Don't let the pride in Penn State sports fool you--Happy Valley also boasts a thriving arts and culture scene, thanks to university-based resources and a local culture that promotes creativity and appreciates and fosters talent in arts. The area is a regular stopping point for major acts, including musicians, comedians and production tours thanks to local venues on campus and in the community.

Joe Belle and the rest of the Clean Team is the reason that you and I get to enjoy a beautiful downtown State College. But he wants to get one thing straight: “We aren’t grouchy garbagemen — we’re pretty cool guys. So stop and talk to us! Everyone on my team is involved in artistic endeavors in the community after work — I am a musician, Damian Cabrera is an artist, and Michael David is into juggling. We’re anything but grouchy.”

The State Theatre is a non-profit performing arts center dedicated to serving the Centre County region. It’s a mainstay of the State College community and a vibrant hub of local culture, featuring artists both homegrown and nationally renowned.

The Pennsylvania Chamber Orchestra (PCO) is Central Pennsylvania’s all‑professional chamber orchestra. Since 1990, The PCO has performed both rare and well‑known music by the greatest composers from the Baroque period to the present day.

The Bellefonte Art Museum for Centre County has created a vibrant community for the arts serving families, artists, and patrons while making a positive social and economic impact on Happy Valley.

In collaboration with students, artists, and student-curators, HUB-Robeson Galleries are hosting two student led exhibitions in the HUB-Robeson Center. The exhibitions, titled FRESH and Inside the Frames, exemplify the beauty of personhood and evoke powerful sentiments of self-identity and perception.

The Bellefonte Art Museum for Centre County has created a vibrant community for the arts serving families, artists, and patrons while making a positive social and economic impact on Happy Valley.

Heading into Happy Valley for a football weekend? Make the most of your time in the area by not only cheering on your Nittany Lions, but also checking out some of the historic spots around the region.

Strong Community Support Helped Local Businesses Survive Pandemic, Now They’re Ready for Visitors

The best traveling experiences are often made in spots locals love the most. Local love means a lot to these businesses who started up not long before the pandemic. Their dedication and creativity through that tough time made them fast favorites in Happy Valley. Make sure to add them to your list.