Chambersburg daily briefing: music, events, and road work

It is a busy winter weekend in Chambersburg, from downtown music contests and Galentine’s celebrations to lane restrictions on Interstate 81 just outside town.

IceFest singers advance in A Cappella & Unplugged

At the recent IceFest open mic in downtown Chambersburg, more than a dozen performers took the stage for the first A Cappella & Unplugged competition of 2026. Seven acts were selected to advance to the next round in the summer concert series at the Capitol Theatre.

The advancing performers will move on to a June 19 showcase, with future rounds leading to a $500 grand prize and a chance to perform before the annual 1864: Ransoming, Burning & Rebirth of Chamberssburg commemoration later this year.

Full slate of Saturday events

Downtown and nearby venues are offering several ways to get out of the house today. A Galentine’s themed comedy night featuring stand-up by Karen Morgan is scheduled at the Capitol Theatre this evening, paired with pop up shops and treats for a night out with friends.

Elsewhere, Franklin Fire Company is hosting a Valentine’s Mega Cash Bingo fundraiser this afternoon. On South Main Street, a sourdough baking workshop and a “loving cats” watercolor class at a local bagel shop and cat café round out a busy community calendar.

I‑81 lane restrictions near Chambersburg

Drivers using Interstate 81 near Chambersburg should be prepared for lane restrictions tied to bridge work at the McKinley Street overpass in Guilford Township. Recent advisories note right lane closures in both northbound and southbound directions while crews work on the structure.

Anyone heading toward or from Chambersburg on I‑81 over the weekend should leave extra time, watch for shifting traffic patterns, and be alert for workers and equipment in the roadway.

More infrastructure work on the way

In addition to the bridge work, PennDOT’s multi year Chambersburg Signals Improvement Project continues along key routes including U.S. 11, U.S. 30, and several borough streets. The project, which upgrades dozens of traffic signals in and around town, is scheduled to be completed in spring 2026.

Today’s daylight and sky

Chambersburg enjoyed a little more daylight today, with sunrise around 7:12 a.m. and sunset near 5:37 p.m., giving residents just over ten hours and twenty minutes of sun. A bright waning gibbous moon should also be visible for much of the night if clouds cooperate.

Sources

• https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/seven-acts-pass-on-at-first-a-cappella–unplugged-open-mic-of-2026-302680807.html
• https://allevents.in/chambersburg/all
• https://www.navbug.com/traffic_conditions_on/pennsylvania/i79.htm
• https://www.pa.gov/agencies/penndot/projects-near-you/district-8-projects/chambersburg-signals-improvement-project
• https://www.timeanddate.com/astronomy/%404557109