Easter arrives Sunday and whether you are looking for a florist to send some flowers to Mom, checking what time church is on Sunday, or just want to join in an old-fashioned Easter egg hunt, we have you covered with our event highlights here and our Easter Guide.
Beyond Easter activities, there’s much more happening in Happy Valley. Wild About Animals takes over Snider Ag Arena on Saturday. The State Theatre hosts a live London theatre broadcast and Penn State Opera’s “Barber of Seville.” This and much more is on tap in the area this weekend.
We’ve compiled the highlights from the upcoming weekend’s community events in the State College area for you to enjoy.
FRIDAY
Discovery Day at Schlow
Friday is a Discovery Day at Schlow Centre Region Library. From 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Children’s Department, kids can get ready for some April Fool’s fun and make their own jester hats.
Centre County Reads
Centre County Reads holds its third discussion of this year’s book, Karen Abbott’s “Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy at 1 p.m. at the Centre County Library in Bellefonte.
London Theatre Live at The State
The State Theatre screens the Donmar Warehouse’s highly anticipated new production of Les Liaisons Dangereuses – broadcast live from the Donmar’s London home in a National Theatre Live broadcast. The show starts at 7 p.m.
Rec Hall Volleyball
The Penn State men’s volleyball team is back home in Rec Hall for a 7 p.m. first serve against Lewis and again at 7 on Saturday against Loyola Chicago.
SATURDAY
Eggstravaganza
From 10 a.m.-2 p.m. the Nittany Mall hosts the Easter Eggstravaganza. B94.5 will be broadcasting live and there will be children’s activities and crafts, Starkeys Balloons and more
Wild About Animals
Centre Wildlife Care, in association with Small And Exotic Animal Club, is hosting the 17th annual ‘Wild About Animals’ event this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Snider Ag Arena on Penn State’s campus. It features a variety of animal-related organizations such as veterinarians, rescue groups, a petting zoo, environmental groups and more with an emphasis on education and outreach. Along with many interesting animals also enjoy pony rides, face painting, balloons, carnival games, crafts and free candy from the Easter Bunny.
Egg Hunts
10 a.m – The Pleasant Gap Lioness Club and Pleasant Gap Fire Company invite all the children in Spring Township and their parents and grandparents to the 3rd Annual Spring Township Easter Egg Hunt. The hunt will take place on the Fire Company’s Carnival Grounds at 475 Robinson Lane.
Noon – The State College Home Depot will have an Egg Hunt from 12-2. All eggs have candy, and whoever finds the golden eggs receives a $15 gift card.
1 p.m. – Fairbrook United Methodist Church, 4201 W. Whitehall Road, Pennsylvania Furnace hosts an Easter Egg Hunt, outdoors or Inside if inclement weather. Followed with activities and prizes. Bring baskets or bags.
2 p.m. – The Bellefonte Community-wide Easter Egg Hunt at Talleyrand Park is for all children 12 and under. Games, refreshments and a visit from the Easter Bunny are highlights of the event, along with 10,000 Easter Eggs. Children are divided into age groups throughout the park. Golden eggs with coupons for special baskets, gift certificates, and prizes from the downtown businesses are included in the day’s festivities. Centre Crest, local clubs, churches, and fire companies will supply the candy-filled eggs and special prizes.
2 p.m. – Centre Region Parks and Recreation hosts its Annual Easter Egg Hunt (with over 7000 eggs) at Orchard Park at the corner of Bayberry Drive and Blue Course Drive. Prize baskets are provided by the State College Rotary Club. The hunt begins at 2 p.m. sharp so please arrive in time to meet the Easter Bunny. The egg hunt is held rain, shine or snow. Four age group areas are provided.
Stories from Romania
The World Stories Alive program presents stories, songs and art in different languages — this week, Romanian. Recommended for children ages 3-8 and their families. Fun for speakers of all languages, including English. The program begins at 11 a.m. in Schlow Library’s Downsbrough Community Room
The Barber of Seville
Penn State Opera presents Rossini’s comic masterpiece, “The Barber of Seville.” The live opera will be performed in English. See the stars of tomorrow on stage at 1:30 p.m. in The State Theatre.
SUNDAY
Easter Masses
It’s Easter Sunday, so many area Christians will be spending time with family and attending church services. See our page for local places of worship, and see our Sunday calendar for a list of services and times.
Where to Eat
St. John’s United Church of Christ, 218 N. Church St., Boalsburg, will have a free Easter breakfast at 8 a.m. in Fellowship Hall. Breakfast will be served between the 7 a.m. Sunrise Worship and the 9:15 a.m. Community Easter Egg Hunt.
The Atherton Hotel will offer Easter Brunch from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.. Call 814-231-2100 to make a reservation.
LOOKING AHEAD
The Bridge of Hope Centre County Spring Fling fundraising dinner is Tuesday at 5 p.m. with a special gourmet dinner prepared by the chefs at Home D on South Atherton Street to benefit single mothers in the community.
Also on Tuesday, Penn State Centre Stage presents “Hair” for the first preview night of a run through April 9 at the Downtown Theatre Center.
On Wednesday, the No. 8 Penn State women’s lacrosse team welcomes Drexel to Lacrosse Field for a 7 p.m. start.
Penn State Research Unplugged returns to Schlow Library’s Downsbrough Community Room at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday. This week’s event is “Pharmacy in the Forest: Cultivating and Conserving Native Medicinal Plants” with Shaver’s Creek Plant Science Program Director Eric Burkhart
Also on Thursday, The Moscow Festival Ballet brings the classic “The Sleeping Beauty” to Eisenhower Auditorium at 7:30 p.m.
And on Friday the Central PA Home and Garden Show begins and takes over the Bryce Jordan Center through Sunday with displays, experts, seminars and fun activities.
If all that isn’t enough for you, there’s more happening in State College. Check out our calendar page to explore the weekend’s events, and feel free to add your own if it isn’t listed.
