Rediscover State College’s ‘Townie Takeover’ Returns for 2nd Year at Champs Downtown

Townie Takeover, a locals-first celebration to kick off summer in State College, will return for its second year on Friday, May 15.

Free to attend and open to all ages, the event will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. at Champs Downtown, 139 S. Allen St.

Presented by Rediscover State College, a community initiative funded by the State College Borough Redevelopment Authority, Townie Takeover has the slogan “Summer Is For The Locals” and marks the start of the distinctive stretch after Penn State graduation when the borough transforms into a quieter, more spacious version of itself.

“State College is one of those rare places that gets to be two different towns,” Brad Groznik, of Rediscover State College, said. “There’s the energy of the school year, and then there’s summer. When it belongs to us. Townie Takeover is our way of celebrating that and reminding people how great it is to actually live here.”

The inaugural event in 2025 drew more than 400 residents for food, drink specials and a night of community connection.

This year’s Townie Takeover will again feature drink specials and food from Champs, along with activities designed to help attendees mingle and meet new neighbors. The evening will culminate in a New Year’s Eve-style countdown to officially ring in State College summer.

Rediscover State College team members will be on hand throughout the evening to welcome newcomers and connect them with other locals.

“We’re doing a full countdown this year, because honestly, State College summer deserves its own ball drop,” Groznik said. “We want every person who shows up to leave feeling like they belong here. That’s what this event is really about.”

While residents of all ages are invited to the event, the full bar and drink specials make it one adults are likely to enjoy most, according to Rediscover State College.

RSVPs are encouraged via the event’s Facebook page.