Fresh Market at Hershey Towne Square plans free Summer Social with live music and giveaway

Fresh Market at Hershey Towne Square will host its first Summer Social on Aug. 8 in Hershey, Pennsylvania, with family activities, live entertainment, guest makers and a Golden Backpack giveaway worth up to $2,000. The free event is designed to draw shoppers, showcase vendors and give families a back-to-school outing.

Why it matters: - The Summer Social gives Fresh Market at Hershey Towne Square a way to turn a single day into a full-market showcase for families, local vendors and shoppers. - The event also ties summer fun to back-to-school shopping, which could drive traffic for vendors selling gifts, crafts, food and school-season items.

What happened: - Fresh Market at Hershey Towne Square will host its first-ever Summer Social on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Hershey, Pennsylvania. - The event is free and family-friendly. - The day will include outdoor activities, live entertainment, guest makers, vendor spotlights and a grand prize giveaway.

The details: - Outside activities include a giant inflatable obstacle course for kids. - Families can also try a Touch-a-Truck experience with Waste Management, including cab photo opportunities and a recycling toss game. - Back-to-school craft stations will offer backpack tag making, bookmark making, a STEM challenge and sidewalk chalk art. - A DJ and live music will run throughout the day. - An oversized “First Day” photo sign will serve as a back-to-school keepsake spot. - During peak lunch hours, guests inside the market will hear a live piano performance. - The lower level will feature 12 to 18 curated guest makers and one-day boutiques alongside the market’s permanent vendors. - Permanent vendors will take part in a Vendor Spotlight Trail with signature items, specials or live demonstrations. - The Golden Backpack grand prize includes an electronic tablet, school shopping gift cards, four Hersheypark tickets, and Fresh Market gift cards and goodies. - The grand prize package is valued at $1,500 to $2,000. - The grand prize drawing is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. - Hourly prize drawings at 12 p.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. will award vendor gift cards and products. - Entry is free and requires a visit to the lower-level discovery station, with no purchase necessary. - More information is available at Fresh Market at Hershey Towne Square.

Between the lines: - The event is built to move visitors through both floors of the marketplace and expose them to permanent vendors, guest sellers and one-day boutiques. - The back-to-school theme and giveaway structure suggest the market is using a family event to boost foot traffic at a key late-summer shopping moment.

What's next: - Fresh Market at Hershey Towne Square will draw the Golden Backpack winner at 3:30 p.m. on Aug. 8. - Hourly prize drawings will continue through the afternoon. - The market will continue its monthly special-events schedule after the Summer Social.

The bottom line: - Fresh Market is using a free, one-day summer event to combine entertainment, shopping and vendor discovery into a single traffic-driving promotion.