By The Connect Happy Valley Crew | April 1, 2026
Watch this 4-minute video HERE and then don’t miss the latest episode of Connect the Dots with Chris Buchignani: Happy Valley, Football at the end of this story.
April gets underway with a full calendar as Easter weekend approaches and Passover begins. It’s one of those weeks where everything starts to overlap, with more outdoor events returning while the performance schedule stays strong across town.
Here are a few highlights to help you plan your week.
🎶 Live Music & Performances
Bab L’Bluz brings an international sound to Manny’s Secret Planet tonight, blending Moroccan influences with a high-energy, modern style that stands out from the typical lineup.
The Paradox also takes the stage tonight at Eisenhower Auditorium, offering a larger-scale performance in one of the area’s premier venues.
Pat McGee performs at The Attic on Thursday, and on Friday, The Machine performs Pink Floyd at The State Theatre, delivering a full tribute experience built around one of rock’s most recognizable catalogs.
Pine Grove Hall continues its steady run of programming, with the Prolix Quartet performing Sunday.
🎭 Arts, Theatre & Talks
Pine Grove Hall continues its thoughtful programming with Time to Lay It Down, exploring the soundtrack of the Vietnam War tonight, followed by Inside the Story of Penn State Football with Chris Buchignani on Saturday.
Sharif Bey presents an artist lecture on Thursday at Palmer Museum of Art.
Our Town opens Tuesday at the Playhouse Theatre, offering a classic production that anchors the local theatre schedule.
🐣 Outdoor, Nature & Seasonal Events
The Bellefonte Easter Egg Hunt at Talleyrand Park on Saturday is one of the more traditional spring events on the calendar, offering a simple, community-centered option for families heading into Easter weekend.
The Bird Walk on Thursday and the Explorers Family Hike on Friday offer easy ways to get outside at The Arboretum. Or, enjoy Saturday night’s Star Party.
🏟️ Sports to Watch This Week
PSU Baseball has two Dollar Dog Nights this week, starting tonight against UCF and continuing Tuesday against FDU, giving fans a pair of midweek chances to get out to Medlar Field.
PSU Softball hosts Maryland for a full weekend series, with games running Friday through Sunday as the season continues to build.
🎬 Specialty Events & Festivals
Thursday’s Fly Fishing Film Tour at The State Theatre brings a niche but well-produced event to the schedule, drawing both outdoor enthusiasts and film audiences.
The Penn State Percussion Festival runs Friday through Saturday, featuring performances, competitions, and guest artists, and continues to be one of the more distinctive campus-based events of the spring.
🌿 A Few More to Keep on Your Radar
Looking just ahead, Pine Grove Hall hosts another session of Understanding AI: What’s Next on Wednesday, April 8th , offering a timely look at a topic that continues to evolve quickly.
Penn State Women’s Lacrosse takes on Oregon on Thursday, April 9th.
The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain brings a unique and entertaining performance to campus that same night.
Connecting The Dots With Chris Buchignani: Happy Valley, Football Programming, and Mount Nittany – click below to watch
