Bringing the community together

NOTICE: During these uncertain times with the novel coronavirus still a concern, as well as other changes happening at The Institute, planning for our 2021 community events is still underway.

Stay tuned for new information about these events!

The Institute provides free family-friendly community events throughout the spring, summer and fall. From the Annual Kite Fun Fly and Earth Celebration Day & Festival of Art in April, Youth Festival in May, sizzling Jazz Fest in August to Halloween Storytelling in October, there are exciting family activities happening month to month. Most take place outdoors.

Check out these family-friendly, fun events!

Annual Fun Fly 2021

Saturday, April 10 • 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Underwriting support provided by Buchanan Auto Park

Free kite flying (all ages) with expert flying help from our Kite Masters—brothers Sam and George Adams—in the field adjacent to Hooverville Elementary School in Waynesboro. Bring your own kite. Build a Kite workshop is scheduled from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., all welcome; $1 materials donation.

Watch this amazing video by local photographer, videographer, and video editor, Andrew Gehman, created during the 2013 Fun Fly. Watch the video here.

Earth Celebration Day 2021

Saturday, April 24 • 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Underwriting support provided by Angela Grove-Weagly in memory of Joyce L. Ceyler & Richard D. Ceyler, and by Lucinda D. Potter, CPA.

NOTICE: Details for the 2021 Earth Celebration Day event (modified for Covid safety protocols) have been announced! Visit our Earth Celebration Day event page for the most up-to-date information! 

The Institute celebrates spring with environmental exhibits, music, student clothesline display, and food stand. Free admission. Event will take place outdoors at Red Run Park. Please come prepared for an outdoor day, (light) rain or shine. Subject to cancellation in the event of heavy rain. Check our Earth Day calendar page for fliers and exhibitor lists when posted.
Watch a video of the 2013 event, created by Andrew Gehman.

Youth Festival—Our 32nd

Get Up and Go…Outside!

Sunday, May 23, 2021 • 1 to 5:30 p.m. at Pine Hill Recreation Area

Underwriting support provided last year by Patriot Federal Credit Union

This fun event features a variety of workshops, demonstrations, activities, exhibits, and entertainment throughout the day. Specialty playshops tie in the theme with all sorts of fun activities. Professional guest performers are always exciting, entertaining and fun! Pre-register for fun playshops.
Youth Fest is the best-kept FUN SECRET in Waynesboro! Free admission. [Rain site Waynesboro Area Middle School]

Check back for details on our 2021 Event Page.

Check out this cool video from 2013, created for the institute by Andrew Gehman. Plus, visit our Flickr page to see great photos from 2015!

Guitarist Paul Bollenback, Ed Howard on bass, drummer Jerome Jennings and Eric Alexander on tenor sax play during Jazz Fest 2016.

30th Annual Jazz Festival 2021

Sunday, August 29 • 2 to 4 p.m. Location to be determined—check back!

Underwriting support provided last year by lead sponsor, FirstEnergy Foundation on behalf of West Penn Power, plus a grant from the Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts, a state agency funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. Additional support provided by Franklin County Visitors Bureau, and Stephen D. Fisher. Additional sponsors welcome!

The Institute’s annual jazz festival spotlights top professional artists each year with stellar performing artists that light up the outdoor stage with hot summer jazz. Check out our event page for information on this year’s all star lineup of musicians.

The concert is followed by an informal question and answer period. Free and open to the public. Flier with all details coming soon. [Rain site: Waynesboro Area High School auditorium]. Enjoy a taste of the Jazz Fest with this video!