By Becky Sciullo | January 28, 2026
Winter Storm Fern dropped a serious blanket of snow across Happy Valley this weekend. If plans were canceled or changed, we hope you stayed safe, enjoyed the quiet beauty of the storm, and maybe leaned into the slower pace for a day or two.
Now it’s time to unbury.
As we dig out, this week delivers one of the most energetic stretches of the winter season: Winter Weekend at Penn State, anchored by hockey at Beaver Stadium and surrounded by a full slate of sporting events. The week also brings a few quieter ways to ease back into the world.
We’ve organized the highlights by theme then date to match your mood.
For full details and additional events, visit the Connect Happy Valley Events Calendar:
If You Want Hockey Valley Energy 🏒
Winter Weekend isn’t just about one game on Saturday. This is a multi-day celebration of Penn State hockey, with several chances to be part of it. Yes, it’s going to be cold, but there will also be places to warm up along the way, including the Bubble (Indoor Practice Facility) and the All-Sports Museum.
Friday, January 30
Penn State Women’s Ice Hockey vs. Robert Morris
1:00 PM
📍 Beaver Stadium
Free admission
Enter through Gate A beginning at noon
Team Arrival: 11:00 AM
Welcome the team as they arrive by blue bus outside the South Tunnel.
This is a rare chance to watch one of Penn State’s most exciting teams in an outdoor setting. The women’s team has had a standout season, recently clinching their conference, and features an all-star roster including Olympic team members from the U.S. and Sweden. Fast, skilled, and fiercely competitive, this is a program worth seeing up close.
Bubble (Indoor Practice Facility) Block Party
4:00–8:00 PM
📍 Corner of University Drive & Curtin Road
After Women’s Hockey, experience the new Bubble with food trucks, bars, and more including a big-screen viewing of the men’s hockey game at 6:00 PM.
Penn State Men’s Ice Hockey vs. Michigan State
6:00 PM
📍 Pegula Ice Arena
Kick off Winter Weekend with a Friday night game at Pegula before the full outdoor spectacle on Saturday.
Saturday, January 31
Hockey Winter Classic – Men’s Ice Hockey vs. Michigan State
1:00 PM
📍 Beaver Stadium
Lots open at 7:00 AM
The main event. 🏒
This is the game many fans have been waiting for. Coming off a strong series against Wisconsin, the Nittany Lions bring momentum into a rare outdoor clash at Beaver Stadium.
Bubble (Indoor Practice Facility) Block Party
9:00 AM–5:00 PM
📍 Corner of University Drive & Curtin Road
Hit the Bubble again for more fun including a pep-rally at 11:30 am.
Penn State Women’s Ice Hockey vs. Robert Morris
6:00 PM
📍 Pegula Ice Arena
After the Winter Classic crowds clear, the women return to Pegula for an evening game, giving you another chance to catch this exceptional team. Experience hockey at Pegula at this free event with open seating.
For More Penn State Sports Energy 🔵⚪
This week is packed with opportunities to show Penn State pride, many of them free to attend.
Wednesday, January 28
National Girls & Women in Sports Night
Women’s Basketball vs. Minnesota
6:00 PM
📍 Rec Hall
A special night celebrating girls and women in sports, paired with a Big Ten women’s basketball matchup.
Friday, January 30
Penn State Wrestling vs. Nebraska
8:00 PM
📍 Bryce Jordan Center
One of the most electric environments in college sports, featuring Penn State’s nationally dominant wrestling program.
Men’s Volleyball White Out vs. Hawaii
6:00 PM
📍 Rec Hall
A classic White Out atmosphere for one of Penn State’s strongest and most entertaining teams.
Sunday, February 1
Coaches vs. Cancer & Alumni Day
Penn State Men’s Basketball vs. Minnesota
2:00 PM
📍 Bryce Jordan Center
A meaningful matchup wrapped into Winter Weekend festivities.
Visit this Penn State Athletics link for a full Winter Weekend schedule of sporting events.
Still Getting Out (Even If the Cold Wins) ❄️
If you’ve been eyeing outdoor plans but the temperatures give you pause, you’re not alone. This week may be more about short outings, warm stops, and still changing your scenery rather than committing to long stretches outside.
These events let you get out, see people, and do something different, even if most of the time is spent indoors.
Wednesday, January 28
Pine Grove Hall Trivia Night
7:00–9:00 PM
📍 Pine Grove Hall
Trivia Night debuts at Pine Grove Hall, hosted by PGH manager Angela Harshbarger. The evening includes three trivia categories, including a music round written by soundman Steve Christensen.
Come with a team or build one at your table.
No reservations required. Arrive before 7:00 PM to claim a table. First-come, first-served.
Thursday, January 29
Bach’s Lunch – School of Music Voice Area Noontime Concert: Voice Honors
12:10–12:45 PM
📍 Eisenhower Chapel, Pasquerilla Spiritual Center
A short midday concert featuring Voice Honors students. Avoid parking and catch a CATA to Pattee Transit Center and then take a quick walk to the Chapel for easy access to this indoor experience.
Free admission.
Sunday, February 1
🌕 Moon Walk at Rhoneymeade
Evening
📍 Rhoneymeade Arboretum
Join Centred Outdoors for a Full Moon Walk for those who don’t mind bundling up and are craving something calm. Registration required.
Thursday Night is For Music 🎶
Jason Aldean headlines the Bryce Jordan Center with his 2026 Full Throttle Tour at 7:30 pm, Manny’s offers an alternative option with a very different vibe.
Big Lazy (NYC)
8:00 PM
📍 Manny’s State College
Big Lazy brings a cinematic, instrumental blend of noir jazz and surf-inspired guitar. A nationally recognized act with a distinctive sound, and a great fit for an intimate venue.
Looking for more? Manny’s and other local spots host live music throughout the week. Check our Events Calendar for all your options.
Can’t Forget Groundhog Day
If you’re not road-tripping to Gobbler’s Knob but still want to lean into the tradition, there’s a classic way to celebrate locally.
Sunday, February 1
🎬 Groundhog Day
7:30 PM
📍 Friedman Auditorium State Theatre
A perfect pre-Groundhog Day screening of the film that made the holiday famous.
A Final Thought
After a major winter storm, it’s tempting to stay tucked in. But this week offers a mix of high-energy events and quieter ways to re-enter the world.
Whether you’re cheering in Beaver Stadium, catching a game at Rec Hall, or taking a reflective walk under the moon, there’s a way to get out that fits your pace.
For full listings, details, and updates, visit:
https://connecthappyvalley.com/events/
