October 2026 Cultural Arts Calendar

October 1 – December 5, Tuesday-Saturday, 10 am-4 pm – A Great and Truthful Medium: Photography at Gettysburg and Beyond and Uncle Abe: “The Common Image of the Uncommon Man” @ Schmucker Art Gallery, Gettysburg College

Historic photographs of the town of Gettysburg and the public image of Abraham Lincoln will anchor two student-curated exhibitions during the fall semester. Admission is free. www.gettysburg.edu/gallery

rocky horror

October 2 from 5-7 pm – First Friday Arts Exhibition @ Adams County Arts Council

Join your friends and neighbors to see the Chris Glatfelter Legacy Collection, featuring art she collected from local artists, antique crocks and pottery, and much more, all available for purchase. David Harrison’s photography exhibit “Water: As I See It!” will be in the Studio, and The Gettysburg Witches Walk members will present an eclectic collection of artwork by artists within their wonderfully witchy community. Free. www.adamsarts.org

October 2 at 7 pm – Poetry First Friday @ Ragged Edge Coffeehouse

Join other poetry lovers upstairs at the Ragged Edge Coffeehouse. The program begins with an open mic, followed by a reading from guest poet Shirley Brewer, who serves as resident poet at the George Washington Carver Center for the Arts and Technology in Towson, Maryland. Coffee, tea and goodies are available downstairs before you ascend for the reading. Admission is free. www.katygiebenhain.com/firstfridays.html

October 3 and 4 at 2 and 7:30 pm – The Music of Queen and Journey @ Totem Pole Playhouse

Audiences can expect powerhouse vocals, a live band and favorites including “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Are the Champions,” “Anyway You Want It” and “Don’t Stop Believin’.” Tickets: $50-$61. www.totempoleplayhouse.org

October 8 at 8 pm – Sunderman Conservatory Orchestra Concert @ Majestic Theater

Join the College Orchestra under the direction of conductor Ryan Kozak as they present their first performance of the season. Tickets are $5 or free with a Gettysburg College ID. www.gettysburgmajestic.org

October 9-17 at 7 and 10 pm – The Rocky Horror Show @ Gettysburg Community Theatre

This audience favorite returns to GCT with all the humor, music and wonderfully strange fun that audiences know and love. With only 80 seats, the theater fills quickly for this show, so plan ahead. Tickets are $25. www.gettysburgcommunitytheatre.org

October 10 at 4 pm – Lyrica Chamber Music @ United Lutheran Seminary

The acclaimed trio of piano, violin and cello makes its Gettysburg debut in a concert featuring works by Clara Schumann, Felix Mendelssohn and more. Admission and parking are free, with a freewill offering collected. www.musicgettysburg.org

October 15 at 7 pm – The PEOPLE Project 2026: Crossroads @ Majestic Theater

This event began in 2017 with Lisa Cordiano and has historically included storytelling, music and dance performances, visual artwork exhibitions and a video project. Join the community to hear stories and music and view artwork illustrating the crossroads of present-day community members who have come to live, work and play in Adams County. Tickets: $20. www.gettysburgmajestic.org

October 17 at 10:30 am – Seussical the Musical, TYA @ Totem Pole Playhouse

Come celebrate the characters of every child’s favorite writer. This is a free performance open to the public. Please reserve free seats online. www.totempoleplayhouse.org

October 24 from 9 am-9 pm – Celebrating the Legacy of Band of Brothers @ Majestic Theater

For 25 years, Band of Brothers has embodied the legacy of Easy Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division. Presented by the Gettysburg Museum of History, this special anniversary celebration honors these veterans whose courage and sacrifice inspired the series and recognizes their role in perpetuating the memories of World War II. Tickets are $25-$40 for various lectures, panel discussions and the documentary. Check the website for details. www.gettysburgmajestic.org

October 24 at 2 and 7:30 pm – Jonathan Burns, Comedy @ Totem Pole Playhouse

This nationally recognized physical comedian and variety performer is known for his wildly imaginative blend of contortion, comedy and unexpected physical feats. Tickets: $38-$47. www.totempoleplayhouse.org

October 25 at 4 pm – Bowers (flute), Hochmiller (soprano), Day (guitar) @ United Lutheran Seminary

Music for flute, guitar and soprano by three stars of Gettysburg College’s Sunderman Conservatory. Admission and parking are free, with a freewill offering accepted. www.musicgettysburg.org

October 30 at 7:30 pm – Peggy Haas Howell, Organ @ United Lutheran Seminary

The “Haunted Halloween Concert” offers an opportunity to hear organist Peggy Haas Howell alongside members of the Gettysburg Choral Society and the Gettysburg Children’s Choir in an evening celebrating Halloween through music and storytelling. Admission and parking are free, with a freewill offering collected. www.musicgettysburg.org

October 31 from 10 am-noon – Making Early Dutch and German Organ Music Come Alive @ United Lutheran Seminary

In this free workshop, open to the public, Ms. Howell will demonstrate early performance technique and lead a master class. Free admission.

October 31 at 8 pm – Gettysburg College Choral Concert @ Gettysburg College Chapel

Under the direction of Dr. Robert Natter, the college’s choirs present their first concert of the year. Admission is $5 or free with a Gettysburg College ID. www.gettysburg.edu/sunderman

Gail Jones

Gail Jones has enjoyed a twenty-five-year career as a music educator in Pennsylvania and Maryland public schools as well as teaching music education methods at Gettysburg College for over a decade. She has also served as a guest conductor, French horn player, and private music instructor. Gail has a deep appreciation for live music performances of all genres and encourages Adams County residents to attend the many concerts offered in our community.

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