A Full Week of Music, Arts, and a Few Standout Finds

By The Connect Happy Valley Crew | March 25, 2026

It’s another full week across Happy Valley, with a strong mix of live music, community events, and a handful of experiences that feel a little different from the usual routine. While the schedule is always busy, this week offers a particularly nice balance between performances, family-friendly options, and interactive events.

Here are a few highlights to help you plan your week.

Record Breaking Attendance for PSU Sports

🎶 Live Music & Performances

Live music leads the way this week, with both larger touring acts and strong local programming filling the calendar.

Gaelic Storm brings its signature Celtic sound to The State Theatre tonight, with special guests JigJam and The Nittany Highland Pipe Band. For something more jazz-oriented, the Rick Hirsch 4 on Thursday night at Pine Grove Hall is a strong pick, featuring a group of highly regarded musicians with deep roots in the genre.

On Friday, Joanne Shaw Taylor takes the stage with a blues-driven set that adds even more depth to the lineup, while Pine Grove Hall hosts Lord Forest Downstairs. The venue continues its weekend programming on Saturday with Area 38, reinforcing its role as one of the most consistent places in the area to catch high-quality live performances.

🎭 Arts, Film & Cultural Picks

On Thursday evening, Art After Hours: College Couture at the Palmer Museum offers a more social take on the arts, blending exhibitions with a themed experience that tends to draw a broad crowd.

The Happy Valley Animation Festival screening runs throughout the day on Saturday, offering an easy, drop-in way to experience a range of animated work and connect with the local creative community.

For something a little different, Monday’s open rehearsal with Decoda at The Center for Performing Arts gives a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process before the full performance.

Later in the week, Decoda appears alongside Ringdown for a performance that blends classical and contemporary influences, making it one of the more elevated events on the calendar.

🎨 Classes, Workshops & Interactive Events

Crafts & Cocktails, tonight at The Rivet, adds a more social, evening option, combining creativity with a relaxed atmosphere and making it as much about the experience as the finished piece.

On Saturday, Garden Wake-Up! Day at Rhoneymeade focuses on preparing for the season ahead.

👨‍👩‍👧 Family-Friendly Events

On Saturday, The Pennsylvania Chamber Orchestra presents Stories, Tales and Adventures! on Saturday morning at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, followed by an instrument “petting zoo” where kids can try instruments and explore music up close.

The Panhellenic Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday offers a classic spring outing for families, with candy-filled eggs, activities for kids, and a lively community atmosphere on campus

🏟️ Sports to Watch This Week

It’s a busy stretch for Penn State athletics, with several teams at home throughout the week.

Baseball anchors the schedule starting tonight with a matchup against Bucknell on Wednesday, followed by a three-game weekend series against Illinois at Medlar Field. Saturday’s game is a Whiteout and includes postgame autographs, while Sunday features a kids-run-the-bases promotion for younger fans.

Men’s Volleyball hosts NJIT for a two-game set at Rec Hall on Friday and Saturday, while Men’s Tennis takes on Northwestern Friday evening and Illinois on Sunday as part of ITA Tennis Weekend.

Women’s Tennis also has a full weekend slate, facing Maryland on Friday and Rutgers on Sunday.

🌿 A Few More to Keep on Your Radar

Meredith Willson’s The Music Man comes to Eisenhower Auditorium on April 7th and Our Town opens at Penn State’s Playhouse on April 10th. In May,One Night on Broadway, brings together student performers, alumni, and the broader theatre community to support Penn State’s Centre Stage.