The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau (HVAB) will begin accepting nominations for the second annual Happy Valley Hospitality Awards on Thursday, Aug. 3, coinciding with Hospitality Appreciation Night at the State College Spikes.

Penn State’s Center for the Performing Arts announces a variety of joyful, creative and community-building events for its 2023–2024 event season.

Rt. 45 Getaways, featuring over 30 destinations that highlight local farms, small businesses, and artists along the Rt. 45 corridor, will return for its third year July 28 through August 6.

Bluey’s Big Play, the traveling stage adaptation of the wildly popular Australian television series, Bluey, is coming to University Park. Audience members will enjoy their favorite characters brought to life in the form of puppets.

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.”

For the more than 2,400 elite athletes that competed in the inaugural IRONMAN® 70.3® Pennsylvania Happy Valley triathlon, crossing the finish line at Beaver Stadium marked a moment of tremendous pride and personal accomplishment. Months and months of preparation and planning were followed by day-of determination and grit to achieve the goal of IRONMAN success. For first-time participants, it was a particularly noteworthy milestone.

The 57th Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts kicks off TODAY with our special Children and Youth Day from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. This day is devoted to young artists, young performers, and the young at heart. On this special day, young artists will be selling their wares at the Children and Youth Sidewalk Sale, with a record breaking 283 young artists ages 8 to 18.

Experience the excitement of Arts Fest at 3 Dots Downtown this Wednesday through Saturday. Enjoy captivating free puppetry performances, followed by paid puppetry workshops suitable for all ages. Explore the Artists' Market@ 3 Dots Downtown and discover the works of 15 talented local artists, makers, and musicians. Mark your calendars and join us for an unforgettable celebration of art, music, craftsmanship and more exciting events at 3 Dots Downtown this Wednesday - Saturday!

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!