Happy Friday, Happy Valley!
We’re well into August, so get out and enjoy summer fun while it lasts. Band Together brings local acts to an outdoor stage for a concert benefiting Easterseals, and weekly free outdoor concerts continue around the area. Then head to Millheim on Sunday to check out terrific rising blues singer-songwriter Shane Hall at Elk Creek.
The State College Spikes have two nights of a great baseball, fun promotions and spectacular fireworks in store. You’ll find excellent local theater from Next Stage at The State Theatre and the young stars of Singing Onstage at the Downtown Theatre. And you can visit American Legion Post 245 for a daylong 100th anniversary celebration.
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.
FRIDAY
Band Together
A concert benefiting Easterseals Western and Central Pennsylvania, Band Together will be held from 6-9 p.m. at the Pavilion by the Pond at Tussey Mountain. Anchor & Arrow, Hops & Vines, and West Beaver Arts Collective will perform. Tickets ($40/adult; $10/child) include food by Benjamin’s Catering, refreshments, games and one adult beverage. Cash bar also available. The night includes a silent auction with lots of great items.
Ice Cream Social for Dogs
Every Friday in August, from 6-8 p.m., Wiscoy for Animals, 424 W. Aaron Dr., will be serving up dog friendly ice cream as well as the human version of the cold dessert. Meet other dog lovers, make new friends and enjoy Wiscoy’s 24th annual customer appreciation event.
Spikes vs. Muckdogs
State College hosts Batavia for a 7:05 p.m. first pitch, and the Spikes will pay homage to a world-famous dessert option when they change identities for the night and play as the ‘Happy Valley Grilled Stickies,’ with jerseys featuring a logo celebrating the pairing of Grilled Stickies with Berkey Creamery Ice Cream. Jerseys will be auctioned by bids during the game to benefit Children’s Miracle Network. Friday also includes a Myrtle Beach trip giveaway, free Ikes Kids Zone, post-game kids run the bases, and a fireworks show to cap it all off.
Concert on the Village Green
Lemont Village Association’s summer Friday night concert series continues with OverheaD performing an eclectic blend of classic rock, blues, jazz, and originals at the new band pavilion on the Village Green from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Bring blankets or chairs. Concerts are moved into the Granary building in case of thunderstorms.
Night Hike at Bald Eagle State Park
Venture with the park naturalist for a 1.5-mile hike along the dark trails to hear, maybe see, and learn about the nightlife within Bald Eagle State Park, starting at 8:30 p.m. Meet at the Environmental Learning Center. Dress appropriately for weather, wear proper hiking footwear and bring a flashlight.
SATURDAY
Race to Neverland 5k
Starting at 9 a.m. at Tudek Park, the Race to Neverland 5k will support local nonprofit Pixie Dust Wishes’ mission to grant Disney trips to children with special needs and their families. Registration and check-in begins at 8 a.m. In addition to a 5k and 1-mile fun walk, the event also includes a festival with Disney-themed arts and crafts, games, basket raffle and silent auction. Come dressed as your favorite Disney character for the costume contest. The latest Pixie Dust Wishes wish recipient also will be announced after the 5k. See registration info, schedules and more details here.
American Legion 100th Anniversary Celebration
American Legion Post 245 in State College will celebrate its own 100th anniversary and that of the national organization, starting with a parade from Bristol Avenue and Gwenedd Lane to the post at 1900 Pine Hall Road. An opening ceremony at noon will be followed by a fair with live music, food vendors, kids games and activities until 4 p.m.. The patio will be open all day with an outdoor bar. Tickets for a catered dinner starting at 5 p.m. are $8 if purchased in advance at the post or $12 day of. See the full lineup here.
Studio Adventures
A self-guided tour of regional artists’ studios, Studio Adventures will be held from noon to 5:30 p.m. Benjamin Fehl, Mary Vollero, Brienne Brown, and Susan Nicholas Gephart are welcoming local visitors and patrons of the arts to join them in an afternoon of creative fun and artistic interest. The studios are Bellefonte, Milesburg, Unionville, and Julian. See locations and more info at studioadventures.org.
Author Talk and Book Signing
At age 21, Matthew VanFossan became blind due to complications with his eyes that he had had since birth. In his book, ‘Through Gilly’s Eyes: Memoirs of a Guide Dog,’ VanFossan writes about the challenges and opportunities he faced as seen through the eyes of his first guide dog, Guildenstern. VanFossan will discuss his book and his life from 2-3:30 p.m. in in the Downsbrough Community Room of Schlow Centre Region Library.
Winnie the Pooh
Singing Onstage students present Disney’s ‘Winnie the Pooh Kids,’ a delightful show based on the beloved characters of A.A. Milne and the 2011 Disney animated feature film, at 3 p.m. in the Penn State Downtown Theatre. Featuring favorite songs from the film, as well as new hits by the Academy Award-winning Robert and Kristen Lopez (‘Frozen’), this honey-filled delight is as sweet as it is fun. Tickets.
Uncle Vanya
The Next Stage presents Richard Nelson’s adaptation of Chekhov’s ‘Uncle Vanya,’ at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday in the Attic at The State Theatre. Performances will continue Aug. 15-18.
Spikes vs. Muckdogs
The Spikes wrap up a three-game homestand against Batavia with a 7:05 p.m. first pitch at Medlar Field. It’s Cowboy Monkey Rodeo Night, as Team Ghost Riders returns an action-packed performance featuring monkeys riding dogs herding sheep. It’s also Ag Night and Super Saturday with chances to win big throughout the night. There’s another post-game kids run the bases and a fireworks show to wrap up the night.
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 ‘The Wizard of Oz.’ 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.
SUNDAY
Shane Hall
With powerful vocals and a unique guitar style, rising Southern California-based singer-songwriter Shane Hall brings his soulful, blues-driven sound to Elk Creek Cafe and Aleworks,100 W. Main St. in Millheim, for a 5 p.m. show.
South Hills Music Picnic
South Hills School of Business and Technology, 480 Waupelani Drive, continues its summer concert series with the Bellefonte Community Band playing marches, waltzes and more 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.
Summer Sounds from the Gazebo
A seasonal staple in Bellefonte, Summer Sounds from the Gazebo in Talleyrand Park wraps up for the year with Eventide playing classic acoustic rock at 7 p.m. Lawn chairs or blankets are suggested.
