Central PA 4th Fest will return to Medlar Field this Independence Day. Here’s what to know

Central PA 4th Fest will be held at Medlar Field this summer, though there’s not a full return for events that visitors remember pre-pandemic.

The July 4 event features a fireworks show, food and live music, but no parade or 4K run are listed among the lineup. Gates open at 4 p.m. with performers that include David Smith Jr. and his Human Cannonball act, Southside Johnny and the Asbury Juke and local bands Jackie Brown and the Gill Street Band and Velveeta on the on-field stage.

Details for the event were announced Wednesday morning in a post on Central PA 4th Fest’s Facebook page.

“All of us are excited to bring the Central PA 4th Fest back to Medlar Field this July 4th,” Kurt Weibel, the event’s president, wrote in the release. “We’re proud to once again partner with the State College Spikes for a memorable 4th Fest experience that expands on last year and offers even more entertainment leading to a brilliantly choreographed fireworks display to cap off the festivities.”

Prior to 2020, 4th Fest included the “Parade of Heroes” that ended at the Bryce Jordan Center, where performers, vendors and other events were stationed. The event will not return to the BJC, Weibel said.

“It’s a VIP experience instead of sitting on the grass,” Weibel said. “Now you have a seat, you have more value to the ticket, you come in and have food, beverages, restrooms and entertainment.”

Last year, the fireworks show at Medlar Field brought a record-setting crowd to the State College Spikes game, with 7,183 people in attendance.

Tickets for this year’s 4th Fest start at $15, with air-conditioned VIP suites and large group packages also available for purchase at the State College Spikes website. Parking for attendees is free but tailgating is not allowed for the event.

The Spikes will have a road game against the Mahoning Valley Scrappers during the event.

“Our friends at 4th Fest have assembled a fantastic lineup of entertainment for fans all the way through the night, and we are sure that there will be something for everybody to celebrate at the ballpark,” Scott Walker, the Spikes’ president and general manager, said in a written statement.

Weibel hopes to have the parade and 4K run return for next year’s event.

“Our world has changed, but we’re looking forward to everybody coming up and enjoying the celebration of our nation’s birthday on July 4,” Weibel said.