This year’s lineup brings nationally recognized performers and local artists together with family programs, documentary films, gallery exhibitions, hands-on workshops, and free community events.
The Ware Center for the Arts, Millersville University’s performing arts center in downtown Lancaster, announces its 2026-2027 Visual & Performing Arts Season, featuring more than 50 opportunities to experience the arts. This year’s lineup brings nationally recognized performers and local artists together with family programs, documentary films, gallery exhibitions, hands-on workshops, and free community events.
New this season, the Arts for Health & Wellbeing series explores the role of the arts in health, healing, and quality of life. Highlights include an immersive performance by Grammy-winning Indian classical musician Sandeep Das, where audience members can experience the music from a cushion onstage or from seating in the auditorium.
Experience world-class performances
The Ware Center’s Performing Arts Series brings nationally and internationally recognized artists to Lancaster, including jazz legend Branford Marsalis, the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, country-pop trio DEK of Hearts, and Celtic supergroup Cherish the Ladies. The series spans genres and styles, offering audiences opportunities to experience flamenco, zydeco, rhythm and blues, marimba, and more.
Discover local and regional artists
The Ware Center continues to shine a light on local and regional artists through its Lancaster Loves series, now in its second year, pairing artists with shared musical DNA in sometimes surprising ways. This season’s lineup includes Harrisburg singer-songwriters Jeffrey Gaines and Meaghan Farrell, folk artists Rivers and Big Sky Quartet, and performer/director Reji Woods, who returns for another cabaret—this time, celebrating music from the silver screen.
Explore stories and ideas through film
The free On Screen/In Person series pairs documentary films with panel discussions and filmmaker Q&As, inviting audiences to explore complex topics through community conversations. This season’s films include Redemption Time, a multimedia performance film about a formerly incarcerated poet and jazz violinist reclaiming their lives through art, and A Long Way to Go, which explores the stories of three migrant nurses.
Engage kids in the arts
The Family Fun Fest offers programming designed for children and families, including an hour of free crafts and activities from campus and community organizations before each performance. This season includes the dynamic dog circus Cirque Du Canines, Milo the Magnificent, a wordless puppet show about a magician whose tricks don’t always go as planned, and the Japanese drumming sensation TAIKOPROJECT.
Connect with the community
We the People First Friday pairs live performances with new gallery openings, creating opportunities for audiences to experience music, visual art, and community together. This season’s events include a musical tour of African culture with the McCaskey Combined Choirs and an evening of popular music with The UnSinkables, a group of teens and young adults who receive services at Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development.
Learn and create
Once again, the Ware Center is offering hands-on Arts Workshops for all ages, with opportunities to learn about topics ranging from swing dancing to relief printing to drawing like Georgia O’Keeffe.
With free programming, family activities, educational opportunities, and accessibility services available throughout the season, the Ware Center continues its commitment to making the arts accessible to the entire community.
Start planning your year at the Ware Center! Explore the full season or view the digital season brochure.