State College Weekend Plans: Friday, March 18, to Sunday, March 20

Friday, Mar. 18

Movies

Bradley Cooper and Robert DeNiro star in “Limitless,” a story about an unsuccessful writer whose world is turned upside-down by a “smart-drug” that allows him to use 100 percent of his brain, making him the perfect version of himself. Soon, however, his enhanced abilities attracted much unwanted attention.

In “Paul,” two average sci-fi geeks get caught in an interplanetary adventure after picking up an extraterrestrial during a road trip to Area 51, and becoming the targets of a nationwide manhunt. The comedy stars Jason Bateman, Bill Hader, Kristen Wiig, and the voice of Seth Rogan as Paul himself.

(For complete movie listings throughout the weekend, check here.)

Entertainment

The Siglerville Men’s Club in Milroy is hosting an Evening of Bluegrass featuring the national touring act Remington Ryde and the Allegheny Ridge Runners. The doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m.

The Menotti Opera Festival continues at the State Theatre at 8 p.m. with a double bill of two of Menotti’s most popular operas: ‘Amahl and the Night Visitors’ and ‘The Old Maid and the Thief.’

3OH!3 is performing in Alumni Hall in the HUB-Robeson Center at 9:30 p.m. Penn State ID is required.

Food

Warriors Mark United Methodist Church is hosting a Fish Fry Buffet Dinner at 4:30 p.m. The dinner costs $8 for adults and $4 for children ages 5-10.

Family

Bellefonte YMCA is hosting a Family Night Out beginning at 7 p.m. Families are asked to bring no more than eight items to be donated and used as prizes in “Yard Sale Bingo.” Remaining items will be sold for 50 cents each. Proceeds go to the Y’s Annual Giving Campaign. The event is free for members and $8 for non-member families.

The State College YMCA branch is holding a Teen Late-Night from 9 to 11 p.m. The event includes pizza, dodgeball, and a scavenger hunt. The cost is $3 for members and $5 for non-members, but guests are encouraged.          

Sports

Penn State men’s volleyball takes on Ball State at 7 p.m. in Rec Hall.

Saturday, Mar. 19

Entertainment

“A League of Their Own” is playing at the Clemens Family Theater inside the Penn State All-Sports Museum at Beaver Stadium at 1:30 p.m. — free of charge.

Foghorn Stringband is playing at the Center for Well-Being in Lemont. The Acoustic Brew Concert begins at 7:30 p.m. and tickets cost $16.

The Menotti Opera Festival continues at 8 p.m. at the State Theatre with ‘The Consul,’ a dark and powerful political drama. The opera is based loosely on the true story of immigrants stuck waiting to enter the U.S. in the aftermath of WWII.

Food

The MOGS motorcycle club and Houserville United Methodist Church House of Hope are partnering to provide a Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser at 5 p.m. The dinner will benefit Easter activities especially for disadvantaged children and youth in Centre County. Dinner is $7 for adults and $4 for ages 3-12 .      

Family

A Walk in the Woods at Shaver’s Creek begins at 10 a.m. The two-mile hike will take families through Pennsylvania’s diverse plant and animal life, while also learning about Leave No Trace. Families are asked to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy along the hike. The cost is free for members and  $4 for non-members.

Zion Community Church is holding its annual spring Soup & Bake Sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Soups include ham and bean, chicken corn chowder, vegetable beef and more starting at $4.50 a pint. Various baked goods will also be available.

The Pleasant Gap Area Lioness Club is holding a craft show at the CPI Building in Pleasant Gap from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lunch will be available to eat in or take out and includes soup, BBQ and baked goods. The craft show will also feature a raffle and a 50/50.

Sports

Penn State has been selected as one of 16 universities to host the 2011 NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship’s First and Second Round games. The first game begins at 11 a.m. at the Bryce Jordan Center.

Penn State men’s volleyball battles IPFW at 7 p.m. in Rec Hall.

Late Night

Local Motion’s DJ Manik Mike is at Indigo along with $2 shots, shooters, Long Island iced teas, Red Bull/vodka, and mixed drinks during Happy Hour from 10 p.m. to midnight.

Lowjack takes the stage at Bar Bleu at 10:30 p.m. Sailor Jerry pitchers are only $5 until midnight.

Sunday, Mar. 20

DVD Releases

New to DVD this week was “The Fighter.” Mark Wahlberg stars in the inspirational docu-drama following the rise of Massachusetts-born boxer and junior welterweight-title winner ‘Irish’ Micky Ward. The film also stars Christian Bale and Melissa Leo, who both took home Oscars for their performance.

Jennifer Aniston and Jason Bateman star in “The Switch.” The comedy tell the story about a single woman who decides it’s time to have a baby, even if she has to do it alone. Seven years later, she discovers a mix-up that could explain why her son so closely resembles her male best friend.

Entertainment

“A League of Their Own” is playing at the Clemens Family Theater inside the Penn State All-Sports Museum at Beaver Stadium at 1:30 p.m. — free of charge.

The State Theatre is showing Oscar shorts, both animated and live action. Animated shorts begin at 7:30 p.m. and live action follow at 9 p.m.

Family

Congregation Brit Shalom is celebrating Purim at the Brit Shalom Purim Carnival. The carnival will include games, food, prizes, raffles and a costume contest. The event is open to the public and lasts from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Sports

Penn State men’s tennis plays Youngstown State at 10 a.m. and Dayton at 3 p.m. at the Sarni Tennis Center.

Penn State women’s lacrosse takes on Vanderbilt at noon on Jeffrey Field.