State College Pride, Bellefonte Cruise & more: 12 can’t-miss June events in Centre County
After months of winter weather, deceiving false springs that brought pockets of sunshine and many April (and May) showers, summer has nearly arrived in Centre County. With it comes events that pack nearly every week in June.
From a myriad of festivals celebrating expression, art and more, to a classic car cruise that’s developed into a Father’s Day staple, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this month.
Below is a brief breakdown of the top events happening across Happy Valley and the surrounding areas this month.
Special Olympics Pennsylvania Summer Games
When: June 4 to 6
Where: Various locations on Penn State’s campus
What: This three-day event serves as Special Olympics Pennsylvania’s largest statewide competition. Thousands of athletes, coaches and volunteers collaborate to produce a full schedule of events in several sports, including basketball, swimming, tennis gymnastics and more. Check out the full schedule online.
More info: www.specialolympicspa.org/summer-games
Rhoneymeade Fest
When: June 4 to 7
Where: 177 Rimmey Road in Potter Township
What: More than 30 international and local musical artists will be performing at this Penns Valley festival. Its full schedule includes live performances, interactive programming with artists, food and craft vendors, organized bike rides and more. Paid admission is required for most days, but the festival is free to attend on Friday, June 5.
More info: www.rhoneymeadefest.com/about
Lemont Strawberry Festival
When: 3-7 p.m. Saturday, June 6
Where: 133 Mt. Nittany Road, Lemont
What: Strawberries and other sweet treats like Meyer’s Dairy ice cream, lemonade and homemade cakes by Lemont residents will be the stars of the show at the 44th annual Lemont Strawberry Festival. Additional activities include live music, activities and games for children and paid “speeder” rides hosted by the Bellefonte Historical Railroad Society. Event admission costs $5 for children aged 5-12, and between $10 and $13 for adults. Toddlers and younger get in for free.
More info: www.lemontvillage.org/related/strawberry-festival
WingFest
When: Weekly starting June 11
Where: Tussey Mountain, 301 Bear Meadows Road
What: Centre County’s premier wing festival is back for another jam-packed summer of chicken wings and live music. The festival’s first round starts on June 11, featuring bands Lowjack and My Hero Zero, along with some wing competitors that have yet to be announced. Kids 6 and under get in for free, and admission is cheaper for those who buy passes in advance: $10 for adults and $5 for guests ages 7 to 17 when purchased online, or $15 for adults and $8 for guests ages 7 to 17 when purchased at the gate.
More info: www.tusseymountain.com/wingfest
Happy Valley Restaurant Week
When: June 12 to 21
Where: Restaurants across Centre County
What: More than 30 restaurants across Centre County are participating in this 10-day event, which is meant to highlight innovative dishes and fresh flavors at eateries in State College, Bellefonte, Boalsburg and beyond. Each participating restaurant and food truck will be bringing back past classics or showcasing current favorites, including lobster rolls at Central Reservation and ahi tuna tacos at the Hublersburg Inn. Check out the full list of this year’s participants — and their dishes — online.
More info: www.happyvalleyrestaurantweek.com
State College Pride Parade and Festival
When: Saturday, June 13
Where: Downtown State College
What: State College’s annual Pride celebration returns for another day of free performances, art displays and fun for all ages. The event kicks off at 10 a.m. with a parade that will work its way through the borough, and a noon festival at Sidney Friedman Park. There, guests can take in speeches, live music, dance parties, drag performances and more. The festival will be followed by an after party at 7 p.m. at The Basement, 112 W. College Ave.
More info: www.centrelgbtplus.org/pride-festival
Ironman Happy Valley
When: Sunday, June 14
Where: Bald Eagle State Park, the Bryce Jordan Center, Penn State campus
What: Spectators are welcome to come and support the athletes taking on the 70.3-mile Ironman Happy Valley triathlon. The event starts with a swim at Bald Eagle State Park, then transitions to a bike ride through the rolling hills of eastern Centre County and parts of Clinton County and ends with a run through Penn State’s campus. Spectators can stand along any part of the route, which is available to view online.
More info: www.ironman.com/races/im703-pennsylvania
Outdoor Adventure on Tap
When: Noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 14
Where: Talleyrand Park Annex, Bellefonte
What: This year’s free Outdoor Adventure on Tap event will allow visitors to learn more about Bellefonte and the surrounding area’s outdoor scene, all while sampling craft beverages and food from nearby restaurants and breweries like Axemann Brewing Co., Elk Creek Cafe and Aleworks, Seven Mountains Wine Cellar and more. Expert-led workshops are available for those interested in kayaking, fly-fishing, backpacking, beekeeping and more, and of-age guests can purchase $5 wristbands to sample items from participating vendors.
More info: www.outdooradventureontap.com
Historic Bellefonte Cruise
When: June 19 and 20
Where: Downtown Bellefonte
What: The 37th annual Bellefonte Cruise returns this year to welcome locals and visitors for car shows, bike games, dance contests, live music and more, highlighted by a wide array of antique cars, trucks, motorcycles and more. The Father’s Day weekend event kicks off at 6 p.m. Friday, June 19 with an open cruise parade through town and sock hop, which will be followed by more entertainment, a car show and awards all day Saturday. A full entertainment lineup and information for registering your vehicle is available online.
More info: www.bellefontecruise.org
Juneteenth 2026 Celebration Weekend
When: June 19 and 20
Where: Downtown State College
What: State College will host several events to celebrate Juneteenth, which commemorates the arrival of federal troops in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, to ensure the freedom of all enslaved people there. Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021.
This year’s celebration kicks off with a Juneteenth Arts and Crafts Exhibition at the Woskob Family Gallery, 146 S. Allen St., at 6 p.m., followed by a block party on the 100 Block of Fraser Street on Saturday, June 20, from noon to 6 p.m. with live music, food trucks and more.
More info: www.bit.ly/juneteenth2026
Remington Ryde Bluegrass Festival
When: June 24 to 28
Where: Grange Park in Centre Hall (169 Homan Lane)
What: The beloved bluegrass band Remington Ryde is back this summer to host its annual music festival in Centre Hall. This year’s festival will feature 19 bluegrass musicians and groups, plus food and craft vendors, children’s activities and instructional workshops. Five-day passes for the festival start at $100, while campsites are available for as low as $35 per night. Individual day passes can also be purchased, ranging in price from $20 to $45 per person, depending on the day. Kids under 12 get in for free with an adult.
More info: www.remingtonrydeband.com/remington-ryde-bluegrass-festival
Sips & Sounds Downtown
When: 4 to 9 p.m. Friday, June 26
Where: Sidney Friedman Park, 241 S. Fraser St., State College
What: The 4th annual Sips & Sounds Downtown event — a high-energy, open-air celebration of summer — returns to Sidney Friedman Park, and will bring with it live music from local artists, drinks from Central PA Tasting Trail craft beverage producers and food from local food vendors. While the event is free to attend, a $10 donation to help the Downtown State College Improvement District host more free community events in the future is recommended.
More info: www.downtownstatecollege.com/special-event/introducing-sips-sounds-downtown
This list of June’s festivals and events in Centre County is not exhaustive. If you know of an additional event that should be included, please email jmichael@centredaily.com.