filled goody bags), $15 general admission, $5 for CVSM family members or free for current students and faculty; the venue sits at 1015 Philadelphia Ave.
In a venue once guarded by Cold War secrets, the Top Secret Tap Room at Fort Ritchie in Cascade, Maryland, will transform into a treasure trove of temptation on Sunday, Nov. 2, when the Blue Ridge Summit Free Library hosts its annual silent auction fundraiser from 3 to 6 p.m. Local musician Rich Fehle will provide live entertainment, while food and drinks are available for purchase, all to raise funds for the library’s community programs. Event organizer and board member Katie Lehr promises more than 50 family-friendly auction baskets—featuring Ravens gear, luxury brands like Michael Kors and Kate Spade, pop culture icons from Harry Potter to the Grinch, and seasonal delights—plus new multiple 50/50 raffles to amp up the excitement. “We’re grateful to the Tap Room for partnering with us in this beautiful facility, the latest gem in the Ritchie Revival project’s redevelopment of the former military base into a vibrant community hub,” Lehr said.
As autumn’s chill sets in, imbibers can thaw their spirits at the 10th annual Fall Back Cider, Spirits & Wine Fest, where more than 130 libations from over 25 wineries, cideries, distilleries and breweries promise to turn back the clock on sobriety. The event unfolds from 1 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, at the Washington County Agricultural Education Center, 7313 Sharpsburg Pike in Boonsboro, Maryland, drawing crowds eager to sip seasonal delights while competing in games, perusing dozens of vendors and devouring fare from top local food trucks. Tickets range from $15 to $49, offering a flavorful escape from the impending winter doldrums.
When the jack-o’-lanterns start looking more like they’ve lost a bar fight, Runaway Bull Farm in Hagerstown, Maryland, invites thrill-seekers to deliver the knockout punch at its Pumpkin Smash event. On Saturday, Nov. 1, the farm at 17163 Lappans Road will host the seasonal finale, where participants wield provided tools to pulverize leftover field pumpkins for eager barnyard animals to devour, turning waste into wildlife fodder in a delightfully destructive win-win. Admission costs $12.95 online or $13.95 at the gate, with free entry for children 2 and under; details at runawaybullfarm.com.
