State College dancer and choreographer Ann Van Kuren comes from the generation of dance instruction that revered a solid ballet technique. Modern dance styles weren’t even included in the lessons. It wasn’t until college that she fell under the spell of modern, expressive dance.

Looking for an adventure this summer? Explore the Central PA Tasting Trail and discover your new favorite ales, wine, cider, and beer!

In August 2022, Leah Mueller and Jared Yarnall-Schane purchased Singing Onstage, a long-time musical theater training program that offers classes to students ages 5 through 18.

Luke Cimbala has been hyping local bands all his life. “When I was in high school, we would rent out the Boalsburg Fire Hall to put on a concert, and I would stuff flyers in everyone’s lockers,” he said. “It was a long time before social media, but still, it wasn’t hard to get the word out.”

When most people hear IRONMAN, they probably think Robert Downey Jr. or maybe Black Sabbath or even Philadelphia Eagles’ Hall of Famer and the NFL’s last Iron Man, Chuck Bednarik. But for the next three years – and hopefully longer – IRONMAN will have a special meaning here in Happy Valley. Through 2025, nearly 3,000 ironmen and ironwomen will descend upon Happy Valley annually for the IRONMAN 70.3 Pennsylvania Happy Valley Triathlon.

This summer, our community calendar is full of amazing outdoor events featuring local artists, dancers, musicians and food. Plan your summer vacations accordingly so you don’t miss out on the amazing festivals right here in Happy Valley!

For many artists, their work is a labor of love — a fact made all the more apparent when your work consists of a dilapidated historic home that can’t be saved, you’re a one-man show, and there’s no gain in sight other than simply contributing something beautiful to a community. Such is the case with Benjamin Fehl and The Crooked House.

Explore Happy Valley no matter the season! There are seven show caves open to the public in Pennsylvania, and a record three are located in Happy Valley. Here’s how you can enjoy an underground excursion.

Happy Valley’s vibrant arts and culture scene is one of the biggest draws for residents and visitors alike. State-of-the-art facilities for the performing arts draw popular tours for large-scale productions, theatre and dance troupes, musical acts of all varieties, comedians and more. From the big stage at Eisenhower Auditorium to a more intimate setting at The State Theatre, every year brings an array of diverse opportunities for all ages. The following is a select highlight of performing arts happening in the area: