Downtown State College in June 2025

– by Thomas Range II

Spring has sprung and Downtown State College is giving you multiple reasons to come and visit! From live performances to free donuts and a window display contest, make sure you come visit State College during the month of June!

FAMILY TAKING A SELFIE IN DOWNTOWN FW

State College Pride Window Display Contest

The month starts off with a State College Pride Window Display Contest. The contest started June 1st and will end on the last day of June.

Here’s what to do:

  • Stop in to any participating business in June and grab a map of all the windows
  • Check out all of the Pride windows around town
  • Scan the QR code in the window to vote for your favorite display

Here is a list of participating businesses:

Benefit Concert for State College Food Bank

Arts@Grace, a ministry of Grace Lutheran Church in downtown State College, will present a benefit concert for the State College Food Bank titled “Back to the Future: Music that Changed the World” on Thursday, June 5 at 7 PM at Grace Lutheran Church, 205 South Garner Street. The program will feature the Nittany Brass, Maller Trumpet Ensemble, Centre Bassoon Consort, The Whistle Tones flute quartet and other musicians playing classical, Broadway, pop tunes, musical limericks and more. Admission is free and the program is appropriate for all ages. Canned foods and cash donations to the food bank are encouraged.

First Friday

June's First Friday is on June 6 from 12-8 pm! With live music, engaging events and activities, and special deals spread throughout the downtown, this is a night you won't want to miss!

The music starts at noon at the Farmer's Market on Locust Lane and continues with a performance by Cass and the Bailout Crew in the MLK Plaza from 5:30 to 8pm!

Don't forget to get your free donut from Duck Donuts or get a free ride on Vamos! Lion Chariot from 6-8 pm.

For a complete schedule for First Friday click HERE.

Pride

Pride Parade and Festival

State College celebrates Pride Day with a vibrant parade and various events organized by the Centre LGBTQA Support Network. This year's parade is on June 7th, and the parade typically starts at 10 AM. Participants are required to pre-register.

The event includes marchers, skaters, decorated vehicles, and floats, creating a festive atmosphere!

In addition to the parade, there are often other activities such as film screenings, live talks, and community gatherings to celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community!

For more information, click HERE.

Charlotte's Web Live

On June 7th at 2 pm, The State Theatre will be presenting Charlotte's Web Live! A creative spin on a classic tale, this reimagined production features bluegrass music and a clever set design, telling the treasured story of selfless love and the true meaning of friendship.

Step into a whimsical world where this creative spin on a classic tale unfolds before your eyes! This reimagined production, featuring bluegrass music and a clever set design, brings to life the timeless narrative of selfless love and the profound essence of friendship. Embark on a heartwarming journey alongside Charlotte, Wilbur, and their endearing farm animal friends, as they navigate through a tapestry of bravery, compassion, and unwavering hopefulness.

For more information, click HERE.

Live After 5

Live After 5 kicks off on June 11 and continues on Wednesdays through August 27. Enjoy a weekly summer concert series that features some of the best local musicians in the area!

New this year…Live After 5: Taps & Tunes Edition!

On select summer evenings, enjoy live music while sipping craft beverages from members of the Central PA Tasting Trail in our relaxing beverage garden!

Beverage Garden Dates: June 18, July 23, August 6

For a complete list of bands, click HERE.

Juneteenth

Juneteenth Weekend 2025

Juneteenth is a celebration to commemorate the day federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, to ensure the freedom of all enslaved people. This year's celebration will be on Friday. June 13th and Saturday, June 14th.

Please honor and remember this important day in American history when the last group of enslaved African Americans was notified of their freedom. This year marks the sixth-year anniversary that Juneteenth will be celebrated in the Borough of State College.

For more information, click HERE.

Read It, Watch It at the State Theatre

Starting June 19th and almost every Wednesday this summer, visit The State Theatre for a line-up of excellent children’s movies! This yearly partnership between Schlow Library, and The State Theatre invites families of the community to beat the heat and enjoy the comfort of our theatre! Registration is preferred, but walk-ins will be accepted!

For more information, click HERE.

Movies Under the Stars: Space Jam

Ready for a night under the stars watching the big screen? Join the State College Borough for the Movies Under the Stars Series all summer long!

The Borough will be playing Space Jam on Friday, June 20, at dusk at Sidney Friedman Park. Bring snacks and a comfy seat and enjoy a free movie with complimentary popcorn in the park.

For more information, click HERE.

Theatre and Dance Fest 1

8th Annual Central PA Theatre & Dance Fest

The 8th Annual Central PA Theatre & Dance Fest is a vibrant celebration of performing arts happening June 20-22, 2025, in State College, PA. This immersive weekend showcases the Centre region’s performing arts scene, featuring over 150 artists and 19 companies. Expect groundbreaking performances, workshops, musical acts, circus arts, poetry readings, and even tea parties!

For more information, click HERE.

Freedom Songs: The Music of Black History

From the work songs of the fields of people who were enduring the bonds of slavery, to Ragtime, Jazz, R&B, and the inspired spirituals of the Civil Rights movement, this play follows the compelling story of the role of music in the history of Black Americans.

Presented by Bright Star Touring Theatre.
Recommended for ages 5 and up.
Registration suggested.
For more information, click HERE.

Cryptids of Pennsylvania

What kind of creatures are rumored to lurk in the woods around us? From Bigfoot to aliens, to the rumored existence of mountain lions in the forest, join Doug Burchill, local author of the book Harvesting Shadows, as he takes us on a journey through the strange realm of Pennsylvania’s cryptids.

Enjoy the colorful work of strange creatures? Try your hand at Schlow’s scavenger hunt through the parks of the Centre Region, a partnered program with Centre Region Parks and Recreation.

For more information, click HERE.

The above is just a sample of the many things to do in State College and Centre County this June! Go out there and have some fun!

The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau publishes up-to-date event information at HappyValley.com/events