Summer at State: Things to Do During a State College Summer
Author: Maddy Pryor
New to Penn State this summer? Enjoying some time in Happy Valley before your senior year? Locked in a solid internship downtown? No matter the reason, if you’re sticking around this summer, things will look a little different than the hustle-and-bustle of the fall & spring semesters, but there are still plenty of activities (for all ages) in the summer.
Festivals, Pop-ups, and Downtown State College entertainment
Every Wednesday is “Live After 5” at MLK Plaza, every Friday at 7pm is improv comedy at the Blue Brick Theatre, and the brand new East End Social spot is bringing the community together even more often; plus The State Theatre has a ton of film screenings and concerts this summer. Check out the Downtown State College events page for more.
Palmer Museum of Art and Arboretum
Art is for everybody, and nowhere more so than Palmer. It’s free, has plenty of events throughout the year, and has fabulous exhibits, including a brand new exhibit in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Right next door is The Arboretum at Penn State, which is the perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon. Head there to check out fantastic flowers, pretty plants, and lovely landscapes. The Overlook Pavilion and massive greenspace behind it are prime locations for a picnic.
We Are Weekend
Happening June 26 and 27, this is open to all Penn Staters (with members of the Penn State Alumni Association getting a few extra perks) and includes things like tours of the horse barns, a photography exhibit, a pickleball tournament, a dubai chocolate workshop, and much more. Check out the full agenda and register.
State College Spikes
What’s summer without baseball? The State College Spikes are part of the MLB Draft League. Tickets range from $8-$18 and they have all of the promotions you could ever want from a minor league baseball team, like Glizzy & Wine Wednesday, Bark in the Park, and Star Wars Night. Visit their website for more info.
Tussey Mountain & Wing Fest
Tussey Mountain isn’t just for skiing in the winter! It has some awesome activities throughout the summer, particularly WingFest, a weekly event that brings your favorite local musicians to the scene while you get to try wings from all over Happy Valley. They also have go-karts, mini golf, a driving range, and pickleball. Learn more.
Hike Mount Nittany
If you’ve never hiked Mount Nittany, now’s the time to try it! Bring a friend and a water bottle and make sure to stretch. There are a few trails to try out, and on a clear, sunny day, you can get a great view of Beaver Stadium. View their website for information on trails, suggested equipment, and safety tips.
Whipple Dam State Park
Just a short drive from State College, Whipple Dam is a nice spot for picnicking, boating, fishing, and swimming. It’s open every day of the year, sunrise to sunset. Just a short drive from State College! Get directions and get the details on recreational activities.
Take a Dip at Welch Pool, Park Forest Community Pool, on on-campus pools
No summer is complete without a trip or two to the pool. Each has their own rules, regulations, and admission fees. Check out Welch & Park Forest details; View Penn State Aquatics details.
Try a new Creamery flavor
Yes, Death By Chocolate is incredible, but why not try something new? This also goes for your favorite food spots downtown. Expand your palate and support local businesses!
While summer certainly looks different, it’s still an exciting time to get to know the town around you, and State College is one of the best.
