By The Connect Crew | July 15, 2026
At first glance, the week after Arts Fest might seem quiet. Dig a little deeper, though, and that is definitely not the case.
The week begins with a chance to connect in person at the Connect Happy Valley Social tonight, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Pine Grove Hall. Designed as a welcoming gathering for both longtime residents and people who are newer to the area, the event offers an easy way to meet people and make new local connections.
Beyond that, the calendar is filled with sidewalk chalk, community art projects, festivals, live music, outdoor adventures and more than one opportunity to test your jigsaw-puzzle skills.
Arts and Crafts
Start the week by spreading a little gratitude at the Thankathon: Thank You Cards with Eliza Bradley tonight at East End Social. Create thank-you cards as part of a community-focused art activity.
On Thursday, local chalk artist Holly Foy will share her tips and tricks during a Sidewalk Chalk Art Class at Schlow Centre Region Library.
On Sunday, Happy Valley Winery and Vineyard will host a Paint and Sip, combining a guided creative activity with a relaxed afternoon at the winery.
Community Events and Festivals
The Pine Grove Mills July Fun Friday returns Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church.
Also Friday, it’s a Summer Block Party Collab with Latin Fest at East End Social.
Saturday brings several community events to choose from. The Bellefonte Arts Summer Shop & Stroll offers an opportunity to visit local shops, artists and downtown businesses, while the Bellefonte in Bloom Bouquet Crawl adds flowers to the mix.
At Canoe Creek State Park, the America’s 250th Anniversary Celebration with the Friends of Canoe Creek will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The free family event includes a picnic lunch, flag procession, live music and children’s activities. It will be held rain or shine in the beach area.
The Great Backstage Cleanout at the Columbus Chapel and Boal Mansion Museum offers another kind of outing, with visitors getting a chance to browse items connected to the historic property and its collections.
On Tuesday the Nittany Valley Symphony Diamond Celebration marks a major milestone for the local orchestra.
Games and Recreation
Today, Juniper Village at Brookline will host a Senior Speed Puzzling Tournament for participants ages 65 and older.
On Thursday, Happy Valley Puzzles and Axemann Brewery will host a Jigsaw Puzzle Contest from 6 to 9 p.m.
Schlow Centre Region Library hosts Esports Enthusiasts on Saturday for gamers looking to connect and compete.
Kids and Family
Children can dig into geology today during Exploring Earth’s Past with Penn State at the Centre County Library in Bellefonte.
On Friday, Ice Is Nice: Introduction to Ice Skating comes to Schlow Centre Region Library from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Rachel Landers, figure skating director at Pegula Ice Arena, will introduce children to the sport through stories, floor skating and a craft.
Friday evening, families can enjoy Movies Under the Stars: How to Train Your Dragon at Sidney Friedman Park.
On Saturday, Clyde Peeling’s Reptileland will bring its Rainforest Show to Schlow Centre Region Library. The program will feature live animals representing different levels of the rainforest.
On Sunday, Rhoneymeade will host a Family Campfire with S’mores, offering a relaxed way to end the weekend.
Live Music and Performances
Tonight’s lineup includes HORSE LORDS with Magic Tuber Stringband at Manny’s Live Performance Space and Mick Mac at Live After Five.
Thursday, The Rick Hirsch 4 are at Pine Grove Hall and The Seven Wonders will perform as part of WingFest at Tussey Mountain.
On Friday, singer-songwriter Crys Matthews takes the stage at Pine Grove Hall, while the Happy Valley Improv Comedy Show begins at 7 p.m. at The Blue Brick Theatre. Jeff Gibble, Zeb Crews, and Zach Humphreys take the stage at Lemont Village Green.
Saturday evening, the Tussey Mountain Moonshiners will perform as part of Music on the Beach at Whipple Dam State Park from 7 to 9 p.m.
That same evening, EagleMania: The World’s Greatest Eagles Tribute Band comes to The State Theatre.
On Sunday, the Bellefonte Summer Sounds series continues at the Talleyrand Park Gazebo with Walter Survivor, Orquesta Mi Amor at Pine Grove Hall, and Triple A Blues Band at South Hills Summer Music Series.
Outdoors, Nature and Wellness
This morning, participants can combine poetry and nature during Hike and Haiku in Rothrock State Forest – Bear Meadows.
Later today, Yoga and Mindfulness at the Palmer will be held from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the Palmer Museum of Art. The free drop-in program includes yoga, mindful movement and meditation.
On Friday, Whistles in the Woods will take place at Black Moshannon State Park.
That evening, the Starlight Astronomy Club will host a Sky Watch at Canoe Creek State Park. Visitors can bring their own telescopes or use those provided by club members.
Saturday’s Lumber Legacy Day at Black Moshannon State Park runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will include lumber-era activities such as ax throwing, cross-cut sawing, log rolling, horseshoes and pinecone tossing, along with live music, demonstrations, food and craft vendors.
Saturday night, volunteers are needed for a Bat Count at the Frank Felbaum Bat Sanctuary at Canoe Creek State Park.
Looking Ahead
Penn State Rise Above invites you to We Are Family on Saturday, July 25, at the Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center. The annual fundraiser supports Penn State Adaptive Athletics and will introduce and celebrate the program’s adaptive student-athletes with hosts Sue Paterno and Dana Harris along with keynote speaker Terry Smith.
On Friday, July 31, the 2026 State Games of America Opening Ceremony will bring thousands of athletes from across the country to the Bryce Jordan Center. The ceremony begins at 7:30 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30 p.m.
Then, on Saturday, August 1, East End Social will hold its Summer Block Party Finale. The event is the final gathering in the summer block party series, with additional programming details still to be announced.
As always, check individual event listings before heading out for registration requirements, admission prices, schedule changes and other updated information.
