2026 Entertainment Preview: 15+ Highly Anticipated Local Highlights

Key Takeaways:

• The Hershey Theatre is set to reopen in 2026 after undergoing major renovations, with a new seating arrangement, updated air conditioning, and improved lighting and Wi-Fi.
• A new book, "Urban and the Chocolate King," will be released in 2026, exploring the relationship between architect C. Emlen Urban and Milton Hershey.
• A biopic about Milton Hershey’s life, starring Finn Wittrock and Alexandra Daddario, is expected to be released in 2026.
• The Lancaster Fringe Fest will debut in May 2026, featuring a variety of performances, including theater, music, and art.
• Several unique events will take place in Lancaster County in 2026, including the Lunar New Year celebration, Marietta’s Cherry Blossom Festival, and Lititz’s Fourth of July celebration.

Introduction to 2026 Local Entertainment
The year 2026 is shaping up to be an exciting one for local entertainment in Lancaster County. With a range of new events, performances, and releases, there’s something for everyone to look forward to. From the reopening of the Hershey Theatre to the debut of the Lancaster Fringe Fest, this year promises to be a vibrant and engaging one for fans of art, music, and theater.

Hershey Theatre Reopening
The Hershey Theatre is set to reopen in early March 2026, after undergoing major renovations. The theater has been closed since mid-January, but it will soon be back in business, offering a range of performances and events. The first event scheduled to take place at the newly renovated theater is a show by astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson on March 5. The renovations include new seating, upgrades to the air conditioning, updated lighting and Wi-Fi, and improvements to the orchestra pit. This is great news for fans of the theater, who have been eagerly awaiting its reopening.

New Book Release: "Urban and the Chocolate King"
A new book, "Urban and the Chocolate King," is set to be released in 2026. Written by LNP | LancasterOnline’s architecture columnist, Gregory J. Scott, the book explores the relationship between architect C. Emlen Urban and Milton Hershey. The book promises to be a fascinating read, delving into the history of these two influential figures and their impact on the region. This is a must-read for anyone interested in local history and architecture.

Biopic: "Hershey"
A biopic about Milton Hershey’s life is expected to be released in 2026, starring Finn Wittrock and Alexandra Daddario as Hershey and his wife, Catherine "Kitty" Hershey. The movie will explore the life and legacy of the chocolate company founder, including his early years as a candy store apprentice and his later success as a caramel maker in Lancaster. This is a highly anticipated release, and fans of Hershey’s story will be eager to see it brought to life on the big screen.

Lancaster Fringe Fest Debut
The Lancaster Fringe Fest will debut in May 2026, featuring a variety of performances, including theater, music, and art. The event promises to bring together a community of creators who are inspired to share their stories and talents with the world. With around 40 performances scheduled to take place in 20 different venues across Lancaster city, this is an event not to be missed. The festival will showcase the best of local talent, and attendees can expect to be entertained and inspired by the range of acts on offer.

Unique Events in Lancaster County
Lancaster County is known for its vibrant events scene, and 2026 is no exception. Several unique events are scheduled to take place throughout the year, including the Lunar New Year celebration, Marietta’s Cherry Blossom Festival, and Lititz’s Fourth of July celebration. These events showcase the best of the county’s culture and community, and are a great way to experience all that Lancaster has to offer. Whether you’re interested in food, drink, music, or simply celebrating with friends and family, there’s something for everyone in Lancaster County’s events calendar.

Sight & Sound Films’ Second Release
Sight & Sound Films is set to release its second film, "A Great Awakening," in April 2026. The company’s debut film, "I Heard the Bells," was a huge success, and fans will be eager to see what they have in store for their second release. With a range of local creatives involved in the production, this is a film that promises to be both entertaining and thought-provoking. The movie’s success will be closely watched, and it’s likely to be a hit with audiences.

Theater Events
Lancaster County’s theater scene is thriving, with a range of productions scheduled to take place throughout 2026. From "Dear Evan Hansen" at the Fulton Theatre to "Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Carousel" in concert at the Hershey Theatre, there’s something for every theater fan to enjoy. Other highlights include "Every Brilliant Thing" at the Fulton Theatre, "Our Town" at Lancaster Shakespeare Theatre, and "Hadestown: Teen Edition" at EPAC and Servant Stage. With such a diverse range of productions on offer, theater fans will be spoiled for choice in 2026.

Music Events
Music fans will also have plenty to look forward to in 2026, with a range of concerts and performances scheduled to take place throughout the year. Denison Witmer, a Lancaster County native, will play two shows at West Art in February, and fans of his music won’t want to miss these intimate performances. With his latest album, "Anything at All," having been released to critical acclaim, Witmer’s shows are sure to be a highlight of the year’s music calendar. Other music events, including the Lancaster Fringe Fest and the Lunar New Year celebration, will also feature a range of musical acts, ensuring that there’s something for every music lover to enjoy.