TGIF: State College Weekend Events for Aug. 12-14

It’s another summer Happy Valley weekend with plenty to see and do throughout the area.

Check out Bellefonte’s Tallleyrand Park on Friday and Saturday for the big annual Arts & Crafts Fair. See a movie under the stars at Tussey Mountain or check out a wealth of theater and live music around the region. And the State College Spikes have some great promotions on tap, including Christian Hackenberg Bobblehead Night.

These and much more are on the weekend calendar.

Looking for a new Happy Valley home? Check out our list of area open houses this weekend and all the newest listings on our Real Estate page

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.

Plus, be sure to stay up to date on what’s happening every week in State College by subscribing to our weekly newsletter.

FRIDAY

Bellefonte Arts & Crafts Fair
The 33rd annual Bellefonte Arts & Crafts Fair kicks off at 10 a.m. Friday and continues Saturday in Talleyrand Park. In addition to artists, live music and food vendors, the two-day festival is packed with things to do including children’s activities, a science center, live animals, a youth kayaking experience and much more.

End of Summer Reading Party
Groove to the music of Two of a Kind and celebrate summer of reading at 2:30 p.m. in Schlow Library’s Downsbrough Community Room. Every child registered for the 3-12 reading program who attends will go home with a free book of their choosing. The party was rescheduled and moved from Spring Creek Park due to forecasted thunderstorms.

Herbie’s Hometown Loop Pre-Race Dinner
Herbie’s Hometown Loop benefiting the Jeremy Herbstritt Foundation — founded in honor of the Bellefonte native killed in the 2007 Virginia Tech shooting — will be held at 8:30 a.m. Saturday in conjunction with the Bellefonte Arts & Crafts Festival, with 10-mile and 4-mile routes. A pre-race pasta dinner will be held 4-8 p.m. Friday at St. John’s Catholic School. (Details)

Wizard of Oz
Artistic Horizons presents the story of Dorothy’s adventures with Toto, The Scarecrow, The Tin Man and The Cowardly Lion at 7 p.m. Friday and 1 p.m. Saturday at 656 Brandywine Drive, State College. Admission is $5 per person.

Spikes vs. Staten Island
The State College Spikes take on Staten Island at 7:05 p.m. at Medlar Field and the first 1,000 fans will receive the Spikes Patriotic Shirsey. It’s Philipsburg-Osceola Community Night, Ike’s Kids Zone is free all game, and there will be post-game fireworks.

Concert on the Village Green
Free Friday concerts on the Lemont Village Green continue at 7:30 p.m. with The Project. John Wise performs classic piano-based rock, with lots of Elton John and Billy Joel.

High School Musical
State College Community Theatre is performing Disney’s popular “High School Musical,” through Sunday at the State Theatre, with shows at 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. on Sunday. (Ticket info)

Jazz in the Attic
The State Theatre’s jazz series presenting the region’s finest jazz musicians and ensembles welcomes Jay Vonada’s Organ Trio East at 8 p.m. in the Attic. The trio will perform interpretations of classic tunes from the Great American Songbook as well as their original compositions.

Movie on the Mountain
Tussey Mountain’s free summer Movies on the Mountain continues with “Zootopia.” Gates open at 8 p.m. and the show 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 and watch a the movie under the stars.

Friday’s calendar

SATURDAY

Reptile and Amphibian Day
Black Moshannon State Park’s Environmental Learning Center hosts the event beginning at 10 a.m. with a reptile and amphibian search, presentations on timber rattlesnakes and snakes and snapping turtles, and keeping exotic reptiles as pets. All sessions feature live animals. (Details and schedule.)

Kids Day at the Military Museum
From 10 a.m.-3 p.m.Kids of all ages get to wear combat gear and helmets from the PA Military Museum education collection and pose for pictures behind the wheel of an authentic Jeep. Regular admission rates apply.

Historic Tours
Head to Howard and enjoy a guided tour of the 1830 Federal-style Mansion built by ironmaster R. Curtin; then tour the renovated Eagle Ironworks – the country’s last waterwheel-powered cold blast charcoal furnace. Open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Last tour starts at 3 pm. Adults $4, Children 12 and under $1. (More info)

Family Concert
The Central PA Music Teachers Association and Penn State School of Music present the annual Family Concert at 7 p.m. in Penn State’s Esber Recital Hall. This year’s concert features pianists Cecilia Dunoyer, Kristin Stephenson, violinist Juliette Greer and cellist Jonathan Dexter. Tickets are $10 for adult and $5 for child/student and available at Robert M. Sides, 1801 N. Atherton St. and Far Corners Asian Market, 1012 W. College Ave.

Hackenberg Bobblehead Night
The State College Spikes host Staten Island for another 7:05 p.m. first pitch, and the first 1,000 fans of all ages will receive a bobblehead honoring Penn State’s all-time passing leader Christian Hackenberg. It’s also Mifflin and Juniata Counties Night and Ike’s Kids Zone is free.

Saturday’s calendar

SUNDAY

Community Picnic
St. John’s UCC, 218 N. Church St. in Boalsburg, sponsors a free Community Picnic from noon–3 p.m. The picnic will feature a cake walk plus hot dogs, watermelon and other summertime favorites. At 1 p.m the first 30 children and youth in attendance will receive free backpacks with school supplies.

Blessing of Backpacks & Community Picnic
Faith Church, 512 Hughes Street in Bellefonte, will help kids get ready for school from 4-6 p.m. with  free school supplies, free haircuts and health screenings. School-age children and their families will gather at 4 p.m. for a special blessing for the students and the school year. The first 400 students will receive free school supplies and a drawstring backpack. There will be a free picnic, bounce house, games, and an opportunity to talk with community organizations.

South Hills Picnic Concert
The weekly summer outdoor music series at South Hills School of Business North Lawn continues with the Bellefonte Community Band performing waltzes, marches and more.. Bring your picnic starting at 5, and music starts at 6.

Summer Sounds
Summer Sounds from The Gazebo in Talleyrand Park are a staple in the Bellefonte summer activity menu, with free concerts every Sunday from June to August. The Coterie takes the stage at 7 p.m. to perform acoustic folk rock

‘90s Night at Medlar Field
The Spikes host Staten Island at 6:05 p.m. and for Salute to the’90s Night Dennis Haskins, who played Mr. Belding on “Saved By the Bell,” will throw out the first pitch, meet fans and sign autographs and take part in on-field contests. It’s Bellefonte Community Night, with free Kids Zone, and there will be a post-game fireworks show.

Sunday’s calendar