By Holly Riddle
Before football season kicks off, summer events in Happy Valley draw alumni and visitors who bring revenue for local accommodations, restaurants, and shops. Here’s a look at the top-attended events that are keeping Happy Valley happy this year.
Every Father’s Day weekend, this classic car event attracts enthusiasts from all over the country. Whether you want to bring your own hot rod or just ogle the many, many unique vehicles on display, you’ll find plenty to keep you entertained over the weekend.
Image: Bellefonte.com
This summer-long festival has been a crowd-pleaser for more than two decades. You’ve got wings, you’ve got live music and you’ve got stellar views from this ski area on the outskirts of town. What more could you want?
Image: Ben Jones/StateCollege.com
Happy Valley’s first IRONMAN starts out at Sayers Reservoir at Bald Eagle State Park and ends inside Beaver Stadium for an unforgettable, completely Happy Valley, experience. Start training for hills, athletes!
Image: Sports Destination Management
Celebrate Independence Day at 4th Fest, which boasts the largest fireworks display in all of Pennsylvania, and is the largest volunteer-run show in the nation.
Image: Geoff Rushton/StateCollege.com
With a broad focus on any and all art mediums, and drawing huge crowds to downtown State College, the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts is one of the region’s most well-known events. Stop in to wander the streets and discover a new favorite artist and then make sure to check out the live music, theatrical performances and other acts while you’re at it.
Image: Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts
What could be better than one arts festival? How about two arts festivals happening the very same weekend?
Join this long-time, fan-favorite summer festival in its new location at Grange Park in Centre Hall. Beyond the artwork, you can expect great food and plenty of family fun.
Image: People’s Choice Festival of Pennsylvania
Visit charming Bellefonte for this longstanding event. Bring the kids and enjoy family-friendly activities, artisan sales, live music and other entertainment.
Image: Bellefonte Arts and Crafts Fair
If you’re a local or Penn State alum with a love for all things outdoors, make sure to visit this annual agricultural exposition. Totally free, the event attracts hundreds of exhibitors from all over North America and provides education and fun for all ages.
Image: Dairy Business
Dropping off the next generation of Nittany Lions this year? If you’re a proud parent or alum making your way to University Park for move-in week in mid-August, be sure to stick around and enjoy the sights and sounds of State College beyond campus. (A top Happy Valley event is occurring at the same time as Move-In Week! See what makes Grange Fair a huge hit every single summer.)
Image: Centre Daily Times
The Grange Fair has been a family-fun favorite for generations. From the livestock exhibitions to the carnival rides and games, classic fair foods to concerts, this is a county fair done only the way Happy Valley can do.
Image: Emily Reddy/WPSU
After what can be an excruciatingly long wait, college football is back, with the very first Penn State football game of the season kicking off Sept. 2, against West Virginia. Break out your blue and white and settle in for a great start to the fall.
Image: Shannon Soboslay/Onward State
If you’re in town for the Penn State vs. Iowa game, and if it ends up being a day game, consider also catching this top act at the nearby Bryce Jordan Center, for an extra-fun day chockfull of Happy Valley entertainment.
Image: Ticketmaster
The Bryce Jordan Center always has something going on, as the region’s premier concert venue. Snag your tickets for this concert that’s already selling out, right ahead of homecoming week.
Image: Andy Abeyta/The Desert Sun
The Penn State Homecoming theme for this year is “Illuminate the Lion Within.” As always, homecoming week and weekend is jam-packed with individual events for both alumni and community members to enjoy.
Image: Penn State Homecoming
This is your very last chance to catch a Nittany Lions regular season game. If you haven’t attended a game yet, you’ll want to definitely make tracks for Beaver Stadium at the end of November.
Image: Justin K. Aller/Getty Images
Signaling the start of the holiday season in Happy Valley, this multi-day event offers something for everyone. Whether you want to join in on some Christmas caroling, attend a festive tea at one of the area’s historic mansions or shop for that perfect gift, Bellefonte Victorian Christmas offers all this and more.
Image: Chris Morelli/StateCollege.com
Cheer on the latest members of the Penn State alumni family as they walk across the stage at winter graduation.
Image: Bryce Jordan Center
Are you a die-hard Nittany Lions fan who needs to be at every single game? Make sure you set aside these Saturdays, whether you’re tailgating or watching from afar.
Image: Alex Bauer/Onward State
Penn State vs. West Virginia – Sept. 2
Penn State vs. Delaware – Sept. 9
Penn State at Illinois – Sept. 16
Penn State vs. Iowa – Sept. 23
Penn State at Northwestern – Sept. 30
Penn State vs. UMass – Oct. 14
Penn State at Ohio State – Oct. 21
Penn State vs. Indiana – Oct. 28
Penn State at Maryland – Nov. 4
Penn State vs. Michigan – Nov. 11
Penn State vs. Rutgers – Nov. 18
Penn State at Michigan State – Nov. 24 (Detroit)
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