TGIF: State College Weekend Events for June 24-26

Happy Friday, Happy Valley! It’s a great summer weekend in the State College area and there is much to enjoy all weekend long.

Enjoy the beautiful Central Pennsylvania outdoors with free outdoor music, a special moonlight walk at Millbrook Marsh and CVIM’s annual Cycling for Care bike ride.

Head up to Tussey Mountain to see ‘Star Wars’ under the stars, enjoy carnivals for kids and check out theater and concerts.

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

VBS Kick-Off Carnival
Nittany Bible Church in Pennsylvania Furnace hosts a Vacation Bible School Kick-Off Carnival The fun starts at 4 p.m. with pony rides, children’s games, archery shooting, and a bounce house. Free food and refreshments will be served at 5:30 p.m.

Mount Nittany Night
Mount Nittany Conservancy will hold its annual Mount Nittany Night from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, June 24, at Mountain View Country Club in Boalsburg. The fundraiser will feature complimentary wines, non-alcoholic beverages, light refreshments and hors d’oeuvres. A cash bar will be as well. The night is the sole fundraising event for the Conservancy’s efforts to preserve the local landmark.

Concert on the Village Green
Free Friday concerts on the Lemont Village Green continue at 7:30 p.m. with Acoustic Artifacts performing acoustic folk rock, including music by artists such as Neil Young, The Mamas & The Papas, Joni Mitchell, and more.

Steel Magnolias
The Millbrook Playhouse in Mill Hall, Central Pennsylvania’s oldest professional summer theater, debuts its second show of the season. “Steel Magnolias,” the celebrated Southern classic of family and friendship begins at 7:30 p.m. and shows continue through July 2.             

Star Wars: The Force Awakens on the Mountain
Tussey Mountain’s free summer Movies on the Mountain continues with “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” 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.

Twelve Angry Men
It’s the final weekend to catch Nittany Theatre at the Barn’s production of the classic courtroom drama, “Twelve Angry Men.” The curtain goes up at 7:30 p.m. in Boalsburg.

See Friday’s full calendar.

SATURDAY

Cycling for Care
Center Volunteers in Medicine holds its eighth annual Cycling for Care starting at 7 a.m. at Fairbrook United Methodist in Pennsylvania Furnace. Riders will have the option of four rides through picturesque Central Pennsylvania. The Full-Century, Metric Century, Half-Metric Century, and the 8-mile Family Fun ride

Kids for Kids Carnival
From 11 a.m. until sundown, the YMCA of Centre County and Natalie Racing for Kids will be holding their inaugural Kids for Kids Carnival at the State College Y on West Whitehall Road. This event will raise funds to combat childhood cancer and sibling distress. Visitors will pay an entry fee which will include: live music, a petting zoo, rock climbing, boat races, Ike the Spike, swimming, superheroes making balloon animals, and fire truck bucket rides. Families can also purchase tickets to play carnival games and bingo, go on pony rides, play in the bounce house, and participate in a basket auction, hot dog eating contest, bake sale, and more.

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.

Big Spring Spirits Tasting for Charity
Centre Lodge #153 of the I.O.O.F, with the help of Big Spring Spirits of Bellefonte, are helping Caitlin’s Smiles, a charity that provides smiles and hope to terminally ill children through artistic and creative outlets, with a tasting of Big Spring Spirits products from 7-10 p.m. at the Match Factory in Bellefonte. The cost is $15 and includes the dessert tastings and one cocktail. All proceeds go to Caitlin’s Smiles.

Music at Penn’s Woods
Featuring pieces by Schubert, Mouquet and Lutoslawski, Music at Penn’s Woods continues its summer performance series with a 7:30 p.m. show at Penn State’s Esber Recital Hall.

Ani DiFranco
Bringing the eclectic sounds heard on her latest release, “Allergic to Water,” singer, songwriter and activist Ani DiFranco takes the stage at The State Theatre with an 8 p.m. show.  A portion of ticket proceeds will benefit the Centre County Women’s Resource Center. The concert has sold out, but the theatre has started a wait list for day-of-show availability. Call (814) 272-0606.

Moonlight Walk at Millbrook Marsh
Wrap up a special evening with the one you love at the Millbrook Marsh Nature Center with a romantic moonlight walk on the boardwalk starting at 9 p.m. Stroll hand in hand in the moonlight, stop under the ‘kissing tree,’ make a wish at the wishing well, and dance in the barn. Couples are greeted by staff and enjoy the lantern-lit boardwalk at their own pace. This event is not appropriate for children and will be canceled in inclement weather, including high winds. No registration required. Free, but a donation of $10 per couple is suggested.

See Saturday’s full calendar

SUNDAY

South Hills Picnic Concert
The weekly summer outdoor music series at South Hills School of Business North Lawn continues with the Keystone Society of Swing, an 18-piece swing band that recreates the sounds of the big bands of the past. 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 nine free concerts every Sunday from June to August. This week the jammin’ piano man JT Thompson takes the stage at 7 p.m.

See Sunday’s full calendar