By The Connect Crew | June 3, 2026
As usual there is a lot to choose from this week, which is a good problem to have!
One of the biggest events is the Special Olympics Pennsylvania Summer Games, taking place Thursday through Saturday.
There are a couple of opportunities to connect and learn more about the area. Happy Valley Hacks at Pine Grove Hall offers a chance to share local tips about experiencing our special “Blue Zone”.
Earlier Sunday, the venue hosts The Land at Rockview: A Community Discussion. This free conversation with ClearWater Conservancy focuses on the future of the Rockview lands.
🎪 Festivals, Community Events & Summer Traditions
Rhoneymeade Fest 2026 begins Thursday evening and continues through Sunday, bringing several days of music, art, nature, and community to Rhoneymeade.
First Friday is a monthly celebration of State College with a variety of offerings. Check out the new East End Social while you’re in town.
Down the road in Bellefonte, the annual Bellefonte Children’s Fair takes place on Saturday alongside First in the Fonte.
That same day, the 44th Annual Lemont Strawberry Festival returns to the Lemont Village Green. Speeder train rides run from 2 to 7 PM as part of the festival.
🎶 Live Music & Concerts
Live music begins tonight with Parker Barrow at Pine Grove Hall.
On Friday, the Lemont Village Association Summer Concert Series kicks off on the Lemont Village Green with Richard Sleigh performing harmonica, guitar, and vocals.
On Saturday, Gail Ann Dorsey performs at Pine Grove Hall.
The South Hills Summer Music Picnic Series opens on Sunday with Code Blue at South Hills School of Business & Technology.
🎭 Theatre, Film, Comedy & Performance
At The State Theatre on Thursday, WPSU presents the premiere of The Whiskey Rebellion documentary, exploring a Pennsylvania chapter of early American history and the tension between citizen rights and federal authority.
Tempest Productions opens its run of Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman at Tempest Studios this week, with a preview on Thursday, followed by performances Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
🎨 Arts, Creativity & Making
First Friday includes a free intuitive drawing experience with exhibiting artist Michael Fratangelo at the Woskob Family Gallery. The all-ages event invites participants to quiet the thinking mind and explore a free-flowing creative process using paper, markers, and pencils.
On Tuesday morning, The Arboretum at Penn State hosts Nature Sketching for adults at the Overlook Pavilion from 10 to 11:30 AM.
🌲 Outdoor, Nature & Environmental Events
Black Moshannon State Park offers several outdoor programs this week, including a UV Night Hike on the Lake Loop Trail on Saturday.
On Sunday, Trout Unlimited’s 10th Annual Family Fishing Picnic takes place at Tussey Mountain Pond from 1 to 5 PM.
🏃 Sports, Fitness & Recreation
On Saturday, the Seasons of Rothrock: GRIT Gravel Grinder brings a full day of gravel riding to Centre County, with course options ranging from 25 to 100 miles and junior rider categories.
The State College Spikes open their home season on Friday night at Medlar Field with a 6:35 PM game against West Virginia. Opening Night includes fireworks, 4-Pack Friday, Kids Run the Bases, and happy hour specials. They continue at home Saturday and Sunday.
👨👩👧 Kids & Family
On Thursday, little princesses can head to the YMCA for the Princess Party with Miss Central PA from 4:30 to 5:30 PM. The event includes crafts, games, light refreshments, photo opportunities, and a food collection supporting local families.
Families with young bike riders and runners can also check out the 12 and Under Bike and Run Summer Race at Tussey Mountain on Saturday afternoon.
Looking Ahead
Next weekend brings two major events to the region: Ironman and State College Pride Parade and Festival. Enjoy the pace while you can as The Arts Festival will fill the calendar soon enough!
