Things to do around town
Festivals, parks, family days out, and the calendars locals actually check — plus the community events that fill the year.
LION Bash
At the start of each fall semester the Borough closes South Allen Street and more than 160 local organisations set up tables — libraries, clinics, clubs, sports teams, the fire service. It is the easiest afternoon of the year to meet the wider town. Go, take a bag, and collect everything free that is offered to you.
Town-wide event calendars
These are the places locals check for what is happening in Centre County.
- StateCollege.com community calendarThe broadest day-to-day listing for the town.
- Visit Penn State eventsCentral PA Convention & Visitors Bureau calendar.
- WPSU community calendarLocal public radio; you can submit your own event.
- Downtown State College Improvement DistrictDowntown happenings and e-newsletter.
- Borough of State College — engageCommunity forums, Movies Under the Stars, and Borough events.
Annual events worth knowing
These come round every year and are family friendly — a gentle way to meet the wider town.
- Boalsburg Memorial DayLast Monday of May — parade, tours, and reenactments in Boalsburg.
- Central PA 4th FestJuly 4th near Beaver Stadium — parade, fireworks, family activities.
- Central Pennsylvania Festival of the ArtsThe week after July 4th — downtown arts, music, and food.
- Grange FairLast full week of August in Centre Hall — shows, animals, and camping.
- First Night State CollegeDecember 31st downtown — ice sculptures, performances, family activities.
Parks, sport, and the outdoors
Free or cheap weekend places that work well for families and for people who arrived alone and want somewhere to go.
- Centre Region Parks & RecreationPools, playgrounds, classes, and youth sport across the region.
- Tom Tudek Memorial Park400 Herman Dr., State College — trails, playground, and open lawns.
- Bald Eagle State Park149 Main Park Rd., Howard — lake, picnic areas, and easy day trips.
- Nittany Valley Sports Centre177 Champion Dr. — indoor soccer, basketball, and volleyball all winter.
Following the town online
The fastest way to hear about pop-ups, festivals, and closures is to follow the accounts locals follow.
- Downtown State CollegeWhat is open, what is happening, and downtown events.
- Downtown State College on InstagramDaily downtown posts.
- Rediscover State CollegeGuides to things to see and do around town.
- The State College Experience (Instagram)Local life, food, and events in pictures.
- StateCollege.com on FacebookLocal news, weather warnings, and closures.