By The Connect Crew | February 25, 2026
Another THON Weekend is in the books. From Fitz and the Tantrums lighting up the stage Friday night to dancers celebrating their final moments on the floor, it was an energetic and emotional weekend in Happy Valley. Congratulations to everyone involved in raising a record-breaking $18.8 million for the kids.
The dancers have finally slept. And for a moment, Happy Valley exhales. But late February here rarely means hibernation. If anything, the calendar fills back up just as the confetti settles. From nationally credentialed jazz artists to Broadway touring productions and themed sporting events, the week ahead offers plenty of reasons to get back out.
🎵 Music & Live Performance
This week’s music lineup moves easily between touring artists and campus stages.
Tonight, Grammy-winning drummer Ronnie Burragge & Holographic Principle brings contemporary jazz to Alla Spina at HiWay.
Also tonight, a DMA Solo Recital: Wanli Wang, piano takes place at 5:00 pm in Recital Hall. Doctor of Musical Arts recitals highlight advanced repertoire and performance mastery and are free to attend.
On Sunday, March 1, Pine Grove Hall hosts Penn State Jazz Faculty: The Next Chapter – an evening that highlights both the depth of the Penn State Jazz program and where it is headed next. Faculty artists are joined by two newly appointed voices helping shape the program’s future, along with a guest from the broader jazz community.
🎭 Theatre & Big Stage Performances
Penn State’s Professional Theatre Training Program continues its run of Morris and Essex Line at the Pavilion Theatre through March 3.
Broadway returns to Eisenhower Auditorium with Hadestown on March 2 and 3. The Tony Award–winning musical blends myth, folk, and modern storytelling in one of the most distinctive touring productions in recent years.
For something lighter, the Happy Valley Improv Comedy Show returns to Blue Brick Theatre on Friday night and then Saturday afternoon with Family Friendly Improv.
🏟️ Sports at a Glance
Tonight we have Women’s Basketball vs. USC at Rec Hall for Senior Night.
Saturday features two themed home events.
Men’s Basketball vs. Iowa highlights Autism Awareness, and kids 12 and under receive free admission.
At Panzer Stadium, Penn State Men’s Lacrosse vs. Yale marks the program’s Military Appreciation Game.
Visit the Penn State Athletics calendar for full schedules and details across all programs.
🎼 Arts, Ideas & Cultural Programming
The 2026 African-American Music Festival presents an afternoon and evening of programming on Tuesday, March 3, at Recital Hall, including:
- Masterclass “Make a Joyful Noise” led by Kiena Williams ’14
- “Sisters in Song: Revolutionary Works of Black Women”
- “Powerful Powell: The Groundbreaking Works of Rosephanye Powell”
All events are free and open to the public.
🌅 Looking Ahead
Register now for Crafts & Cocktails: March Mindfulness on Wednesday, March 25 at Discovery Space and The Rivet.
Adding to the postseason sporting events in town, NCAA Women’s Frozen Four is on the horizon, March 20-22.
💙 Show Up for What’s Here
As always, the full Connect Happy Valley Events Calendar can be found online. Choose a game, a concert, a lecture, or a performance to mix up your week.
