A Running List of Things to Do in the Borough and Beyond
Each week I share a Roundup of West Chester news and events at the end of which is a list of upcoming events. However, due to space in the newsletter, I can only share a week or two out but I often have information about events much earlier, so I thought I would share with you my working document. Now you know what I know.
March
Mar. 17 – St. Patrick’s Day, Kildare’s Irish Pub, 7 a.m. – close. Malarkey Brothers are on from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. the John Byrne Band from 6 – 10 p.m. Then there will be a DJ for anyone left standing. No reservations.
Mar. 17 – St. Patrick’s Day, Ryan’s Pub, 12 p.m. – close. Food and drink specials all day including on Irish classics like Guinness Beef Stew, Corned Beef & Cabbage, Fish & Chips, Bangers & Mash and Shepherd’s Pie.
Mar. 17 – Science on Tap – Kinesiology, Barnaby’s Restaurant, 6 p.m. Each session will feature a different WCU expert sharing interesting ideas and new research. The program invites audience participation, and of course, food and drink will be available for purchase. Cheers to science!
Mar. 18 – Apr. 22 – Introduction to Astronomy Class, Peirce Middle School, Room C106, 7 p.m. Learn about the night sky and the instruments used to peer deep into the heavens and get a chance to learn how to use your own telescope (not required). Meets Wednesdays. Class cost: $64. Registration required.
Mar. 19 – West Chester Multi-Employer Job Fair, West Chester Community Center, 501 E. Miner St., 2 – 4 p..m. Looking for a new opportunity? This is a great place to start. It’s especially helpful for neighbors who are changing careers, reentering the workforce, or trying to bounce back after unemployment.
Mar. 20 – Crafternoon: Terracotta Pot Painting, West Chester Public Library, 1 – 2 p.m. Celebrate the first day of spring by painting your own terracotta pot. Open to children 5+. Registration required.
Mar. 20 – CCAS Monthly Observing Session, Myrick Conservancy Center, Brandywine Red Clay Alliance. 7:00 p.m. Join the Chester County Astronomical Society for their monthly look at the skies.
Mar. 20 – 36th Annual WCU Jazz Festival – Philadelphia’s Finest Meet The Criterions: Joanna Pascale & John Swana, WCU Madeleine Wing Adler Theatre, 7:30 – 9 p.m. This concert is free and open to the public.
Mar. 21 – West Chester Growers Market, corner of Church and Chestnut, 10 a.m. – noon.
Mar. 21 – 36th Annual WCU Jazz Festival – High School Jazz Festival, WCU Madeleine Wing Adler Theatre, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tickets required.
Mar. 22 – Photos with the Easter Bunny, Barnaby’s West Chester, 12 – 2 p.m. Bring the kids to Barnaby’s for FREE photos with the Easter Bunny and a bunch of crafts to keep them busy. St. Patrick’s Day specials available for the adults.
Mar. 22 – National Puppy Day Party, Levante Brewing. Stop by for a full day of tail wags and cold brews.
Mar. 24 – Pre-Revision Novel Prep: Know Where You Are Before You Dive In, Ryan’s Pub, 7 p.m. Brandywine Valley Writers Group is hosting book coach and editor Diana Sinovic at their monthly meet-up. The club meets the third Tuesday of the month at Ryan’s Pub for those interested in joining.
Mar. 24 – New Music at WCU: Pathos Trio, WCU Ware Family Recital Hall, Swope Music Building, 7:30 – 9 p.m. Pathos Trio is a New York-based piano and two-percussion ensemble acclaimed for their invigorating interpretations of contemporary works. This concert is free and open to the public.
Mar. 25 – TEDx West Chester University, Madeleine Wing Adler Theatre, 4 -8 p.m. Featuring speakers from West Chester University faculty, student communities, and regional professionals, this event celebrates collaborations between science and art, dedicated to expanding how we see, understand, and shape the world around us. Tickets: $10/adult; $5/student.
Mar. 25 – How the Body Works, West Chester Public Library, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. This 10-week program exploring how the body works is open to kids ages 8 to 13. This is session 4 – Brain and Nervous System. Registration is required for each class and opens a week before.
Mar. 26 – Curious about Voice Coach Lessons, West Chester Public Library, 4:30-5:30 p.m. If you are curious about what goes on with voice lessons, take a free class with a professional vocal coach to find out. Registration required. This concert is free and open to the public.
Mar. 26 – Presentation with Ned Donogue, West Goshen Township Administration Building, 7 p.m. Historian Ned Donogue discusses the role of Quakers during the American Revolution, how the war affected their daily lives, and how both sides of the conflict dealt with Quaker dissent. This is a free event but registration is required.
Mar. 26 – New Music at WCU: Dylan Owen, Windish Entertainment, 4 W. Prescott Alley, 7:30 – 9 p.m. Dylan Owen is an LA-based rap artist celebrated for his confessional, heartfelt storytelling.
Mar. 28 – Bunny Run 5K and 2K walk, 10 Church St. 8 a.m. $35/registration fee. Race proceeds benefit the Care Center Foundation. All fitness levels welcome. Easter Bunny expected. This is the first time for this event.
Mar. 28 – West Chester Easter Egg Hunt, Everhart Park, 10 a.m. Different hunts for ages 2-5 and 5+ This event is free and open to the public.
Mar. 28 – Westtown Township Egg Hike, Oakbourne Park, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Registration opens Mar. 3. Open to Westtown residents only.
Mar. 28 – WCU Live! Presents The Doo Wop Project, WCU Philips Memorial Building, 7 p.m. The Doo Wop Project captures and delivers the classic sounds of the guys who, back in the day, harmonized with each other on stoops, in the subway, and on street corners, and they have also created a unique, exciting, fun way to “Doowop-ify” today’s biggest hits. Tickets: $26 – 36.50 depending on location.
Mar. 30 – Junior Detectives Club, West Chester Public Library, 5:30 -6:30 p.m. Explore the Nazca Lines of Peru. How were they created? Why were they created? What purpose do they serve? Open to kids 8 -12. Registration required.
Mar. 31 – Spring Story Time Registration opens, WCPL website. 10 a.m.
April
Apr. 1 – How the Body Works, West Chester Public Library, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. This 10-week program exploring how the body works is open to kids ages 8 to 13. This is session 5 – The 5 Senses. Registration is required for each class and opens a week before.
Apr. 3-5 – Goshen Fire Company: Spring Flower Sale, Station 56, Boot & Greenhill Rds. Choose from potted plants, hanging plants, and more.
Apr. 4 – West Chester Growers Market, corner of Church and Chestnut, 10 a.m. – noon.
Apr. 4 – First Presbyterian Easter Egg Hunt, Everhart Park, 10 a.m. This is a free community event.
Apr. 6 – Chair Yoga, West Chester Public Library, 10 -10:45 a.m. Chair yoga is an all-inclusive practice that uses a chair as a supportive tool in modified yoga poses. Registration recommended. Walk-ins welcome as long as space allows.
Apr. 6 – Valley Forge Audubon Society Presents: All About Owls, West Chester Public Library, 3:30 -4:30 p.m. Open to grades 6 – 12. And sorry, there will be no live owls in the library. Registration required.
Apr. 7 – Teen/Tween Tuesday: Using Pastels, West Chester Public Library, 4:30 – 6 p.m. Open to ages 11 – 18. Registration required.
Apr. 8 – How the Body Works, West Chester Public Library, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. This 10-week program exploring how the body works is open to kids ages 8 to 13. This is session 6 – Bones and Muscles. Registration is required for each class and opens a week before.
Apr. 8 – WCU Live! Presents: Tamagawa Drumming, WCU Emilie K. Asplundh Hall, 7:30 p.m. Nearly 30 drummers and dancers from Tamagawa University, Japan, make a return appearance on our campus for an athletic and graceful performance. Tickets: $20.75 – 28, depending on location.
Apr. 10 – Trivia Night, Virtual, 7 – 8 p.m. Sponsored by the West Chester Public Library. Join for an hour of trivia online. Registration required.
Apr. 13 – Chair Yoga, West Chester Public Library, 10 -10:45 a.m. Chair yoga is an all-inclusive practice that uses a chair as a supportive tool in modified yoga poses. Registration recommended. Walk-ins welcome as long as space allows.
Apr. 14 – Teen/Tween Tuesday: Propagate Plants, West Chester Public Library, 4:30 – 6 p.m. Open to ages 11 – 18. Registration required.
Apr. 14 – Silent Book Club, Bierhaul Townhouse, 5-7:30 p.m. An hour of silent reading begins at 6 p.m.
Apr. 14 – CCAS Monthly Meeting, Merion Science Center, Room 112, WCU (as well as via Zoom). 7:30 p.m. Join the Chester County Astronomical Society for their monthly meeting. Guest Speaker: Dr. Masahiro Ono, NASA/JPL, “From the Surface of Mars to the Oceans of Enceladus and Europa: Advancing the Frontiers of Exploration with EELS Adaptive Robots.”
Apr. 15 – How the Body Works, West Chester Public Library, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. This 10-week program exploring how the body works is open to kids ages 8 to 13. This is session 7 – The Digestive System. Registration is required for each class and opens a week before.
Apr. 18 – West Chester Growers Market, corner of Church and Chestnut, 10 a.m. – noon.
Apr. 18 – Marshall Square Park Spring Clean-up, Marshall Square Park. Help pick up debris from this winter and clean up few areas. It is light work, suitable for the whole family.
Apr. 19 – Arts & Craft Night, Hop Fidelity, 4 p.m. Join for a night of making collages using album covers and magazines and other fun stuff! Making the art is Free! And all supplies are provided.
Apr. 20 – Craft Night: Upcycled Glass Vases, Oakbourne Mansion, 6:30 p.m. Celebrate Earth Day by turning a glass jar into a beautiful vase. Materials provided – except for scissors. Cost $5. Registration required.
Apr. 20 – Chair Yoga, West Chester Public Library, 10 -10:45 a.m. Chair yoga is an all-inclusive practice that uses a chair as a supportive tool in modified yoga poses. Registration recommended. Walk-ins welcome as long as space allows.
Apr. 21 – Science on Tap -Psychology, Barnaby’s Restaurant, 6 p.m. Each session will feature a different WCU expert sharing interesting ideas and new research. The program invites audience participation, and, of course, food and drink will be available for purchase. Cheers to science!
Apr. 22 – How the Body Works, West Chester Public Library, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. This 10-week program exploring how the body works is open to kids ages 8 to 13. This is session 8 – All About DNA. Registration is required for each class and opens a week before.
Apr. 23 – Neighbors United Against Hunger, Chester County History Center, 6 -9 p.m. Support WC Food Cupboard’s mission to provide healthy food to people in need in our community. Tickets are $125 each and include a fun night with small plate stations, passed hors d’oeuvres, beer, wine, soft drinks and desserts from local vendors. There will also be live music, a silent auction, and a paddle raise.
Apr. 24 – Yoga Storytime, West Chester Public Library, 10:30 – 11 a.m. Ages 2 – 6. Registration required.
Apr. 25 – Everhart Park Spring Clean Up, Everhart Park, 9 a.m. – noon. Meet at the Children’s Cottage near the children’s entrance and playground off W. Union St. Bring gloves and wear comfortable shoes.
Apr. 26 – Beat Ben Fun Run, East Goshen Park, 12 p.m. Children can focus on fitness and fun as they try to outpace founding father Ben Franklin!
Apr. 27 – Chair Yoga, West Chester Public Library, 10 -10:45 a.m. Chair yoga is an all-inclusive practice that uses a chair as a supportive tool in modified yoga poses. Registration recommended. Walk-ins welcome as long as space allows.
Apr 28 – Teen/Tween Tuesday: Planting Outside the Library, West Chester Public Library, 4:30 – 6 p.m. Open to ages 11 – 18. Registration required.
Apr. 29 – How the Body Works, West Chester Public Library, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. This 10-week program exploring how the body works is open to kids ages 8 to 13. This is session 9 – Germs & Immunity. Registration is required for each class and opens a week before.
May
May 1 – Gay Street Open Air Market opens for the season
May 1 – Spring Gallery Walk, Downtown West Chester, 4 -8 p.m. This self-guided art tour celebrates the thriving community of artists and galleries that make greater West Chester their home. Multiple galleries combine with additional “one-night-only” show hosts to showcase some great local Chester County artists. This is a free event.
May 2 – West Chester Growers Market, corner of Church and Chestnut, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
May 4 – Last Day of Spring Semester Classes, WCU
May 4, Running Home 5K, downtown West Chester, corner of Market and Church Sts., 9 a.m. $30 registration. Proceeds go to support North Star of Chester County.
May 6 – How the Body Works, West Chester Public Library, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. This 10-week program exploring how the body works is open to kids ages 8 to 13. This is session 10 – Tying it all together. Registration is required for each class and opens a week before.
May 7 – Bournelyf Special Camps 5K, downtown West Chester, corner of Market and Church Sts. $30 registration before Mar. 6, $35 after. Proceeds go to support Bournelyf Special Camp. Join the after-race party at Wrong Crowd and get a free pour.
May 8-10 – WCU Commencement Ceremonies, various
May 12 – Science on Tap – Chemistry, Barnaby’s Restaurant, 6 p.m. Each session will feature a different WCU expert sharing interesting ideas and new research. The program invites audience participation and, of course, food and drink will be available for purchase. Cheers to science!
May 15 – Virtual Golf on Gay St., Gay St closure in front of the Post Office, 4 – 8 p.m.
May 30 – America 250 Celebration, East Goshen Park, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Fun for the whole family with a parade, moonbounces, historical demonstrations and presentations in a “Town Square,” public reading and signing of The Declaration of Independence, concerts featuring the Chester County Concert Band and The Greaseband, fireworks and drones, and more
June 7 – Turks Head Music Festival, Everhart Park, noon to 7 p.m. (Rain Date: June 14)
June 22 – Mini Golf on Gay St., Gay St. closure, 12 – 4 p.m.
Aug. 4 – Night Out Against Crime/Touch a Truck, Henderson High School, 6 – 9 p.m.
Aug. 20 – An Evening with Inventor Ben Franklin, East Goshen Township building, 7 p.m. This is a free event. Registration required.
Sept. 20 – 45th Annual Chester County Restaurant Festival, downtown West Chester, noon – 5:30 p.m.
Oct. 28 – West Chester Halloween Parade, downtown West Chester, 7 p.m. Rain date: Oct. 29
Dec. 5 – Santa in the Square, Marshall Square Park, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.