Updated 4:20 p.m. June 26, 2026.
The 2027 edition of THON, Penn State’s 46-hour dance marathon and the largest student-run philanthropy in the world, will take place from Friday, Feb. 19 to Sunday, Feb. 21, at the Bryce Jordan Center, the student-run organization announced Friday.
THON’s fiscal year will begin on July 1, kicking off the annual fundraising efforts.
The dance marathon marks the culmination of year-long fundraising efforts by more than 16,500 students in support of pediatric cancer patients and their families, providing emotional and financial support through the organization’s sole beneficiary, Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital.
After raising $18.8 million “For The Kids” during THON 2026, the organization broke its previous record of $17.7 million set the year prior.
Through THON 2025 alone, total fundraising efforts combined funded 1,114 days of Child Life services, 31 months of genetic testing and counseling, 26 months of specialized nutrition counseling, 409 days of financial assistance for prescription copay, 62 months of integrative therapies, 26 months of coverage for cancer-related medical expenses, 23 months of financial support for meals and transportation during treatment, 31 months of innovative research advancing future therapies, 78 months of art therapy and 31 months of psychological counseling.
Since its inception in 1973, THON has raised $273 million.
In March, Lauren Mellas was named THON 2027’s executive director, succeeding Will Vincent in the role. Mellas announced her 2027 executive committee in April.
