Top picks for this weekend, plus a fuller look at next week
Some weeks quietly offer a lot. Not the kind of busy that asks for effort, but the kind where a few doors are open and you can wander in, stay awhile, and leave feeling warmer than when you arrived.
Nothing here demands commitment. It’s all simply available, good music, good conversation, good room energy, if you feel like stepping out.
This Week’s Top 5
Velvet & Vinyl at Manny’s
Wednesday, January 7 | 7:30 pm …to send off Erica Quinn for a few months
📍 Manny’s Performance Space
Classic vinyl, warm lighting, and a room that feels intentional without trying. A nice midweek way to ease into the rhythm of being out again.
🔗 https://mannysstatecollege.com
Live at The Hollow – Honey Pie
Thursday, January 8 | 7:00 PM
📍 The Hollow
Music you can actually hear, a crowd that came to listen, and a space that makes midweek worth leaving the house for.
🔗 https://thehollow.org
The Hallacher Brothers
Friday, January 9 | 7:30 PM
📍 Pine Grove Hall
One of the region’s best listening rooms, good food, and sound that fills the space without crowding conversation. Stay ten minutes or the whole night.
🔗 https://www.pinegrovehall.org
Penn State Hockey vs. Minnesota
Friday, January 9 | 6:00 PM
📍 Pegula Ice Arena
Fast, social, and easy. Dinner before, game during, maybe a drink after. You don’t need to be a hockey fan to enjoy this.
🔗 https://gopsusports.com/sports/mens-ice-hockey
Looking Ahead to Next Week
A few nights worth circling now
Understanding AI: The Basics
Wednesday, January 14 | 7:00 PM
📍 Pine Grove Hall
A clear, practical session with room for curiosity and conversation — no heavy tech language, just useful insight at an easy pace.
🎟️ https://pinegrovehall.com/event/6379394/747504967/understanding-ai-the-basics
Paul Leskowicz Quartet with Steve Davis & Jason Kush
Thursday, January 15 | 7:30 PM
📍 Pine Grove Hall
Jazz that rewards presence, not attention. Relaxed room, great sound, comfortable vibe.
🔗 https://www.pinegrovehall.org
Books and Brews
Thursday, January 15 | 6:30 PM
📍 Axemann Brewery
Conversation first, drinks second. Perfect if you need a Thursday that feels social without effort.
🔗 https://axemannbrewery.com
Jake Eddy Solo Winter Tour
Friday, January 16 | 7:30 PM
📍 Pine Grove Hall
Thoughtful songwriting, close quarters, and an easy place to settle in for the evening.
🔗 https://www.pinegrovehall.org
Penn State Hockey vs. Notre Dame
Friday, January 16 | 7:00 PM
📍 Pegula Ice Arena
Rivalry energy and crowd warmth. Combine it with dinner and a drink for a full night out.
🔗 https://gopsusports.com/sports/mens-ice-hockey
Family Friendly Improv
Saturday, January 17 | 4:00 PM
📍 Blue Brick Theatre
A chance to laugh together in a space that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Great if you want something light and fun.
🔗 https://bluebricktheatre.com
Natascha & the Spy Boys
Saturday, January 17 | 7:30 PM
📍 Pine Grove Hall
High energy, joyful room — the kind of live music night that pulls you out of routine.
🔗 https://www.pinegrovehall.org
Penn State Hockey vs. Notre Dame
Saturday, January 17 | 8:00 PM
📍 Pegula Ice Arena
A later puck drop and built-in dinner plans make this one easy to plan around.
🔗 https://gopsusports.com/sports/mens-ice-hockey
Stirred, Not Stuck: Jump Start 2026
Sunday, January 18 | 7:00 PM
📍 Pine Grove Hall – Upstairs Listening Room
A thoughtful way to close the weekend and settle into the week ahead — reflective without being heavy.
🎟️ https://pinegrovehall.com/event/6388079/748259356/stirred-not-stuck-jump-start-2026
How These Nights Tend to Work
These cultural assets are happy if you stop in, listen for a bit, cheer for a period, or stay longer if it feels right. No pressure.
That’s one of the quiet perks of living here.
There’s almost always a room open where someone has taken care to welcome you in.
If something above catches your eye, follow it.
If not, the full calendar is always there. So many cool events happening this month. If you are host and you want to reach our audience let us know and we will post them.
