If you're looking for fun, look no further than the collection of performing arts centers and great dining establishments in Cumberland Valley. Our venues range from cozy community theatres to state-of-the-art centers that draw national acts. Below we've put together a few options for you depending on which town you want to visit. Each includes a  suggestion for drinks or dessert to complete your evening.

Carlisle theatreCarlisle

Dinner

There are too many great dining options in downtown Carlisle to suggest just one. In fact, there are at least 15 restaurants in four short blocks. Choose from an eclectic mix of cuisines with flavors from across the globe. 

Show

There are two very distinct choices to catch a show in Carlisle. Enjoy a live performance or movie at the retro Carlisle Theatre or a quality performance by students at Dickinson College's Mathers Theater. Dickinson College also offers several musical performances by faculty and guest artists in Rubendall Recital Hall at the Weiss Center for the Arts.

Drinks & Dessert

Afterward, grab a delicious crepe or other tasty desserts at Helena's Chocolate Cafe & Creperie or a drink at one of several local breweries, including Molly Pitcher Brewing Co. You can also end the evening by relaxing with a glass of wine at Castlerigg Wine Shop or delightful selection of hard cider options at Grand Illusion Hard Cider. And top off a fun evening with a visit to one of Grand Illusion's two escape rooms.

Exterior of the Luhrs Center at twilight in Shippensburg, PAShippensburg

Dinner

Enjoy a delicious dinner before your show at Redemption BBQ, where the meat is smoked daily. Make it a full menu with a side order of comfort foods such as mac & cheese, onion petals, or shanty beans.

Show

You're sure to have an entertaining evening out at the H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center at Shippensburg University. This state-of-the-art center features Broadway performances, concerts by national recording artists, famous speakers, comedians, and more.

Drinks & Dessert

Afterward, enjoy drinks at Arooga's, known locally for its award-winning wings. You'll want to try the BIG Sweet Pretzel from the small dessert menu.

Mechanicsburg

Hellenic KouzinaDinner

Before a show nearby, enjoy dinner at the local favorite Hellenic Kouzina Greek Cafe. This spot serves up traditional Greek food and keeps patrons coming back time and time again. Note: They are BYOB.

Show

Settle in for a lively community performance at the Little Theatre of Mechanicsburg. Enjoy plays and musicals in this former one-room schoolhouse. 

Drinks & Dessert

Keep the fun going at Wolf Brewing Co., which has a late-night food menu served from 9 pm to close on Fridays and Saturdays. You'll also find artfully-crafted small batch brews. Or, for adults-only fun, try Lovedraft's Brewing Co., where the "music will be heavy and the meals will be hearty." Beers run the gamut for every palate, with ales, sours, porters, and IPAs.

Camp Hill

Ever Grain-26Dinner

Try something different before a show in Camp Hill. Located downtown, Cedars Restaurant features authentic and affordable Lebanese cuisine.

Show

Take in a musical, mystery, drama, or comedy at the non-profit, local Oyster Mill Playhouse. Performances take place in the converted 1820s mill.

Drinks & Dessert

Keep the fun going at Ever Grain Brewing Co. with a large variety of hand-crafted beers and artisan cocktails. Their food menu features a great selection of shareables.

New Cumberland

Dead Lightning-2 LandscapeDinner

Nick's 114 is a laid-back hometown favorite featuring traditional pub food, including soups, sandwiches, wings, burgers, crabcakes, and more. If you can't make it before the show, Nick's is also a great option for drinks and dessert afterward. You can indulge in cheesecake, brownies, rice pudding, ice cream, and more while relaxing with a beer.

Show

The newly-renovated West Shore Theatre was recently restored to the look and feel approximating its construction in 1939 with the addition of modern amenities. The intimate 200-seat theatre hosts a variety of concerts, performances, films, and plays.

Drinks & Dessert

Dead Lightning Distillery features an extensive drink menu with an assortment of their small batch spirits, including rums, flavored vodkas, flavored whiskeys, and gins. Or savor a variety of ice cream concoctions before or after the show at Hanna's Ice Cream Shoppe, designed with a retro '50s vibe.