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Fourth of July

State College - 4th fest fireworks 2021 — Photo by Ben Jones | StateCollege.com

State College Fourth of July Guide 2026: 4th Fest, Fireworks & More

Celebrate America’s 250th at the 4thFest!

This isn’t just any Independence Day—it’s the big 2-5-0! Join us for a revamped, intimate, and power-packed celebration at Medlar Field. We’re bringing the community together for the best views, the best vibes, and one of the biggest fireworks show in PA! Let’s make this quarter-millennial celebration one for the history books. See you at the ballpark!

(Last updated 4/21/26)

The official 4thFest website can be found here.

Visit 4thFest Website

4th of July Events

5-Day Closure Planned on Jacksonville Road for Work on High-Speed Interchange Project

in Local News

May 28, 2026

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by

Geoff Rushton

Part of Jacksonville Road will be closed for five days as work continues on the high-speed interchange project connecting Interstates 80 and 99 near Bellefonte, according to PennDOT. The road will be closed between the on-off ramps for I-80 eastbound and I-80 westbound starting Monday, June 1, for crews to complete drainage work. During the…
Local Historia: The Central PA Legend Who Taught America to Sing

in Columns, Community, Local News, Town&Gown Magazine

May 28, 2026

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by

Dustin Elder

This column originally appeared in the May 2026 issue of Town&Gown magazine. Fred Waring’s journey from Central Pennsylvania to radio, television, and American culture In the era of snap orchestras, swing, and the Big Band, one personality rose from the industrial heart of Pennsylvania to captivate audiences across the country and “taught America how to…
Local Newsrooms File Lawsuit Seeking to End Penn State Board of Trustees ‘Gag Policy’

in Latest Penn State News, Local News

May 28, 2026

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Geoff Rushton

The federal lawsuit filed by three local news outlets, including StateCollege.com, argues that speech restrictions imposed on members of Penn State’s Board of Trustees over the last two years are unconstitutional and should be struck down.
State College Area Roller Derby to Host Pride-Themed Bout Benefiting Centre LGBT+

in Centre County Gazette, Community, Local News

May 28, 2026

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Lloyd Rogers

State College Area Roller Derby will host a Pride-themed home team game at C3 Sports on Saturday, when the Happy Valley Hellbenders will take on the Nittany Nightmares in a matchup that blends competition with community support.
Block Party to Kick Off East End Social Pocket Park in Downtown State College

in Community, Entertainment News, Local News, State College

May 27, 2026

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Geoff Rushton

A ribbon-cutting and block party will celebrate the grand opening of East End Social, a new seasonal pocket park on Hiester Street in downtown State College. The festivities begin at 5 p.m. Thursday with remarks from project organizers the Downtown State College Improvement District and Comet Properties followed by the ribbon-cutting. The block party will…
How to Buy Penn State Football Single-Game Tickets

in Penn State Football, Penn State Sports

May 27, 2026

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Joel Haas

Penn State fans hoping to catch a game in Beaver Stadium this fall will have an opportunity to buy single-game tickets soon. Individual game tickets will go on sale beginning at 10 a.m. on Friday, June 5, through TicketMaster at this link, the team announced on Wednesday. Parking passes can also be purchased through TicketMaster.…
Penn State Football Announces Kickoff Times, Broadcast Info for 3 Games

in Penn State Football, Penn State Sports

May 27, 2026

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Joel Haas

The details of Penn State football’s nonconference slate have been filled in. The team on Wednesday afternoon announced kickoff times and broadcast information for its first three matchups of 2026. The home opener against Buffalo, and the first game of the Matt Campbell era, will commence at 3:30 p.m. eastern time on Sept. 5 and…
Judge Denies Subu Vedam’s Release From ICE Custody While Feds Appeals Immigration Ruling

in Local News

May 27, 2026

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Geoff Rushton

A State College man who was detained on a deportation order upon his release after four decades in prison for a now-overturned murder conviction will remain in custody while the federal government appeals an immigration judge’s ruling that he can remain in the United States. U.S. District Judge William Stickman said on Tuesday that he…
Bridge Project to Cause Traffic Disruptions, Road Closures Near State College

in Local News

May 27, 2026

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by

Geoff Rushton

Road work on East College Avenue (Route 26) in College Township will result in lane closures and detours for about five months, according to PennDOT. Reconstruction of a bridge spanning Spring Creek at the Pike Street/Houserville Road intersection will begin on Monday, June 1. The project will affect access to and from Pike Street and…
Special Olympics Pennsylvania Summer Games Set for 56th Year; Volunteers Needed

in Community, Local News

May 27, 2026

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Geoff Rushton

Special Olympics Pennsylvania will celebrate its 56th annual Summer Games June 4-6 as more than 2,000 athletes and coaches visit the Penn State campus for the organization’s largest annual statewide event. Support from approximately 1,000 volunteers helps it all run smoothly, and opportunities for community members and groups to help out are still available. “We…