Happy Friday, Happy Valley!
It’s one of the year’s biggest weekends in State College and at Penn State, with THON taking over the Bryce Jordan Center from Friday through Sunday.
Beyond the BJC, however, you’ll find much more to do, with plenty of theater, concerts, comedy and more around the area.
This isn’t all that’s happening, either. 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
THON
The culmination of year-round fundraising and support by the world’s largest student-run philanthropy, THON will take over the the Bryce Jordan Center for 46 straight hours, from 6 p.m. Friday through 4 p.m. Sunday. Each year THON has more than 16,000 volunteers and 700 dancers and to date, has raised more than $157 million for the fight against pediatric cancer, benefiting The Four Diamonds at Penn State Children’s Hospital.
OLV Trivia Night
Stop by Our Lady of Victory Catholic School auditorium, 800 Westerly Parkway, for a live trivia competition, auction, raffles and games, with cash prizes, snacks, beer, wine and more. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and trivia begins at 7 p.m. Proceeds benefit the OLVCS athletic program.
Wise Crackers Comedy Club
Wise Crackers’ comedy season continues at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday in the Basement Night Spot, 112 W. College Ave. This week features Matt Burke, headliner John Night and MC Dan Madden. Tickets are $20.
‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’
Nittany Christian School, 1221 W. Whitehall Rd., presents C.S. Lewis’ classic tale as Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy pass through the wardrobe and discover the realm of Narnia. Shows are at 7 p.m. Friday and 3 p.m. Saturday. More info here.
‘Violet’
Penn State Centre Stage Off-Centre presents the musical ‘Violet,’ at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Downtown Theatre Center. Based on ‘The Ugliest Pilgrim,’ by Doris Betts, ‘Violet’ explores beauty, flaws and and what things we let separate us from the world. [Tickets]
Carpenters Tribute
The world’s premiere tribute to The Carpenters, Top of the World stops at the State Theatre for an 8 p.m. show. Singer Debbie Taylor brings a remarkable vocal resemblance to Karen Carpenter and is joined by a seven-piece band performing authentic versions The Carpenters’ music.
Sounds from the Attic
With an eclectic songwriting style influenced by hip-hop, pop and singer-songwriters, Shalom Dubas performs at 8 p.m. in the State Theatre Attic as part of the Sounds from the Attic series.
Penn State Sports
Men’s tennis vs. William and Mary at 5 p.m.; women’s hockey vs. Mercyhurst, 6 p.m.; men’s volleyball vs. Harvard, 6 p.m.; wrestling vs. Michigan State, 7 p.m.
SATURDAY
Summer Youth Fair
While cold and snow are still on our minds, summer will be here before you know it. Explore the numerous opportunities available for area youth during summer break at the Summer Youth Fair, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Mount Nittany Middle School.
Rock the ’80s
A dozen local bands will play great songs from the 1980s at the annual Rock the 80s concert benefiting the Bob Perks Cancer Assistance Fund, 7 p.m. at the State Theatre.
Dirt Monkey
Electronic dance music artist Dirt Monkey, with special guests Stylust and Subdocta perform at 8 p.m. in the HUB-Robeson Center’s Heritage Hall. Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for non-students.
Penn State Sports
Women’s lacrosse vs. Lehigh, 1 p.m.; women’s hockey vs. Mercyhurst, 3 p.m.; women’s gymnastics vs. Michigan, 4 p.m.; men’s volleyball vs. Sacred Heart, 7 p.m.
SUNDAY
Artists Take a Stand
The Art Alliance Gallery Downtown, 123 S. Fraser St., hosts a special music and poetry event for its Artists Take a Stand show, from 3-5 p.m.
Flute Inspirations
State College flutist Cathy Herrera will perform selections from the flute repertoire as well as original compositions and two premieres, at 3 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Fellowhsip of Centre County, 780 Waupelani Drive. She will be joined by pianist Kathy Cinatl, trombonist Mark Lusk, Carol Lindsay on Native American drums, and dancer-choreographer Ann Van Kuren. Suggested donation is $15 and $2 for students.
THRIVE Worship Concert
Mt. Nittany UMC Family Life Center, 1500 E. Branch Rd., hosts THRIVE Praise Concert at 3 p.m., with contemporary music ministry, fellowship and singing.
Spotlight Concert
Several Penn State quartets and ensembles will celebrate the new School of Music Recital Hall in Music Building I with a 4 p.m. concert.
