By the Connect Crew | August 5, 2026
With August, it’s fair season in Happy Valley, starting with the Bellefonte Arts & Crafts Fair on Friday and Saturday and Ag Progress Days opening next week.
It is also one of the last quieter stretches before Penn State students return and the fall semester gets underway. Enjoy the slower pace while it lasts, and look forward to the change of pace that comes with a new school year.
This is also a week that shows how Happy Valley takes care of its own. ShelterFest, a four-night benefit for Out of the Cold: Centre County, moves through four local taprooms from Thursday through Sunday.
One event we’re especially looking forward to is the CONNECT Happy Valley Social at Pine Grove Hall on Sunday afternoon. We would love to see you there in person.
Beyond those events, the week brings farmers markets, live music, outdoor adventures, and family activities.
Community
Today, the Penn State Student Farm hosts its Feed the People Market Stand at the HUB.
On Thursday, ShelterFest begins its four-night run at 814 Cidery.
On Friday, First Friday returns to downtown State College. The Downtown State College Farmers Market will also feature live music with Gwen Stimely during Market Jam, and ShelterFest continues at University Wine Company.
ShelterFest makes its third stop at Boal City Brewing on Saturday.
On Sunday, Eagle Ironworks and Curtin Village hosts its Annual Heritage Day and Caboose Dedication. ShelterFest wraps up at Axemann Brewery, and the CONNECT Happy Valley Social takes place at Pine Grove Hall.
On Tuesday, the 50th Ag Progress Days opens at Rock Springs and continues through Thursday.
Live Music and Entertainment
Tonight, Live After 5 brings Gibble, Crews, and Humphreys to downtown State College, while Max Wareham & Second Cousins perform at Pine Grove Hall.
On Thursday, WingFest returns to Tussey Mountain with The Jaded Lips and Fleetwood Macked.
The Paul Leskowicz Quartet also performs at Pine Grove Hall on Thursday, while Live on the Patio returns to The Hublersburg Inn. Mad Dogs & Englishmen tribute brings the music of Joe Cocker to The State Theatre.
On Friday, Savor the Sounds of Jazztrax comes to Mount Nittany Vineyard & Winery and Concerts on the Village Green continues in Lemont.
Also on Friday, Noche de Baile brings salsa, bachata and more to Manny’s, and Happy Valley Improv takes the stage for an evening of comedy.
On Sunday, La Fiesta Band brings salsa, cumbia, merengue and more to the South Hills Music Picnic Series.
Outdoors
On Thursday, join an Invasive Plants Walk at the Arboretum at Penn State or try Archery Basics at Black Moshannon State Park.
On Friday, Bald Eagle State Park hosts an Edible Plant Walk for anyone curious about the useful plants growing along the trail.
Sunday offers a Bat Mine Hike at Canoe Creek State Park.
Arts & Ideas
Today, unwind with Yoga and Mindfulness at the Palmer Museum of Art or learn something new during an AAUW Sewing Workshop.
On Friday, Maytag Virgin, with Next Stage Theatre Company, opens in The Attic at The State Theatre and continues through August 15. The Bellefonte Library also hosts a film discussion focused on State Fair.
On Sunday, the Palmer Museum offers a drop-in tour of American Art of Today, while the Arboretum hosts Sunset Sketching.
On Tuesday, local writers can connect during the Nittany Valley Writers’ Network meeting at Schlow Library.
Kids & Family
The State Theatre hosts Read It, Watch It, this afternoon, featuring “How to Train a Dragon”.
Tonight, families can also head to Pegula Ice Arena for Family Skate Night.
The State College Spikes are home throughout the week at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. They face the Mahoning Valley Scrappers tonight and Thursday, followed by a weekend series against the Aberdeen IronBirds from Friday through Sunday.
Discovery Drop-In returns to the Children’s Garden at the Arboretum on Thursday and Friday.
On Friday, Fun Fridays continues at St. Paul’s in Pine Grove Mills.
On Saturday, Adam Swartz brings his puppet show to Schlow Centre Region Library.
On the Horizon
Ag Progress Days continue through August 13.
The rescheduled WingFest finals take place August 13 at Tussey Mountain.
The Centre County Grange Fair returns to Grange Park in Centre Hall from August 21 through 29.
A quick reminder that event details can change, and some activities require registration or fill up quickly. Check the event and venue websites linked in the calendar for the latest information before making plans.
Enjoy your week in Happy Valley!
