It’s the dog days of summer, even in Harrisburg, not really known for beach scenes or tropical rendezvous. Instead, we celebrate with big music, outdoor festivals and the the best kinds of summer food. This weekend alone brings the Dauphin County Multicultural Street Festival, a free open-air event celebrating the cultural diversity in the area. Local bands and dance troupes, including belly dancers, the American Legion Soul Steppers, YMCA Camp Curtain Steppers, Asian Indian Americans of Central PA Dancers and Batida Portuguese-American Group, will perform. Sample foods from around the world - Asian, Indian, African, Greek and more - prepared by local restaurateurs.

On Saturday at the Levitt Pavilion in Harrisburg, join locals for the cool sounds of summer - a Reggae Festival. Featuring Fink’s Constant and The Ark Band. And don’t miss the 6th Annual The Lost, The Found & The Dearly Departed, a festival of live blues music with five bands, camping, pork BBQ, chicken, beans and salads (while supplies last). Bring a dish to share, and don’t forget to BYOB.

At the end of the month, we celebrate Kipona, Harrisburg’s biggest street festival - three days of food, rides, artists, musicians - plus the Pennsylvania State Chili Cook-off (including the Jalepeño Pepper and Hands-Free Chili eating contests ) and Native American Pow-Wow.

I’m Sara, your unofficial ambassador to the Harrisburg area. For more on local bars, restaurants, nightlife and more, read my Out with Sara column in The Patriot-News or my blog. For questions or to send story ideas, email me.