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:

The 2023 Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts is a celebration of creativity and artistic expression! Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of vibrant colors, captivating performances, and inspiring exhibitions. This year the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts is thrilled to introduce its Festival App, designed to enhance visitors' experience by providing up-to-date schedules, delicious food options, and exclusive artist highlights right at their fingertips.

“The Nittany Valley Running Club’s Arts Festival Races are the oldest races in Central Pennsylvania, so we are pleased to announce that after a brief hiatus, the 10-mile, 5K, and Kids Fun Run events will be returning this summer on a new site as the 45th Sue Crowe Memorial Arts Festival Races,” according to Pamela Snyder Etters, Executive Director of the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts.

It is time to start making your plans for the 57th Annual Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts, and it is now easier than ever to plan your trip! While the Festival’s paper guide is available in many local markets and shops as usual, the Festival is proud to announce the launch of a NEW MOBILE APP that will allow you to truly customize your festival experience, and make the most of your time!

CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE will be dazzling audiences in State College during its 7-week, 70-city U.S. tour this holiday season. Audiences from coast-to-coast will be captivated by this brilliant and whimsical holiday spectacular December 13 at the Bryce Jordan Center.

Application deadlines for both the Children & Youth Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts Sidewalk Sale and the Festival Banner Competition are fast approaching.

Downtown Bellefonte Inc. (DBI), is seeking qualified artist(s) for a large-scale mural project. In the summer of 2023 DBI will install one large mural in Downtown. Artists are invited to submit their qualifications for consideration. The artist application is posted on DBI’s website, and the deadline for artists to apply is July 23, 2023.

It’s no secret that the last few years have been difficult for the performing arts industry, as theaters grappled with quarantine, audience size limitations and adapting live event-reliant art mediums for virtual spaces. However, as the pandemic worries subsided and live events and festivals filled calendars once again, things have started to look — at least a little bit — like normal.

Don't miss the 2023 Juneteenth Celebration happening this weekend in Downtown State College! Community members are invited to an Art Exhibition that opens on Friday, June 16 and Juneteenth Block Party in downtown State College on Saturday June 17, 2023. Hosted by State College Chapter of the NAACP, in partnership with the Center for the Performing Arts at Penn State, The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau, the Downtown State College Improvement District, and the State College Borough. The Block Party begins at NOON and will showcase live performances by a wide range of musicians, poets, dancers and more. There will be food trucks, an array of Black vendors, and fun activities throughout the day for kids and adults.