Community Events

This year is our 32nd Institute annual jazz festival—featuring NEA Jazz Master Big Chief Donald Harrison Jr. The Institute's annual jazz festival continues to spotlight top professional artists each year that light up the outdoor stage with hot summer jazz. Admission is free. Rain location is Waynesboro Area Middle School. See musician bios here. Check […]

You'll be raven' about this performance! FREE and open to the public. The Institute presents a theatrical production spotlighting Edgar Allan Poe, performed in an outdoor venue by MEG Theatre (Maryland Entertainment Group (MEG Theatre) Professional actor Todd Loughry brings Poe to life, performing fan favorites along with mixture of poetry and musings. Loughry has […]

NASA space scientist, Todd Toth, and the staff of Buttonwood Nature Center (formerly The Institute) will guide a safe viewing experience of a solar eclipse at the stadium of Waynesboro Area Senior High School. On April 8, 2024, the shadow of the Moon will sweep across the entire United States from the Texas-Mexico border through the […]

April is National Kite Month Our 28th annual kite fly event in Waynesboro! Free kite flying (all ages) with expert flying help from our Kite Masters—brothers Sam and George Adams—in the fields adjacent to Hooverville Elementary School in Waynesboro, Pa. Bring your own kite. Build a Kite workshop is ongoing, all welcome; $1 materials donation […]

Our 2024 Earth Celebration will happen at Pine Hill Recreation Area in Waynesboro, Pa. Buttonwood Nature Center, Home of The Institute celebrates spring with environmental exhibitors, live music, environmental artists and artisans, a student art show and more. Spend a day in the park and celebrate spring and the Earth! Yard Sale Fundraiser: 9 a.m.–3 p.m. […]

Youth Festival—Our 35th! Play Outside is the spirit of Youth Fest! Fun outside day for kids to include hikes, story walk, hands-on activities and partnered stations. Happening at Pine Hill Recreation Area in Waynesboro, PA This fun event features a variety of workshops, demonstrations, activities, exhibits, and entertainment throughout the day. Professional guest performers are […]

Jazz guitarist, Paul Bollenback This year is our 33rd annual Jazz Festival.  Buttonwood Nature Center, home of The Institute presents our annual jazz festival, which continues to spotlight top professional artists each year that light up the outdoor stage with hot summer jazz. As always, admission is free! We are returning to The Wharf again […]

FREE and open to the public! Buttonwood Nature Center is hosting its fourth annual Winter Solstice Celebration. The winter solstice is the longest night—or shortest day—of the year, and typically falls around December 21 in the Northern Hemisphere. After the solstice, the days get gradually longer. Since ancient times, people all over the world have recognized […]

Youth Festival—Our 36th event! Location is To Be Announced—stay tuned. Play Outside is the spirit of Youth Fest! Fun outside day for kids to include hikes, story walk, hands-on activities and partnered stations. Happening at Pine Hill Recreation Area in Waynesboro, PA This fun event features a variety of workshops, demonstrations, activities, exhibits, and entertainment […]