Top Happy Valley events for 2023

05/30/2023

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.

 

Historic Bellefonte Cruise – June 16–17

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

 

WingFest at Tussey Mountain – June 22–Aug. 10

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

 

IRONMAN 70.3 Happy Valley — July 2

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

 

Central PA 4th Fest – July 4

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

 

Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts – July 13–16

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

 

People’s Choice Festival – July 13–16

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

 

40th Annual Bellefonte Arts & Crafts Fair – Aug. 4–5

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

 

Penn State Ag Progress Days – Aug. 8–10

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

 

Move-In Week at Penn State – Aug. 14–20

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

 

Centre County Grange Fair – Aug. 18–26

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

 

First Penn State Football Game: Penn State vs. West Virginia – Sept. 2

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

 

Thomas Rhett Home Team Tour – Sept. 23

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

 

Chris Stapleton’s All-American Road Show – Oct. 6

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

 

Penn State Homecoming 2023 – Oct. 8–14

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

 

Last Penn State Football Game: Penn State vs. Michigan – Nov. 25

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

 

Bellefonte Victorian Christmas – Dec. 8–10

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

 

Winter Graduation at Penn State – Dec. 16

Cheer on the latest members of the Penn State alumni family as they walk across the stage at winter graduation.

Image: Bryce Jordan Center

 

Penn State Football Schedule

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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