Summer fun is heating up around the area, and this weekend brings plenty to enjoy.
Kick the weekend off early on Thursday night with WingFest Round 1 at Tussey Mountain or check out the Allman Betts Band at The State Theatre.
Throughout the weekend you’ll find concerts including Asleep at the Wheel at The State Theatre, Penn’s Woods Music Festival performances and free outdoor shows in Lemont, State College and Bellefonte. The Spikes have a weekend series packed with promotions. And there are lots of ways to get outdoors — including movies under the stars, a kids’ tour of Snetsinger Butterfly Garden and Centred Outdoors at Whipple Dam.
We’ve picked out some of the weekend’s highlights below.
There is plenty more around the area for you to enjoy and you can find it all on our calendar page. Explore the weekend’s events and add your own if it isn’t listed. Or see our Bar Tour and Movies pages for more options this weekend or anytime.
THURDSAY
WingFest
A Happy Valley summer tradition returns as Tussey Mountain’s WingFest kicks off with round one on Thursday night then continues through Aug. 15, with live music and a sampling of great wings from area restaurants. Hungry crowds will determine winners each week with six finalists then competing on the final night to be crowned Wing King. This week features Blonde Bistro, Main Street Cafe, Wegmans, Wilderness Lodge, and Edges Pub. Quarterstick takes the stage at 6 p.m. and Guns ‘n Roses tribute band Nightrain plays at 8 p.m. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Admission is $5. Kids 12 and under are admitted free. Other food and drink is available too. Food and drink are purchased with tickets.
Spikes vs. Scrappers
The State College Spikes continue their homestand with a 7:05 pm. first pitch against Mahoning Valley at Medlar Field. It’s Thirsty Thursday, with $1 and $2 domestic drafts and cans and $2 Otto’s Apricot Wheat from 6 to 8 p.m.
Allman Betts Band
After a successful year touring as The Devon Allman Project with special guest Duane Betts – the sons of Allman Brothers Band’s Gregg Allman and Dickey Betts — joined forces to form The Allman Betts Band. They bring their world tour, with special guest J.D. Simo, to The State Theatre for an 8 p.m. show.
FRIDAY
Friday in the ‘Fonte
Downtown Bellefonte’s monthly celebration of shopping, dining, arts and craft beverages returns with a ‘Fashion Friday in the ‘Fonte’ theme this month. Check out the goodies, giveaways, specials, activities and more that will be available at businesses around downtown Bellefonte throughout the day here.
Bonsai Exhibit & Sale
Happy Valley Bonsai Club will exhibit and sell bonsai trees and related items throughout the weekend at the Art Alliance of Central PA, 818 Pike Street in Lemont. An opening reception and exhibit takes place 7-9 p.m. Friday, with the exhibit and sale continuing 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday. See trees that have been in training for decades and get helpful tips from club members.
Spikes vs. Doubledays
The State College Spikes open a weekend series against Auburn with a 7:05 p.m. first pitch at Medlar Field. A Pride Month celebration will include a Pride Hat Giveaway featuring a rainbow Spikes logo for the first 500 fans and an on-field parade. After the game kids can run the bases and there will be a fireworks show.
Movie on the Mountain
Enjoy a movie under the stars as the weekly summer Movies on the Mountain at Tussey Mountain continues with Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Admission is free. Gates open at 7:30 p.m. and the movie starts at dusk. Popcorn and candy will be available, as well as hot dogs, and other great food you won’t find at regular movie theaters. Soda, beer, and other beverages also are offered. Bring a blanket or lawn chair.
Concert on the Village Green
Lemont Village Association’s summer Friday night concert series continues with Ken Baxter, joined by Molly Countermine and Rene Witzke performing at the new band shelter on the Village Green from 7:30 to 9 p.m. They will be previewing a few songs from the upcoming Philosophy of Hope Concert benefiting Jana Marie Foundation on Sept. 21 at The State Theatre. World’s Fare Catering food truck will be on hand. Bring blankets or chairs. In the event of rain, the concert will be held in The Granary
Brazilian Jazz
Penn’s Woods Music Festival presents an evening of Brazilian jazz at 7:30 p.m. in the Recital Hall of Music Building I at Penn State. Several musicians from the New York City area will be performing music blending the traditions of Bossa Nova, Samba, MPB and jazz. Tickets.
Jazz in the Attic
Lancaster based saxophonist Ryan Kauffman returns to State College with his trio for an 8 p.m. Jazz in the Attic show at The State Theatre. They performed a standing room only concert as part of the Jazz at the Palmer series, and played Jazz in the Attic in 2016.
Kauffman has performed with the Manhattan Saxophone Ensemble, the Zeropoint Big Band, and the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra. He is also professor of saxophone at Millersville University.
SATURDAY
Tour & Explore Snetsinger Butterfly Garden
These sessions provide an accessible, child-friendly introduction to the Demonstration Gardens of Snetsinger Butterfly Garden at Tudek Park. Smell aromatic bee balm, watch birds flit in the brush fence, and see how bees find a place to nest. Learn how to garden to support our native pollinators, butterflies, and birds. Starts at 10 a.m. for children ages 6-12 accompanied by an adult. Second session will be held July 20.
Women’s Resale
Women’s Resale is an annual adult consignment sale event presented by Rugrats Resale that specializes in adult clothing: women’s, junior’s, maternity and select men’s clothing of all sizes. It also features accessories, books and select decor. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, with a half-price sale 8 a.m.-noon Sunday at Penn Skates, 2210 High Tech Road.
Spikes vs. Doubledays
It’s Princess Night and Daddy-Daughter Night as the Spikes host Auburn for a 7:05 p.m. first pitch at Medlar Field. It’s also a Super Saturday with chances to win big with on-field contests and special ticket opportunities.
Penn’s Woods Festival Orchestra
The Penn’s Woods Music Festival Orchestra, with conductor Gerardo Edelstein, will perform a program of selections by Diamond, Mozart, Pärt, and Strauss at 7:30 p.m. in the Recital Hall of Music Building I at Penn State. Pre-concert talk at 6:30 p.m. Tickets.
Movie in the Park
The Bellefonte Woman’s Club sponsors free family movie nights in Talleyrand Park on Saturday nights this summer, this week featuring ‘Mary Poppins Returns.’ Admission begins at 7:30 p.m. and the film starts at dusk. Popcorn and water are free while supplies last. Bring chairs, blankets, snacks, and flashlights. In case of inclement weather, movies will be held indoors at the YMCA, 125 W. High St.
Asleep at the Wheel
Grammy-winning and Billboard-charting country band Asleep at the Wheel comes to The State Theatre for an 8 p.m. show. Founded in 1970 by Ray Benson, Asleep at the Wheel has become one of the nation’s most acclaimed country bands, performing with legends like Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard and newer generation talents such as the Avett Brothers and Old Crow Medicine Show.
Happy Valley Improv’s ‘Tales from the Town’ series features local artists and influencers sharing stories that will inspire scenes by the troupe. This week’s show —at 8 p.m. in 3 Dots Downtown, 137 E. Beaver Ave.— features guest storyteller Elaine Meder-Wilgus. $10 general admission/$7 students.
South Hills Music Picnic
South Hills School of Business and Technology, 480 Waupelani Drive, continues its summer concert series with the State College Municipal Band performing from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Grounds open at 5 p.m. and visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic, blankets and chairs. Refreshments and light picnic fare also will be available for purchase.
Spikes vs. Doubledays
Party Like It’s 1999 Night at Medlar Field will include a special appearance by Chris Owen, best known as ‘Shermanator’ from the ‘American Pie’ movies. It’s also First Responders Appreciation Night and a Kids Day with a pregame catch on the field at 5 p.m., post-game kids run the bases and a coupon for a free hot dog, chips and small soda for the first 250 kids 12 and under. Cap it all off with a fireworks show. First pitch between the Spikes and Auburn is at 6:05 p.m.
Summer Sounds from the Gazebo
A seasonal staple in Bellefonte, Summer Sounds from the Gazebo in Talleyrand Park continues with the Bellefonte Community Band performing at 7 p.m. Lawn chairs or blankets are suggested.
LOOKING AHEAD
– The State Theatre’s Monday Movie series features Fellini’s ‘8 1/2’ at 3 and 7 p.m.
– Remington Ryde Bluegrass Festival returns to the Grange Fairgrounds July 3-7, featuring more than 20 national acts, RV and rough camping, food and craft vendors, kids programs, workshops, and lots of jamming. Tickets and schedule.
– Central PA 4thFest on Thursday will bring a full day of activities, including the parade, lots of entertainment and, of course, the big fireworks show. Schedule.
