It’s Memorial Day weekend, and as is tradition there is a packed schedule of events in Boalsburg, the birthplace of the holiday.
But there’s much more on the calendar as well. Hear poet Robert Walicki in Millheim or see Peter Pan in State College on Friday. Welch and Park Forest Pools are scheduled to open on Saturday. You can also enjoy state parks with the Black Moshannon 5K and 10K or the Veterans Hike at Bald Eagle State Park.
And on Sunday, get a docent-guided tour at the Palmer Museum or check out the annual Snow Shoe Mud Race.
We’ve compiled the highlights from the upcoming weekend’s community events in the State College area for you to enjoy. And if you’re looking for more, check out our calendar page to explore the weekend’s events, and feel free to add your own if it isn’t listed. Or see our Bar Tour and Movies pages for more options this weekend or anytime.
Boalsburg Memorial Day Weekend
The birthplace of Memorial Day has a full weekend of events on the schedule. There’s the Boalsburg Fire Company’s annual carnival all weekend, the parade on Saturday and the Day in Town festival on Monday. The PA Military Museum hosts “World War II Revisited,” when re-enactors encamp on the grounds Saturday and Sunday. Boal Mansion will hold a special Memorial Day event with Civil War re-enactors, food, a petting zoo and more. The weekend concludes Monday night with a memorial ceremony at the Boalsburg Cemetery, and there’s much, much more on the calendar between Friday and Monday night.
Check out our round-up of Memorial Day Weekend in Boalsburg and visit our Memorial Day guide.
FRIDAY
Peter Pan
Nittany Christian Middle School drama students will present the classic tale of Peter Pan on Friday with performances at 3 and 7 pm. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for children and students through senior high.
Fourth Friday Reading Series
The Green Drake Gallery in Millheim hosts Pittsburgh poet Robert Walicki who will read from his new book, ‘The Almost Sound of Snow Falling,” at 7:30 p.m. The Fourth Friday Reading Series also features guest poet Steve Van Hook.
Nittany Valley Benefit Dinner
A community dinner featuring a traditional Amish home-cooked wedding-style meal will be held on at noon at the Walker Township Fire Hall in Hublersburg just off of Route 64 between Zion and Lamar.
SATURDAY
Welch and Park Forest Pools Open
Weather permitting, the Welch and Park Forest Community Swimming Pools will open Saturday with general admission from noon to 8 p.m.
Pancake Breakfast and Yard Sale
The Christians in Action youth group of St. John’s United Church of Christ in Boalsburg will serve a pancake and sausage breakfast from 8-11 a.m., with a yard sale from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Proceeds the group’s trip to the UCC National Youth Event in Orlando in June.
Bellefonte Parents Night Out
The Bellefonte YMCA is offering parents a night out from 5-8 p.m. Kids will enjoy Pizza Mia pizza and gym while mom and dad enjoy a few hours away.
Black Moshannon 5K & 10K
A Memorial Day weekend tradition since 1980, the 5K and 10K races at Black Moshanon State Park in Philipsburg are scheduled to begin at 10 a.m., with check-in starting at 8 a.m. under the pavilion at the corner of Concession Road and Black Moshannon Road. Details and registration info.
Veterans Hike
Join veterans and families from across Central Pennsylvania for this hike from 2-3:30 p.m. along the Lakeside Trail at Bald Eagle State Park in Howard. This 2.5 mile moderately difficult hike will incorporate stops along the trail for participants to learn wild edibles, how to make natural cordage, and how to make a matchless fire. Participants are encouraged to bring a full water bottle and wear shoes that are sturdy for walking over roots and large rocks. Meet at the Primitive Campground entrance.
SUNDAY
Palmer Museum Tour
Each Sunday this summer, Palmer Museum of Art at Penn State will host docent-led tours. Tour begin at 2:00 p.m. in the Christoffers Lobby and last approximately 45 minutes. Each tour is unique and led by a different docent, focusing on their particular area of interest. Light refreshments will be served before and afterward and all ages are welcome. This week’s tour is led by docent Dotty Ford and focus on American contemporary art.
Snow Shoe Mud Race
Street, Stock, Backwoods Beaters, Outlaws and many more race around a muddy obstacle course to the finish at the annual Snow Shoe Mud Race, The race starts at noon at the Snow Shoe Fire Company’s mud track, 256 Rusnack Road in Clarence. More info.
Pontoon Boat Rides
Black Moshannon State Park will be offering pontoon boat rides starting at 11 a.m. Minimum age is 4-years-old. Due to limited seats the rides will be first-come, first-served. More info.
