By the Connect Crew, July 29, 2026
July ends with a full moon, and August begins with a full calendar in Happy Valley.
The State Games of America continue throughout the weekend, bringing athletes and competitions to venues across Centre County.
Here are some of the events happening around Happy Valley over the coming week.
Major Events and Community Gatherings
Tonight, Meet the Press at the Press takes place at East End Social.
Support the New Ground Orchestra at a benefit event at Pine Grove Hall on Thursday.
The State Games of America continue through Sunday, with athletes competing at venues throughout Centre County. On Friday evening, athletes from across the country will march into the Bryce Jordan Center during the official State Games of America Opening Ceremony.
Saturday brings two main street events to the area. The 11th Annual Ice Cream Fest takes over the 200 block of South Allen Street, while First in the Fonte returns to downtown Bellefonte.
Also on Saturday, East End Social closes out its summer series with a Summer Block Party Finale.
On Monday, Sidewalk Chalk Art Week begins at the Centre Hall Area Branch Library.
On Tuesday, Centre County’s National Night Out brings local police, first responders, community organizations and families together at the Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology in Pleasant Gap.
Live Music
Live After 5 brings Honey Pie to MLK Plaza in downtown State College tonight.
Also tonight, Colombian psychedelic dance band Romperayo Soundsystem visits Manny’s as part of the Secret Planet series.
Thursday’s lineup includes Tussey Mountain WingFest with OK Otter and The Clintones, Frank Hurricane, Joe Levi and Tara Toms at Manny’s and Van Wagner at the Hublersburg Inn.
On Friday, The Cave In returns to Woodward Cave with Anna Pearl Belinda. John Wise Band performs as part of Concerts on the Village Green in Lemont, and Anchor and Arrow play Live at the Hollow at Titan Hollow.
The New Ground Orchestra Festival also presents a free concert Friday at 7:30 p.m. at the Penn State School of Music Recital Hall.
Saturday’s featured performance is La Fiesta Band at Pine Grove Hall.
On Sunday, the Bellefonte Community Band performs at the Talleyrand Park Gazebo as part of the Summer Sounds series. The South Hills Summer Music Picnic Series also continues at the Tom Mazza Memorial Band Shell.
Arts, Theatre and Comedy
On Thursday, the Palmer Museum of Art and The Arboretum team up for Art After Hours: Block pARTy, an evening of art, activities and summer fun.
Happy Valley Improv offers Improv Games on Thursday and its regular Friday Night Improv Show at Blue Brick Theatre.
Saturday brings Battle at the Brick to Blue Brick Theatre and a comedy show featuring New York comedian Chris Brown at Arena Bar & Grill.
On Monday, Blue Brick Theatre offers Stand-Up Writing and Performing for those interested in developing their own comedy material.
Kids and Family
Kids can create their own miniature mystery creature during Cryptid in a Bottle at the Centre Hall Area Branch Library today.
The State Theatre’s Read It, Watch It series presents Journey to the Center of the Earth today.
The Arboretum offers several family-friendly activities throughout the week, including Discovery Drop-In, Fossil Fanatics, a Harvest Tasting, Story Circle and programs exploring nature, trees and the garden.
On Saturday, magician Richard Benninghoff performs a free family magic show at Schlow Centre Region Library, and Happy Valley Improv presents a Family-Friendly Improv Show.
Outdoor, Nature and Wellness
Centred Outdoors hosts a Full Moon Paddle at Lake Perez today, while Black Moshannon State Park offers its own Buck Full Moon Paddle. Hikers can also join the appropriately named “Hey There Little Red Riding Hood” Full Moon Hike in Rothrock State Forest.
Yoga options include Yoga and Mindfulness at the Palmer Museum of Art or Yoga in the Gardens at The Arboretum.
Thursday’s outdoor offerings include an America 250 Plant Walk and Nature Sketching for Young Artists at The Arboretum.
Black Moshannon State Park hosts Intro to Astronomy, followed by Nocturnal Nature: Bats on Friday evening.
On Saturday night, attend a Star Party on The Arboretum’s Event Lawn.
The Arboretum continues its programming into the new week with Nature Sketching and Trees with Penn State Master Gardeners on Tuesday.
History and Learning
On Thursday, the Mid-State Literacy Council offers Tips for Being News Savvy Online at the Centre Region Active Adult Center.
On Saturday evening, the Pennsylvania Military Museum presents The Vietnam War Remembered: A Cemetery Lantern Tour.
Sports and Recreation
The State Games of America remain the week’s largest sporting event, with competitions continuing through Sunday at venues across Centre County.
The State College Spikes return to Medlar Field on Tuesday to face the Mahoning Valley Scrappers.
On the Horizon
Ag Progress Days arrive August 11 through 13 at the Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center at Rock Springs.
On Thursday, August 13, the Dan Tyminski Band comes to The State Theatre. Tyminski is the unmistakable singing voice behind “I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow” in O Brother, Where Art Thou? and is also known for his many years performing with Alison Krauss and Union Station.
From championship competition and downtown celebrations to live music, family activities and nights under the full moon, there are plenty of ways to make the most of the final days of July and the beginning of August in Happy Valley.
One Response
Anyone that says there’s nothing to do in Happy Valley is mistaken. What an incredible amount of diverse activities happening this summer! Seeing all of these outlined in your newsletter, and on your calendar is really wonderful. Thank you!