TGIF: Fourth of July Weekend Events in State College

Happy Fourth of July Weekend, Happy Valley!

The star attraction this long holiday weekend is of course the big Central PA 4thFest, which expands to two days – Sunday and Monday – for the first time. Live music and entertainment, carnival rides, food, the parade, the fireworks and much more await.

But that’s not all that is happening around the area this weekend. Celebrate First Friday downtown with live music, a free movie and more.

The Spikes are home for a three-game series with special promotions each night, the free summer movies on Tussey Mountain continue and there are free summer concerts in Lemont, State College and Bellefonte.

We’ve compiled the highlights from the upcoming weekend’s community events in the State College area for you to enjoy. And if you’re looking for more, check out our calendar page to explore the weekend’s events, and feel free to add your own if it isn’t listed. Or see our Bar Tour and Movies pages for more options this weekend or anytime.

Plus, be sure to stay up to date on what’s happening every week in State College by subscribing to our weekly newsletter.

FRIDAY

First Friday
It’s the first Friday of the month, which means it’s time for First Friday from 5-9 p.m. in Downtown State College. This month will feature live music around town with Bluegrass Redemption at the corner of Beaver and Allen; The Whatleys in front of Barranquero Cafe on Calder Way; ​Big Coronas at First National Bank; Matt Doering at Lion & Cub; Urban Fusion at The Student Bookstore; and Eric Ian Farmer at The Tavern walkway.

Plus, kick off Fourth of July weekend with an Uncle Sam Scavenger Hunt starting at the info booth in front of Schlow Library for a chance to win a downtown business gift card. It’s also the annual Ladies Night at Appalachian Outdoors benefiting the Centre County Women’s Resource Center, with food, beverages and giveaways.

Enjoy discounts at downtown businesses and restaurants and see the family movie “Over the Hedge,” on the plaza underneath Urban Outfitters at the corner of College Ave. and McAllister St. starting at 7:30 p.m.

Spikes Baseball
The State College Spikes open a three-game series against Mahoning Valley with a 7:05 p.m. first pitch on Friday. The first 1,000 fans will receive a team poster. From 6-6:30 p.m. there will be a pre-game autograph session, and after every weekend game this season all kids can go on the field and run the bases.

Concert on the Village Green
Free Friday concerts on the Lemont Village Green continue at 7:30 p.m. with the four-piece Blind Horse Wagon playing originals and old-time favorites.

Movie on the Mountain
Tussey Mountain’s free summer Movies on the Mountain continues with “Charlotte’s Web.” Gates open at 8 p.m. and the show starts at dusk. Popcorn and candy will be available, as well as hot dogs, and other great food you won’t find at regular movie theaters. Soda, beer, and other beverages also are offered. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and watch a movie under the stars.

See Friday’s full calendar

SATURDAY

K-9 Karnival
Attention dog lovers: Bring your dog to the Mt. Nittany Dog Training Club’s K-9 Karnival from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.  at the Ag Progress Days site in Pennsylvania Furnace. Demonstrations include agility, obedience, tracking and more. Rescue groups will be on hand as well for those looking for a new buddy. Doggy games, try-it stations and more will be available. No puppies under 16 weeks, and visitors must bring proof of dogs’ current vaccinations.

Saturday Stories Alive
Join Schlow Library for a half-hour of stories, fingerplays, and a hands-on activity to take home, starting at 11 a.m. in the Children’s Activity Room. Recommended for ages 2-7.

Block Party at Schlow
Join Schlow Library for family block-building activities at 2 p.m. in the Children’s Activity Room. Recommended for children in preschool and kindergarten. No registration is necessary. 

Spikes vs. Scrappers
The Spikes take on Mahoning Valley in the second game of a three-game series at 7:05 p.m.  First 1000 fans receive a Cowboy Monkey Rodeo poster in preparation for the fan-favorite’s return on July 16.  It’s also Scratch-and-Win Saturday, and there will be a postgame run-the-bases for kids.

See Saturday’s full calendar

SUNDAY

First Sunday at Bellefonte Art Museum
The Bellefonte Art Museum hosts its First Sunday reception and kids’ activity. Paint the flowers red, white and blue on this holiday weekend by attending the museum’s July opening with artists on site demonstrating their techniques in painting. Artists participating include Roxy Naydan, Nancy Brassington, Lena Thynell and Jeff Mathison from 1-4 p.m.

South Hills Picnic Concert
The weekly summer outdoor music series at South Hills School of Business North Lawn continues with the Dan and Galla show, a spirited salute to and celebration of the United States. Bring your picnic starting at 5, and music starts at 6.

4thFest, Day One
For the first time, Central PA 4thFest is expanding the Independence Day celebration to two days. At 5 p.m. the Carnival Midway near Beaver Stadium and the Bryce Jordan Center opens with rides, games and food.

Live music will be on two stages from 5-10:45 p.m. Going to the Spikes game, after leaving the stadium you can enjoy the carnival and the street dance with The Wreckers at 9:30 p.m.

See our complete breakdown of 4thFest events

Baseball at Medlar Field
The Spikes close out a three-game series against Mahoning Valley at 6:05 p.m.  The Human Cannonball David “The Bullett” Smith will perform a post-game blast-off and there also will be post-game fireworks. Plus, it’s First Responders Appreciation Night and Kids’ Night – kids can play catch on the field from 5-5:30 p.m. and run the bases after the game

Summer Sounds
Summer Sounds from The Gazebo in Talleyrand Park are a staple in the Bellefonte summer activity menu, with nine free concerts every Sunday from June to August.  This week Ron Burrage’s jazz combo takes the stage at 7 p.m.

See Sunday’s full calendar

MONDAY

Central PA 4thFest
It’s the Fourth of July and that means its time for one of the nation’s great Independence Day celebrations.

Check out our complete coverage of 4thFest events here. Highlights include:

• Firecracker 4K and 4-Mile Run – 9 a.m.

• Parade of Heroes – 2 p.m.

• Live music on three stages – 2-9 p.m.

• Carnival Midway opens – 2 p.m.

• BMX acrobatics – 4:30, 6 & 7 p.m.

• Kids activities – 4-8:30 p.m.

• The Human Cannonball – 5:30 & 8 p.m.

• Fireworks – 9:15 p.m.

• Street Dance featuring Chris Vipond and the Stanley Street Band – After the fireworks.

Kids-on-Wheels Parade
Kids can show their patriotism and be part of the annual CRPR Kids-on-Wheels Parade. Bring your bike, wagon, scooter, stroller or skateboard and meet at the corner of East Foster Avenue and Locust Lane. Line-up is 9:30 a.m. and step-off is at 10 a.m. 

The parade ends at Friedman Parklet, celebrating the nation’s birthday by singing “Happy Birthday to US” and eating watermelon.

50-Cent Pool Day
Park Forest and Welch Pools will have 50-cent admission all day. The pools close at 6 p.m.

Kids Day at the Military Museum
The PA Military Museum in Boalsburg holds its second Kids Day of the summer from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Kids of all ages get to play ‘dress-up’ with the museum education collection of uniforms, hats and field gear. Children and adults learn the purpose and function of military apparel from our knowledgeable staff. Guided tours of the museum galleries and education stations compliment the learning experience.

See Monday’s full calendar