Top Events

First Night State College - Here's to 2024!

It's that time of year again! Celebrate the close of 2023 and embrace the possibilities that 2024 may bring at First Night State College! Be a part of this annual tradition which has taken place in downtown State College since 1994! The event is organized by the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts and promises to be a night full of entertainment and excitement! First Night State College is a fun, alcohol-free New Year's Eve celebration which is tailored to our unique community and promotes the performing and visual arts.

The First Night State College event is slated for Sunday, December 31st beginning at 10:00am and offers a variety of activities for people of all ages! A First Night Button provides general admission to indoor performance shows and workshops (on a first-come, first-served basis), available at select downtown merchants and performance venues. (see the link below for a list of where to purchase)....

Central PA 4th Fest 2023 Celebration

Celebrate Independence Day this year at the Central PA 4th Fest in State College! This annual event is one of the largest and most spectacular 4th of July celebrations in the state, featuring a full day of activities, entertainment, and fireworks.

4th Fest has been a State College tradition every 4th of July dating back to 1927, when the Alpha Fire Company organized a carnival in celebration. Since then, the 4th Fest has evolved and was rated among one of the best choreographed fireworks displays in the world at the start of the new millennia. Over the years, organization and planning for the event has been passed through various partnerships and is now organized by an independent non-profit group of local volunteers who are dedicated to honoring America's independence and promoting patriotism. The event is supported by donations, sponsorship and ticket sales.

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Boalsburg, PA Memorial Day Festival 2023

Boalsburg, Pennsylvania, is a small village with a big claim to fame: it is the birthplace of Memorial Day. The tradition of honoring the fallen soldiers with flowers dates back to 1864, when three local women met at the cemetery to decorate the graves of their loved ones who died in the Civil War. Since then, Boalsburg and neighboring communities have observed what was first known as “Decoration Day” until it was officially declared a national holiday in 1971 and named Memorial Day.

Each year, Boalsburg celebrates Memorial Day with a festival that attracts thousands of visitors. The Boalsburg Memorial Day Celebration, “A Day in Towne,” will take place on Monday, May 29th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The festival features food, music, craft vendors, and historical reenactments. Some of the highlights include: 

  • Two Civil War battle reenactments at the historic Boal Mansion and Estate, will take place at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. You can...

First Night State College - Ring in 2023!

As 2022 comes to a close, the new year approaches with high hopes, resolutions and a fresh start. What better way to spend New Year’s Eve than with family and friends, celebrating in this wonderful town we call “home?” The ever popular First Night State College event is this Saturday, December 31st from noon until 11pm – so bundle up and enjoy the festivities! 

Go back in time with a horse drawn carriage ride for $5. Rides require a First Night Button and are offered on a first come, first served basis from 6:30 - 8:30pm. Oh, what fun!! At Sidney Friedman Park, you can also check out the two reindeer (known as caribou) from Spruce Run Farm in Bloomsburg, PA. Visit the majestic reindeer any time between 4 – 8pm! 

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Upcoming Art Festivals in Centre County

For two long years, summers in central Pennsylvania have looked a little different. In State College and the surrounding areas summers are typically full of arts festivals, live music, and lots of fun! In 2022 things are finally getting back to normal; Arts Fest, People’s Choice, and the Bellefonte Arts & Crafts Fair will be happening in-person once again!

Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts™ is a tradition in State College that began 55 years ago. At Arts Fest you can stroll and shop throughout the streets of downtown and the PSU campus admiring the amazing creativity of artists from all over the country. While enjoying the sidewalk sale and exhibition on South Allen Street, make sure to look up. Above the street you will find beautiful banners, part of a competition that displays vibrant colors and artistry floating in the breeze for all to see.

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Tait Farm Christmas Trees

Top Events in State College- Tait Farm Christmas Trees

Are you still looking for the perfect tree? There are plenty of places near State College to pick one up, Tait Farm is one of these!

Tait Farm has been a family tradition since 1950. There is a large Christmas Tree farm and "The Tree House" which is a Christmas shop beside the farm that provides all the trimmings including ornaments, freshly made wreaths, garland & other decorations.

There are thousands of Christmas Trees lined up in the farm. Trees ranging from fir, pine and spruce from 4' up to 12'. Most of the trees are in the 8'-10' range.

One you have arrived at the location you can choose your very own tree then cut! Handy bow saws are available to use there, or you can bring your own. The trees are planted in straight rows with well mowed grass between the trees for easy access.

Not only are there Tait Farm Trees..Tait Farm Foods features many...

Downtown Pumpkin Pursuit | State College

Events in Downtown State College | Pumpkin Pursuit

Fall is in the air! If you are in pursuit of finding the perfect pumpkin for your kids visit Downtown State College! There is an event taking place from 10/8-10/10!

Downtown State College businesses: Growing Tree Toys, The Makery & Jersey Mikes have come together to sponsor an event for children. If you are looking to pick the perfect pumpkin and do a fun fall activity with your child this is the perfect event!

Start your fall filled day at Growing Tree Toys or the Makery to pick out your favorite pumpkin and a unique craft activity along with a voucher for a free kids sub from Jersey Mikes. Make sure to stop at both locations to receive different crafts and goodies!

Along with stopping at these businesses to pick up some goods- Stop by...

Top Events: Maple Harvest Festival & Pancake Breakfast

Learn all about maple syrup and maybe eat a pancake, too, during the annual Maple Harvest Festival at Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center!

Slated for March 28 and 29, 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. daily, it promises fun for the whole family.

Have you ever watched costumed interpreters demonstrate sugaring techniques used by pioneers and Native Americans? Ever tapped a maple tree to see the sap transform into syrup?

If not, this your chance! Kids will be entertained, and adults are sure to learn something, too. Additional activities include live music (performers to be announced), live animal programs and a climbing wall.

This unique festival is free for children 5 and under; $10 for nonmembers ($6 ages 6-11); and $5 for members ($3 ages 6-11). The menu includes pancakes, real maple syrup, two local pork sausage patties, applesauce and beverages (juice, coffee, tea or hot chocolate).

Those interested but without transportation can ride the “Maple Bus”...

Top Events: Speleology 101 at Big Spring Spirits

Come to historic Bellefonte on Wednesday, Feb. 5, for Big Spring Spirits’ Speleology 101: The Science of Caves!

This presentation will be hosted by local experts Patricia Ann Dunlavey of Lincoln Caverns and Terry Schleiden of Penn’s Cave. Open to the public with free admission, this discussion is sure to please with insight into two popular local subterranean attractions.

Cocktails and Bonnie Blue’s food menu will be available. Be sure to come early, as seating is limited! Doors open at 5 and the conversation starts at 7. All ages are welcome.

This event is part of the distillery’s popular Science Pub nights. Based on the Science Café movement of the 1990s, this series brings scientists and the public together for informal discussions on relevant local and worldwide issues.

Big Spring Spirits is a craft distillery...

Top Events: First Night State College

As 2019 comes to a close, another First Night State College is upon us.

This popular New Year’s Eve event – held this year on Tuesday, Dec. 31, from noon until 11 p.m.  – is best known for its ice sculpture displays, which can be found lining the 100 block of Allen Street, in Sidney Friedman Park, at the Municipal Building Plaza and in front of sponsoring businesses and churches. KBB is proud to sponsor a sculpture and be part of this great event.

Bundle up and enjoy the night with friends and family as you take in a variety of acts; from music to comedy to dancing, there’s something for everyone.

And, if you’re feeling lethargic after your holiday feast, be sure to check out the 5K Resolution Run presented by Mount Nittany Health. Slated for 6:30 p.m., it begins and ends on College Avenue. Participants can sign up for this event on the days leading up to and including race day.

Other exciting events are planned: ice skating at Pegula Ice Arena,...