As the instrumentalists take the field, the Drum Major makes his flip, the Blue Sapphire throws her baton, the Silks wave their flags and the Majorettes twirl and dance this Saturday, the Blue Band will start to celebrate 125 years!

Though the Blue Band celebrates its 125th anniversary, a subsection of the group, the Blue Band Silks, will be celebrating 50 years this year.

If you're a sports trading card enthusiast visiting Happy Valley, Nittany Cards Plus in State College is worth a visit. As the only sports trading card and memorabilia shop in the area, it has become a go-to spot for collectors, whether you're just starting or have been collecting for years.

As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, fall enthusiasts from near and far are gearing up for one of Happy Valley’s most beloved autumn traditions: The annual Pumpkin Festival at the Penn State Arboretum. Scheduled for October 18 and 19, this family-friendly event offers visitors a festive atmosphere filled with creative pumpkin displays, seasonal activities, and the natural beauty of the Arboretum.

New Musicals for a New Generation celebrates ten years of commissioned musicals that have been created through the New Musicals Initiative at Penn State. Featuring seven Musical Theatre students and a four-piece live band, this musical revue of scenes and songs is directed by John Simpkins, music directed by Connor Crotzer Scartascini, and choreographed by Natalie Malotke, Madison Palmer and Johnny Fenton. Selections from each of the previous nine years of commissioned musicals will be featured on the program. Penn State Centre Stage hopes you will join us to celebrate some of the most exciting new voices and songs written for the American Musical Theatre!

On Sunday, September 29, 2024, The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau will host not one, not two, but three published Blue Band authors for a special Book Signing from 10 am to noon! Books will only be $20 plus all items in the newly restocked The Happy Valley Store will be 12.5% off during the signing in celebration of the Blue Band’s 125th anniversary!

The 12-voice strong ensemble Chanticleer will project a collective vocal smile with a performance of “Sing Joyfully” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26, in Eisenhower Auditorium.

There is nothing like experiencing gameday in Happy Valley – the tailgating is second to none and Beaver Stadium is the most electric atmosphere in all of college football. Not to mention the Penn State Nittany Lions have playoff aspirations this year and are ranked inside the Top 10 in preseason polls for only the 12th time since 1990. The football game may get you to travel to State College, but there is much more to do in and around Happy Valley this fall.

Here’s a look at some of the best reasons to extend your stay in Happy Valley this football season:

Penn State Centre Stage is pleased to announce a stellar lineup for the 2024-25 season. Tickets go on sale July 16 under the artistic direction of A. Kikora Franklin, interim director of the Penn State School of Theatre.