Events & Festivals Near State College, Pennsylvania

Whether you are visiting State College on business, to see family, or to catch a football game, there are plenty of local events and festivals to explore. From the fantastic fireworks during the 4th of July celebration to the ice-skating and holiday spirit at the annual New Year’s celebration, there will always be something happening during your visit!

fireworks in the sky

4thFest – July

The 4thFest is a daylong, family oriented, patriotic birthday party held July 4th on the east campus of Penn State University. The event is organized by Central Pennsylvania July 4, Inc., a non-profit organization (501(c)(3)) with an all-volunteer board and leadership team. Over 500 volunteers and 220 sponsors are dedicated to celebrating America's independence with fun-filled activities and the best all-volunteer fireworks display in the nation. Volunteers work year-round to plan and organize the activities and events for the July 4th event.

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Aerial shot of a harvester working a cornfield in rural Austin, MN during fall season.

Ag Progress Days – August

Pennsylvania's largest outdoor agricultural exposition is held annually in August. The event is sponsored by Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences and features the latest technology and research exhibits, educational programs, and guided tours.

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arts festival with people walking past tents of art

Arts Fest – July CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS

Each July, this popular festival brings over 100,000 people to downtown State College and the University Park campus of Penn State to celebrate the arts with its nationally recognized Sidewalk Sale and Exhibition, gallery exhibition, sand sculpture, music, dance, and theatrical performances in a variety of traditional and non-traditional venues.

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stone mountain lion

Blue-White Weekend – April

State College provides the perfect environment during Blue-White weekend for family, friends, students, and alumni. The weekend begins with a tour of the Penn State All-Sports Museum, Blue-White Carnival, Wing Fest Contest, an appearance from the coach, Stadium Autograph sessions, and finally leads up to the famous Blue-White football game. There is also a Special Olympic 5K Beaver Stadium Run during this weekend.

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a man carving a block of ice

First Night State – January

This family-friendly New Year's celebration is held annually in downtown State College. It features ice sculptures, ice skating, carriage rides, delicious food, a variety of music, entertainment, and much more. The event also includes a 5k Resolution Run – and you can expect most of the runners to don fun costumes for the event.

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a group of sheep in a pen

Grange Fair – August

The Centre County Grange Encampment and Fair is held annually each August. The Grange Fair is a city within a town, as campers "move in" to Grange Park in Centre Hall to live for more than a week. Come for the concerts, the rides, the amazing food, the games, and the competitions.

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