The Happy Valley Weekend is here, and there is plenty on the calendar to keep anyone busy in the State College area.
Things get started on Friday with the big annual Movin’ On concert at Penn State, this year featuring Walk the Moon, Nelly and many more. Penn State baseball and softball are both in action all weekend starting Friday night. Local YMCAs will be participating in Healthy Kids Day on Saturday with fun activities for the family. The State Theatre hosts its first local talent showcase on Saturday at the State College Borough Building, and later that night monster trucks invade the Jordan Center.
We’ve compiled the highlights from the upcoming weekend’s community events in the State College area for you to enjoy.
FRIDAY
Movin’ On
The annual concert marking the end of Penn State’s school year Movin’ On gets under way at 3:30 p.m. at the intramural fields near the intersection of Park Avenue and University Drive. Headliners Walk the Moon are scheduled to take the stage at 9:30 p.m., following Nelly’s set at 8 p.m. For the rest of the lineup and more info go to movinon.org. Check here for parking and traffic info.
Cleanup Time
The Centre County Recycling & Refuse Authority will hold a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event on Friday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and on Saturday from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Check here for details on what can be accepted.
Bike Month Kick Off
Stop by the Allen Street Gates between 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. to talk to local bicyclists about biking in the area and get maps and resources as CentreBike kicks off National Bike Month in May.
Penn State Softball
Riding an 11-game win streak, Penn State softball is at Beard Field for a three-game homestand against Michigan. First pitch on Friday is at 6 p.m., with Saturday’s game at 3 p.m. and Sunday’s at 1 p.m.
Penn State Baseball
The Diamond Lions open a three-game series vs. Maryland at 6:30 p.m. Friday at Medlar Field. First pitch on Saturday is scheduled for 3 p.m. and Sunday’s game is at 1 p.m.
Mom Prom
Arc of Centre County will host Mom Prom at 7 p.m. at the Ramada Inn on South Atherton Street. A ladies-only event features music, dancing, hors d’oeuvres, dessert, a photo booth, prize drawings, a silent auction and other fun to support The Arc. Check here for tickets and more info.
SATURDAY
Healthy Kids Day
All four local YMCAs will participate in the Y’s national initiative to improve the health and well-being of families. Check out what each has planned here and make Saturday a play date.
Dog Jog
The 8th Annual Dog Jog 5K run and 1.5 mile walk to support Pets Come First starts at 8:30 a.m. at the Grange Fairgrounds in Centre Hall. Check here for details.
Cornhole Classic
The Builders’ Association of Central PA is holding its 2nd Annual Corn Hole Classic to benefit CVIM and PAWS of Central PA at 10 a.m. at Nissan Field, 3220 W. College Ave.. Corn Hole, or bean bag toss features teams of two competing for the Corn Hole Trophy. Details.
Apple Blossom Festival
Way Fruit Farm hosts its annual spring festival from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., with free wagon rides through the orchard, children’s storytime at 11 a.m. and more.
World Stories Alive
Schlow Library’s final World Stories Alive of the spring will feature Kazakh stories, songs and art. Recommended for children ages 3-8 and their families. The program, starting at 11 a.m. in the Downsbrough Community Room, is fun for speakers of all languages.
Elektra at the State Theatre
The Metropolitan Opera season at the State Theatre concludes with a live HD broadcast of Richard Strauss’ Elektra, starting at 12:55 p.m. Details.
Who’s Got Moxie?
The State Theatre presents its first local talent showcase, Moxie, from 2-6 p.m. at the State College Borough Building on Allen Street. In addition to spotlighting local performers, the event is free event is an effort to rally support for Centre Gives, a giving event designed to recognize the positive work of local nonprofits in Centre County.
Nittany Knights
The Nittany Knights Barbershop Chorus is Puttin’ on the Ritz at 7:30 p.m. in the State High North Building Auditorium with its 53rd annual concert. Ticket info and more.
Hops & Vines
Celebrating its 100th show, area acoustic rock duo Hops & Vines and special guests will hold a benefit concert for local food banks from 6-8:30 p.m.at Big Spring Spirits in Bellefonte. Attendees are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item, and a portion of drink sales will also be donated. More info.
Monster Trucks
The Monster Truck Nationals are back for a high-velocity shootout at the Bryce Jordan Center on a one night only show at 6:30 p.m. Tickets.
SUNDAY
Linden Hall Bike, Run And Walk
SupportIng the historic Rock Hill School at Linden Hall, participants can do a 28-mile (supported) bike ride, a five-mile family/recreational bike ride, a five-mile walk or a five-mile run. The event starts at 12:30 p.m. at the intersection of Linden Hall Road and Brush Valley Road in Oak Hall. Online registration at https://bit.ly/lindenloop2016
Trail to Wine 5K
Benefitting Centre County Paws, the Trail to Wine 5K at Mt. Nittany Vineyard & Winery is a trail run through the grape rows and rolling terrain finished off with a glass of wine. Two start times are offered. Registration info.
Pitch, Hit & Run
Scotts & Major League Baseball’s Pitch, Hit & Run is a free, national program that offers boys and girls ages 7-14 the chance to showcase their baseball and softball abilities. The local edition is at 2 p.m. at Oak Hall Regional Park. The event is intended to encourage youth participation and emphasize the fun element of the sport. Boys and girls compete together in four age groups: 7-8, 9-10, 11-12 and 13-14. Age is determined as of July 17, 2016. A birth certificate is required for age verification. For more information contact Jeff Hall at CRPR (814-231-3071).
LOOKING AHEAD
The 36 hours of Centre Gives supporting local non-profits starts at 6 a.m. Tuesday. Penn State’s Small Business Development Center hosts a workshop on The First Steps of Starting a Business at 9 a.m. on Tuesday. State College Young Professionals hosts its May “Sips” networking Happy Hour at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at Kildare’s, 538 E. College Ave. For non-members, cost is $5 to meet new people and see what SCYP is all about.
If all that isn’t enough for you, there’s more happening in State College. Check out our calendar page to explore the weekend’s events, and feel free to add your own if it isn’t listed.
