Happy Friday, Happy Valley! It’s another fun summer weekend in State College, with plenty to see and do.
The 5th Annual FarmFest takes over the Grange Fairgrounds Friday and Saturday, with fun activities, food and educational opportunities. A great State College tradition, The Last Cruise returns to Allen Street for its 32nd year with the best of the best classic and custom cars, motorcycles and trucks.
The State College Spikes have a full slate of promotions this weekend, including Bark in the Park on Saturday and Paint the Park Pink Night on Sunday. And on Saturday afternoon, Sen. Jake Corman hosts the Kids Day with the Spikes on Saturday afternoon.
There are benefit 5Ks, a special event at Millbrook Marsh, live outdoor music, theater and much more.
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
FarmFest 2016
Now in its fifth year, FarmFest celebrates local, organic agriculture with two days of entertainment, fun family activities and educational opportunities. The event has plenty of kids activities, live music, local food and vendors, informative seminars, renowned speakers and much more. FarmFest takes place until 10:30 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday at the Grange Fairgrounds in Centre Hall.
Spikes vs. Crosscutters
The State College Spikes return to Medlar Field for a five-game homestand, starting at 7:05 p.m. Friday against Phillies-affiliate the Williamsport Crosscutters. One fan will win a Myrtle Beach trip giveaway and all fans can stay after the final out to enjoy a post-game fireworks show. It’s also Penns Valley Community Night, plus Ike’s Kids Zone is free all game and kids can run the bases after every weekend home game.
Concert on the Village Green
Free Friday concerts on the Lemont Village Green continue at 7:30 p.m. with OverheaD, a four-piece band playing originals and classic rock.
The Heidi Chronicles
State College Community Theatre presents the provocative Wendy Wasserstein drama Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., with 2 p.m. shows on Saturday and Sunday at the Penn State Downtown Theatre Center. The play chronicles South African writer Heidi Holland over 30 years as she championed the causes of minorities and women.
Rock of Ages
Rock of Ages, opening at 8 p.m. Friday at the Millbrook Playhouse in Mill Hall, takes you back to the times of big bands with big egos playing big guitar solos and sporting even bigger hair. The five-time Tony Award nominated Broadway musical features the hits of bands including Night Ranger, REO Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister and others.
SATURDAY
Flutopia 5K
“The Most Musical 5k Around,” starts at 8:30 a.m. at Tudek Park and benefits Doctors Without Borders. The race circuit alternates between following the bike path and the perimeter of the park, and features professional area musicians of every style imaginable playing throughout the course. Runners of all ages and experience levels are welcome, with a special ‘Flutastic 50-Yard Dash’ held for younger children after the main event.
State College Football 5K
Join Left Right Repeat and the State College Area Football Booster Club for the Second Annual State College Football Community 5K run/walk to help raise money for the football program and get some exercise at the same time. DJ Caraby will provide music from 8-11 a.m. Food and beverages will be provided in post race activities. Registration opens at 8 a.m. and the race starts at 9 a.m. at Memorial Field on South Fraser Street. Prizes will be awarded for fastest overall time and fastest times in age categories.
Book Drop-Off Day
Have some books to donate, for a great cause? Join AAUW State College for Book Drop-Off Day from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at their new workshop at 176 Technology Drive in the Boalsburg Technology Park. Books will offered for sale next spring at the Penn State Ag Arena. Funds help support local grants and scholarships that advance equity for women and girls.
Hot Rod Poker Run
This fundraiser will support Jill Linko, who is in need of a heart transplant, and her family. The day starts at 9 a.m. at the Milesburg American Legion grounds and will include a chicken dinner, silent auction, 50/50 drawing, slow drags, music by DJ Little Man and much more. For info call Scott at 814-355-1816 or 814-321-5628, Jim at 814-353-1192 or at Teri 814-876-1023.
Saturday Stories Alive
Saturday Stories Alive
Join Schlow Library for a half-hour of stories, fingerplays, and a hands-on activity to take home, starting at 11 a.m. in the Children’s Activity Room. Recommended for ages 2-7.
Volunteer Fair & Open House
The Centre County Historical Society invites the public to attend a volunteer fair to explore the variety of volunteer activities available at the Centre Furnace Mansion and Boogersburg School, from 1-4 p.m. at Centre Furnace Mansion.
Kids Day with the Spikes
State Sen. Jake Corman hosts Kids Day with the Spikes, an afternoon of family fun from noon-2 p.m. at Medlar Field. Meet State College Spikes players and Ike and enjoy popcorn, cotton candy, a dunk tank and more. The first 200 attendees receive a box ticket voucher for any remaining home game this season, door prizes will be awarded and B94.5 will broadcast from the park.
Bark in the Park Night
The Spikes continue their series with Williamsport on Bark in the Park Night. Fans are invited to bring their four-legged friends out for the game (rules and policies), which will have several dog-related promotions and activities throughout the evening, including dog-themed in-game entertainment and music before and during the 7:05 p.m. contest. After the game, kids and dogs can run the bases.
SUNDAY
Toftrees Family Golf Festival
Marriott’s Toftrees Golf Club and Resort invites golfers of all ages and skill levels to participate in a fun-filled day on the golf course at the Family Golf Festival from noon-2 p.m. Golfing families are can enjoy fun-filled activities, highlighted by free golf instruction, interactive golf games, prize drawings, and complimentary golf rounds. Events include a miniature golf course, a marshmallow drive, chipping archery, free 15-minute lessons, swimming in the Toftrees pool, prize drawings for competitors, and complimentary rounds of golf after 2 p.m. To sign up call (814) 328-7600, or visit www.toftreesgolf.com.
Alphabet Marsh Scavenger Hunt
Explore Millbrook Marsh Nature Center with your family during the Alphabet Marsh Scavenger Hunt starting at 1 p.m.. This eco-friendly discovery guides you through the marsh to see, touch, smell, and hear items found naturally in this ecosystem. Take your time, enjoy the day, work together as a team, and have fun with this kid-friendly activity. No registration required or fee is required, but donations are appreciated.
Last Cruise
Stroll along Allen Street from 1-4 p.m. to view some of the finest cars and motorcycles who have been invited to compete in the Last Cruise Invitational Car and Motorcycle Show, and watch the cruise around town from 4:30-6 p.m. Following the Cruise, the Cruisin’ Classics Concert will take place at The State Theatre.
South Hills Picnic Concert
The weekly summer outdoor music series at South Hills School of Business North Lawn continues with the Jay Vonada Quarter performing jazz, blues and swing. Bring your picnic starting at 5, and music starts at 6.
Paint the Park Pink
The State College Spikes host Pirates-affiliate the West Virginia Black Bears for a 6:05 p.m. first pitch on Paint the Park Pink Night. The Spikes will take the field in special Pink Cheetah Jerseys, symbolizing the speed at which we hope to find a cure and eradicate breast cancer. The jerseys will then go up for bids in a Jersey-off-the-Back Auction to benefit the Breast Care Center at Mount Nittany Medical Center. The first 1,000 fans when gates open to the public at 5 p.m. will receive a Pink Hat giveaway, and fans can enjoy another fireworks show after the game.
Summer Sounds
Summer Sounds from The Gazebo in Talleyrand Park are a staple in the Bellefonte summer activity menu, with nine free concerts every Sunday from June to August. Repasz Band takes the stage at 7 p.m.
