Now that the unofficial holiday that shall not be named has come and gone, Happy Valley can celebrate “real” St. Patrick’s Day, bringing a little extra spirit to the calendar. With students returning from break and kicking off 55 Days of Café, it’s another sign that spring is on our doorstep.

But the week isn’t just about shamrocks and beer. A major youth wrestling tournament comes to town, Pegula Ice Arena hosts multiple postseason hockey games, and spring sports continue to ramp up across campus. Add in live music and a few creative community events, and the calendar is anything but quiet.
Here’s a look at some highlights.

Just over a week ago, Penn State students raised over $18 million for children with pediatric cancer. This past weekend, the same students threw the biggest party of the year: State Patty’s. 
State Patty’s Day doesn’t exist on any official calendar; no university office or borough council created it. No administration would ever pass its blessing on such an event. You can’t even credit a specific group of students for creating it. Both the borough and the school have tried to end the tradition, but it has never even made a dent.

Penn State Spring Break begins this weekend, which means town will be a little quieter and there will be more breathing room downtown, making it a good opportunity for locals and visitors to get out and about.
While the sidewalks will be calmer, the calendar is not. The Big Ten Wrestling Championships headline the weekend at the Bryce Jordan Center, alongside live music, multiple sporting events and other gatherings.
Here’s a look at some highlights.