Penn State professor Bing Pan is on a mission to expand people’s horizons through the power of travel, and he’s doing it right here in the heart of Pennsylvania. Ask why and he’ll give you both left brained and right brained reasons for living, working and playing in Happy Valley. Short answer: it’s one of the smartest places in the US, and it’s full of energy, creativity and fun.

“What do you do with an 1857 house that can’t be saved?”

It depends on who you ask. If you ask Benjamin Fehl, who moved to the area to go to Penn State and fell in love with Happy Valley, the answer is clear: You make art.

Fehl, who has a background in both art and architecture, bought an 1850s house in Milesburg at an auction in 2004. At first, his vision was to restore the little house that had belonged to Abigail Miles, the niece of the founder of Milesburg. He uncovered bits of history, from a massive stone fireplace to 150-year-old handprints in the plaster.

‘We Are…Penn State’ are four little words that have been ingrained in my life since I was a baby. The common theme of bleeding blue and white as a Penn Stater is something that I have experienced practically since the day I entered this world. Growing up as a Penn State fan prepared me to be an enthusiastic, PSU-loving student and soon to be proud alumni. Check out my Penn State story below if you’re craving all things blue and white.

“The Central PA 4th Fest is the fireworks extravaganza to attend. Medlar Field gives you the best viewing experience possible,” said Ed Stoddard, communications director for the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau. “There is a special patriotic thrill every time when I watch the Happy Valley fireworks going off synchronized to the music. I have great memories from all the 4th Fest celebrations!”

Come downtown for State College Pride on June 11th!

The parade starts at 3 pm and ends downtown where you’ll be able to visit the tables of local businesses and organizations. There will be music, magic and more at the main stage, starting at 5pm.

A Celebration of Resilience – On the jazz side, we’ll celebrate Juneteenth by shinning the spotlight on Afro-American freedom and achievement through music with invited jazz musicians to our festival.

Experience the cool vibe of downtown State College during our monthly First Friday events. A casual atmosphere features art, people-watching, mingling with friends, shopping, and dining at the diverse and delectable State College restaurants. First Friday goers will experience after-hours access to galleries and shops, free bites and beverages, live music and entertainment, retail and restaurant specials, and more. And there’s free parking in the Pugh, Fraser and Beaver garages with validations from participating merchants!

(STATE COLLEGE, Pa.) - The Central PA 4th Fest returns to Medlar Field on Monday, July 4 for a celebration of independence at the home of the State College Spikes and Penn State Baseball. The 4th Fest program includes the return of the Human Cannonball from "America's Got Talent," plenty of live music from Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes and more favorites, and a signature 4th Fest FIREWORKS show that will light up the skies for the 4th of July.

What do you get when you combine a successful career in meteorology, a love of Happy Valley and a You Only Live Once mindset? If you ask Todd Miner, you get to turn life into a carnival ride. Meet Vamos!, Happy Valley’s premier Transportainment experience.