By The Connect Happy Valley Crew | April 8, 2026
Moving further into April brings a steady mix of performances, campus events, and early spring activity across the area, with a strong lineup across music and live performances in particular.
Spring has arrived, although temperatures continue to fluctuate, with a few colder stretches, but trends are looking up with sunny days encouraging us to step outside.
Here are a few highlights to help you plan your week.
This Week’s Connecting the Dots with Chris Buchignani
🎶 Live Music & Performances
The 26th Annual Penn State Jazz Festival kicks off tonight at Esber Recital Hall. It continues at Pine Grove Hall on Thursday with Osepian, Whitfield & Davis. Find a full list of events here.
The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain performs at the Center for the Performing Arts on Thursday, bringing an internationally touring group known for its distinctive format and wide-ranging repertoire.
Penn State Opera presents Non piĂą nascoste on April 13 and 14 at Recital Hall.
🎠Arts, Theatre & Talks
Understanding AI returns tonight with Session Four at Pine Grove Hall, continuing the venue’s series of conversations around current topics and technology.
The Centre County Genealogical Society continues its lecture series on Thursday with “Centre Furnace Mansion and What it Has to Offer” by Mary Sorenson of the Centre County Historical Society.
Sunday is for Bellefonte with First Sunday at the Bellefonte Art Museum and the Bellefonte Sunday Afternoon Chamber Series.
Finally, Penn State Centre Stage continues its production of Our Town this week at the Playhouse Theatre, adding a classic stage production to the schedule.
🌿 Outdoor, Nature & Seasonal Events
The Banff Mountain Film Festival returns to The State Theatre on Friday with its annual selection of outdoor and adventure films.
AnthroFest returns to the Penn State Arboretum on Saturday, bringing a mix of academic and outdoor programming to the grounds as the spring season gets underway.
🏟️ Sports to Watch This Week
Penn State Women’s Lacrosse hosts two home games this week, facing Oregon on Thursday night and Northwestern on Sunday.
Men’s Lacrosse returns home this weekend to take on Michigan on Saturday for Senior/Alumni Day.
Penn State Softball hosts Northwestern for a three-game series starting on Friday.
Visit Penn State Athletics for the full athletics schedule.
🌿 A Few to Keep on Your Radar
Looking ahead, Penn State Centre Stage presents Detroit ’67 from April 16–18 at the Playhouse Theatre, continuing the spring theatre lineup and details have been announced for the Blue-White event on April 25th.
