Festival season is back in full swing in Centre County. Here’s everything happening in July
Festival season in Centre County has arrived, with event-packed weekends all month long. From classics like the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts, WingFest and 100 Mile Yard Sale, to newer favorites like Art in the Orchard and Celtic Fest, July has got you covered.
Here’s a look into what the month has to offer:
Central PA Fourth Fest
When: July 4
Where: Downtown State College and Penn State campus
What: Festivals in July kick off right away with Independence Day, and State College has been putting on Fourth of July celebrations since 1927. Central PA Fourth Fest is an all-day affair, starting with a 4K race in the morning and parade at 1 p.m. Festivities will fill up the afternoon, including live music, a car show, BMX show, lumberjack demo, roller derby and free cake and hot dogs. A fireworks show caps off the night at 9:45 p.m.
More info: www.centralpa4thfest.org/events-schedule
Celtic Fest
When: noon-6 p.m. July 6
Where: Boal Mansion Museum, Boalsburg
What: Organized through the Acoustic Brew Concert Series, Celtic Fest will celebrate Celtic music, dance and culture for the second year in a row. Folk band the Chivalrous Chicks will headline, along with performances from other music and dance groups. Music and food vendors will be present, including Boal City Brewing. Adult and carpool tickets can be bought online.
More info: acousticbrew.org/event/celtic-fest-2024
Summer Sounds from the Gazebo
When: July 7, 14, 21 and 28
Where: Talleyrand Park, Bellefonte
What: Summer Sounds from the Gazebo has been bringing free outdoor concerts to Talleyrand Park since 1981. This month, performers include the Tussey Mountain Moonshiners, Tommy Wareham, Ramblin’ Dan Stevens and Adam & the Armadillos.
More info: www.bellefontearts.org/summer_sounds.htm
Philipsburg Heritage Days
When: July 8-13
Where: Philipsburg (multiple locations)
What: Philipsburg Heritage Days is an annual weeklong event that honors the community’s history. This year, for its 25th anniversary, the theme is “Celebrate With Us.” Events begin with Vesper services July 8, followed by a block party July 9 and music and dance performances throughout the week. Celebrations wrap up July 9 with the Grand Parade and fireworks starting at 9:30 p.m.
More info: philipsburgheritagedays.com/schedule-of-events
Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts
When: July 10-14
Where: Downtown State College and Penn State campus
What: Starting with the Children and Youth Day Sidewalk Sale July 10, the summer staple transforms downtown State College into an art exhibition spanning several blocks. In addition to the Sidewalk Sale and Exhibition July 11-14, which will feature more than 300 artists, the 58th annual Arts Fest will also include live music, street painting, races, a craft beverage expo, BookFestPA and food vendors. Live performances will all be free this year.
More info: arts-festival.com/performances
Art in the Orchard
When: July 11-13
Where: Way Fruit Farm, Port Matilda
What: Way Fruit Farm, located at 2355 Halfmoon Valley Road, will host its fourth annual Art in the Orchard. The three-day event will feature food and arts vendors, as well as live music, a butterfly tent, bunny barn petting zoo and sand sculpting.
More info: www.wayfruitfarm.com/artintheorchard
People’s Choice Festival of Pennsylvania Arts & Crafts
When: July 11-14
Where: Grange fairgrounds, Centre Hall
What: People’s Choice Festival will celebrate its 30th anniversary this year, continuing to bring its annual array of Pennsylvanian artists and live music and food and wine vendors. To honor three decades, the festival will offer free parking and a tent showcasing photos and memorabilia from the past 30 years.
More info: peopleschoicefestival.com
WingFest
When: July 11, 18 and 25
Where: Tussey Mountain, Boalsburg
What: The quest to crown Centre County’s best wings continues through July in an interactive competition accompanied by live music. Rounds four, five and six will feature a total of 17 local restaurants and performances from music groups and tribute bands. The competition will continue into early August.
More info: tusseymountain.com/wingfest
NamaStadium Yoga on the Field
When: 9 a.m. July 13
Where: Panzer Stadium, University Park
What: NamaStadium brings football-themed yoga outdoors to Panzer Stadium. All skill levels are welcome, and participants should bring their own yoga mats. Tickets can be bought for $40 online.
More info: am.ticketmaster.com/pennstate/24namastadium
100 Mile Yard Sale
When: July 19-20
Where: Across Clearfield, Cameron, Centre and Elk counties
What: Organized by the Quehanna Industrial Development Corporation, the 27th annual 100 Mile Yard Sale will take place the weekend of July 19. A list of participating addresses is available online.
More info: www.visitquehannaarea.com/yard-sale-directory
Alpha Fire Company Anniversary Celebration
When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. July 20
Where: 200 S. Allen St., State College
What: The Alpha Fire Company will celebrate its 125th anniversary through an afternoon of fire safety demonstrations, fire truck bucket rides, food trucks and live music. Antique fire engines and historic Alpha memorabilia will also be on display.
More info: alphafire.com
Happy Valley Music Series
When: July 28
Where: Tussey Mountain Amphitheater, Boalsburg
What: Through a selection of outdoor concerts, Happy Valley Music Series is doing its part to recapture and reminisce on some of Tussey Mountain’s musical history. This month’s concert includes performances by Jim Messina — who previously worked with bands like Buffalo Springfield and Loggins and Messina — and country rock band Pure Prairie League. Tickets can be bought online.
More info: tusseymountain.com/happy-valley-music-series
Films on the Field
When: 8 p.m. July 27
Where: Panzer Stadium, University Park
What: Penn State invites people to bring their own lawn chairs and picnic blankets for a free outdoor movie at Panzer Stadium. “The Incredibles” will play July 27, followed by “Despicable Me” in August.
More info: www.psu.edu/news/campus-life/story/penn-state-athletics-host-summer-events-panzer-stadium/
Millheim Summerfest
When: July 27-28
Where: 105 E. Main St., Millheim
What: Music, food and craft vendors will gather in Millheim the weekend of July 27 for events and live music at the Millheim Hotel, Pisano Winery, Elk Creek Cafe and Creekside. Millheim Area Events is still accepting food vendors for Summerfest.
More info: www.facebook.com/events/2709899755843224/?ref=newsfeed
