October 3rd is First Friday in downtown Lancaster. “First Fridays occur on the first Friday evening of every month year round. Over 90 art galleries and shops extend their hours and stay open to 9:00 PM – some even later!” A lot of people come downtown for First Fridays, so come meet, mingle, and enjoy. For additional information, visit http://www.lancasterarts.com.

Want to try Yoga? On First Friday (Oct. 3), “Experience the uplifting energy of Kirtan, a form of group chanting from ancient India. Afterwards enjoy a sampling of delicious Ayurvedic vegetarian foods, flavored with exotic and healing Indian spices.” This is at “The Yoga Path” at 428 N. Duke St. Admission is $10 at the door. For more information, visit http://www.yogapathlancaster.com.

Also Friday, October 3, the Leola Freeze & Frizz is showing the movie National Treasure: Book of Secrets starring Nicholas Cage. The free movie is showing at 7:00 p.m. Attendees should bring their own lawn chairs or blankets. Food is available for purchase but may not be carried on to the premises. The Leola Freeze & Frizz is located at 250 New Holland Pike in Leola. For more information, call 717-656-4491.

The Freeze & Frizz will also be showing the movie 3:10 to Yuma at the same time on Saturday, October 4th.

Wednesday October 1st, “Listen to Robert Vitalis’ lecture on “America’s Kingdom: Mythmaking on the Saudi Oil Frontier.” Vitalis is Professor of political science and former director of the Middle East Center at University of Pennsylvania. The talk is at Barshinger Life Sciences Center Lecture Hall on the F&M campus. Free. 4:30 p.m.”

“Did you ever wonder how the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra prepares for a performance? If so, join Lido and the orchestra for open rehearsals at the Fulton Opera House. You will learn about the musicians, orchestra, composer and the music. Arrangements by Beethoven, Mozart, Hubay, Beethoven and Mozart will be performed. Arrive at 3 p.m. to meet the musicians and engage in pre-rehearsal dialogue. Performance at 3:30 p.m. at Fulton Opera House, 12 N. Prince St. 717-291-6440 x 231. Free.”

Starting Friday, October 3 and continuing through the month is the haunted attraction, Jason’s Woods. “No one does Halloween like the Legendary Jason’s Woods! Celebrating 23 years, featuring 9 hair-raising haunted attractions with breathtaking special effects. Free fabulous pre-show entertainment including LIVE bands, DJ’s, magic shows and more! 2 all new attractions for 2008!!” Ticket prices vary from $12 to $40. Jason’s Woods is located at 99 Stehman Rd. in Conestoga Township. Visit http://www.jasonswoods.com.

At the Pennsylvania Academy of music, Friday night, violin virtuoso Ann Fontanella will perform Early Romantic music. The performance is at 8:00 p.m. Ticket information can be obtained by contacting the Pennsylvania Academy of Music.

On Saturday October 4th, Columbia and Wrightsville will hold their 20th Annual Bridge Bust. “Voted one of the Top 10 Craft Shows in Lancaster County Magazine for 2007! More than 300 antiques, art, craft and food vendors are returning to this popular event across the historic Route 462 Veteran’s Memorial Bridge connecting Columbia and Wrightsville.” From 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Adult tickets are $2 and children under 13 attend for free. For more information, visit http://www.parivertowns.com.

This weekend is Fall Farm Fest at Dutch Wonderland. “Get down on the farm as Dutch Wonderland hosts the annual Fall Farm Fest! Guests will get an up-close look at life on a farm through interactive demonstrations and hands-on activities.” These special events are included with park admission. Dutch Wonderland is located on Lincoln Highway East (Rt. 30). Park hours this weekend are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.dutchwonderland.com.

The Hands-on House Children’s Museum of Lancaster is putting on a 5k and half-marathon on Saturday. Proceeds will benefit the museum. First prize for the half marathon is $300. The course is described as scenic and passing a covered bridge and single-room schoolhouse. It starts at the museum at 721 Landis Valley Rd. Registration is $40 for the half-marathon or $20 for the 5k. Registration is $5 more if the runner does not register in advance. Visit http://www.handsonhouse.com/news_race.asp for further information.

Saturday October 4th is the “Harvest Breakfast” at Central Market in downtown Lancaster. “Come to downtown Lancaster for a celebration of Lancaster County’s harvest, with music, children’s activities, cooking demonstrations, and food tasting.”

For more local and regional events, visit http://www.padutchcountry.com/events_calendar.