By The Connect Crew | February 11, 2026
Winter has made itself very clear. Between the Groundhog’s verdict and the weather doing exactly what it wants, February reminds us that we’re still very much in it.
That makes this a good week to lean less toward rushing around and more toward showing up. This week’s Connect Happy Valley Events Calendar is especially rich in opportunities to take part, converse, and gather, including markets, talks, listening sessions, and workshops alongside a strong lineup of music, visual arts, and sports. With Valentine’s Day woven into the middle, many of these events offer something quieter and more meaningful than the usual dinner plans.
Here are some highlights…
🧘 Engage, Take part, Converse
This week emphasizes events that invite conversation, curiosity, and shared experience.
Tonight, gather your Valentines, PAL-entines, and GAL-entines at The Rivet for an adults-only evening of crafting, sipping, and socializing from 6:00 to 8:30 pm. Explore Discovery Space and The Rivet after hours through a station-based mix of themed activities and craft beverages.
Or, choose a different hands-on experience with Understanding AI – Session 2: Tools People Are Using, continuing the Connect Happy Valley Series at Pine Grove Hall tonight from 7:00 to 8:00 pm. This hands-on session encourages participants to bring laptops and engage directly with practical tools people are using now.
Sunday evening, February 15, Stirred, Not Stuck Session 2: Energy on Tap returns to Pine Grove Hall from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. The conversation centers on daily fuel, rhythms, and rethinking how we sustain ourselves during busy seasons.
On February 16, State of the Story brings MOTH-style storytelling to 3 Dots Downtown at 7:00 pm. This month’s theme, GPS: Grief Positioning System, invites personal reflection and shared listening in an intimate setting.
Finally, have some fun on the Eisenhower Stage on February 17 with Let’s Dance, a free movement workshop for all ages and abilities at Eisenhower Auditorium from 5:30 to 6:30 pm.
🎵 Music & Performance
Tonight, Cirque Kalabanté: Afrique en Cirque comes to Eisenhower Auditorium at 7:30 pm, combining high-energy acrobatics with live music inspired by West African traditions.
February 13th features two performances at the Penn State School of Music Recital Hall. The Lunar New Year Concert runs from 5:00 to 6:30 pm, highlighting works by Asian composers, followed by the Alexis Chae Viola Recital from 7:30 to 9:00 pm.
The following evening, February 16, jazz and blues take the stage across town. Kahil El’Zabar’s Ethnic Heritage Ensemble performs spiritual jazz at Manny’s Live Performance Space from 7:00 to 10:00 pm, while Tinsley Ellis appears at The State Theatre at 8:00 pm.
🖼️ Visual Arts
Visual arts this week emphasize conversation and sensory experience at the Palmer Museum.
On February 12, a Gallery Talk + Conversation focused on the Insistent Presence exhibition takes place at 5:30 pm.
Valentine’s Day offers a thoughtful alternative to traditional plans with Art, Taste & the Senses on February 14 at the Palmer Museum, running from noon to 4:00 pm. The event includes a gallery talk at noon and a ticketed chocolate tasting at 1:00 pm.
🏀 Sports at a Glance
Sports continue to anchor the week with several home events.
Free events include Penn State Women’s Lacrosse vs. UMass today at noon, Women’s Ice Hockey vs. RIT on February 13 and 14 at Pegula Ice Arena, and Women’s Basketball vs. Northwestern on February 15 at Rec Hall, marking Pink Zone and Alumni Day.
The main ticketed event of the week is Men’s Wrestling vs. Ohio State on February 13 at the Bryce Jordan Center.
Visit Penn State Athletics for a full schedule of events.
💙Step In, Don’t Sit Out
Whether you’re feeling winter-weary, looking for connection, or simply ready to be in a room with other people again, this week offers many ways to participate rather than just observe. As always, the full Connect Happy Valley Calendar can be found here. Choose a conversation, a shared experience, or a moment that invites you in. February may be holding on, but so are the opportunities to gather, and sometimes that makes all the difference.
