Fall Family Fun Day
Welcome autumn at Fall Family Fun Day at the Ned Smith Center.
It's a day full of crafts and activities designed for the whole family to enjoy! Participate in fall-themed festivities, like pumpkin chunkin' and carving, and enjoy the beautiful fall foliage the lands have to offer.
The hiking trails and Natures Discovery Play Area will be available for these wishing to discover the Center's everyday offerings, but there will also be a variety of guided crafts for kids of all ages.
The day will culminate with a live animal show presented on the DeSoto Amphitheater. We hope to see you there!
| 2020 Fall Family Fun Day has been cancelled due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic |
Nature & Arts Festival
Join us for this annual FREE celebration of nature and the arts; the perfect way to celebrate summer! Since 1994, the Center has held its annual festival, which began as the “Ned Smith Tribute Festival.” Now, more than 25 years later, this event is still going strong, bringing free family-friendly, educational entertainment to thousands of people all over central Pennsylvania. Although elements of the festival have changed over the years, certain favorite activities have become permanent fixtures, like the make-it-yourself bluebird boxes, live-animal demonstrations, delicious local food and artisans and our fish-print t-shirts!
Ted Lick Memorial Shoot
Ready, pull!
You don’t want to miss this high-profile sporting clay shoot, held at Blue Ridge Sportsmen’s Club in Linglestown, PA.
Enjoy a round of 100 clay birds, a cocktail hour and awards dinner, and a silent and live auction. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to meet and shoot with dozens of central Pennsylvania business leaders. And all the while, you’ll be supporting the Center and our unique and dynamic education programming.
Trail Run
Our Tröegs sponsored RUGGED Trail Run engaged over 300 participants PLUS spectators, staff, volunteers and vendors in both 2018 and 2019. We are geared up for making our 2020 run another successful fundraiser in support of Our Mission of merging the arts and the natural world.
The Center boasts a beautiful woodland setting, 12 miles of trails on 500+ acres, a scenic bridge over the Wiconisco Creek, a natural play area, three ever changing art galleries featuring Ned Smith’s art and various national and local artists, a gift shop AND innovative educational programs.
This race is open to all ages, and prizes will be given to the top male and female runners in each age group.
On your mark, get set, go!
THE 2020 TRAIL RUN HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC. REFUNDS WILL BE ISSUED THROUGH THE TIMING COMPANY WHERE YOU REGISTERED AND SHOULD BE COMPLETED WITHIN 30 DAYS.
Desoto Amphitheater Series
The DeSoto Amphitheater for the Performing Arts is an expression of the Ned Smith Center’s mission to merge the worlds of nature and the arts. At the DeSoto Amphitheater, the arts have a home surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the Ned Smith Center lands.
Doors open at 6 p.m., performances begin at 7 p.m., unless otherwise noted. Tickets for most shows are $15 per person unless otherwise noted.
Please bring your favorite outdoor seating. We also allow picnics and BYOB. Our friends at Max’s Grille and Sports Bar will be selling food and drinks and Armstrong Valley Winery will be selling wine at most shows.
Please see below for abbreviated DeSoto Amphitheater Summer Schedule:
Gallery Series
At night, within the walls of our beautiful Ned Smith Gallery, intimate concerts are held during the spring months. Join us as we bring together top name local and national talent to perform at the Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art.
