From mesmerizing outdoor performances to tantalizing food experiences, the festival lineup promises to be nothing short of amazing. Join us as we delve into the heart of Happy Valley's festival scene, where creativity, culture, and community intertwine. Get ready for an unforgettable journey filled with captivating moments that will leave you inspired and craving for more. Read on to discover the incredible lineup of upcoming festivals that are sure to ignite your passion for the arts and local culture.

Philipsburg Heritage Days

July 11-15, 2023 Downtown Philipsburg | philipsburgheritagedays.com

Philipsburg Heritage Days was started in 1998 by a group of former committee members of the Philipsburg Bicentennial Committee. The organizers wanted to have an annual event that would highlight the rich historic assets of the Philipsburg community – and since its inception, the event just continues to grow and is estimated to draw more than 12,000 people to Philipsburg Borough each year.

Philipsburg Heritage Days features daily live music, and a flower show on Friday, and wraps up with a grand parade and an amazing fireworks show on Saturday – but perhaps the most unique and exciting event of Heritage Days is the annual watermelon eating contest which will take place Wednesday night.

The Central PA Festival of the Arts

July 12-16, 2023 Downtown State College | arts-festival.com

Founded by the State College Chamber of Commerce and Penn State’s College of Arts and Architecture, the Central PA Festival of the Arts brings more than enough people to State College to fill Beaver Stadium. Featuring the nationally recognized sidewalk sale and exhibition, a juried gallery exhibition, Children and Youth Day, street painting, educational opportunities, music, dance and theatrical performances in a variety of outdoor and indoor venues – the Central PA Festival of the Arts is one of the highlights of summer in Happy Valley.

Whether you are a Penn State alum that has been enjoying the fest since your college days, an artist or art lover that travels to State College annually, or a family looking for a fun weekend in Happy Valley, it is a MUST-VISIT each year, and such a huge part of the overall Penn State experience.

Perhaps the biggest part of the festival is the sidewalk sale and exhibition, which takes place on the streets of downtown State College and on campus at Penn State. It is regularly ranked as one of the top outdoor fine art and fine craft shows in the country, featuring more than 300 artists and craftspeople from across the nation.

People's Choice Festival

July 13-16, 2023 Grange Park in Centre Hall | peopleschoicefestival.com

Now in its second year at Grange Park in Centre Hall, the People’s Choice Festival has been a summer staple for families in Happy Valley since 1993.

The huge circle of artists takes you from jeweler to painter, sculptor to photographer, caricaturist to potter – all from Pennsylvania and each one is handpicked for quality and affordability. This year, nearly 200 artists will present and sell at People’s Choice Festival.

And while there is so much amazing art and music planned for People’s Choice Festival, it is also an amazing place to eat. With over 30 food vendors scheduled, there is everything from mac and cheese and pulled pork to gyros and crabcake sandwiches. You’ll also have to save room for desserts because no trip to a festival is complete without a funnel cake or a candy apple.

People’s Choice Festival will also feature several local and regional wineries and cideries that will offer free samples and opportunities to buy your favorite wines and ciders to take home.

Millheim Summerfest

July 29-30, 2023 Downtown Millheim | PVCommunity.org

Millheim SummerFest is back this year on July 29th and 30th with two days of music and food in Penns Valley. The event features live, local music all day at three local venues, the Millheim Hotel, Elk Creek Aleworks and Pisano’s Winery.

SummerFest will also feature arts, crafts, and amazing local food right in the heart of downtown Millheim! Details and vendors are still being finalized but keep an eye on PVCommunity.org for more information!

Bellefonte Arts & Crafts Fair

August 4-5, 2023 Downtown Bellefonte | bellefontefair.org

The Bellefonte Arts & Crafts Fair is celebrating its 40th anniversary this August and it is all the more reason to visit the beautiful Victorian town! The annual Arts & Crafts Fair features a variety of adult and youth artists displaying their arts and crafts, live music all day, and so many activities for children.

The fair also features a wide selection of delicious local food vendors with everything from cheesesteaks and BBQ to caramel popcorn and shaved ice! As their website says, if you visit the Bellefonte Arts & Crafts Fair once, you’ll be back every year.

Attendees are encouraged to park for free at Bellefonte High School and utilize the free shuttle bus to visit the fair.

Centre Film Festival

October 30 – November 5, 2023 The State Theatre in State College & The Rowland Theatre in Philipsburg | centrefilm.org

Attention movie-goers and aspiring filmmakers! The 5th annual Centre Film Festival is scheduled from October 30 to November 5 at the Rowland Theatre in Philipsburg and The State Theatre in downtown State College. While the details are still being planned, you can definitely expect another amazing week of films, food, and community conversation!

The film fest also features workshop and masterclass opportunities at public events for students from junior high to undergrad that will give them opportunities to engage with artists and learn from professionals.

If you want to stay up to date with the latest news on the Centre Film Festival, you can join their email list by emailing info@centrefilm.org.

Central PA Theatre & Dance Festival

June 26-30, 2024 Downtown State College | centralpatheatre.com/2023- theatre-dance-fest/

Founded in 2018, the Central PA Theatre and Dance Fest showcases Happy Valley’s best and upcoming talents in theatre, dance, and other performing arts and draws thousands of visitors from around the state and even across the country to downtown State College annually.

In addition to taking in some of the amazing performances, the Central PA Theatre and Dance Fest includes opportunities to learn a new skill in workshops that are tailored to everyone from beginner to professional. Last year there were 43 events and over 100 artists featured over the weekend – and this year is sure to be bigger and better.

The kickoff party is scheduled for Thursday, June 22 at 5:30 p.m. in MLK Plaza and will feature street performers, live music, dancers, food and so much more! The rest of the weekend will feature everything from belly dancing and ballet to improv and playwriting.