By day, James Tierney is an educational consultant, math tutor and communication coach. By night, he’s a member of the Happy Valley comedy and experiential event scenes. It’s safe to say that he spends most of his waking hours practicing improvisational techniques.

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.

Happy Valley is rich in history, culture, and creative residents who love celebrating both. The region’s museum scene is top-notch and varied, offering a mix of traditional galleries and more interactive experiences.

Art enthusiasts often marvel at everything from brushstrokes on a wall mural to thread patterns in an intricate quilt, and rarely does it stop there. The desire to create is universal, whether with word, brush, hands or lens. Thankfully, Happy Valley has several outlets for you to do just that.

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!