Things to Do This Weekend in State College: Fall Festivals, Flying Pumpkins, Live Music and More

From glowing jack-o’-lanterns and flying pumpkins to haunted tours, live theater, apple festivals and a grand reopening celebration, there’s plenty happening around Centre County this weekend.

October is in full swing in Happy Valley, and this weekend is packed with opportunities to enjoy the season. Penn State’s Pumpkin Fest returns to the Arboretum, pumpkins will soar through the air at Bald Eagle State Park, and local farms will welcome visitors for hayrides, apple picking and other fall traditions.

There’s plenty happening beyond the pumpkin patches, too. Penn State hockey returns to Pegula Ice Arena, Centre Stage brings a musical comedy to the stage and a Boalsburg climbing gym celebrates a new chapter with a grand reopening.

Whether you’re looking for family fun, Halloween thrills or something different to do with friends, here is a look at some of the events happening around State College this weekend.

Friday, Oct. 16

Pumpkin Fest Lights Up the Arboretum

One of Penn State’s most popular fall traditions returns Friday as Pumpkin Fest transforms the H.O. Smith Botanic Gardens at the Arboretum into a glowing display of carved jack-o’-lanterns.

The free-admission, family-friendly celebration features creative pumpkin displays, contests, live music, food trucks, crafts and activities for all ages. Visitors can stroll through the gardens to admire the illuminated creations and enjoy the sights and sounds of autumn on campus.

The festivities begin at 5 p.m. Friday and continue Saturday, with the event concluding at 9 p.m.

Way Fruit Farm Hosts Apple Cider Festival

Another autumn favorite returns Saturday as Way Fruit Farm welcomes visitors for its Apple Cider Festival in Port Matilda. The celebration features tours of the farm’s cider press, apple picking, wagon rides to the pumpkin patch, donut games and a craft market showcasing local artisans. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of food vendors and live music from Adam of Adam and the Armadillos, who will perform from noon to 2 p.m. The festival runs from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at 2355 Halfmoon Valley Road.

Penn State Men’s Hockey Hosts Quinnipiac

The Nittany Lions will take the ice Friday night for their home opener as Penn State men’s hockey welcomes Quinnipiac to Pegula Ice Arena.

The puck drops at 7 p.m. at Pegula Ice Arena.

Explore Penn State’s Haunted History With Ghost Tours

Penn State’s Lion Ambassadors will bring the university’s spookier stories to life Friday evening during Campus Ghost Tours & Haunted House.

The Haunted Valley event invites visitors to explore campus legends, mysterious locations and tales of Penn State’s eerie past. Guided tours depart every 10 to 15 minutes and last approximately 30 minutes.

Visitors can also experience a haunted house, enjoy fall games and activities, and grab seasonal treats.

The event runs from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Hintz Family Alumni Center. Registration is encouraged.

Penn State Centre Stage Brings ‘Sister Act’ to the Stage

For a night of music and laughter, Penn State Centre Stage will present ‘Sister Act’ at the Playhouse Theatre.

Based on the popular 1992 film, the musical follows Deloris, an aspiring singer who witnesses a murder and finds herself hiding in a convent. There, she takes charge of a struggling choir and transforms it into something extraordinary.

Featuring a disco-inspired score by Alan Menken, the production blends comedy, music and an uplifting story.

Friday’s performance begins at 7:30 p.m. Additional performances are scheduled for Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 17

Pumpkins Take Flight at Punkin’ Chunkin’ Fall Festival

Pumpkins will be doing more than decorating porches Saturday as the annual Punkin’ Chunkin’ Fall Festival returns to Bald Eagle State Park. Hosted by the Howard Volunteer Fire Company, the event features massive pumpkin-launching machines that send gourds flying through the air, creating one of Centre County’s most unusual fall spectacles. In addition to the pumpkin launches, visitors can enjoy food, browse local vendors and take in the autumn scenery surrounding the park. The free festival runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Bald Eagle State Park, 149 Main Park Road in Howard.

Celebrate the Harvest at Curtin Village’s Apple Festival

Apples will take center stage Saturday as Eagle Iron Works and Curtin Village hosts its annual Apple Festival in Howard. The historic site will come alive with the sights, sounds and flavors of fall, featuring freshly pressed apple cider, apple butter, caramel apples, cider donuts and other seasonal favorites. Visitors can browse handmade crafts, enjoy live music from the Celtic Nations Duo and Mountain City Acoustic Trio, and explore the historic property. Families can also take part in pumpkin painting, fall crafts, straw-bale climbing and tours of the mansion and iron furnace. The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $5, with children 10 and under admitted free. Proceeds support the preservation of the historic site.

112th Penn State Horticulture Show

Celebrate the season at the 112th Annual Penn State Horticulture Show, themed “A Stroll Through the Park,” from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Snider Agricultural Arena. Hosted by the Penn State Horticulture Club, this family-friendly weekend offers student-built landscape displays inspired by local parks, fun mini-games, and plants, pumpkins and floral arrangements for sale. 

Enjoy Fall Fun at Wasson Farm Market

Wasson Farm Market will continue its 26th annual Fall Fest with a full day of activities celebrating the harvest season. Families can take hayrides to the pumpkin patch, explore a corn maze, visit farm animals and enjoy games, a straw tunnel, barrel train rides, food and wine tasting. Hayrides to the pumpkin patch cost $10 per person and include a pumpkin. The last hayride departs at 4:30 p.m. The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at 2545 Shingletown Road in State College.

State College Friends School Welcomes Community for Fun Fair

The State College Friends School will open its doors to the community Saturday for its annual Fun Fair. The free event offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including carnival games, a bounce house, face painting, pumpkin painting, a bake sale, pottery decorating and seasonal treats. Visitors can also enjoy apple cider slushies and homemade pumpkin cinnamon rolls. The fair runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1900 University Drive. A Friends & Family Fun Run will begin at 10:30 a.m.

Brownie Bash Celebrates Life, Benefits Family

A volunteer-led fundraiser honoring Josh Brown, who died in a car accident this summer, will bring together a half-dozen musical acts from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at 814 Cider Works 3392 Shingletown Road. Proceeds from the Brownie Bash will benefit Josh’s wife, Danae Blasso, and their daughter, Thea, 2. He died Aug. 4 after a car accident in Blair County.

Penn State Women’s Hockey Hosts Lindenwood

The Penn State women’s hockey team welcomes No. 5 Lindenwood to Pegula Ice Arena for the second in a two game series at noon.

Sunday, Oct. 18

Climb Nittany Celebrates Grand Reopening With Music, Food and Family Fun

A Boalsburg climbing gym will celebrate a new chapter Sunday as Climb Nittany hosts a grand reopening party after a community-led effort saved the facility from permanent closure. The celebration will feature local food and coffee, live music, a special routesetting demonstration and activities for children. A kids’ climbing area will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., while live music begins at 2 p.m. Other festivities include seasonal refreshments and an evening bonfire with s’mores, weather permitting. The celebration runs from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 328 Discovery Drive in Boalsburg. A valid membership, day pass or guest pass is required to climb.

People, PAWS and PSU Offers Health Services for Pets and Their Owners

Centre County PAWS will bring together animal care and human health services Sunday during People, PAWS and PSU. The community event, organized with the office of state Rep. Paul Takac and Penn State partners, will offer low-cost vaccinations and microchipping for pets, along with free flu vaccinations and blood pressure screenings for people. Visitors can also learn about tick-borne diseases and ways to protect themselves and their pets. The event is set for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Centre County PAWS, 1401 Trout Road in State College.

Make the Most of Fall in Happy Valley

For more activities and the latest event information, visit the StateCollege.com Community Events Calendar.

Event times, prices and details are subject to change. Check with organizers before attending. Note to readers: We utilized AI tools to help research and outline portions of this article. The final draft was entirely reviewed and edited by our editorial team.