Special Events

Special events on the Susquehanna and surrounding area….
"Rockin for the River" Benefit Concerts
Friday, June 9, 2023 - 6-9pm - featuring "Namaste" and their World music sound taking inspiration from indiginous music around the globe
Friday, July 14, 2023 - 6-9pm - featuring the eclectic rock and blues sounds of "The J. C. Fisher Band"
Friday, August 11, 2023 - 6-9pm - featuring "Plain Jane" and their classic rock and roll tunes
Featured Food Truck for all Concerts - "The Kilted Griller" - a variety of delicious sandwiches and sides, home cooked and delicious.
Join us for Rockin' for the River live music on our front porch overlooking the Susquehanna River. And all to benefit the Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper and their work to preserve and enhance our beautiful Susquehanna River. Bring lawn chairs and blankets and make yourself comfortable on the lawn, or come by kayak or boat and drop the hook in front of Shank's Mare. We will have food trucks on site with a portion of their sales benefitting the cause. There is no concert admission, but please be prepared to donate to our worthy River cause, and tip the band. Volunteers will circulate among the crowd collecting donations. All proceeds will benefit the clean water efforts of The Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper. We have just a couple guidelines for the evening:
Friday, July 14, 2023 - 6-9pm - featuring the eclectic rock and blues sounds of "The J. C. Fisher Band"
Friday, August 11, 2023 - 6-9pm - featuring "Plain Jane" and their classic rock and roll tunes
Featured Food Truck for all Concerts - "The Kilted Griller" - a variety of delicious sandwiches and sides, home cooked and delicious.
Join us for Rockin' for the River live music on our front porch overlooking the Susquehanna River. And all to benefit the Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper and their work to preserve and enhance our beautiful Susquehanna River. Bring lawn chairs and blankets and make yourself comfortable on the lawn, or come by kayak or boat and drop the hook in front of Shank's Mare. We will have food trucks on site with a portion of their sales benefitting the cause. There is no concert admission, but please be prepared to donate to our worthy River cause, and tip the band. Volunteers will circulate among the crowd collecting donations. All proceeds will benefit the clean water efforts of The Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper. We have just a couple guidelines for the evening:
- Please do not park on any lawn areas. There are three parking lots in the Lock 2 Recreation Area within a short walk to the concert, as well as a parking lot at Shank's Mare.
- Please respect the rules and regulations posted in the Lock 2 Recreation Area grounds.
- There is no admission for the concerts, but please be prepared to make donations to our worthy river cause.
- Please patronize the food trucks as they will add to the donations for our non-profit.
- It is appropriate to tip the band.
- Please PACK IN PACK OUT all trash - in other words take all your trash with you when you leave and dispose of it appropriately at your homes.
- All are welcome to enjoy great music from local bands outdoors on the banks of the Susquehanna River at Shank's Mare.
June 24-25, 2023 - Columbia Crossings
Shank's Mare will be working with the Susquehanna National Heritage Area to celebrate the Susquehanna River! Saturday, June 24th there will be a Run/Paddle Race. In addition, a Riverfest Expo will be held on the riverfront grounds at Columbia Crossings from 9am-Noon featuring vendors from area organizations and businesses that support everything Susquehanna. On Sunday afternoon, June 25th you will be able to register for Paddle the Battle kayak tours guided by Shank's Mare between the Columbia and Wrightsville shores and the site of the famous Civil War bridge burning. It's a weekend of fun on the Susquehanna. Click above for current information with lots more to come!
Saturday, September 16, 2023
Support the Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper and have some fun at the same time. Choose 3 race options - 1 mile, 3.5 mile or 10 mile - for kayaks, canoes or stand-up paddleboards. Takes place on the Susquehanna River at Shank's Mare.
4th Annual Great Plastic Purge on the Lower Susquehanna
2023 Date TBA
Attention all concerned citizens who want to improve and clean the Susquehanna River and its banks. Watch for information on this 3rd Annual Purge that offers clean-up stations and teams from Columbia to the Safe Harbor Dam on both York and Lancaster Shores. A great cause...and lots of fun!

Kayak Anglers of Central PA and Heroes on the Water Events
Kayak fishing tournaments sponsored by Kayak Anglers of Central PA are held at Shank's Mare and many other local waterways. For more information on this friendly and supportive kayak fishing group plus all the details on their full schedule throughout central PA, tournaments guidelines etc., click here. Heroes on the Water provide kayak fishing sessions to area veterans and their families free of charge. To get involved or to volunteer, click here.
Susquehanna Holiday Trail
Friday, November 24 thru Sunday December 17, 2023
Support local small businesses and enjoy a unique holiday shopping experience! Check out our facebook page for details.