By the Connect Crew | August 19, 2026
You can already feel Happy Valley filling up again. Traffic is picking up and students are starting to return as Penn State’s fall semester begins on Monday.
At the same time, one of Centre County’s biggest summer traditions gets underway Friday when the Centre County Grange Fair opens for its annual run in Centre Hall.
We’re right in that familiar late-August overlap: summer isn’t quite over, but fall is clearly on its way. There are still outdoor concerts, baseball games, family activities and plenty of reasons to enjoy these last weeks of summer before the pace around town picks up even more.
Here are some of the things happening around Happy Valley.
Community and Fair Season
The biggest event of the week begins Friday, when the Centre County Grange Fair opens at Grange Park in Centre Hall. The fair runs through August 29, bringing back the tents, campers, food, exhibits, entertainment and generations of Centre County tradition that make it one of the area’s most distinctive annual events.
Today, stop by the Feed the People Market Stand at the Penn State Student Farm, or head to Boalsburg for the Nittany Mineralogical Society’s Show and Tell at Boal Hall.
On Thursday, test your problem-solving skills at the Happy Valley Puzzle Brewery Competition at Axemann Brewery in Bellefonte, or stop by the Senior Luncheon at the State College YMCA.
Saturday brings Pixie Dust Wishes Summer Bingo Night at the Wyndham Garden in Boalsburg.
On Sunday, the Palmer Museum of Art offers Sensory-Friendly Hours.
Live Music and Entertainment
Tonight, Live After 5: Taps and Tunes Edition brings Stars in Sapphire to Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza in downtown State College. Lord Forest is also performing Upstairs at Pine Grove Hall.
Thursday has several choices for live music, including The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys at The Attic at The State Theatre and the Rick Hirsch 4 at Pine Grove Hall.
On Friday, Concerts on the Village Green returns to the Lemont Village Green with Group Therapy, featuring Jim Herbert, Darcy Butler and Charlie Rury. Also Friday, Jazztrax performs at Mount Nittany Winery, while Noche De Baile: Salsa, Bachata, y Mas brings an evening of dancing to Manny’s.
Saturday, Bark Culture with Deborah Mongus and the Penn State Jazz Ensemble comes to Manny’s.
On Sunday, the South Hills Summer Music Concert Porch Party takes place at South Hills School in State College, while Summer Sounds in the Gazebo wraps up its season at Talleyrand Park in Bellefonte with Denny Taylor.
Tuesday, singer-songwriter Chris Canterbury performs at The Attic at The State Theatre.
Outdoors
Tonight, take part in Yoga in the Gardens at The Arboretum at Penn State or head to Canoe Creek State Park for a Public Sky Watch.
On Thursday, The Arboretum offers an Invasive Plant Walk.
Saturday evening, explore Black Moshannon State Park after dark during a UV Night Hike along the Lake Loop Trail. Registration is required.
Also Saturday, Movies in the Garden at The Arboretum features The Princess Bride.
On Sunday, Foundations of Holistic Herbalism takes place at Rhoneymeade Arboretum in Centre Hall.
Kids and Family
Tonight, Family Skate Night gives families a chance to get on the ice at Pegula Ice Arena.
The Arboretum’s Childhood’s Gate programs continue today and Thursday with Discovery Drop-in, along with Rocks Beneath Our Feet on Thursday.
Friday, say goodbye to summer at the So Long Summer Splash at Park Forest Community Pool, featuring a poolside showing of Sonic the Hedgehog.
Sports
The State College Spikes are home later this week, including a three-game series against the Trenton Thunder Thursday through Saturday at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. Saturday’s game includes fireworks.
Penn State men’s soccer is also back at Jeffrey Field, taking on Mercyhurst Thursday.
On the Horizon
On Thursday, August 27, Penn State women’s soccer hosts Bucknell at Jeffrey Field.
On Saturday, August 29, Hikes and Hops, a benefit with Centred Outdoors and Boal City Brewing, takes place in Boalsburg, and Penn State women’s volleyball opens its home schedule against UConn at Rec Hall.
Enjoy the last stretch of August, and maybe leave a few extra minutes for traffic.
