Part-Time Pedestrian Mall with Entertainment, Art and Special Lighting to Open in Downtown State College

Calder WalkWay, a pedestrian experience on Calder Way every Thursday night beginning July 15, will include include "a dynamic lighting attraction" along with outdoor seating, movies, art and activities. Photo provided | Downtown State College Improvement District

Calder Way in State College will become a part-time pedestrian mall this summer, with entertainment, activities, art and a “lighting experience,” the Downtown State College Improvement District announced on Wednesday.

Starting July 15, the road will be closed to vehicle traffic between Fraser and Pugh streets from 6-11 p.m. every Thursday through Saturday.

The initiative, dubbed Calder WalkWay, will create “an engaging, creative, and interactive outdoor space that the entire community and visitors alike will enjoy,” Downtown State College Improvement District Executive Director Lee Anne Jeffries said in a release.

Calder WalkWay will feature a “dynamic lighting attraction,” along with additional outdoor seating, outdoor movies, community engagement activities and public art.

*A “dynamic lighting attraction” will be part of the Calder WalkWay part-time pedestrian mall. Photo provided | Downtown State College Improvement District.*

DSCID also will invite local artists to participate in a “backdoor art competition,” with the community selecting the winner. Interested artists should contact DSCID at 814-238-7004.

“Calder WalkWay will provide an opportunity for the public to enjoy a one of a kind experience in Downtown State College,” Jeffries said.

More event details will be available at downtownstatecollege.com. To volunteer to help with the project, contact Jeffries at 814-238-7004.

Calder WalkWay is supported and co-sponsored by the State College Borough.

The event is one of several DSCID has organized this summer to bring community members and visitors downtown.

“Live After 5,” a concert series featuring top local bands at 5:15 p.m. every Thursday on the stage at the Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza on South Fraser Street, debuted last week and continues through Sept. 9.

First Friday, the monthly celebration of the downtown’s art, music, food and shopping, also returned last week and will be held again starting at 5 p.m. on Aug. 6.

“Following what has been an extremely challenging year, the DSCID is committed to creating a welcoming environment for the community to engage with the downtown,” Jeffries said.